Over the Summer Avoca cleared several prominent footballers, including Robert Fraser, Shane Meade, Peter Jolly, Greg and Matthew Jess and Richard Astbury.
However, Coach Peter Tuohey and the Avoca players displayed plenty of fortitude to finish the season in fifth spot.
The seniors and reserves players list was:
Peter Tuohey, David Edwards, Brendan Jolly, Craig Lallard, Scott Howell, Shane Jackson, Phillip Dunne, Mick Arrowsmith, Trevor Field, Tony James, Steven Beavis, Robert Redpath, Steven Carey, Gerard Best, Scott Lewis, Dale Cole, Paul Cocking, Ian Fraser, Russell Wardlaw, Nathan Gane, Dean Jolly, Garry Nelson, Greg Wardlaw, Steve Jennings, Danny Stone, Scott Lewis, Dale Harrison, Mark Blair, Paul Wardlaw, Anthony Cudmore, Darren Maclean, Ron Beavis, David Field, Damian Harrison, Robert Webb, Graeme male, Gerard Best, Calvin Gray, Frank Peck, Greg Corcoran, Jim Beavis, Martin Flanagan, Warren Howell and Darren Longridge.
Craig Lallard, Brendan Jolly and Trevor Field represented Avoca in the Lexton League side.
But it was the Bulldog Pups who stole the limelight by winning their first Under 16 premiership since 1977.
It was fitting reward for Geoff Calder, who devoted an enormous amount of time and effort in coaching the juniors.
Geoff’s influence on the character and ability of Avoca’s youth is starting to show now, not just on the football field but also in the way many of them are maturing as young men.
After disposing of Natte-Bealiba in the second semi final, Avoca, captained by Paul Wardlaw, then crushed Navarre to win the Grand Final by 66 points and become Premiers and Champions.(undefeated)
UNDER 16 GRAND FINAL
Avoca 12.14.86 to Navarre 3.2.20
Avoca Goals: Warren Howell 3, Lee Beavis 2, Doug Summers 2, Julian Field 2, Mark Blair 1, Gary Wardlaw 1, Mark Wardlaw 1.
Avoca Best: Team Effort.
The Under 16 Premiership players were:
David Crooks, Bradley Lobb, Craig Drummond, Warren Howell, Craig Jolly, Mark Blair, David Wardlaw, Matthew Powers, John Redpath, Brett Cole, Mark Wardlaw, Scot Britnell, Chris Field, Brad Wardlaw, Michael Wardlaw, Doug Summers, Julian Field, Dale Morrison, Paul Wardlaw (Capt), Gary Wardlaw, Paul Neil, Lee Beavis, and Coach, Geoff Calder.
During the season, Scott Howell, Paul Wardlaw and Mark Blair were all selected in the Ballarat Country Side.
Avoca’s senior Best & Fairest count saw History created when David Edwards won the award for a record fifth time. (Ron Field won four.)
Runner Up was Brendan Jolly, who was also the leading goal kicker with 38 goals.
The Reserves Best & Fairest was won by Paul Cocking and the Under 16’s Best & Fairest was Gary Wardlaw.
In the Lexton League Under 16’s Best & Fairest, Brett Cole polled 20 votes, just two short of winning the coveted trophy.
Craig (Bill) Drummond was again recognized for his outstanding service to the Bulldogs when he was named Best Clubman.
Sadly 1989 was the year that Frank Kaye passed away.
Frank was a top footballer with Avoca in the late 1920’s and, after many years of devoted service as an official and supporter, he was made a Life member in 1972.
go to 1990
