'Berrigan Burble'; 'Deni Doings'; Jerilderie Jottings'; 'Finley Facts'; "Strathy Scribble'; 'Nathalia Natter'....and , of course ' Tocumwal Topics' . The names many of us grew up with in the weekly footy programs of the Murray League.
So, as the heading suggests, this is a selection of anecdotes, facts, statistics & tales over the 125 year history of the TFNC. Something to promote discussion(arguments) and memories in the lead up to the July reunion. These notes will be added to each week, so hopefully there will be 40-50 by the time the reunion is upon us. I hope you enjoy(and tell your friends).
'Spectator'
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FAT ALBERT AND THE GUNSHOT AT THE RESERVE
Tocumwal played Katunga in a practice match at Tocumwal in 1984 and the Bloods coach was Phil Tribolet, a tough ruckman-forward from the western suburbs of Melbourne.
After the game in the rooms Trip and Katunga firebrand Andy Alderton, who had a reputation as a hard nut on and off the ground and had played for half a dozen clubs in the area, had an argument which soon came to blows.
Visiting Tocumwal was an acquaintance of Phil who was also associated with the Braybrook Blue Corner Social Club who visited Toc annually for a social cricket match.
"Fat Albert" had a reputation as a member of the "Carlton Crew", and anyone who recalls the "Underbelly" TV series will know that made him "a well known Melbourne underworld identity".In previous years he had impressed everyone when visiting for the cricket with the wad of banknotes he would brandish but soon after the Tribolet-Alderton altercation began Fat Albert pulled more than a wad of cash from his pocket.
By this time the blue had spread to the oval but it ended pretty quickly when Fat Albert pulled handgun out and fired a shot in the air!
The fight broke up, everyone departed quickly and the after match function closed down in about 2 minutes.
GET AFTER THEM!
In a Reserves match at Numurkah in the mid 1980s, the match was evenly poised at halftime. After a ten minute break, the umpire ran over to both huddles to inform them that their time was up. He then went back to the centre of the ground, blew the whistle and bounced the ball. Both Toc and Numurkah were still in their huddles on the ground and quickly broke up. Numurkah had the advantage as they were closer to the centre of the ground and one player grabbed the footy and took off with not a Tocumwal player in sight. One of the Tocumwal players asked an official what they should do and the reply was "get after them!" However the horse had bolted and the Blues had an 80 metre lead over the Tocumwal players.
Goal umpire Merv Reed was still in the middle of the ground when the ball was bounced and was running down to the goals and was at least 70 metres from the goals when the ball was kicked through. There was also conjecture that the Numurkah player had run too far without bouncing the ball but this was overlooked by the umpire.
Merv argued that he could not signal a goal as he was not in position to adjudicate and that the umpire should not have started the game when officials were not in position.He was overruled by the field umpire and in the end Tocumwal lost by 4 points. Tocumwal protested to the Murray League but the result stood.
GOOD OLD DAYS
The good old days of playing footy—some generic, some about Tocumwal
Here’s a list to make you nostalgic for the good old days of footy
--cold showers if showers were available
--hammer-in stops on boots that were a redesigned work boot—nails coming through the bottom of the feet-- boo tstudder story later
--big leather stops that would become weathered and worn so that in a marking contest they would rip your back open –tied up with newly washed white laces
--ankle high boots with hard toe that weighed half a kg each
--boots came in only one colour--black
--pull-on elastic ankle guards
-- jumpers with plastic numbers—after washing would be all twisted and then scratch the daylights out of the back –ie Toc 3rds, Tocumwal PS and Catholic School jumpers of the 1960s and 1970s
-- the smell of mothballs as the jumpers came out of storage at the start of the year
--the big match between the Public School and the Catholic school on Friday afternoon–players didn’t sleep the night before and not much effective schoolwork done on Friday morning
-- the first time the school match was played on the Tocumwal ground in the 1960s—players thought they were on the MCG
-- woollen jumpers that in the wet weighed half a tonne (no exaggeration!!)
---players allowed to take guernseys home to wash --by year’s end some guernseys looked like a galah—pink and grey!! Only done for one year.
--training without lights
--the hill run—often loved by coaches and hated by players in the 1970s and 1980s—not sure if used as much now
--the Fourths playing on the pony club ground with 1 pm starts—meant the Reserves and Fourths fought for change room space!!
--beer was served from 18 gallon kegs and when something went wrong—which it did-- everyone was an expert
-- World of Sport on Sunday mornings
--The Winners on Saturday night was the only way to watch any VFL footy
--organising club spit roast around the rare Sunday VFL footy match on TV in the early 1980s
--big dressing gowns to keep the 19th and 20th men warm
--trainers wore white overalls
--goal umpires wore white coats
-- players could kick the ball out of bounds on the full with-out penalty and it was a legitimate tactic in close games.
-- no centre square and no line across the centre circle –ruckman could wrestle each and come in from any part of the ground
--ruckman could jump into each other
-- 15 metre penalties
--the teams lined up in their respective lines –backline, half back line etc and played man-on-man football
--just kick it our way and hope our bloke is better than their bloke and will win the football again
--handball was the last resort if you were tackled
-- golden rules--punch from behind, don’t kick across goal, don’t handball in the backline
--hip and shoulder bumps were allowed—so were elbows to the head, punches to the back of the head to spoil a mark, sling tackles and shirt fronts—makes you cry tears of…….pain!!
--drop kicks and stab passes
--flick passes
--indian file at training
--no 50 metre arc
--most umpires knew the player’s names
-- a player would be hit by an opposition player and then when he squared up later the umpire would say that it is now even and the next one to throw a punch will be in the book
--no runners
--no padding on the goal and behind posts
The bootstudder was an important part of the footy club until the early 1970s—until then boots were big with hard toes and up to the ankles –the legendary Jenkin boot--and stops were hammered in with the boot on a metal last so the nails would bend over –players would use inserts to stop the bent-over nails rubbing on their feet but often feet would be bloody by the end of the game –it could be agonising playing on a hard ground.
Stops were initially leather then changed to plastic and in the early 1970s screw-in plastic stops came in and soon after some players started using cut down boots with moulded soles as used today. One player who was ahead of his time bought some cut down Adidas soccer boots in 1972 with moulded soles and his coach was not going to allow him to play if he wore them in a game. He explained that he often had kick to kick with his brother in bare feet and was a much better kick than with his big hard-nosed boots and he figured soft toe would be better—and he was right!!
REUNIONS
The club has held full club reunions in 1968, 1978 and 1990 with several premiership teams hiolding separate reunions.
IN 1968, John Reynoldson returned and told the story of the club's 1911 premiership, of which he was a member. To put this in context Brian Kelly played in the 1946 Reserves permiership 70 years ago and will recall those days at the reunion.
In 1978 the new scoreboard on the river side of the ground was named "The Jim Cullen Scoreboard".
The 1990 reunion was dubbed the Centenary of the club in the belief that a club had existed in 1890 given a number of nearby clubs in Numurkah and Cobram had evidence of playing in the 1880s.
GREEN GINGER WINE
On cold days there would be green ginger wine to warm the players up at half time and three quarter time. In the 1960s it would be a tot of OP rum. Green ginger wine appeared in the late 1970s and in one memorable match at Nathalia in 1981 it was so cold the players were freezing. The day had started at about 18 degrees and the Thirds had played in good conditions. Then a thunderstorm rolled in and the temperature dropped to about 2 degrees in 15 minutes and the ground went from dry to under about 10 cm of water.
By the time the Firsts started the ground was a quagmire and the temperature was about zero.
At half time as the players filed into the rooms a loyal supporter had snuck down to the Nathalia pub and purchased 4 bottles of green ginger wine. It was very popular as fullback Colin Macdermid found out-- he was last into the rooms and by then it was all gone!!
And as is often the case there was little or no hot water at Nathalia and it took a number of players about 4 hours to thaw out after having cold showers to wash the mud off.
Another story frpm the same day was that in 1981 it was the Murray league's 50th year and each club had to purchase 4 dozen bottles of commemorative port. Jerilderie coach John Purcell was reporting on his side's loss at Numurkah on the same day as the Nathalia story and said then League Secretary Damien Jones had dropped the Jerilderie share of the port to the rooms and Purcell said it was so cold the boys did half a dozen at half time!! And he said it was good stuff!!
Did not help too much as the Bloods and Demons lost their matches.
THOMMO THE VENTRILOQUIST
Greg Thompson was the MFL Publicity Officer for many years in the 1980s and 1990s.He would pre-record previews for the rounds on Friday night and they would be played the following morning on 2QN, 3SR and 1FM.
One day during the finals he was at the ground re-marking the boundary after a wet night and a few early birds had arrived when his preview came on 2QN at 8.30 am. One car had the radio on loud and all could hear his preview and one wag commented that he was a pretty good as he could mark the ground and do a preview at the same time and that he was a damned good ventriloquist too boot as he couldn't see his lips moving!!
On another occasion he made a mistake in the pre-recording and then exclaimed " oh bugger it!"Normally when a mistake occurred (often) the recording would be re-wound and the new recording go over the top of the original but this time the 2QN DJ did not rewind the tape and taping continued on from that point. On the Saturday on the radio the dulcet tones could be heard to exclaim "Oh bugger it" before a startled DJ quickly stopped the tape and then played the second recording. Could have been worse!!
STRATHY IMPLODE AFTER ANDREW IRVINE INCIDENT
In the last game of the 1993 season with Tocumwal out of finals contention but still a dangerous opponent, the Bloods played finals bound Strathmerton in the final round of the year at Strathy. The Bulldogs had recruited well under ex Geelong and Sydney Swans flyer David Bolton. They were able to pick up several key players who were working on the Kraft expansion.
This made them equal Premiership favourites with Barooga to end their 30 year Premiership drought.
Young speedster Andrew Irvine, playing in his second season of Firsts, was assigned a tagging role on Bolton, who was still a top line player who could be quite damaging.
Irvine ran with Bolton and played him close but at no time did he employ any of the modern day niggle or holding--he simply had the speed and stamina to run with Bolton all game. He kept Bolton relatively quiet which frustrated the Bulldogs coach despite his side leading by about 8 goals late in the game.
With about 2 minutes to go to end the home and away season a Tocumwal player went down well behind the play.
It was Andrew irvine and he was assisted to the sideline with his lower jaw noticeably shifted to the left with blood pouring from his mouth.
As the incident was behind play no-one could say for certain what happened but most could guess!!
Irvine went too hospital and had his jaw repaired but did not play for Tocumwal again.
What transpired next ripped a football club apart, fractured friendships and even families were in dispute.
Tocumwal asked for an investigation and it was determined that David Bolton had a case to answer.
By the time the investigation was completed Strathmerton had won the Qualifying Final with Bolton playing but it was clear it was a troubled club.
The following week Bolton was found guilty and given a hefty suspension--12 weeks from memory.
He decided to appeal to the VCFL and this was thrown out and he then appealed to the Supreme Court for an injunction to stop the enforcement of the suspension.
In the meantime half of Strathmerton were unhappy with their coach and the other half supported him, with well known football families split down the middle.
The Supreme Court took about 10 minutes to dismiss Bolton's appeal and without him Strathy were easily defeated in the Second Semi Final and then were a shadow of a team as they were easily defeated in the Preliminary Final.
So the Bulldogs blew there best chance of a flag in a generation and the following season with a mass exodus were struggling to be competitive. It was the beginning of the end of Strathy in the Murray League and they joined the Picola league a few seasons later.
TOCUMWAL GROUND
The Tocumwal Recreation Reserve is regarded as one of the best grounds in NSW and Victoria.
The ground was not always where it is now--it moved there in 1909.
The original ground was located where the current Kanimbla Motel is located and when the river was in flood matches were transferred to Beasley’s Paddock, which was opposite the Farmers Arms Hotel (Kelly's Hotel) --good for the pub!!
The large sheds and scoreboard on top of the sheds which were in use until 1973 and were located behind the northern goals and were quite spacious. These change rooms were opened in 1918.
Hot showers were provided by a wood fired boiler which was lit before training and matches. The tea rooms were located where the current cricket nets are now and there were two rotundas on the hill which were quite popular with the crowd but they were unfortunately removed in the 1960s.
The rooms on the eastern side of the oval were opened in 1973 and at the time were the best in the league and served the club until the function centre and clubrooms were opened on the river side of the ground in 200.
Until 1969 when lights were installed at the ground players trained with what natural light there was, so balls were out early and the running occurred in the dark.
Two lights were installed at the ground and in wet years the side of the ground the lights were located would often get chopped up while the rest of the ground would be in reasonable condition. Extra lighting was installed in 1990 which gave good coverage for the whole ground and made training much more effective with whole of the ground drills able to be performed.
Murray League Grand Finals were played almost every year at Tocumwal and from 1951 to 1964 every finals match was played at Tocumwal.
In all the years in which Tocumwal played in the Murray League--1931-2013 -- Tocumwal hosted the Grand Final 66 times out of a possible 81 Grand Finals.
700 FIRSTS MATCHES FOR KEN AND SCOTT BALDWIN
Ken Baldwin and his son Scott have together played 700 First grade matches for Tocumwal
Ken played 322 Firsts games and held the club record in 1986 and his son Scott played his 378th First Grade match just last Saturday. How timely with the club's 125th anniversary celebrations that this milestone was achieved only last week.
While Scott has passed his father's record he will need to saddle up next year if he is to catch Rob Crow's club record 385 first grade matches.
Ken won two club Best and Fairest awards, 1975 and 1979.
He was a prolific ball winner on a wing but his sometimes wayward kicking would at times let him down. He was tough and durable and after a hard days shearing would still train as hard as anyone else. Ken was hard at the contest but never anything other than a ball player. A true gentleman who was never reported in his career, Ken continued to contribute to the club on retirement from playing by being a long serving club trainer.
Scott may not have won a Best and fairest award at the club but has finished top three several times , but has one medal that eluded his father. Scott was an integral part of the 2009 Murray league Premiership after he had played in the Bloods losing 2003 and 2005 losing Grand Finals. He was also a member of the club's only Fourths Premiership in 1991, being named one of the best players.
Ken was the unlucky one as he missed the club's 1967 Premiership after suffering a season ending knee injury early in the season. He had played in the Bloods losing 1965 and 1966 Grand finals.
Scott inherited his father's durability and has hardly missed a match. Early on he often played at FB or CHB and often gave away height but made up for that with a determination to make a contest all match.
Both Ken and Scott played in successful eras for the club but the reality is they also played more matches in struggling teams but their loyalty and passion for the club and quiet determination have made them both legends of the Tocumwal Football Club.
Obviously both have had the support of their family and Ken's wife and Scott's mother Margaret has been their biggest supporter until Scott met and married Kelly and has three daughters to cheer him on.
Margaret's maiden name was Herberte, so Scott had a pretty good football pedigree to start with.
The Netball section of the club's future looks bright if Scott's three girls Ella, Ruby and Lilly approach their sport the same way their Dad and Grandfather did.
Playing Careers
Ken Baldwin:1960-1986
450 club matches (322 Firsts, 75 reserves, 53 Thirds)
Best and Fairest 1975 and 1979
Reserves Premiership 1970
Grand finalist 1965, 1966
Tocumwal and Murray League Life Member
Scott Baldwin:1988-2016
456 club matches (378 Firsts, 4 reserves, 50 thirds, 44 Fourths)
Fourths Premiership 1991
Firsts Premiership 2009
Grand Finalists 2003 and 2005
Tocumwal and Murray League Life Member.
The Longest Yard
Whatever rule changes are enforced, footy is still a body-contact sport, with high speed and impact able to curb an opposition player. In Toc's history, the 3 most memorable of these are:
- 1952-Nugget Fuller on Berrigan's coach, Les Foote.
- 1970-Don Whitten on Jerilderie's O'Dwyer medallist, Trevor Miller
- 1989-'David slays Goliath'-John McGowan on Jerliderie's man-mountain, Jamie Kreuger.
There was another big-hit in more recent times, that was as effective as any of the above.
In 2002 or 2003, Toc were playing Berrigan @ Berrigan, and were being carved up by the Saints Capt-Coach, ex-Carlton player, Mick James. At the half-time break, the Toc supporters vented their frustrations on the team, with club President, Gavin Cator, threatening to tear up his membership ticket. In the 3rd quarter, with James again streaming down the wing, ball in hand, the game was suddenly turned on its head. Off the interchange bench bounded Joe Pedemont-a big lump of a lad, with some ability but dodgy knees, Joe had only one thing it his sights. In a scene that you would only see in gridiron movies, James did not spot big Joe until it was too late. Bang! Joe pole-axed James with a full-speed bear hug & down they went. James was carried off on a stretcher & Toc turned the game around & went on to a memoable win. Big Joey only played 24 senior games for the Bloods, but this one easily had the biggest impact. And what of Mick James? 3 broken ribs & missed the rest of the season!
Bobby Sadler
As mentioned in an earlier article, Bobby Sadler was colourful trainer during the 1970's. As loyal, courteous & diligent as they come was Bobby. Tocumwal's 1st ever Citizen of the Year was richly deserved by a man who took pride in Toc's appearance(as he worked on the parks & gardens for the Council), it's people & of course, the footy club.
Probably scarred by the horrors of WW2, Bobby liked a quite drink(or 3), however everyone turned a blind eye to this, which is how well loved he was.
A self-taught trainer & medico( he was actually very good), he was always 1st down at the ground & often last to leave. Rembered best for his big wide grin, gravelly voice & dog, Prince, stories about Bobby are often raised when the club's funnier times are remembered. Here are 3:
- Annual General Meetings are usually sombre affairs, when the protocols of official business are conducted. In one of the AGMs, held in the old rooms where the netball courts are, Brian Kelly was in the chair as President. Bobby, always a stickler for good manners & politeness, decided he needed to visit 'the can' (in the middle of the meeting) as nature was calling. Nobody paid any attention until some minutes later, Bobby appeared at the door, long johns around his ankles, and declared," Excuse me Mr President, point of order...there's no f---in' toilet paper!"
- The 1977 end-of-season footballers trip was to Queanbeyan, on Wacka Day's bus. Most players boarded the bus at Kelly's Hotel, but another stop on the way was at Tattersall's Hotel, to pick up Bobby & his dog Prince. The final stop was on the Finley Rd at Moore St, where Bobby had to drop off Prince. Prince, who was treated as a 2nd son , was given his instructions by the gravelly voice of his master. "Prince, the pet food's in the fridge & the comics are on the couch. Look after Mummy. Yeah Yeah!"
- On the bus home from that same trip-away, Colin 'Pills' Ball, required some ankle massage from a very bad break he had incurred during the season. Bobby (who had been lubricating his tonsils with a few quiet ones) was always the man for the occasion. His special home-made liniment was tucked away in his Gladstone bag, just in case his training skills were required. The massage was a site to behold to all-Bobby proceeded with the massage , whilst continuing with his stubby, and holding court with his loyal players. When asked what was in his magic liniment, Bobby wouldn't reveal his trade secrets, but admitted that it did contain some pure alcohol. Bobby then proceeded to take a swig of his liniment, much to the hilarious laughter of everyone! He then continued to massage Pills until all the liniment was finished, with more going down his throat that on Pills' ankle!
ONE FOR THE RIVER!
In 1952 Tocumwal had a big ruckman in Alf O'Connor, who wanted a clearance to Yarrawonga. For reasons unknown, Tocumwal refused the clearance on several occasions and he continued to play for the Bloods. However after one more clearance refusal he played again in what turned out to be close game against Numurkah. Later in the game whenever he got the ball he would either kick it the wrong way or out of bounds towards the river and as it was running a banker at the time the ball would sometimes end up in the river. This was the famous cry of " This one's for the river!!"
Tocumwal coach Nugget Fuller tried to get him off the ground but he refused to go and legend has it Nugget asked the umpire in all seriousness if he would be reported for striking his own player. The umpire retorted that if he was the coach he would have done it already!! There is no record of what happened next but O'Connor got his clearance the next week.
MINNIE'S FIRST DAY IN THE PUB
David 'Minnie " McLaurin has quite a quick wit and is a genuinely funny man, as you will find out at the reunion breakfast which he will co-host. Minnie played in the 1979 Thirds drawn grand final and replay and then graduated to Firsts to be a handy player before going on a short trip to Perth from which he never returned!!
This story relates to cricket--he was also a very accomplished left hand bat playing A grade for Tocumwal at 15 yo. After playing with the men for almost 3 years but not able to go to the pub after matches, Minnie decided that his time was up even though he was still only 17 and after a game in January he joined his teammates at the bar at Kelly's Hotel.
Now everyone in Tocumwal knew Minnie's birthday was on April 1st (no jokes please!) and when barman Mark "Eagle" Kelly presented Minnie with his middy of beer, Eagle started singing "Happy Birthday" to Minnie. Minnie replied it wasn't his birthday to which Eagle retorted that he therefore mustn't have turned 18 yet and when he finishes his beer he had better leave the premises!! And "you can come back on April Fools Day".
A 'Barry Crocker' -a Shocker!
Sometimes you have good days & some days you don't. And when you're going bad, some days are worth forgetting.
In between Toc's greatest ever year (1946) and the Silver Era(1953-56) Toc were hugging the bottom of the ladder. So try this for a bad day out.
in 1950, Toc plays Deniliquin at Deni. and the game is played in a howling wind that blows straight up the ground all day. Deni kick with the wind in the first quarter and Toc do not score. However, in the 2nd, the Bloods respond with 2.12, with Jeff Harris kicking both goals. In the 3rd quarter Toc are restricted to 1 point, and are miles behind at the final change. They put everything into the last quarter, but inaccurate kicking is an understatement, as the Bloods have 17 deliberate shots for 14 straight points! Toc’s final score was 2.27 and they lose by 64 points. All agree that Toc could have won with any semblance of straight kicking. As the only player to kick straight, Jeff Harris' 2 goals win him Toc’s best player award for the day!
ATTEMPTED DROWNING IN 1979 THIRDS GRAND FINAL REPLAY
The Thirds met Cobram in the 1979 Grand Final and it finished as a draw. There was no provision for extra time so the match was replayed at Tocumwal the following Saturday. It had rained for about 3 days before the replay and the gound was waterlogged , but despite this about 1500 people were in attendance. In very wet conditions Cobram won a tight contest by a small margin.
During the game a melee occurred on the pavilion wing and the ground's gutters were full of water. In the ensuing fracas, Tocumwal captain Stephen Haynes grappled with the Tiger's Peter Stewart and held his head under water --the attempted drowning!! Common sense ensued and Stewart survived. During this episode Lorna Haynes was involved with her umbrella as she took umbrage at the Cobram players roughing up all her nice Tocumwal boys!
WHITTEN AND LANCE OSWALD
When Tocumwal played Strathmerton, who were then a good side, the Strathy coach was ex St Kilda player Lance Oswald. Oswald played it tough and started hitting several young Tocumwal players. First chance Whitten got he ran through a young Strathy player. Oswald ran over to remonstrate and Whitten told him that this was Oswald's fault and that if Oswald touched another young Blood then Whitten would do the same to a young Bulldog. Oswald backed off!!
DON WHITTEN'S SPITTLE
Don Whitten, like his brother Ted, had a habit of developing spittle at the corner of his mouth, especially during half time speeches. Don, like the photos of Ted, would be bent at the waist and would deliver an address with spittle going everywhere. The tighter the match the more the spittle! He was an inspiring speaker and would often lift the Bloods with his speeches and then lead from the front on the ground with tough football. The players got used to Don's spittle spraying all over them as they would have followed him to the gates of hell if he asked them.
DES WATT AND A COKE
Des Watt was the runner in the 1978 Third's Grand Final against Deniliquin and it was a tight and tense contest. It was also a hot day and midway through the last quarter with Tocumwal clinging to a 4 point lead Des looked a bit hot and bothered as he ran back to the bench. Mark Kelly offered Des a drink out of his coke bottle which Des gladly accepted. Des pulled a face as he belatedly realised that the coke was mixed with a liberal dose of rum and then reached out and said "I'll have another one of those, thanks Eagle! " Much mirth was expressed from those around. Tocumwal duly celebrated a famous victory in the club's first and only Murray League Thirds flag.
WALLY GLANVILL'S ELBOWS
John "Wally" Glanvill was a tough half back flanker who played in the 1967 premiership and through the 1970s. He had a habit of raising his elbows and the joke about the club was that Wally spent Friday night sharpening them in the angle grinder.
He also had quite a large nose and when people joshed him about it he would retort "you would like it filled with gold!"
In another incident he was punched by tough Berrigan ruck rover Lindsay Dickens at Berrigan and was basically knocked out. When being assisted from the ground by trainers Ken Taylor and Bob Sadler he asked who hit him and said he was going to square up and managed to break away but all he did was stagger forward then face plant on the ground.
At the Tribunal Dickens' defence was that he would not hit Glanvill as he was his cousin -- Dickens got 4 weeks!!
FRIENDLY FIRE
David "Spider" Riley was an arms and legs footballer, hence the nickname. He was a high flyer in the 1980s and took some spectacular marks as he threw himself at the contest without fear. He would take some marks in a horizontal position. In one match he flew for a mark as his teammate Steve Lavery was moving backward to try to take the mark. Riley's knee hit Lavery in his mid back and Lavery went down.
Lavery became quite unwell and was transferred to Shepparton where he was found to have a badly lacerated kidney and subsequently had it removed. The club gave both players full support but Riley felt bad and his form understandably dropped away a bit after this incident. The club had fundraising events to support Lavery and he did return to play for the Bloods over then next few seasons, as did the Spiderman.
MATT McCLELLAND'S BUMP
In 1989 Matt McClelland delivered one of the best bumps seen for many years when he hit Cobram half back Mal Carlisle amidships at Cobram.
Carlisle was a left footer and tended to crab sideways while looking up the field over his right shoulder. McClelland, about 190 cm tall and 100kg, hit him from the left hand side right up the front and it is estimated Carlisle landed 5 metres away. In those days this was legal and the umpire called play on. Carlisle recovered and continued to play but was not his usual effective self.
SPURRY HEWITT'S PRE MATCH PREPARATION
Terry "Spurry" Hewitt was a tough back pocket in the 1967 premiership but he was very nervous pre-match to the point of vomiting. To calm his nerves he had an unusual pre match ritual of a tot (or two) of sherry or port behind the sheds before a game.
When the Bloods reached the finals for the first time Spurry decided he had better do the right thing and not have a drink. He subsequently played poorly and he blamed not doing his usual preparation as the cause--he never missed his tot before a match ever again!!
BUTCH'S JOCKSTRAP
Keith "Butch" Thompson caused quite a stir and was the talk of the town when his shorts were ripped off in a match in the mid 1960s. In those days players wore elastic jockstraps to keep the vital regions tucked in tight but did not have anything in the rear so the backside was fully exposed.
This did not deter Butch as it was a close game and he kept on going regardless. It took about 20 minutes to get a pair of shorts that fitted him and he entertained the crowd and titillated the ladies along the way.
Lorna & the Girls: The Fanatics
There have been many colourful & crazy supporters over the years, however 'Lorna & The Girls' were as energetic bunch of diehards as ever there was. Perching themselves in the forward pocket in the late 1960's and 1970's, this group was to be avoided at all costs if you were an opposition player. Led by Lorna(Haynes of course), the merry band included Anne(Kelly) Glanvil, Betty Beasley & Margot(Beasley)Dagger. Extemely protective of their own(sons, brothers, husbands & relations) the air was often blue with venom at any discretion dished out to a Toc player. And if an opposition player actually hit the deck in front of where they were seated, well physical retribution was sometimes resorted to as well! A wonderful bunch of loyal barrackers as ever there was. Well played girls!
Century Goalkickers
It's happened only 3 times in 125 years. A player booting more that 100 goals in a season. In the seniors,Darren Brooks booted 127 goals in 1992, and highly-skilled Tony Smith kicked 113 goals in 1993.
However the 1st Toc player to achieve this feat was Tim McLaurin, kicking 106 goals in the 4ths in 1977. As this was in the early years in the 4ths, with no restrictions on the team score, Timmy was a virtual 1-man team that season. Whilst the 4ths did not win the premiership, Tim was so dominant that he won both the MFL Best & Fairest ,and goalkicking. Tim's successes continued in the 3rds, where he played the 1978 premiership & 1979 grand final teams.
The Enigmatic Robert Garlick
Rob Garlick was a talented junior sportsman, who excelled in both footy & athletics. However, as his family had moved around towns, he hadn't played much footy in 1 place. In 1978 , with the family back in Toc, Rob(then 18) was coaxed into pulling on the boots for the season with the Bloods. Whilst he only played 12 senior games, he ended up winning the Best Fairest, and the club had to phone him to come to the clubrooms to accept the trophy! That was the finish of an amazingly short career-he never played another game.
LOCKED UP!
1971 saw the Toc 2nds complete the hat-trick of MFL premierships. However , it was a dramatic day in more ways than one. The grand final was a vicious & spiteful encounter, with a major brawl erupting after the siren, as both teams were leaving the ground(these were the days on the old white pavilion behind the town-end goals, with only 1 gate for both teams to enter/exit the ground). Players, officials & supporters(male & female!) all involved-a real 'donnybrook'. So dramatic was the brawl, that the police intervened ,arresting 2 Toc supporters & locking them up in the police station jail for the afternoon...for their own protection! Who were the 2? Jackie & Clive(surnames witheld until the reunion)
TOCUMWAL FOOTBALL CLUB FOLKLORE
1. At the club's 1978 reunion, Jack McConnaughty, then 98 years old, recalls playing Jerilderie in 1914 and the team left on the Friday afternoon before the match, stayed overnight. He says Tocumwal won a close tussle and the team did not arrive back in Toc until the following Tuesday!! Those were the days.
2. Legend has it that after Tocumwal won the 1895 Premiership by defeating Finley at Finley, the horse drawn coach bringing players and spectators back to Tocumwal turned over just north of the town-a discrete silence was maintained as to the cause. Apparently no one was injured.
Obviously celebrating a victory over Finley was ingrained early into the psyche of Tocumwal players and supporters!!
3. In 1989 Jerilderie had a big rangy ruckman from Port Melbourne, Jamie Kreuger, who decided he did not like Tocumwal's tough and nuggety ruck-rover John McGowan. McGoo had earned a reputation as one of the League's toughest players when playing for Finley and Berrigan and had joined the Bloods after gaining the contract for the Bowling Club restaurant.
Kreuger made it known that he was going to get McGoo and stalked him for a quarter and a half.The umpires were aware of it but could do nothing as Kreuger had not tried to hit McGowan. Half way through the second quarter Kreuger ran through the ruck contest and tried to strike McGowan, who defended himself with 2 sharp punches that dropped the big ruckman in his tracks. Kreuger was escorted from the ground, not to return. Both were reported, Kreuger getting 6 matches and McGowan 2 weeks after pleading "guilty under provocation". The Tribunal Chairman sympathised with McGowan but still had to give him a couple of weeks for striking!!
4. Peter "Shiny" Baldwin was reported for striking a Numurkah player after the Blues player had inadvertantly hit him "below the belt". As Shiny slowly fell to the ground he hit his opponent and was reported. At the Tribunal he also pleaded "guilty under provocation" and was given a severe reprimand--the chairman stated that given the circumstances it was understandable what he did and most other players would have lashed out as well!!
5. Speaking of Shiny, he and John Herberte stayed at the pavilion overnight after the 1991 Premiership victory and on the then blackboard in the pavilion they had written the score thus:
Tocumwal 12-20- 92 defeated North Tocumwal 5-7-37. Love it!!
6. Shiny also put a sign on the northern outskirts of the town on the morning of the 1991 Grand Final --"Skun Cats for sale--apply TFC"
The following morning 2QN, 3SR and local ABC radio had people calling in appalled at the animal cruelty and something should be done about it!! The only cruelty was to the Finley football players.
7. The Reserves have had the odd funny incidents and John Glanvill reckoned he would pay $20 to see entertainment as good as this anywhere else ($20 = $100 in today's value)
In the early 1980s Geoff Mansell filled in one day and the ball was bouncing along the pavilion wing with big Manse chasing it. Three Numurkah players were coming across the line of the ball from the centre when Geoff got a push in the back--as he stumbled trying to keep his balance over the next 10 metres he "inadvertanly" coat-hangered each of the three players as he went past them. As the three were on the ground holding their heads the whistle blew and Manse was awarded the free kick for "in the back".
8.Peter McDougall was a handy player in the ruck in the Reserves and one day an opposition player gave Doogs a back hander which the big fellow objected to. The opposition player by this time was on the ground and Doogs told him to get up and fight like a man. The player did not get up, obviously aware of Big Doogs' reputation. Being the gentleman he was and not keen on hitting a man when he was on the ground, Doogs lay down next to him and then "squared up".
HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE--WHAT HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE?
A lot is written and spoken about home ground advantage in AFL football. With different sized and sometimes shaped grounds and some in good knick and others pretty rough, it is assumed the home club knows their ground well and can use this knowledge to advantage.
You would leave Toc on a beautiful still winter's day and arrive at Strathy and there would be a gale blowing across the ground--likewise Deni and Nathalia and Jerilderie always seemed to pose problems for the Bloods.
Home ground advantage for Tocumwal--phhfff!! what home ground advantage!!
A beautiful ground, well grassed, good facilities with hot showers, protected from the wind, who wouldn't want to play at Toc.
On many occasions players from other clubs have spoken of how they looked forward to playing at Toc even when the Bloods were strong. The ground just made you feel like playing footy!!
The ground is regarded as one of the best in Victoria and southern NSW and with the new pavilion is a magnificent oval --any player to play at Tocumwal is priveleged to enjoy such great facilities.
Des Watt leads Bloods in dominant period for Reserves-- three flags in a row.
Tocumwal have won only three Reserves Premierships in the Murray League and they won in three straight years in 1969, 1970 and 1971. They were runner-up in 1968. under the coaching of Des Watt and Des coached the first 2 flags and Alastair Douglas in 1971
Watt was a tough and skilful rover who played in the Bloods 1967 Firsts Premiership and he was an inspirational leader who may have been ahead of the times with his coaching. He developed a team of players who on paper were not brilliant but had them playing great team football -the team was greater than the sum of its parts. Most players would go through hot coals for their coach and Des considered them part of his family.
The Bloods lost the 1968 Grand final to Cobram after defeating the Tigers in the second semi final then defeated Berrigan the second semi and in again in the 1969 decider in wet conditions by 4 goals, 10-4-64 to 6-4-40. Best players were Bruce Day (later to win an O'Dwyer Medal), Fred Howell and Adrian Beckwith. In the photo of the grand final team a very disgruntled looking Bruce Reid is pictured after being ruled out with injury--he would play in the next two premierships!
In 1970 the Bloods finished 4 games clear on the top of the ladder with only one loss in home and away but were defeated by Numurkah in the second semi-final in a major upset. Watt regathered his side who defeated Berrigan in the preliminary final before overpowering Numurkah in the decider, 8-14-62 to 5-8-38 . Best players were Reg Randall, who dominated in ruck, Ken Baldwin and Tom Kelly won in midfield and Rodney Buggy, Tony Menz, Laurie Herberte and David McCulloch were prominent as were Col Morris and Jeff Beasley (both played in Toc's senior 1967 flag).
In 1971 Des Watt relinquished the coaching to Alastair Douglas and Tocumwal defeated Deniliquin in the second semi final and the Grand Final, winning comfortably 11-7-73 to 6-6-36. The Bloods took control from the first bounce and used its pace advantage to good effect and had the game in their keeping with a 38 point three-quarter time lead. Rodney Buggy booted 4 goals and other good players were tireless ruckman Reg Randall, half forward Mark Evans, rover Laurie Herberte, and wingers Geoff Quick and Brian Kelly.
Players to play in all three flags were Des Watt, Tom Kelly, Rodney Brown, Jeff Beasley, David McCulloch, Laurie Herberte, Brian Kelly, John Herberte, Reg Randall, Adrian Beckwith and Graeme Absolom.
The Reserves lost the First Semi final in 1972 then made another Grand Final in 1982 under the coaching of Barry Maddox, going down to a powerful Finley team. A first semi final loss in 1985 was followed by a Preliminary final appearance in 1986.
The Reserves never made the finals in the remainder of the club's time in the Murray League and is yet to make the finals in the Picola League.
It goes to show that the late 1960s and early 1970s was a Golden Era for the club with regular finals appearances for the Firsts and Reserves in this period.
Nugget Fuller and Les Foote
Ernie " Nugget" Fuller was a legend of the club and he had a reputation as one of the hardest and toughest players to play for the Bloods.
Nugget played in the 1940s and 1950s and played in 4 Murray League grand finals for one win, in 1946, where he played at full forward. He also played in a Premiership in 1945 in a local competition at the end of World War II. He played when Tocumwal were in 3 grand finals in 4 years --1953, 1954 and 1956-- and lost them all!!
At the 1990 Centenary Dinner Nugget told the tale of when Toc had to beat Berrigan to keep their finals hopes alive in 1953.
The coach of Berrigan was Les Foote, one of the best players in the land at the time and to later be named in the centre in North Melbourne's Team of the Century. (He captained North Melbourne in the 1950 Grand Final and on returning to the VFL in 1954 coached St Kilda and won their B & F. Foote coaching in the country can be likened to a present day Scott Pendlebury leaving Collingwood in his prime to coach in the bush--the money was often better in the country as a coach than could be earned playing in the VFL).
Nugget said that the only way Toc could win was to stop Les Foote and then intimated there was only one way to stop Les Foote.
Toc went on to win the game as Les Foote was forced off the field in the second quarter--you make your own conclusions!!. Toc snuck into fourth on the ladder, defeated Nathalia in the first semi then Berrigan in the Preliminary Final before going down to Numurkah in the Grand Final.
When Les Foote returned to play in the VFL he was quoted as saying the hardest football he ever played was when he coached Berrigan in the Murray League --whether he mentioned Nugget Fuller is open to debate but the tough Bloods player was likely to be on his mind when he made the statement.
Nugget coached the Bloods Firsts in 1952 and coached the Under 17s for 4 years in 2 stints in the 1960s and 1970s and the Under 14s to the then Billabong League Premiership in 1968. He was also a Life Member of the club.
Nugget got his nickname as he was the town's night-carter before sewerage was connected in 1964 and on his retirement he observed he knew every person in Tocumwal by their behind!!
'Candid Commentator'
Prior to social media, the weekly local newspaper was the only source of footy news: team selections; game reports; club notes; adverts. The amount of content in the news has only ever been as good as the eagernees & loyalty of someone to take on this demanding & thankless role. However , at times, certain scribes have taken on the 'poison pen' enthusiastically, even giving themselves a knickname in the process: 'Fair Play'; 'Spectator';'Expert' and 'GUT' have all etched their place in the Toc footy records, however none more infamous than 'Candid Commentator'
Reporting in the 1950's, Candid Commentator was so enthusiastic to be the 'voice of the people', that in each weekly newspaper report of the preceding game, he would provide his candid view of each players performance! And if you didn't put in 100% he was scathing. In fact, his views were so forceful, that players who had not performed were allegedly in dread for days of , "What is Candid Commentator' gunna say?" He was more feared than the coach!
Who was Candid Commentator? To be revealed at the reunion...
Magic Hands-The Trainers
Deep Heat & Dencorub; Goanna Oil & Eucalyptus Oil; Smelling Salts & Liniment; Chewy Gum & Resin. Whether it was good for us or bad-the trainers dished them out , & we took them in good faith.
Good trainers/great trainers/ average trainers/very average trainers! We've had them all at Toc. Every one of them has been a loyal servant of the club, however there has been a real mixture of the years. And many have been colourful characters:
- Frank O'Donnell ('FO')-FO was a trainer in the 1950's , who was a very social character, both on and off the field. He seemed to have the ability to revive an injured player on the field almost at will. His secret? A bottle of wine stuffed deep in his trainers coat! When bending over a player to administer aid, he would give a quick swig of the 'magic potion' & the result was Lazarus-like! And he was never caught by an umpire.
- Bobby Sadler-a famous character through the 1970's, Bobby was a favorite of all the players and Tocumwal's first Citizen of the Year. Self-taught in training techniques , he was actually quite a good trainer & represented the MFL in this role many times. Resplendent in his white overalls & Bloods cap, Bobby was always accompanied by his loyal sidekick Prince(a terrier), who could do push-ups at Bobby's command. Bobby's problem was that he seemed to take forever to get to an injured player. Jogging almost up & down on the spot, with Prince at his side, it was a sight to behold and always diverted the crowd's attention from the game. Once Bobby was finally able to tend to the injured player, Prince would perform his famous push-ups for the crowd. As Bobby would say "YEAH YEAH"!
Tocumwal's AFL-VFL Representatives- The Honour Roll
- Clem Carr-Melbourne 1928/29:(4 games)
- Clarrie Hearn-Essendon(via Rutherglen) 1929-35: (92)
- Fred 'Dick DeAbel-Hawthorn(via Myrtleford) 1934(1)
- Max Jeffers-Melbourne 1950:(6)
- Jeff Harris-Hawthorn 1955: (1)
- Allan Jeans -St Kilda via Finley 1955-61:(77)
- Julian Vise-Collingood 1964: (5)
- Ron Watt-Geelong 1984: (2)
- Tony Hughes -Sydney Swans via Albury 1984-86: (6)
- Leon Higgins-Syd. Swans 1987-95(121)/Hawthorn(1)
- Justin Crawford-Sydney Swans 1995/96(17)/Hawthorn 1997/98:(29)
- Matt Taberner-Fremantle Dockers via Myrtleford 2013-present: (28 games to end 2015)
If at first you dont succeed-try, try again
Over the 125 years, Toc's success rate in grand finals has not been great. And there have been times when the persistance of players, administrators & supporters has been severely tested-3 losses in 4 years in the 1950's; losses in 2003 & 2005. But how this?
3 times in the club's history, the Bloods have had to lose 2 grand finals in a row before winning one:
- 1926(loss), 1927(loss), 1928(Premiers)-all against Finley
- 1965(loss), 1966(loss), 1967(Premiers)
- 1989(loss), 1990(loss), 1991(Premiers)
Squarey's Sprint
Toc's most successful weekend was in 1946, when all 3 footy teams won premierships. Less know was yet another winner. Squarey Baldwin was Toc's representative in the half-time footballers sprint, and his warm-up was a couple of beers in the famous beer stall on the hill-the Rotunda. Half way through a beer, Squarey jogged down to the start line, won the sprint, and jogged back up to the Rotunda, to continue where he had left off!
Highly Successful Leaders
It's happened twice in the 125 yr history of club-a person being both President & Senior Coach in a premiership year. Dick DeAbel(1946) and Stuart Roe(2009)
The Glanvills-Triple Premier Family
Due to the long gaps in time between Toc's premierships, multiple premierships within a family is rare. Bothers Bert & Dick De Abel played in 2 premierships(1935 & 1946);Ron Haley was a premier in 1946, and son Peter in 1967; same for Stewart Scott in 1967 and nephew Andrew in 1991. Even Graeme Johnson in 1967 & grandson, Tim Garlick, in 2009. However , the Glanvill family are unequalled in family premierships-3 generations: Charlie(1946). son Peter(1967), and grandson, Dean, in 1991
Premierships-they're all about timing
Since the commencement of the Murray League, Toc has averaged 1 senior premiership every 20yrs(approx)-that's 1 premiership every generation. You can be very lucky, or very unlucky.
- Kenny Baldwin played 322 games, yet the one season he missed(through injury)-1967-Toc won the premiership
- Rob Crow had already passed 300 games before becoming a premiership player-1991
- Andrew Scott? 7 games! A premiership player in 1991
Pasta Nights, Pie Nights, Crayfish Nights
Pasta nights for the players seem to be all the rage these days, but what about the good old Pie Night(how many pies could you eat)? Pie nights were a great treat, especially for the 3rds & 4ths.
In the 1940's & 50's(and maybe unique to Toc) Crayfish Nights were the big gig, once or twice a season(washed down with a keg of the amber ale). Yes, the Murray Cray was the delicacy eagerly awaited . A tasty, but messy affair all round.
What to do with all the shells & heads? The answer was nuggety back-pocket specialist Dickie Dunne. All the leftovers were agreeable to Dickie's palate & he attacked them with gusto-heads and all!! Enough to send everyone from the room for some fresh air..
The Real 300 Club
Games records in most clubs are usually based on matches played at a certain level(eg most senior games). However, for country footy, shouldn't it based on service to the club and your commitment to represent the club every week, to the best of your ability? If this is the case, then 1st & 2nds matches should be combined , as the record of a games played at open age level. Using this formula, Toc's '300 Club' is as follows(to end 2015):
- Robert Crow 459(385 Seniors & 74 Reserves)
- Scott Baldwin 372 (368 & 4)
- Jim Piner 355(17 & 338)
- Ken Baldwin 347(322 & 25)
- Peter Baldwin 327(4 & 323)
- Jim Cullen 323(319 & 4)
Dick Kelly & those shorts
In 1975, one of Toc's most popular players, Dickie Kelly, won the Murray League 2nds B&F with 11 votes. To win the award, Dickie played only 4 games( 3 X Best on Grounds and a 2 vote). Was he that dominant, or was he just noticed by the umpires? Dick's footy shorts that season were a pair of tennis shorts-big, baggy, & with pockets!
Trailblazers
in 2016, women's football leagues, and the rights of femaies to play footy, has a high degree of publicity & support. However in the past,when this wasn't the case, 2 locals girls pushed for the right to play junior footy, based on ability & not gender. Lynsie Reid played 4 games in the 4ths, and later Lana Tribolet played 2 seasons(30 games) in the 4ths. A great partnership between the club, and the town.
Chocolates To Boiled Lollies
In 1968, when big Hughie Connolly came to town, Toc thought they had a genuine superstar on the doorstep. A bag of 10 goals in his first senior game had everyone abuzz. Alas, it was not to be. 'Hollywood' Hugh did not fire a shot in his next 14 senior games & was banished to the 2nds for the rest of his career. However, big Hugh proved to have found his level in the 'two's', playing in the 1969 & 1970 2nds premiership teams.
Dave Farrell-Present Day Champion
When the legendary Don Whitten finished his career with Toc, many thought that his feat of 150 senior games, with no Reserves games, would ever be beaten. However, to the end of 2015, Dave Farrell has notched up 235 senior games, without ever playing in the 2nds.
Dave's career has included 3 grand finals, 2009 premiership & Murray League captaincy - a great career.
A record winning streak
In the 2009 senior premiership, the Bloods were undefeated for the first 14 games of the season. Including a win in the last round of 2008, this was a streak of 15 straight wins. However, from Round 5, 1894 to Round 9, 1896 the Toc side recorded an incredible 18 straight wins. Included in this streak was the 1894 premiership (lost on protest), 1895 premiership and 1896 premiership. On statistics alone, this is the greatest performance by the TFC senior side
The 1st Photograph
In ‘The Bloods 1890-1990’ there is a photograph of the ‘Team of the 80s’. In fact, newspaper reports indicate that the photograph was in May 1895.
'Following a practice match, a meeting was held at Burbury’s Hotel to resolve the formation of a league for the season, and delegates from Toc, Finley and Cobram were present.
It was noted in the Berrigan Advocate that, on the same day, a photographer named Mr Young visited Tocumwal, to take photos of the town. Whilst here, he took a photograph of the football side'
Toc’s 1st Coach
For the first 40 years, the committee voted on a captain for the season, who was then the leader. Additionally, there was selection committee, which did not include the captain. It wasn’t until 1934 that Toc, after 3 seasons in the Murray League, actively sought and employed a coach. And that person was Jim Coulter. Club records stated that Maurie Sheehan was the captain-coach in 1931, with Coulter taking on this role from 1932-1934. In fact there, there are no reports of any coach prior to 1934. Perc Jeffers was captain in 1931 , Clem Carr(1932). Eric Pinnuck/Charlie Heavey(1933).
In 1934, the position was advertised, and Jim Coulter appointed over a number of applicants
The DeAbels & the Premiership Photo Curse
It is part of Toc’s footy folklore that no photo was taken of any of the 1946 premiership team, under the instructions of President & Captain-Coach F.”Dick’ De Abel, as it would put a ‘curse’ on the chances of winning.
However, what is not known is that there could have more to the story than Dick’s superstitions. The 1935 premiership photo was taken sometime after the game (as the premiership cup is shown). However, on closer inspection, there are 3 players missing-2 of which are Bert & Dick De Abel. Finally, in 1951, Bert turns up in Grand Final team photo-which Toc lost!
The Greatest Performance Ever?
In 1933, the tall & talented forward, Charlie Heavey, returned to Toc pre-season & is immediately appointed captain. Dramatically, in February, he is involved in a serious car accident and loses the sight of one eye. Amazingly he is able to play the 1st round of the season in the 2nds, and then begins a goal-scoring spree in the seniors, as if one eye was enough.
His performances culminate in round 10 v Strathmerton(at Strathy), where he boots 12.2 out of a team total of 16.14, including a goal 15-20 yards from the centre of the ground(which newspapers report is the longest kick seen the area since the legendary Dave McNamara at the turn of the century.). To put the performance in perspective, Stathy’s score was 14.12, so it was not a one-sided match.
This may well be the greatest single performance by a player in the club’s history
THE EXPLODING FOOTBALL
On a cold and wet day in the 1960's the umpire brought the heavy and waterlogged football into the tearooms and put it in front of the slow combustion fire to dry it off. Shortly afterwards there was a loug bang as the football exploded. It was lucky no-one had a dodgy heart but the pulse rate of all the patrons enjoying a cup of tea certainly quickened.
1960's LADIES AUXILIARY
Football clubs have for as long as anyone can remember relied on the wives and girlfriends of the players and supporters to run canteens and do afternoon teas.
With the reunion of the 1960's grand final teams (50th anniversary of 1967 flag) in May, 2017 it is appropriate to mention the support from the Ladies Auxiliary.
In the late 1960's it was Barb Cullen (still is), Norma Nancarrow, Lil Kelly, Lil Porra, Joy Thompson, Maureen Lawlor, Jean Owen, Molly Lawlor, Rosemary Reed, Lorna Nash, Sheila Morris, Barbara Lane, Marg Mooney, Shirley Fuller, Margaret Baldwin, Betty Beasley, Isobel Whitten, Anne Jones, Poss Hore and Esther Bryan, who all supported their husbands and boyfriends.
The old tearooms were located where the cricket nets are now, and it was a large weatherboard building and Tocumwal were well known for its afternoon teas.
THE COMMITTEE, OFFICIALS AND SUPPORT STAFF - 1960s
In every era there are the volunteers who put in a huge amount of time and effort to ensure a football club puts all its teams on the field and is successful.
In the 1960's during the club's rise and eventual success in both firsts and reserves, a number of people, many of them club legends, worked hard off the field to ensure the club not only survived, but thrived - the unsung heroes!!
Col McCulloch and Leo Porra were presidents in the 1960s with Col serving on the committee for 30 years - 1954 to 1983.
Other long serving committee members in the 1960s were Kevin Dowdell, Steve Tutchenor, Brian Kelly (8 years president in 2 stints), Alan Jones (1964-94), Tom Menhennitt, John Haynes, Bert Barrass, Eugene Mooney, Arthur Owen Snr, George Fuller, Gerald Lawlor, Owen Lawlor, John Hoban, Reg Randall, Keith Thompson and Jeff Beasley.
The trainers through the 1960s were Gordon Bryan, Syd Organ, and Theo Kable, all gave long and sterling service. Trainers in those days would make their own liniment and anyone growig up with the old sheds behind the northern goal posts will still have the smell of liniment in their nostrils.
Selectors were Owen Lawlor, John Haynes and Keith Thompson among others and the club had two of the longest serving members in Arthur Owen Snr, who did the timekeeping for over 50 years and Humphrey Hearn, who did the scoreboard for almost 50 years as well.
Goal umpires included Gordon Bryan and Arthur Owen Jnr and Tocumwal had some of the best boundary umpires in Brian Guilmartin and Murray Haynes running around in the 1960s.
Some wonderful people from fantastic families who have red and white flowing through their veins. Most of them have their names on the club's Life Member board and that is small recognition for the many hours put into the club, all for the love of the club and the game.
