Over the years Avoca had seen may outstanding footballers, but Paddy Ryan junior was very special.
His father, Paddy senior, the local policeman, was also a top player for the club.
To watch a local lad develop and mature into a gifted footballer, gave the locals enormous pleasure.
Whilst 1934 is remembered as the year Avoca cricketer, Hans Ebeling made a name for himself touring England with the Australian Test Cricket team, back home 17 year old Paddy Ryan rewrote the local football records in spectacular fashion.
On 27 June, 1934, Paddy set a new club goalkicking record when he booted nine goals against Elmhurst.
The following week another Avoca champion Erroll Howell, kicked his 200th goal with the club.
But Paddy quickly retrieved the limelight by kicking individual tallies of six, eight and, on 1st August, 1934, 12 goals against Elmhurst.
That record stood for 22 years, until it was equaled by another great full forward, Ian Grant, in 1956.
Effectively, Paddy’s record remained intact for 38 years, and was eclipsed in 1972, when Jim Jess, arguably the best footballer ever produced by Avoca , kicked 16 goals in a match.
Despite the individual records, Avoca lost the 1934 second Semi final by six points to Natte Yallock, who continued on to win the premiership.
Go to 1935
