With the club about to celebrate 125 years of football/netball there will be a continuous stream of articles of interest about the club and its players posted on the club's website and Facebook page.
Click on the link to read the article on the 1967 Premiership led by club legend, Don Whitten.
Origin of the Premiership
As reported in The Tocumwal Guardian
September 21, 1967
"Now that the jubilation and celebrations are over and it has been written in the record book -- winners of 1967 Murray League premiership, Tocumwal, the story behind this great success can be recounted."
Tocumwal won their last grand final in the Murray League in 1946, 21 years ago and the club has figured in five grand finals in the period that followed, but grand final victories have been elusive.
From 1946 to 1956 Tocumwal continued to be a force in the league making the final four on five occasions and losing three grand finals in 1953, 1954 and 1956. Then came a long period in the wilderness of the football world. The club failed to make finals until 1965.
This period was not without its bright spots. In 1951, Jack Stein won the Best & Fairest player in the league. In 1953, Frank Scanlon was the winner of this coveted award and in 1965, that great stalwart Jim Cullen took out this highly prized trophy.
The club had individual champions of the league, but it was still the premiership the club sought.
About 1963 the Tocumwal Football Club committee began to think towards a long term plan and organised accordingly. Under the driving force of President Col McCulloch, definite steps were taken to set the plan in motion.
The first move was to acquire a top line coach and with this in mind the committee appointed Don Whitten as coach in 1964. The club also sought to retain the services of previous coach Lance Lane as Whitten's deputy. An intense recruiting drive was undertaken and such players as Julian Vise, Lindsay McPherson, Stewart Scott, Col Morris and Des Watt were obtained and blended with local players of old Jim Cullen, Graeme Sebastian, John Jones, Ivan Bryan, Keith Thompson and Terry Hewitt, the club began to improve.
Under the virile presidency of Leo Porra, the committee kept working and organising towards their ambition, and in 1965 Tocumwal blazed their way into the top echelon of the league and went within an ace of winning the coveted premiership. Bad luck dogged the locals the next year when they again contested the grand final.
Not to be denied, 1967 was Tocumwal's great year.
The winning of the Murray League flag is more than just victory on that day for the team. It is a great victory for the town, the committee and every registered player for the club. It is an honour not easily achieved and all credit must go to those who worked and sacrified so much for so long to achieve it.
"How to Win a Premiership" could almost be a copyright for the committeemen and supporters of the Tocumwal club. They knew how to do it. They set about doing it -- and they did!
The place that football plays in the community life of a country town should never be underestimated. It plays many parts in the life of a community from the provision of entertainment to the solution of juvenile and adolescent recreation and leisure and as a character builder and moulder of future citizens, it is unrivalled.
All peoples of the town and district are undoubtedly proud of the achievements of the Tocumwal Football Club for their leadership, not only in sport, but as a community asset."
PLAYER PROFILES 1965-66-67
(Grand Final years in brackets; Total club history in italics)
1967 Premiership Players
No 1. Don WHITTEN (1965-66-67) 32 years, 5ft 11in, 13 stone 2 pound
In his fourth season as coach of Tocumwal, coming from Yarraville in 1964 where he won the club's best and fairest and was runner-up in the VFA Best & Fairest in 1963. He played with Footscray in his younger days and is one of the finest coaches ever to come to Tocumwal, bringing the club from obscurity for several seasons to a top club. He has been a dynamic leader of the club and is a shrewd coach and a master tactician. He has been a damaging player playing mostly as a ruck rover this season. He has played 75 games since his appointment.
(1964-72: 150 First matches; Senior Coach 1964-68; Assistant Coach 1969-70; Best & Fairest 1971)
No 2. Lance LANE (1965-66-67) 29, 6-2, 13.1
One of the best ruckman to play with Tocumwal in recent years after coming to the club in 1962 as coach from Eaglehawk in the Bendigo League. He has been assistant coach for the past 4 years and has polled highly in O'Dwyer Medal voting in recent seasons. This season recorded his century of games with the club and his fine ruck work and intelligent handball no doubt contributed greatly to the side's success during the year.
(1962-68: 127 First matches; Senior Coach 1962-63; Assistant Coach 1964-68)
No 3. Julian VISE (1965-66-67) 22, 5-11, 11.7
One of the most talented players in the Murray League, he is enjoying his best season ever with the Bloods after coming from Rochester in the Bendigo League in 1964. After half a season with Collingwood, he returned to Tocumwal where he has since played 68 senior games. This season was runner-up in the O'Dwyer Medal behind Graeme Ion and also had a runaway win in the club's Best & Fairest award. Although coming to the club as a centre half forward, he has filled the ruck-roving division and centre position capably. Can kick equally as well with both feet.
(1964-69: 102 First matches; Best & Fairest 1967; Runner-up O'Dwyer Medal 1967 and 1969)
No 8. Ivan BRYAN (1965-66-67) 29, 5-7, 11.2
After suffering a serious injury at the start of the season has fought back magnificently to regain his place in the senior side after several games in the seconds. One of the red and whites veterans, he has played in 189 games, which is a remarkable achievement, extending over 13 years. One of the side's wingers, he had tremendous speed early in his career and still has a lot of fellows chasing him. Was a member of the Murray League team that defeated St Kilda in 1960.
(1955-69: 221 matches - 211 Firsts, 10 Reserves; Life Member)
No 10. Cyril BALDWIN (1965-66-67) 24, 5-11, 11.9
One of the side's regulars this year, although he has occupied several positions with success. Whether on the forward flank, wing or in the roving division he has given the side great service. In his seven seasons with the red and whites he has played 70 senior games. His speed and tenacity make him a valuable player in the Tocumwal line-up.
(1961-76: 210 matches - 172 First, 38 Reserves)
No 12. Peter LAWLOR (1965-66-67) 24, 5-11, 12.6
After playing several games on a half back flank earlier in the year, has been a regular centre half back of late, and this change of position brought him back to his best form of last year when he won the club's Best & Fairest award. He chalked up his 100th senior game this season.
(1960-77: 281 matches - 256 Firsts, 25 Reserves; Best & Fairest 1966; Fourths Coach 1978-80; Life Member)
No 13. Graham JOHNSON (1965, 1967) 22, 5-11, 12.7
One of the "fortunates" who has gained his place in the side following the absence of Lindsay McPherson. Is no stranger to the back flank position, having played there most of his 65 senior games. Played in 1965 grand final as a close checking back flanker after coming through the ranks.
(1961-79: 240 matches - 133 Firsts, 77 Reserves, 30 Thirds; long term club trainer in 2000's; Life Member)
No 15. Jim CULLEN (1965-66-67) 29, 5-11, 12.10
One of the best footballers to don the red and white guernsey in recent years. Joined the club from Barooga in 1957 and has now put together 164 games. Has been a member of four Murray League sides and his O'Dwyer Medal in 1965 was just reward for his play over the years. He has suffered many injuries in his career and has been hampered considerably by these this season. Has been the side's regular centreman over recent years but has also played many games on the half forward flank. Noted for his high flying marks and long kicks.
(1957-77: 323 matches - 319 Firsts, 4 Reserves; O'Dwyer Medal 1965, Best & Fairest 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965; Senior Coach 1978-79; Thirds Coach 1984; President 1986-92 and 1994-96; Life Member; MFL Life Member; VCFL Recognition of Service Medallion)
No 17. Jeff BEASLEY (1965-66-67) 24, 5-11, 11.7
The side's full forward who again headed the club's goal kicking list, although not enjoying the same success as in 1966. This year completed his 100 senior games after nine seasons with the club. He relies greatly on his accuracy at full-forward where he has kicked 49 goals this season.
(1959-73: 244 matches - 116 Firsts, 128 Reserves; Reserves Premierships 1969-70-71; Reserves Best & Fairest 1970; MFL Reserves Leading Goalkickr 1973; Secretary 1967-69; Treasurer 1970-71; Life Member)
No 18. Colin MORRIS (1967) 19, 5-11, 12.2
Recruited from over the border several seasons ago with little football behind him. He has developed gradually this year to fill the centre half forward position quite well. In his 24 senior games he has shown good high marking qualities and is very fast when the ball hits the ground.
(1965-70: 73 matches - 36 Firsts, 37 Reserves; Reserves Premiership 1970)
No 19. Graeme SEBASTIAN (1965-66-67) 23, 6-1, 12.4
Represented the club in the ruck division in every game this year. He came up through the thirds in 1961 and has played 126 senior games. Although former seasons have seen him as a forward-ruckman, he has spent most of this season as a back pocket-ruckman with considerable success. Has tremendous spring as evidenced when flying for the ball.
(1960-72: 209 matches - 199 Firsts, 7 Reserves, 3 Thirds; President 1973)
No 20. John JONES (1965-66-67) 22, 5-7, 11.5
Has taken over the No 1 roving division after a lapse of form during the year. Fought back well to regain his place in the side and recent form has seen him at his top. He has played 120 games since commencing with the club in 1960, when he advanced from the thirds to seniors. Is a safe mark and kicks well to position.
(1960-79: 265 matches - 216 Firsts, 34 Reserves, 15 Thirds; Thirds Best & Fairest 1960; Fourths Coach in 1991 Premiership; Secretary 1974-75; Life Member)
No 23. Hugh BONDARENKO (1967) 21, 5-9, 11.0
One of Tocumwal's speedy wingers who commenced the season in brilliant form. He possesses an abundance of ability and has given the side great drive in games this season. He chalked up his 50th senior game this year.
(1960-70: 165 matches - 80 Firsts, 43 Reserves, 42 Thirds)
No 24. Terry HEWITT (1965-66-67) 23, 5-9, 11.12
The red and whites permanent back pocket since coming from the thirds in 1961, playing in the back pocket in the past two grand finals. He is a very rugged defender with strong clearing dashes and is capable of taking a good mark. Today will see him playing his 100th senior game for the Bloods.
(1959-70: 179 matches - 115 Firsts, 51 Reserves, 13 Thirds; Thirds Coach 1967)
No 26. John GLANVILL (1966-67) 19, 5-10, 10.12
After sitting on the bench in last year's grand final, he has developed into a regular back flanker this season. Is a good mark for his size and an attractive left foot kick. His 41 senior games have been played since moving up from the thirds.
(1963-81: 306 matches - 250 Firsts, 24 Reserves, 32 Thirds; Life Member)
No 28. Des WATT (1965, 1967) 29, 5-8, 11.7
A member of Tocumwal's 1965 grand final team, returned to the club after a season at Mathoura. Is a most damaging player around the goals where his disposal is an asset. Won Echuca League Best & Fairest in 1962, is dangerous around the goals with an uncanny goal sense. He put together 33 games in his two seasons with the Bloods.
(1964-74: 115 matches - 35 Firsts, 80 Reserves; Reserves Coach 1968-70; Reserves Premierships 1969-70-71; MFL Reserves Best & Fairest 1969; MFL Reserves Leading Goalkicker 1969-70; Thirds Coach 1973)
No 31. Stewart SCOTT (1965-66-67) 25, 6-1, 13.9
This season has become one of the side's top ruck man, and his brilliant marking in defence has often pulled the side out of danger. He was recruited from Blighty in 1964 and has played 64 games with the red and whites.
(1964-69: 86 matches - 84 Firsts, 2 Reserves)
No 32. John DAGGER (1967) 24, 6-0, 12.1
Tocumwal's only recruit this year to make the grand final side. He was recruited from Yarroweyah this season after playing with Greta in the Ovens and King League. Would be one of the best kicks to play at Tocumwal in recent seasons and uses this to great advantage in his position of full-back.
(1967-70: 62 First matches; Thirds Coach 1968)
No 35. Peter HALEY (1967) 18, 5-6, 11.7
The "baby of the side" in his first season of senior football. Is a fearless player handicapped though by his inaccurate disposal. Although of slight stature he has added a little bite to the roving division. He has played 26 senior games.
(1963-80 and 1894-85: 270 matches - 172 Firsts, 47 Reserves, 51 Thirds; Runner-up O'Dwyer Medal 1975)
No 40. Peter GLANVILL (1967) 20, 5-10, 12.0
Probably the most improved footballer in the side after several seasons in the seconds. Under his astute coach he has found the necessary qualities to occupy the forward flank position where he uses his football knowledge to the best advantage. He has played 21 senior games, 15 of them this season.
(1960-75: 249 matches - 140 Firsts, 68 Reserves, 41 Thirds; Thirds Best & Fairest 1963; Reserves Premiership 1969; Reserves Coach 1978; Fourths Coach 1985-87; Chairman of Selectors 1991 Premiership; Life Member)
Players in 1965 and 1966 Grand Finals
No 3. then No 38. Keith THOMPSON (1965-66) 36, 6-0, 13.7
The veteran of the side, he has played over 19 years of football. Before coming to Tocumwal in 1957 he spent four seasons with Queanbeyan in the Canberra League. Since coming here he has represented the Murray League on 2 occasions, being a member of the 1960 victorious side against St Kilda. He has fought back this year from a shoulder injury to be at his best. Last season he established himself as one of the best full backs in the league. Keith has played 160 matches.
(1957-66: 165 matches - 162 Firsts, 3 Reserves; Best & Fairest 1957, 1958, 1960; Secretary 1964-66; Chairman of Selectors 1967; Life Member)
No 4. Eddy VARLEY (1966) 24, 6-1, 13.8
Another of the unlucky players last season, losing his place in the finals side through injury. This season he has maintained his place in the side and adds to the red and whites ruck strength. Has been playing with the Bloods since 1958 and has put together 96 senior games.
(1958-67: 127 matches - 99 Firsts, 28 Reserves)
No 5. David McCULLOCH (1966) 23, 5-10, 12.1
Although he has suffered injuries this season he has maintained his form on a half back flank. He has played 83 game with the red and whites and his long clearing kicks from the half back flank are a feature of his play.
(1959-71: 187 matches - 123 Firsts, 64 Reserves; Reserves Premierships 1969-70-71)
No 7. Lindsay McPHERSON (1965-66) 20, 5-11, 12.4
Recruited from Yarroweyah in 1965, he has gained himself a permanent place in the side over three seasons, usually on the half back line. Absent from last week's and today's side as a result of National Service training. He has played 58 games with the red and whites, in which he gives his best on all occasions. He is a great ball player, a strong mark and a hard opponent to beat.
(Missed 1967 Premiership due to National Service in the Army)
(1965-70: 109 First matches; Best & Fairest 1969)
No 10. Brian KENNEDY (1965) 29, 5-11, 13.2
Another of the "old" brigade, first playing for Toc in 1958. Was a member of the battling Tocumwal sides and has put together a total of 77 games. Although not a regular this season, his present form has enabled him to hold his place on the side.
(1955-66: 104 matches - 94 Firsts, 10 Reserves)
No 16. Noel PENDER (1966) 26, 5-4, 10.2
Another of the veteran members of the Tocumwal side, having played 125 senior games. He is a determined little rover with a great fighting spirit and is a goal sneak.
(1957-71: 212 matches - 132 Firsts, 80 Reserves; Reserves Premiership 1970)
No 26. Chris SMART (1965) 23, 5-6, 10.7
In his first season with Tocumwal he has establised himself as a real battler with his size being a handicap. Has played 6 senior games this season.
(1965: 20 matches - 6 Firsts, 14 Reserves)
No 30. Ken BALDWIN (1965-66) 19, 5-9, 11.5
A member of last years grand final side in his first season of senior football. Began the season brilliantly, but injury midway through the season upset his form. He is a brilliant mark for a wingman and a good kick. He has tremendous speed and has played 49 senior games.
(Missed 1967 Premiership due to a serious knee injury)
(1960-86: 411 matches - 322 Firsts, 25 Reserves, 53 Thirds, 11 Fourths; Best & Fairest 1975, 1979; Reserves Premiership 1970; Long term club trainer in 2000's; Life Member; MFL Life Member)
No 41. Evan SMART (1965) 18, 6.0, 12.1
A most elusive half forward flanker in his first season for Tocumwal. He has tremendous spring and is a brilliant left foot kick. Played with Wilby before coming to Toc, played 18 games this season.
(1965: 20 matches - 19 Firsts, 1 Reserves)
No 41. Ray FRAUENFELDER (1966) 19, 5-10, 11.5
A most improved player this season after being a regular second eighteen player last year. He has had several games this year, usually as reserve, and in all games showed promise. He too will have benefitted by this season and could be a regular senior next season.
(1960-68: 97 matches - 27 Firsts, 31 Reserves, 39 Thirds)
