Desperate for success, Avoca were convinced that a big name coach would reap dividends.
They set their sights on John Haygarth, a former Geelong player, who was coach of Maryborough.
Winning Haygarth’s services was considered a coup, generating tremendous interest and enthusiasm
The senior and reserves players were:
Ray and Rob Astbury, Stan Barker, John Baglin, Ken and Terry Beavis, Russell Blair, Arthur Butler, Geoff & Noel Carter, Brian Coghlan, Bob Crooks, Ian Drummond, Barry Donnellan, Col Evans, , Bruce, John and Ken Field, Damian Field, Charlie Field, Graeme & Neville Field, Brian George, Ian Goodchild, Michael Gothard, Terry Harris, Ian Harvey, Len Harris, Peter Heenan, Neil Hamer, John Haygarth, Bob Humphrey, Alf Hunter, Doug and Ray Joseph, Geoff Jolly, Bob Latch, Geoff Powers, Graeme & Ian Pora, Charlie Marshall, Garry McKenzie, Trevor Pryse, Max Robertson, Lyle Streeter, Russell Summers, Geoff Swann, Harold Trainor, Bill & George Wardlaw, Len Williams, Trevor Wren, Frank Youren and Terry Wyhoon.
John Haygarth and Ian Drummond were selected in the Lexton League side.
The new coach turned out to be quite a character.
Like many of his team mates, Haygarth loved a bet. One Saturday whilst playing at Beaufort, Haygarth and several members of the taem, had plunged their hard earned money on a horse racing at Caulfield.
It so happened that the race and the third quarter break coincided.
Following a quick vote, the coach cancelled his pep talk and produced a transistor radio, so he and the players could listen to the race and cheer their nag to the winning post.
Avoca ended the season in third spot and then tackled Waubra in the first semi final at Beaufort.
On this occasion it was strictly football, but sadly Avoca were never in the race, losing by 26 points.
FIRST SEMI FINAL
Avoca
|
0.4
|
3.6
|
4.8
|
5.11.41
|
Waubra
|
2.7
|
5.10
|
7.14
|
8.19.67
|
Avoca Goals: Ian Goodchild 2, Brian Coghlan 1, Bruce Field 1, Brian George 1.
Avoca Best: Max Robertson, Peter Heenan, Barry Donnellan, Doug Joseph, Bruce Field.
The Reserves side was more successful.
After losing to Beaufort in the second semi final by 28 points, the Bulldogs won the preliminary final against Waubra by 19 points.
In the Grand Final, Beaufort held Avoca goalless in the second quarter and won the premiership buy a 14 point margin.
RESERVES GRAND FINAL
Avoca
|
2.2
|
2.3
|
2.5
|
7.7.49
|
Beaufort
|
3.2
|
5.4
|
8.4
|
9.9.63
|
Avoca Goals: N/A
Avoca Best: Graeme Pora, Brian George, Brian Coghlan, Ray Joseph, Arthur Butler, Neil Hamer.
The club Best & Fairest was won by John Haygarth. Other award winners were John Field (Most Consistent), Barry Donnellan (Most Determined), Ian Drummond (Best Under 20), Bruce Field (LGK 31 goals) and Eddie Gane was Best Clubman.
The Reserves Best & Fairest was Ray Joseph with Arthur Butler the Most Consistent. Brian Coghlan was Best Under 18.
The Under 15 competition was formed in 1964. George Wardlaw was the team’s first captain and Best & Fairest winner.
Lance Farnsworth was the Vice-Captain.
Avoca thirds played off in the Grand Final, losing to Beaufort by 55 points. Avoca 2.2.14 to Beaufort 9.15.69
Unfortunately, there are no match details.
Beaufort took out the premiership pennants in all three grades.
go to 1965