Jolly Family
When Frank & Charlie Jolly played with Avoca in 1921, it marked the start of a long association the family would have with the Avoca Football Club, which continues to this day.
Phil Jolly only played one season with Avoca, but became part of the Club`s history when selected at centre half forward in the 1935 Premiership side.
Walter Jolly played in 1939, Les Jolly 1947 and Bob Jolly from 1948 to 1953.
Bob was selected on a half forward flank in the historic 1953 Premiership side.
Tony Jolly first played in 1928, aged 15. His remarkable career, which spanned 14 years, ended in 1945, and would have been longer but for the Second World War when football was not played.
He played as a half back flanker in the 1935 Premiership side.
The following year he was one of the players caught up in the bitter Lamplough Miners clearance dispute.
Although a clearance was refused, Tony returned to Avoca and established himself as a top footballer, playing in the 1937 Premiership.
He became renowned as a goal sneak, and for many years was one of the first players selected at Avoca.
Playing in the 1st semi final in 1938, Tony kicked four goals to give Avoca a one point victory over Amphitheatre.
Along with his cousin, George Jolly, who was President from 1944 to 1946, Tony helped the club reform after the war and retired in 1945.
Les Jolly then played in 1947, followed by Bob Jolly from 1948 until 1953.
After playing on the half forward flank in the historic 1953 Premiership side, Bob retired.
Meanwhile, Frank Jolly raised two sons, John and Geoff, who were destined to keep the family tradition alive and well.
Club records are sparse, but the Avoca mail reports that John commenced playing in 1950, aged 16.
Although he was only 5 feet, 5 inches, John was blessed with plenty of pace and natural ability.
In only his second season he finished fifth in the Best Player Award and third in the goal kicking.
The combination of Trevor Wren, Jock McDougall and John Jolly equipped Avoca with the most respected mosquito fleet in the competition.
John gained immortal status, within club ranks, by playing in the 1953 Premiership team.
Although he was injured in 1954 and played only eight games, he still finished second to brilliant full forward, Ian Grant in the goal kicking tally.
Remarkably, he also finished equal runner up with Jim McKenzie in the Best & Fairest award, which was won by Mike Cleary.
John was selected in the Lexton League side in 1956 and again finished Runner Up in the Best & Fairest award, beaten by one of the club’s all time greats, Bill Gollop.
Teaming up with champion Alan Streeter, the pair were regarded as one of Avoca`s best roving combinations ever.
After 14 years of outstanding service John retired in 1963, but remained a loyal supporter.
John’s Brother Geoff, made his debut in 1955.
Standing six feet tall, Geoff was an excellent mark, extremely long kick, and possessed lots of natural ability.
In the 1956 Preliminary final side, which lost to Navarre by nine points, Geoff played in the forward pocket as a changing ruckman.
Together with Ian Grant, Geoff created nightmares for opposing back men.
The pair topped the goal kicking in 1958.
Later in his career Geoff moved to Centre Half Forward.
His quite, friendly nature made him a favourite around the club, whilst his high marking, and raking long kicks thrilled the supporters.
Geoff played at Centre Half Forward in Avoca`s historic 1962 Reserves Premiership and retired in 1964.
However, Geoff continued to support the club and gave invaluable encouragement and advice to many young locals.
Tony and Maurice Jolly, both sons of George, played in the late 1950`s and early 1960`s.
Maurice received the Most Determined player award in 1958, whilst Tony Jolly won the award in 1960.
John Jolly`s Son, Peter, started his football career in spectacular fashion by winning the 1981 Under 16 Best & Fairest award with 107 votes, 42 more than his nearest rival.
He repeated the effort in 1982 with a margin of 37 votes.
Peter, a no-nonsense backman, received various awards culminating in the senior Best & Fairest in 1987. He was cleared to Carisbrook in 1989 and promptly won their top award.
Peter returned home in 1990 and played in the runner-up side.
Geoff Jolly had three sons, Dean, Brendan and Craig.
The boys all carved reputations as footballers in their own right, but, sadly, their father died before he could witness them at their best.
Dean made his debut with the Under 16’s in 1981, and won that grades Best & Fairest award in 1985. He was also voted best player in the final series and the Grand Final.
Brendan first played in 1982, and won the Under 16’s Best & Fairest award in 1986.
Two years later he was voted the Most determined footballer in the seniors, and was selected in the Lexton League side in 1990, despite carrying a nagging hamstring injury.
Again in 1991, he played for the Lexton League, and with Shane Jackson shared the award for the best afield in Lexton’s thrilling five point victory over Ararat.
Remarkably. He was runner up in the prestigious Lexton League Best & Fairest award, losing by two votes, after missing six games because of a broken ankle.
Just like his late father, Brendan is a sportsman in the true sense of the word, very competitive but always displaying a high degree of compassion, which has earned him enormous respect from team mates and opponents.
He was admired for the fine example he set off the filed, and in 1991 was rewarded for these outstanding qualities when presented the Best Clubman Award.
Brendan was cleared to Maribyrnong Park in 1992, but has returned home to help the club as it strives towards a Premiership in 1993.
Just his character and presence around the club, will be invaluable, whilst his ability and experience as a player will prove a tremendous bonus.
The youngest brother Craig has had a rapid rise to prominence.
In 1989, his second year of football, he played in the Under 16 Premiership side.
At just 14 years of age he won the Under 16`s Best & Fairest award in 1990,. He was also the leading goal kicker, and played in the Victorian Schoolboys Championships.
Standing six feet, three inches, he developed quickly.
In 1992 he played in the Under 16`s Premiership side, and completed an amazing and unique trifecta by winning the goal kicking award in three grades.
Seniors – 44 goals
Reserves – 22 goals
Under 16’s – 29 goals
In a match winning performance against Navarre he booted 10 goals, seven in the last quarter.
His career was interrupted in 1991 during a junior match, when he was reported for man-handling an umpire.
Although Craig received a penalty of four matches and a suspended sentence of eight matches, there was strong evidence suggesting that the umpire was brushed aside after chesting Craig.
With that behind him, Craig (known as Fang), is now on the threshold of a bright career as a footballer.
The influence of his brother Brendan and Coach Jim Jess, may be crucial in determining if he is ultimately remembered as a footballer who had a lot of talent, or develops into a sportsman who is admired and respected.
No doubt the latter would make Geoff Jolly a very proud and happy man, as he watches down from that big football ground in the sky.
