1970-1979
PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1970
The committee leadership remained unchanged in this year but a new playing coach was appointed. This would be Alan Peters who came to us from Frankston (MPFL) where had played 104 senior games 1960-64 and 1969. Alan took over the reins from Fred Webster who remained on as a player and in this year he would win the senior team best & fairest and also be leading goalkicker with 27 goals out of a team total of 165 for the season. It would be however another dismal season for our seniors and reserves with the firsts winning only 6 games and a draw against Rye, finishing ninth out of the twelve teams. The honours for the year must go to our thirds and fourths who both won premierships along with Colin Moorhouse winning the league thirds goalkicking with 88 goals and Geoff Seeckts being second highest league thirds goalkicker with 95 goals. Joe Kirby was runner up league B&F in the thirds. Barry Dyer coached the thirds to their first ever finals appearance and their first flag and Peter McDonald coached the fourths to their premiership. Not a lot else is known of our 1970 fourths except that it was the teams third consecutive flag and it would not be the last and that they had not been beaten in any game for two seasons. The thirds won beating Karingal by 51 pts and the fourths by beating Bonbeach by 52 pts in their respective grand finals. Navy did not field a thirds team during these years and a team from Morning Star Boys Home filled the vacancy. A total of 70 registered players are known to have played in our seniors or reserves and folklore has it that there may have been others who played under a registered players name. This may not be all that strange for there were many Navy ‘off base’ residences on the Pines Estate and it is said that sailors who home on leave would come to the ground on match days looking for a game of footy. Presentation night in 1970 saw other awards go to Noel Gay (reserves best and fairest). Thirds awards would be Stuart Dennis (best and fairest), Joe Kirby (runner up), Colin Moorhouse (most consistent and leading goalkicker), Ted Ferris (most determined), S.Hodgkinson (most improved), T.Wellington (best team-man) and Gerry Immell (best in finals). The only known fourths award was Geoff Seeckts (leading goalkicker). Vern Trotter would receive the best clubman trophy and it is noted that he and his wife June were commended for their money raising efforts during the season with the written acknowledgement being “It’s hard to see how the club would keep going without their efforts”. John Speed reached his 50 senior games.
Most senior games (18). G.Sheppard, F.Webster.
Most reserves games (12). R.Fairless, A.Lynne.
Most thirds games (20). G.Abblitt.
Most fourths games-unknown.
Highest known one game senior goals (4). B.Emberson v S’ville, A.Peters v Karingal.
Highest one game reserves, thirds, fourths goals-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 11, 13.15-93 d Langwarrin by 43 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1971
The Nepean FL had now grown to thirteen clubs as Frankston YCW fielded a senior team. Alan Peters would continue as senior captain coach but there was a major change in the committee leadership. Jack Verity was elected president, Geoff Dyer (an inaugural year player) was secretary and Trevor Verity was treasurer. The two senior grade teams were seemimgly going backwards with our firsts winning only five games amd drawing one. This would leave them finishing the season in tenth place. Once again it would be our two junior teams that would be in the finals with the thirds winning the flag in defeating YCW by 27 pts but the fourths bowed out in the first semi after not having played a fixtured game for two weeks. Once again, not a lot is known of the 1971 fourths except that the coach was Henry Williams. Barry Dyer would again coach the thirds to their second successive flag and the team was S.Dennis, R.Woolley, G.Clarke, G.Howard, P.Clarke, K.Abbott, R.Svigos, P.Watson, R.McMurray, P.Mayne, D.Goodman, R.Ward, D.Dornbush, G.Seeckts, C.Astbury, G.Barfoot, T.Andrew, G.McDonald, P.Abbott, D.Saunders. Mrs Doreen Burt was awarded a life membership and was now only the second person to receive the honour. The award was in these years granted to a club person who had been judged to have given significant club service. It would be another seven years (1978) before players became entitled to life membership for playing service, this being then 150 club games to qualify. Had the player qualification system been in place prior to 1978, Phil Curran and Barry Moore would have been the first to qualify in this way however they both did receive club life memberships in 1973 and 1974 respectively. Trevor Verity was granted life membership many years later in 2008 when his 153 games (1969-1978), possibly overlooked at this time, was recognized by the club. The only known team awards for 1971 are seniors, Mark Seeckts (best and fairest, leading goalkicker), Gary Abblitt in his only his first full senior year after coming through from our inaugural fourths team (runner up B&F) and Ken McLaren (most promising), Reserves, Alan Lillico (best and fairest). Peter McDonald was named best clubman. During this season Phil Curran became our first player to play 100 senior games. The ladies auxiliary in this year were Doreen Burt, Marg Thorpe, Andre Gay, Barbara Reilly, Jean Verity, Anne Gay, Leslie Gay, Glenda Craddock, Judy Spain, Joan McDonald, Shirley Smith and they were able to hand over a cheque for $600 at seasons end. More of our older players, some of who had been with us for many of these early years were deciding to hang up the boots and amongst these were Alan Lynne and John Pearce, a schoolteacher who is believed at the time to have gone into umpiring. A number of players had fallen victim to serious injury or illness through the season with both Wayne Mills and Bob Fairless sustaining broken ankles and best wishes and a speedy recovery were extended to young Alan Cridland in the Fairfield Hospital.
Most senior games (17). G.Seeckts. Most reserves games (13). R.Burton.
Most thirds games (18). C.Astbury, R.Dawes, S.Dennis, D.Saunders, G.Seeckts, R.Svigos, R.Woolley. Most fourths games-unknown.
Highest known one game senior goals (4). G.Abblitt v Rosebud. B.Emberson v Dromana, N.Gay v YCW, Dromana. J.Kirby v YCW, Navy.
Highest one game reserves, thirds, fourths goals-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 6, 15.11-101 d Red Hill by 29 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1972
Some may say this was the dawn of a new era for the club. Tom Burt returned as president, Geoff Dyer continued as secretary and Jim Wells was treasurer. Barry Burke was appointed as senior playing coach and he brought with him a wealth of experience from his years at Richmond VFL (1955-1959), Sandringham VFA (1960-1965), Edi Asp (1966) and then as captain coach at Clayton where he played 80 senior games. Barry laid down some hard and fast rules of which didn’t go over too well with some but he was here to win and he made sure that everyone knew it. He made it known that he was not going to persevere with the older players who had roughed and toughed it out in the earlier years and that he wanted to bring on the younger players in the club. This may have been a blessing for reserves coach Ron Adams who in this his second year would take the team to their first premiership when they defeated Rye by 14 pts. Our reserves had been well down the list in previous years having been no higher than sixth in 1969. “Burkie” was 32 when he came to us, resided in the Pines and had three daughters and one son, Nathan who would go on to fame with St Kilda. The seniors however would only finish sixth but it was a vast improvement winning eleven games including two against Crib Point who we had never beaten. They managed 253 goals for the season, an increase of 100 on the previous year, but the only known goalkicker in all of these goals is Graham “Duck” McDonald with four v Somerville in round nine. This was a twenty round season with the last game seeing us kick 23.19-157 in defeating Navy by 103 pts. Once again our thirds under Stan Goldsmith were to win another premiership defeating Karingal by 61 pts but our fourths, coached by Ken Norris and playing in their fifth grand final in seven years, were defeated by YCW. Barry Burke was runner up for the league B&F with 22 votes, second to W.Esler of Rosebud with 26. Barry would go on to coach our seniors for a record seven seasons, 1972-77 and 1986, winning 110 games, losing 29 with two draws. His 1973 team would be the first Pines senior team to play in finals, his 1976 team the first to win a flag and in all other years his teams played in finals except for this year 1972. Barry’s youth policy can be seen in the fact that in the 38 senior players used for the season, eleven would play their first senior games and of these eight had come from our thirds of this or the previous year. Mark Seeckts and Joe Kirby were invited to a pre-season try out with Hawthorn but they did however return to Pines. Presentation night saw trophies awarded to seniors; Wayne Mills (best and fairest), reserves; Stuart Dennis (best and fairest), Paul Clarke (most consistent), thirds; Darrell Saunders (best and fairest) with Peter Mayne being club and league thirds leading goalkicker with 102 goals. Peter remains to this day (2010) the only Pines thirds player to kick over 100 goals. The best clubman award went to Ian Benson. Three teams in grand finals, winning two and yes, it could be said that this year was the dawn of a new era.
Most senior games (18). G.Abblitt, G.Seeckts.
Most reserves games (19). G.Ross.
Most thirds games (20). R.Dawes, R.Woolley.
Highest one game goals (all teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 20, 23.19-157 d Navy by 103 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1973
Jim Wells was elected president, there would be a new treasurer in Ian Benson and Geoff Dyer remained on as secretary. Barry Burke continued as senior captain coach leading our seniors to their first finals appearance ever. Our reserves, now with Barry Moore as captain coach and our thirds under Neville Eckles would both finish as runners up and our fourths under Stan Goldsmith were beaten in the first semi. This was a first for the club though, having four teams in the finals. The Nepean FL was now back to a twelve team competition as Rye went to the MPFL. A somewhat unknown fact is that in this year the league trialed a final five. Pines were not involved in the early finals where YCW defeated Pearcedale in the elimination final and Crib Point, who would go on to be premiers defeated Navy in the qualifying final. Pines, who had finished on top of the ladder with 17 wins and a draw were however beaten in the second semi by Crib Point and in the preliminary final by Navy. We had played Crib twice during the season for a win and a draw and we had beaten Navy in their one meet with us. A total of 285 goals were kicked for the season with Peter Mayne booting 79 of these giving him the league leading goalkicking award. Geoff Seeckts was not far behind him with 70 goals. Once again we see here young players who only a few years earlier were playing in the thirds. Surprisingly, Peter would play only one more game for the club, in the next season 1974. Alex Hill and Ian Connell each played their 100th senior game in this year led only by Phil Curran with 100 in 1971. Phil was also the leading club game player at this stage with 133 from his start in 1965. The only known trophy winners on presentation night were seniors; Barry Burke (best and fairest), Peter Mayne (leading goalkicker), reserves; Stuart Dennis (best and fairest). A club life membership was granted to Phil Curran and the best clubman award went to Jack Verity. This was the end of the first ten years of the club and in 2005 four teams of the decades were announced. Here is shown the selected team for the years 1964-1973.
Backs. Frank Spencer. Ray Shipton. John Speed.
HBacks. John Lillico. Alan Peters. Ken McLaren.
Centres. Alex Hill. Barry Burke. Gary Abblitt.
HForwards. Mark Seeckts. Fred Webster. Lyle Gay.
Forwards. Barry Moore. Arthur Gay. John Pearce.
Rucks. Trevor Cowan. Phil Curran. Wayne Mills.
I/Change. Bob Verity. Ian Connell. Bob Reilly. Gary Clements.
Our seniors had now played 174 games winning 69, drawing 3 and losing 102. There is no great cheer in this but the seeds were sown for better times ahead. We had gathered two league senior B&F awards, one league thirds B&F and two fourths league B&F. We also had in the league leading goalkickers, one senior, two thirds and one in the fourths. The club flagpole could now have one reserves, three thirds and three fourths NFL premiership flags proudly raised. Not bad at all for a club that was only ten years old.
Most senior games (20). B.Burke, K.McLaren, R.McMurray, G.Seeckts, R.Woolley.
Most reserves games (20). G.Ross.
Most thirds games (18). T.Blake, R.Carter, T.Clinnick, M.Hobgen, D.Martin, G.Mayne, A.Norris, C.Saunders, W.Sutton, I.Trotter, J.Wolsgrove.
Highest one game senior goals (8). P.Mayne v Navy (Prelim final).
Seniors highest score; Rd 2, 22.8-140 d Red Hill by 97 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1974
The first year of the second decade for the club would once again see our four teams in the finals. Our reserves under Barry Moore were premiers defeating YCW, our seniors under Barry Burke and our thirds under Stan Goldsmith both finished third. Our fourths, coached in this year by John Lillico were fourth. This would be the last year of the NFL fourths grade competition meaning that the majority of the boys who played in this year would go back to our junior club in the FDJFL in 1975. Our seniors won 15 games and lost three, one to Bonbeach and two to Karingal who also beat us in the preliminary final by 22 pts. We registered our highest one game score so far and our first ever 30 plus goal score when we kicked 34.12-216 beating Langwarrin by 183 pts in the round eighteen game. A total of 306 goals were kicked by the firsts for the season but once again very few of the goalkickers are known. Ian Benson had taken over the reins as president, Geoff Dyer continued as secretary and George Wilson was the treasurer. The high population of the Pines Housing Estate was supplying an abundance of players for the club and it is said that this was an era when just about every player actually lived in the Pines. This is no better shown than in the fact that 54 boys played in our fourths on the Saturday with many being eligible to play in the under fourteens at our junior club on the Sunday. This gave the club a somewhat unique atmosphere having so many local players vying to play a game and to proudly wear the jumper. The lists of the players who did not get to play into any of our four finals teams is quite amazing. The club seniors best and fairest award was a tie between Wayne Mills and Trevor Verity with Greg Downward second. The only other known trophy winner for this year was a trifecta for Clarke Saunders who in the thirds was runner up B&F, most promising and also best in finals. Club life memberships were granted to Barry Moore, Bill Thompson and Barry Burke who was also voted best clubman. Wayne Mills was runner up league seniors B&F polling 22 votes against Harry Reints of Red Hill, 29. Phil Curran had now played 150 club games with Arthur Gay and Trevor Verity now having 100 each. The twelve teams in the league remained unchanged and at seasons end the senior premiership tallies since 1959 were; Crib Point (4), Rye (4), Pearcedale (3), Dromana, Langwarrin, Navy, Rosebud and YCW all one each. It would not be long before our name would be added to the list.
Most senior games (17). G.McDonald, A.Norris, D.Saunders, G.Seeckts, T.Verity.
Most reserves games (18). R.Dawes, M.Morter.
Most thirds games (20). C.Barker, J.Eyres, W.Hunt,
Most known fourths games (8). S.Longham, J.Svigos.
Highest one game goals (all teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 18, 34.12-216 d Langwarrin by 183 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1975
Ian Benson continued as president, Vern Trotter was secretary and Mrs Lorna Seeckts would commence the first of her eight years as treasurer. Barry Burke would lead his team into their first ever grand final appearance but this achievement was shattered by the 45 pt loss to YCW who had also beaten us in round 20 with our only other loss for the season being to Rosebud in round two. Twice our seniors kicked 30 plus goal scores; 32.16-208 v Navy and 31.20-206 v Red Hill. A total of 374 goals were tallied by our seniors with the leading goalkicker being Gary Abblitt with 75, placing him third in the league. Gary had started in our first ever fourths team in 1967 along with John Lillico, who in this year was voted club senior best and fairest. Mark Seeckts was another from that team to have already won a senior B&F (1971). There was another ‘first’ again for the club as, come finals time, we had three teams in grand finals. The sight of Pines teams in NFL finals was now becoming an expected fact. Our reserves, once again under Barry Moore defeated YCW by 83 pts after also beating them in the second semi final. This would be their third premiership in four years. Official league files state that YCW only kicked 1.8-14 in the grand final. The finals tasks for our thirds, under Neville Eckles, were not as easy as they lost to YCW in the second semi, defeated Bonbeach in the preliminary final and then were victors over YCW in the grand final by 10 pts. Steve Scagliarini took out the league thirds B&F and also won the team best player trophy. The only other known awards for the season were in the seniors where the most improved and best in finals honours went to Ian Goodman. Alby Tucker was granted a club life membership and Peter McDonald was voted best clubman. The “Burkie” youth and fitness policy was certainly paying dividends with young players from our thirds becoming regulars in the seniors throughout the year and many players playing in every game for the season. Barry Moore had now notched up 150 club games along with Martin Burt, Colin Moorhouse and Trevor Verity with 100 each. Our first ever senior grand final team, as per the original team sheet, was; G.Abblitt, P.Abbott, C.Bowes, B.Burke, M.Burt, P.Clarke, G.Downward, L.Gay, I.Goodman, W.Hunt, J.Lillico, K.McLaren, R.McMurray, W.Mills, A.Norris, C.Saunders, D.Saunders, M.Simic, T.Simic, T.Verity. An oddity in all of this is that Kelvin Greenough is shown as kicking a goal in the grand final but his name does not appear on the team sheet.
Most senior games (21). G.Abblitt, G.Downward, W.Hunt, K.McLaren, R.McMurray, C.Saunders.
Most reserves games (20). D.Goodman, G.Ross.
Most thirds games (19). W.Clayton, G.Gagiero, R.Hobbs, W.Preston, L.Trotter.
Highest one game goals (all teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 10, 32.16-208 d Navy by 175 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1976
This would be the year that many had waited for, had worked hard for and had played valiantly for. Our seniors were to win their first ever premiership when they defeated YCW by 18 pts in front of a record NFL grand final at Rosebud. The scores being 14.10-94 to 10.16-76. Pines had already lost twice to YCW during the year, in round two and in the second semi with the only other loss being against Langwarrin but we were able to avenge this by defeating them in the preliminary final. Again many of all clubs goalkickers are unavailable but it is known that Kelvin Greenough kicked eight in the grand final and he was possibly our leading goalkicker for the year. Our reserves were also premiers (undefeated) v YCW in a rugged grand final that saw two Pines players carried from the ground. Colin Bowes was concussed after being slammed into the fence and Greg Downward, already with a broken nose was later on ‘knocked out’. Supporters tempers exploded into fury, police were called and it is reported that major credit for subduing the raging horde of supporters would be with Pines president, Ian Benson and his committee. This was the third consecutive flag for our reserves and reportedly they had lost only four games in three seasons. A brightly painted van in yellow and black colours belonging to YCW and left at the ground during the week mysteriously changed to red and green colours overnight. Pines officials declared that they could not explain how this could happen. Our thirds, under Gary Mayes missed the finals in this year and finished fifth. Steve Scagliarini was once again the thirds best and fairest with Craig McPherson runner up. Leading thirds goalkicker was Garry Smith. The only other known trophies in this year were in the seniors where Lyle Gay was best and fairest with Ian Goodman being most consistent. Club life memberships went to Peter McDonald and Ian Benson who was also voted best clubman.
The 1976 senior premiership team was;
Coach; Barry Burke Captain; Wayne Mills Vice captain; Martin Simic
Backs Darrell Saunders Ken McLaren Russell Mallett
HBacks Peter Watson Lyle Gay Clarke Saunders
Centres Barry Burke Craig Lewis Gary Abblitt
HFwds Graeme McDonald John Bloom Colin Moorhouse
Forwds Trevor Verity Kelvin Greenough Wayne Mills
Rucks Michael Hobgen Martin Simic Rover Paul Clarke
Bench Ian Goodman (19th) Warren Hunt (20th)
Team Manager Alan Lillico. Trainers Ray McMurray snr, Noel Gay.
Final scores; Pines 14.10-94 d YCW 10.16-76
Goals; K.Greenough 8, J.Bloom, P.Clarke, G.McDonald, W.Mills, C.Moorhouse, T.Verity (one each). Best; Greenough, Mills, McDonald, Abblitt, Bloom, Burke.
With Colin Moorhouse playing in this the first senior premiership team, it gave him the rare honour of being the only player to have played in each of our inaugural flag teams in each grade. Fourths 1968, thirds 1970, reserves 1972, seniors 1976.
Most senior games (21). G.Abblitt.
Most reserves games (17). D.Goodman, G.Ross.
Most thirds games (17). T.Knights, C.McPherson, P.Plane, S.Scagliarini, J.Svigos.
Highest one game goalkickers (all teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 7, 35.33-243 d Dromana by 230 pts.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1977
The overall successes over the last few years and our seniors now with a premiership feather in their cap would lead all to maybe believe that the grand finals victories were to continue. It was not be though as our three teams were all dismissed in their respective preliminary finals. Seniors, still under Barry Burke in what would be his last current year, were beaten by Crib Point, reserves still under Barry Moore lost to Bonbeach and our thirds now coached by Neville Eckles went out against YCW. Two of our 1976 senior premiership team left the club, Kel Greenough and also Wayne Mills who went to Seaford and played in their 1977 finals team. The club administration remained still under the worthy guidance of Ian Benson, Geoff Dyer and Lorna Seeckts. The league was now an eleven team competition as Navy, who had been around since 1922 withdrew. This resulted in a senior bye required each week. Tyabb, who had been in closure since 1951 and who had fielded teams as far back as circa 1900, entered a reserves team in that grade. The thirds competition over these last two years was balanced out with a Frankston VFA Dolphins team. Presentation night saw trophies go to seniors; Clarke Saunders (best and fairest) with Craig Lewis (runner up). Most improved was Chris Barker and leading goalkicker was Simon Andrew. Reserves; Barry Murray (best and fairest) and Chris Barker (runner up). Chris had obviously shown his worth in both the seniors and reserves. Thirds; Craig McPherson was best and fairest and Steve Longham was leading goalkicker for the team and also the league thirds. Club life memberships were granted to Geoff Dyer and Neville Eckles and Barry Burke was named best clubman. Many players were building good totals of senior and club games and in this year Gil Ross is shown to have been the first player to play 100 reserves games. Pines were named for the second successive year as NFL Club Champions. An interleague game between the NFL and the MPFL was held in this year and with the MPFL having no other inter competition games, this game may have been played, as some say, a debate settler of who was the better league. Pines representatives in this game were; Gary Abblitt, John Bloom, Lyle Gay, Ian Goodman and Michael Hobgen. Barry Burke retired as senior coach at seasons end but he had achieved his ambition of a premiership and had installed into the club a great detail of solid attitude both on and off the field.
Most senior games (19). J.Abbott, W.Hunt, G.McDonald.
Most reserves games (20). D.Goodman.
Most thirds games (19). B.May, M.McGarry, J.Svigos.
Highest one game goals (all teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 17, 25.12-162 d Red Hill by 90 pts.
Interleague; G.Abblitt, J.Bloom, L.Gay, I.Goodman, M.Hobgen.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1978
Ian Benson stood down as president leaving the role in the hands of Neville Eckles. Barry Burke had retired as senior captain coach with the position going to Steve Clarke who had played at Frankston. This selection of an ‘outsider’ didn’t go over too well with some of those at the club especially as Barry Moore, a three times Pines reserves premiership coach had applied for the position. A number of long time players left the club along with Barry who took on the coaching position at Karingal. Success was forthcoming though and our seniors were to win their second flag, this time against Bonbeach by 30 pts. Bonbeach certainly controlled the game right through until oranges time when they were 9 pts in front. They had kicked 5 straight goals in the first term to our one and at half-time had kicked 9.1 to our 4.9. The last quarter was described as being electric but we were victorious. We lost only one game for the season and this was against Rosebud but were able to rectify that in the second semi. Our reserves under Neville Eckles were also premiers against Bonbeach by 12 pts in a game not unlike the firsts match and it was only in the last ten minutes that Pines were to get in front and win the game. This was our reserves fifth grand final victory and as later years will show, there would be quite a few more. Our thirds, coached by Noel Gay were to lose their grand final to YCW by 40 pts and although we were only ten points down during the third term it would be the opposition who would win the game. Wayne Mills had returned to us and in round seven kicked nine goals v Red Hill which was then the highest known one game senior goal tally by a Pines player. Tyabb had now entered a senior team in the competition and were coached by former Pines player, Joe Kirby. Pines would once again win the NFL Club Champions award and interleague players in this year were G.Abblitt, S.Clarke, W.Hunt and C.Saunders. Presentation night awards were seniors; Andrew Norris (best and fairest), Clarke Saunders (runner up), Gary Abblitt (leading goalkicker), reserves; Jeff Svigos (best and fairest), Paul Plane (runner up), Gary Gagiero (leading goalkicker), thirds; Sean Gay (best and fairest), Phillip Hall (runner up), Shane Stark (leading goalkicker). Mrs Lorna Seeckts received club life membership, Alby Tucker was presented with an outstanding services award and a little elfin like chap, Bram Laird was named best clubman. Bram filled many positions in the club mainly as a trainer and property steward and the call at the time was always “see Bram”. Our seniors were now averaging about 20 goals per game and were going along nicely.
Most senior games (20). G.Abblitt, J.Abbott, I.Goodman, W.Hunt, K.McLaren, W.Mills.
Most reserves games (21). P.Clarke, M.Hunt.
Most thirds games (19). D.Clark, S.Gay, P.Hall, C.Jaensch, M.McGarry, H.Parker, P.Radford, P.Roberts.
Highest known one game senior goals (9). W.Mills v Red Hill.
Highest one game goals (other teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 18, 32.28-220 d Red Hill by 160 pts.
Interleague; G.Abblitt, S.Clarke, W.Hunt, C.Saunders.
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PINES FOOTBALL CLUB 1979
Well thought high expectations were aimed at our seniors but alas, they only finished third losing the preliminary final to YCW after defeating Somerville in the first semi. Our reserves, coached by Greg Downward, were to fly the flag once again though when they defeated, yes once again YCW. This win over YCW was well received for our loss to them in the second semi was our first failure to that team since 1971. We had to bowl over Crib Point in the preliminary final to get our grand final against them. As usual, up to now, not a lot of game details are known of our reserves and thirds but it is recorded that John Lillico kicked 16 goals v Tyabb reserves in round nine. As with our seniors, our thirds were to bow out in their preliminary final against guess who, YCW. Ian Benson returned as president, Bram Laird was secretary and Mrs Lorna Seeckts continued on in her duties as treasurer. Steve Clarke continued as senior captain coach although this would be his last year in this role and Lyle Gay was in charge of the thirds who finished third. This would be the first of six consecutive years for “Butch” as this teams coach and the next five years would bring five straight premierships. Club awards received in this year were once again NFL Club Champions and also the Dr K.Collopy award. Pines were still maintaining their status of three teams in the finals and in this year our reserves had won their sixth premiership. Our seniors goals per game average had dropped slightly and although there were higher scores during the season, 20.13-133 in the first semi v Somerville is noteable with Andrew Norris kicking 7 of these. “Jack” as he is more favourably known was third in the league best and fairest voting in this year. The interleague rivalry games continued and we had from Pines this time around, G.Abblitt, S.Clarke, I.Goodman, W.Hunt, S.Johnson and A.Norris. Main presentation night trophies went to seniors; Steve Clarke (best and fairest), Andrew Norris (runner up and leading goalkicker), reserves; Allan Tedge (best and fairest), Peter Tucker (runner up) and Jerome Breen (leading goalkicker), thirds; Sean Gay (best and fairest), Craig Major (runner up) and Paul Roberts ( leading goalkicker). Club life membership was granted to Alan Lillico who was also voted best clubman and Mrs Lorna Seeckts was presented with the outstanding service award. Ken McLaren received the newly instigated life membership for playing service and was our first player to play 150 senior games, rd 3. Gary Abblitt reached his 150 in the last game of the season, the prelim. Had Gary not taken a year off in 1974 he may have been the first to reach the 150.
Most senior games (20). G.Abblitt, M.Dunsford.
Most reserves games (18). M.Hunt, G.Raeburn.
Most known thirds games (17). S.Sutton, G.Webster.
Highest one game reserves goals (16). J.Lillico v Tyabb.
Highest one game goals (other teams)-unknown.
Seniors highest score; Rd 18, 29.15-220 d Pearcedale by 136 pts.
Interleague; G.Abblitt, S.Clarke, I.Goodman, W.Hunt, S.Johnson, A.Norris.
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By Paul Williams Snr
