Although Jim Jess’s distinguished career with Richmond ended in 1988, he continued to play excellent football in prominent leagues.
In 1992 he played in Tasmania and played a big part in a premiership with Burnie.
But during the summer of 1992, and 1993, Jim decided he wanted to return home to Avoca, where he started his football.
When the locals read the news in the Avoca paper, some thought it must have been the first of April, but the doubt disappeared when the story broke in the Herald Sun, Age and Maryborough Newspapers.
Interest in football throughout the district received a huge injection of enthusiasm.
Although Avoca was bubbling with excitement, rival clubs determined to counter Avoca’s good fortune were also thrust into action.
As the news spread, emotions began to stir, and in a matter of days, voluntary labour had constructed impressive new social club facilities for the club at the Avoca Public Park.
After scaling down and streamlining its administration just five years ago, the club now had one of the largest and most enthusiastic committee’s ever.
The Office Bearers were:
President: Terry Howell
Vice-President: Geoff Calder
Secretary: Ross Dawson
Treasurer: Alan Burge
Committee: John Field, Max Robertson, George Wood, Kevin Matthews, Pat Harrison, John Evans, Ron & Glenda Jackson, Rod Adams, Aaron McHoul, Doug Saunders, Bryan Walkley, Robert Rayner, Robert Webb, Mick Arrowsmith, Michael Coghlan.
It was not surprising to find that many former Avoca boys were keen to return home for the 1993 season.
On May 22, 1993, the seniors and reserves playing list for 1993 was:
Jim Jess (C/C), Gary Wardlaw, Michael Meade, Kris Sutton, Julian Field, Ron Beavis, Robert Webb, Michael Coghlan, Paul Wardlaw,
Darby Harrison, Lee Beavis, David Edwards, Doug Summers, Bryan Walkley, John Jess, Steve Beavis, Nathan Gane, Geoff Waldron, Mick Arrowsmith, Scott Howell, Steve Carey, Dale Cole, Danny Walsh, Brad Wardlaw, Warren Howell, Matthew Jess, Craig Jolly, Mark Blair, Brendan Jolly, Aaron McHoul, Trevor Field, Brett Cole, Michael Wardlaw, Craig Carter, Aaron Burge, Shane Fewings, Aaron Calder, John Webb, Brett Kallio, Ricky Dixon, Danny Stone, Russell Wardlaw, Jim Beavis, Darren Edwards, Greg Wardlaw, Ian Fraser, Anthony Cudmore, Scott Lewis.
Former Richmond player, Graeme Robertson, gave the club valuable injection of experience as an advisor to the coach. His assistance in the production of Bush Heroes was also invaluable.
“Bush Heroes” has revealed many instances of personal tragedy and triumph and even as we close this final chapter on the Avoca Football Club, an interesting example is unfolding for all to witness.
It concerns Danny “Woosha” Walsh, a very popular player, recruited from Diggers Rest, where he won the Best & Fairest award in 1992.
Twenty six year old Danny had been amongst the best players every week until he suffered a broken ankle against Navarre in the fourth match of the season.
It was a bad break, and renowned Melbourne surgeon Mr. Ian Henderson told Danny his leg would be in plaster for at least eight weeks, and that he should forget about football for the rest of the year.
But Danny had other plans and although the club has wrapped his jumper in mothballs, if number 24 does appear with the Avoca team on Grand Final day, it will indeed be a marvelous personal triumph and an inspiration to all. (Danny did play in the 1993 Grand Final)
But for now, Avoca’s immediate goal is to qualify for the finals.
And whilst Jim Jess is entitled to receive the credit for any success realized in September, please spare a thought for the previous coach, Michael Meade.
Although replaced by Jim, Michael has remained with the club, and if nothing else will always be remembered for the magnificent way he prepared the team leading up to the 1990 Grand final.
Michael Meade was devastated when he was ruled out of the match by injury.
He also realized Navarre was virtually unbeatable, but the positive attitude he adopted was pure inspiration at its best.
Prior to the Grand Final, each player received the following hand-written letter, which on reflection is timeless;
“We have won the right to play a game of football to decide who is the best side this year.
No one gave us a free ticket to be here, we have earned it ourselves. Performances during the year account for nothing now. One game will tell who the best side is.
For about 30 weeks we have worked hard in the heat, cold, rain and mud. We’ve been tired, sore and at times sick. But we never gave up. We set ourselves a goal and now with 120 minutes of football we can achieve that goal.
Navarre stand between the effort we have put in and the goal we want to achieve. They have no right to do so. They don’t want or need to win as much as we do.
To win this game we must believe in our own ability, the ability of our team mates and the ability of the team as a whole. If we have any doubts at all then we’re gone. I personally have no doubts whatsoever and with our aggressive approach to the ball, together with our tight team work, I am confident we will win.
An opportunity to win a premiership may never present itself again. This is the chance of lifetime, the ultimate in a footballer’s career. It has been a long time between drinks for the Avoca Football Club and now we have the chance to create history and bring success to the club and the town. We have the chance to become heroes and receive that pat on the back we deserve, This will be our day of glory.
Having been a part of a senior premiership side before, I know what it is like. It is impossible to explain the feeling of winning. It’s a feeling of excitement, achievement, mateship and much, much more. It has to be experienced.
I personally am desperate to experience that feeling again but more than anything else, I want every one of you to experience it.
You are the ones that have worked for it.
You are the ones that deserve it.
Good Luck.”
The senior team finished the 1993 season of with a great come from behind win in the Grand Final.
Natte were in front by 9 points at 3/4 time, Avoca over run Natte to win by 9 points.
Captain Coach Jim Jess, was unable to play in the Grand Final due to a knee injury that he suffered in the 2nd semi final at Marnoo.
The Grand Final was played at Landsborough.
Unfortunately Marnoo and Landsborough are no longer in existence.
Outstanding centreman, David Edwards won the League Best & Fairest award.
Seniors - Premiers
Reserves - Runners Up
Under 16 - 3rd
go to 1994
