Tocumwal Topics from 1967 Grand Final "Murray Footballer" Programme
Today see the culmination of another long and tough season, and once again we are fortunate enough to be playing in the big one. However we are earnestly hoping for a change of luck after two defeats in previous years.
After our loss against the Tigers in the second semi, players turned out much more determined last Saturday in the do-or-die game against the Saints.
It was good to have many good players with John Dagger, John Jones, Lance Lane, Julian Vise, Graeme Sebastian, Ivan Bryan and Don Whitten all standing out. It is hoped today sees a 100 percent team effort, because we'll need it for victory.
Tonight we'll celebrate regardless of the result. A social has been arranged commencing at 8pm at the Memorial Hall. It is open to the general public, who it is hoped will join in with players and club officials.
On Sunday morning many players and supporters enjoyed a morning down at the ground following a donation from Brian Kelly. All voted it a great morning (or afternoon for some) and apart from "Lucky" Lane having a monopoly on the "chooks", all enjoyed themselves immensely.
Thanks are extended to Mr Bernie Ramsay for his donations last week. His two trophies were won by Lance Lane (for leading goal kicker) and Ivan Bryan. He has again made available two trophies for today's game for similar efforts.
Another gesture much appreciated was the donation by Mr J.Cullen Snr towards the players. It is hoped that several more cash donors can be found to build up this fund to give all of the players something for their efforts throughout the year. Anyone who can assist should contact Brian Kelly who will be pleased to accept such a donation.
Although everything is hectic at the moment with the appearance in the grand final, it is hoped that everyone has not forgotten to book their tables for the ball as it is on next Friday night. (Ed Note: lucky it was not a draw!). Carmel Moore will be pleased to accept your table booking. You are advised to get in early as bookings are reasonably steady. Admission is $3 per person.
As the wind-up night will be held after the ball it is hoped to receive a few trophies for this night. Many people have contributed throughout the year and appear to be the ones who continue to donate. However, it is hoped to get a few new donors this year, to give the old ones a break. Jeff Beasley will be pleased to hear from anyone who can assist.
These being the last notes for the season, the club no doubt expresses their thanks to the many members and supporters who have encouraged the team during the year. Special thanks to the long list of trophy donors who gave so willingly during the year.
Once again our hard working ladies should be thanked for repeatedly attending to the auxiliary side of things. Although only a small band, they have worked hard for the club.
There are still a few club pennants left and can be obtained at any of the hotels. The price is only 20c, which is very reasonable. So don't be one of the disappointed ones.
Can Tocumwal Overcome Grand Final Jinx with Third Successive Attempt
Preview of 1967 Grand Final from "The Murray Footballer"
Today's grand final clash between Cobram and Tocumwal will again give Tocumwal the chance to overcome a "grand final jinx" which has overshadowed them since their last premiership in 1946.
Tocumwal under coach Don Whitten are making their third appearance in the grand final in as many years, while Cobram, led by Brian Walsh, welcome a return to the grand final after an absence of six years in 1961, when they won their last flag.
Both sides have earned the right to play off for the big one with decisive wins in recent weeks. The Tigers proved too strong in the second semi final 2 weeks ago and won by 19 points, while Tocumwal gained another crack at them with their 11 point win over Berrigan in the preliminary final last week.
This season's clashes favour the Tigers 2-1, with Tocumwal winning at Cobram in the second round and Cobram winning the first game of the season and in the second semi final.
The outcome of this game will depend greatly on the back lines of both sides. Cobram's full back position is in doubt at the time of going to press as Frank Ratcliffe's knee injury has put a cloud over his selection. However, the remaining five back men will not be changed and if they can subdue Tocumwal's elusive Julian Vise and skipper Don Whitten, their chances will improve.
At the other end of the ground, Tocumwal's back men showed great improvement last week against Berrigan following a dismal performance against Cobram in the second semi final. The clash of Graeme Gemmill and Peter Lawlor will be a most interesting one as the Tigers rely on Gemmill for a lot of their drive. Cobram also possess very damaging half forward flankers in coach Brian Walsh and Jim Ryan. Tocumwal must subdue them if they are to win.
The Tigers have much physical strength across their centre line, with C.White, Stuart and Jones a brilliant combination. They may not have the brilliance and speed of Bryan, Baldwin and Bondarenko, but will be hard pressed to beat. A winning centre line is essential in a winning side and with little between both lines, the players who make the most of their chances could gain a handy advantage for their side.
The ruck duels will have a big bearing on the game as both sides contain good big men and brilliant ruck rovers. In their previous clash the Tiger big men appeared to have the edge, with Ian Barrington and Peter Ennals giving great service around the ground. Adrian Bennett and Peter Gordon formed a formidable "big four". They are sure to receive strong opposition from Toc's Lance Lane, Graeme Sebastian and Stewart Scott, and ruck rover and coach Don Whitten.
Cobram can also expect winning drive from their roving division where Lance Wilson, Jeff White and Geoff Patterson won handsomely in the second semi final. Tocumwal rovers John Jones and Peter Haley will have to tag these players closely and at the same time try and gain drive for their side.
Cobram's win in the second semi will no doubt give them added confidence for today's clash and it is hard to see them being sentimental towards Toc's effort to gain a flag at their third attempt.
The weather is also expected to play a big part in the game. Given perfect weather, the red and whites will be able to display the skill they possess, but anything but perfect will suit the Tigers.
TOCUMWAL IN 1967
- Double decker bus to take the kids to Finley High School - Jimmy Irvine the driver, boys on top deck, girls on bottom deck, ne're the twain should meet!!
- Nobby Thomas kicked off the bus one day, hitched to school and beat the bus by 20 minutes - the bus took 50 mins to travel 20km??
- Sewerage works for the town commenced in 1964 - until then had outhouses with weekly dunny-can pick up.
- No swimming pool - sand was carted to near Merringtons Newsagency and a pontoon added so could swim in the river.
- Footy ground sheds behind the northern goals - corrugated iron but plenty of room.
- Rotundas at footy ground on hill.
- Main sand based tennis courts where Kingswood Motel is located, also tennis courts near flour mill.
- The eastern town boundary was Emily St, northern boundary was Moore St - usually marshy due to watercourses on the northern outskirts.
- No racecourse and golf club subdivisions in those days.
- Most streets were unsealed.
- Trains from NSW and Victoria daily, railway a big transhipment centre - lots of loose shunting of rain wagons.
- 3 rows of railway houses in Dean Street.
- Flour mill went 24 hours per day, sawmill and Tocumwal Cordials busy in Jersey Street.
- Newell Highway ran along Murray Street to current round-a-bout then past foreshore to Terminus Hotel then over the old bridge - trains also went over the bridge so traffic was stopped for trains - Dean Street unsealed.
- Fruit fly inspections - Sonny Rose - fruit fly exempt stickers.
- Clem Carr and his Clydesdale delivering goods.
- Beer was drunk from 7 oz glasses - only beer on tap was Carlton Draught.
- The town tip was over rail line along Lower River Road - town common was also busy with milking cows and horses kept there.
- Eric West and his snake house - a big attraction.
- Aerodrome hangars used for wheat storage, no Sportavia then, no silos out of town.
- Ground watering was with hoses connected to the fence - ask Murray Haynes.
- Footy training without lights.
- No compulsory seat belts.
- No shops open after 12 noon Saturday and definitely closed on a Sunday.
- No hotel trading on Sundays - well that's what the law said!!!!
- No ATMs - if needed cash on weekend make sure you have enough in the "kick" on Friday night - no plastic cards - a bank passbook only - make sure you have enough to eat and drink on the weekend.
- Picture theatre was where supermarket now located then became squash courts in the 1970s then the supermarket.
- Batescrew located in Finley Street where pool located now.
- Every VFL footy match started at 2.10pm on Saturdays, no live broadcasts - 1 hour highlights package at 6pm Saturday night then World of Sport on Sunday morning.
- No soft toed low cut footy boots then - only one colour - black
- Players wore jock-straps under their shorts - look it up!!
- Black shorts at home, white shorts away.
- Hot water from wood fired boiler behind corrugated iron sheds behind the goals at the town end of the ground - scoreboard on top of sheds.
- Trainers wore white overalls.
- No runners to give messages to players - trainers were used for this.
- Public school - bindies on the oval - did not stop kick to kick.
- No Under 14 football - the biggest game of the year was the Public School v Catholic School.
- New Years Eve Carnival - Col Hutson dresses as a lady and he looked so good he jumped off the float, kissed a local man and ran back to the float - the local man had a bit of trouble trying to explain to his wife he had never seen that 'lady' before in his life!!!
- New Years Eve Carnival and floats were huge back then!!
