Life begins at Forty
Colin Evans started playing football with Avoca in 1945 at the age of 20.
Although they were of small build, both Col and his brother, George, were top players.
On 1st August 1945, Col was best man afield in a gruelling low scoring match against Moonambel.
The following year the brothers transferred back home to Natte Yallock, where they remained until 1956, when the club disbanded.
Col was already 31 years of age when he moved back to Avoca, but his remarkable football career was not even half over, and he proceeded to play Seniors, and Reserves football with the Bulldogs, for the next 16 years.
Of stocky build, he was just five feet seven inches, and weighed around 13 stone.
He was equally at home in the centre or as a half forward or half back flanker.
Although he continued to play Senior football, Col took on the role of Reserves Coach in 1962 and promptly led the team to its first ever Reserves Premiership.
He won the Avoca Reserves Best & Fairest award in 1961 and 1963, and became a part of Lexton League History in 1965 by winning the League Reserve`s Best & Fairest award. Remarkably, he was 40 years of age.
Two years later he went within one vote of winning the award a second time, beaten by Lexton`s Barry Augustine.
Col Evans was 46 when he stopped playing football in 1971.
He was Best Clubman in 1968, and was honoured with Life Membership in 1981.
Awards aside, there is one feat he is particularly proud of.
In 1965, Col led the Avoca reserves to a memorable victory over Beaufort. Moments after the match he was being presented with the best player trophy, when Senior Coach Bill Constable interrupted.
A footballer picked in the firsts had not shown up, and Col was asked to fill in.
Not only did he fill in, he earned himself a remarkable daily double by being voted the best player in the Seniors also, an amazing achievement, especially at forty years of age.
Col`s son, John, was a gutsy rover despite his light build.
He first played in the Under 15`s team in 1964, and greatly impressed as he progressed through the ranks to become one of Avoca`s best players in the 1970`s.
Needless to say, Col Evans is the very proud grand father of Matthew Jess and, when you consider the breeding, it is obvious why Matt is shaping up to be a champion.
To quote Col, `Bloody pity Matty`s no a race horse, we`d be certain of winning a Melbourne Cup`.
