RDFL Thread 2007

[matt_nicholls]

Thanks fellas your help is much appreciated. I'm down to one more. It's Else from Hesket.

I reckon I've read over 50 old Free Press' looking for names but it's been rewarding. When I get the last one I'll publish the whole thing for everyone to read. I think our history is important to get right, so if I have made any obvious mistakes please let me know!

 

[matt_nicholls]

William Else! Got it, he should make a good story too! First ever Bowen Medal winner. 84 years of age, lives in Port Fairy. Stay tuned!

 

[matt_nicholls]

BOWEN MEDAL WINNERS

1946 William Else (Hesket) and Jack Howard (Riddell) 22 votes.
1947 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 38 votes.
1948 William Else (Hesket) 32 votes.
1949 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 23 votes.
1950 Frank Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 21 votes.
1951 Ray Allen (Macedon) 26 votes.
1952 Ray Russell (Lancefield) 14 votes.
1953 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 17 votes.
1954 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 30 votes.
1955 Barry Palmer (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1956 Jim Godden (Woodend) 26 votes.
1957 Geoff Barber (Kilmore) 31 votes.
1958 Keith Shannon (Lancefield) 21 votes.
1959 Bernie Shannon (Lancefield) 19 votes.
1960 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 26 votes.
1961 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 17 votes.
1962 Bob Holmes (Trentham) 23 votes.
1963 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1964 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 24 votes.
1965 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 23 votes.
1966 Ray Taylor (Macedon) 31 votes.
1967 Ron Howard (Riddell) and Tom Sankey* (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1968 Bryan Lee (Romsey) 27 votes.
1969 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1970 Graham Kays (Gisborne) 38 votes.
1971 Les Benjamin (Wallan) 27 votes.
1972 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 32 votes.
1973 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 27 votes.
1974 Greg Liddell (Kilmore) 32 votes.
1975 Ken Conduit (Sunbury) 28 votes.
1976 Laurie Thomas (Gisborne) 27 votes.
1977 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 21 votes.
1978 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 16 votes.
1979 Greg Beck (W/Hesket) 19 votes.
1980 John Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1981 Shane Muir (W/Hesket) 29 votes.
1982 Ian Benjamin (Wallan) 25 votes.
1983 Brett Hickey (Melton Sth) 19 votes.
1984 Hugh Carey (Melton) and Shane Muir (Melton Sth) 27 votes.
1985 Graham Harrison (Diggers Rest) 22 votes.
1986 Steve Howard (Diggers Rest) 29 votes.
1987 Rod Johnson (Jacana) and Mark Hunter (Melton) 25 votes.
1988 Tas Turley (Sunbury) and Michael Hewat (Darley) 16 votes.
1989 Alexis Miller (Darley) 22 votes.
1990 Steve Nash (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1991 Terry Love (Melton) 21 votes.
1992 Andrew Willmott (Sunbury) 17 votes.
1993 Ibrahim Kaakour (Cragieburn) 21 votes.
1994 Jason Sikorski (Melton Sth) 17 votes.
1995 Mark Power (Sunbury) 26 votes.
1996 Mark Power (Sunbury) 15 votes.
1997 Jamie Cuffe (Romsey) 36 votes.
1998 Gavin Langborne (Wallan) 20 votes.
1999 Dean Fitzpatrick (Wallan) 32 votes.
2000 Luke Edwards (Romsey) 22 votes.
2001 Brett Spencer (Wallan) 26 votes.
2002 Mark Strack (Romsey) and Robbie Wittmer (Kilmore) 25 votes.
2003 Mark Strack (Romsey) 26 votes.
2004 Alistair Meldrum (Romsey) 18 votes.
2005 Lee James (Riddell) 22 votes.
2006 Steve Ruane (Diggers Rest) 23 votes.

* Tom Sankey was an equal winner of the Bowen Medal 1967, but was reported that year. At the time, players who were reported were deemed ineligible. He was awarded a retrospective Bowen Medal when the rules were changed at a later year.

 

[Big Momma]

1999 Dean Fitzpatrick (Wallan) 32 votes.

That year Shane Geddes (Diggers Rest) runner-up with 28 votes. Would of given him the Bowen in any other year post 1999. His name never mentioned on this forum but was a great player at his peak.

 

[Doona2]

Thanks fellas your help is much appreciated. I'm down to one more. It's Else from Hesket.

I reckon I've read over 50 old Free Press' looking for names but it's been rewarding. When I get the last one I'll publish the whole thing for everyone to read. I think our history is important to get right, so if I have made any obvious mistakes please let me know!

I used to do exactly the same thing mate, loved flicking thru all the archive stuff

 

[WISH_I_COULD_KICK]

hey matt were do u get a copy of free press.i was told no chance of getting a copy from the melton area

 

[Itsmyshow]

Anyone that was having problems with the tipping site, it should now be ok...

 

[matt_nicholls]

hey matt were do u get a copy of free press.i was told no chance of getting a copy from the melton area

The furthest it goes from Kilmore is Riddell, Romsey and Lancefield - but the paper will be available on Bowen Medal night.

Thanks for the info on the Powers fellas.

 

[bromanbomber]

BOWEN MEDAL WINNERS

1946 William Else (Hesket) and Jack Howard (Riddell) 22 votes.
1947 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 38 votes.
1948 William Else (Hesket) 32 votes.
1949 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 23 votes.
1950 Frank Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 21 votes.
1951 Ray Allen (Macedon) 26 votes.
1952 Ray Russell (Lancefield) 14 votes.
1953 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 17 votes.
1954 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 30 votes.
1955 Barry Palmer (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1956 Jim Godden (Woodend) 26 votes.
1957 Geoff Barber (Kilmore) 31 votes.
1958 Keith Shannon (Lancefield) 21 votes.
1959 Bernie Shannon (Lancefield) 19 votes.
1960 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 26 votes.
1961 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 17 votes.
1962 Bob Holmes (Trentham) 23 votes.
1963 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1964 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 24 votes.
1965 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 23 votes.
1966 Ray Taylor (Macedon) 31 votes.
1967 Ron Howard (Riddell) and Tom Sankey* (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1968 Bryan Lee (Romsey) 27 votes.
1969 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1970 Graham Kays (Gisborne) 38 votes.
1971 Les Benjamin (Wallan) 27 votes.
1972 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 32 votes.
1973 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 27 votes.
1974 Greg Liddell (Kilmore) 32 votes.
1975 Ken Conduit (Sunbury) 28 votes.
1976 Laurie Thomas (Gisborne) 27 votes.
1977 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 21 votes.
1978 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 16 votes.
1979 Greg Beck (W/Hesket) 19 votes.
1980 John Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1981 Shane Muir (W/Hesket) 29 votes.
1982 Ian Benjamin (Wallan) 25 votes.
1983 Brett Hickey (Melton Sth) 19 votes.
1984 Hugh Carey (Melton) and Shane Muir (Melton Sth) 27 votes.
1985 Graham Harrison (Diggers Rest) 22 votes.
1986 Steve Howard (Diggers Rest) 29 votes.
1987 Rod Johnson (Jacana) and Mark Hunter (Melton) 25 votes.
1988 Tas Turley (Sunbury) and Michael Hewat (Darley) 16 votes.
1989 Alexis Miller (Darley) 22 votes.
1990 Steve Nash (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1991 Terry Love (Melton) 21 votes.
1992 Andrew Willmott (Sunbury) 17 votes.
1993 Ibrahim Kaakour (Cragieburn) 21 votes.
1994 Jason Sikorski (Melton Sth) 17 votes.
1995 Mark Power (Sunbury) 26 votes.
1996 Mark Power (Sunbury) 15 votes.
1997 Jamie Cuffe (Romsey) 36 votes.
1998 Gavin Langborne (Wallan) 20 votes.
1999 Dean Fitzpatrick (Wallan) 32 votes.
2000 Luke Edwards (Romsey) 22 votes.
2001 Brett Spencer (Wallan) 26 votes.
2002 Mark Strack (Romsey) and Robbie Wittmer (Kilmore) 25 votes.
2003 Mark Strack (Romsey) 26 votes.
2004 Alistair Meldrum (Romsey) 18 votes.
2005 Lee James (Riddell) 22 votes.
2006 Steve Ruane (Diggers Rest) 23 votes.

* Tom Sankey was an equal winner of the Bowen Medal 1967, but was reported that year. At the time, players who were reported were deemed ineligible. He was awarded a retrospective Bowen Medal when the rules were changed at a later year.

A father son combination there (L and I Benjamain), also I'm pretty sure that D Fitzpatirck is a relation of the Benjamin family as well. Adam Benjamin would've come close as well after he came back to Wallan after being on Geelongs list. Very good player

 

[Harry Wilson]

From outsider reading your posts Harry which are always quite informative It seems that you have the nous to become a senior coach someday. Is this something Harry wants to do ? Has Harry been approached by any clubs for next year ? As your (Harry's) knowledge of the league is on a par with IMS and Mike Lyon.

Sloth, I'd love to coach some day, but right now I think I'm still a little wet behind the ears. I'm enjoying playing senior footy at the moment and am also enjoying a leadership role. Perhaps in the next couple of years I'll expand into an assistant coach, or maybe start out with the under 18's. I don't think Dippa would be too happy about me wanting his job. Never been approached by another club. I don't know that I ever would be. I don't quite have the profile. Maybe one day.

P.S. No Harry's Happenings until later tonight boys.

 

[rightfoot_sloth]

Thanks Harry. I think you have cleared it up ! Speaking from experience and I reckon IMS could back this up. The 18's is a great way to start coaching if you are interested down the track. Its good footy and most of the kids are wanting to be there ! Good luck tomorrow.

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

BOWEN MEDAL WINNERS

1946 William Else (Hesket) and Jack Howard (Riddell) 22 votes.
1947 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 38 votes.
1948 William Else (Hesket) 32 votes.
1949 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 23 votes.
1950 Frank Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 21 votes.
1951 Ray Allen (Macedon) 26 votes.
1952 Ray Russell (Lancefield) 14 votes.
1953 Bill Shaw (Romsey) 17 votes.
1954 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 30 votes.
1955 Barry Palmer (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1956 Jim Godden (Woodend) 26 votes.
1957 Geoff Barber (Kilmore) 31 votes.
1958 Keith Shannon (Lancefield) 21 votes.
1959 Bernie Shannon (Lancefield) 19 votes.
1960 Jack Hiscock (Trentham) 26 votes.
1961 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 17 votes.
1962 Bob Holmes (Trentham) 23 votes.
1963 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1964 Rodney Muir (Hesket) 24 votes.
1965 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 23 votes.
1966 Ray Taylor (Macedon) 31 votes.
1967 Ron Howard (Riddell) and Tom Sankey* (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1968 Bryan Lee (Romsey) 27 votes.
1969 Tom Sankey (Gisborne) 26 votes.
1970 Graham Kays (Gisborne) 38 votes.
1971 Les Benjamin (Wallan) 27 votes.
1972 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 32 votes.
1973 Allan Rettalick (Riddell) 27 votes.
1974 Greg Liddell (Kilmore) 32 votes.
1975 Ken Conduit (Sunbury) 28 votes.
1976 Laurie Thomas (Gisborne) 27 votes.
1977 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 21 votes.
1978 Scott Sheldon (Melton) 16 votes.
1979 Greg Beck (W/Hesket) 19 votes.
1980 John Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 22 votes.
1981 Shane Muir (W/Hesket) 29 votes.
1982 Ian Benjamin (Wallan) 25 votes.
1983 Brett Hickey (Melton Sth) 19 votes.
1984 Hugh Carey (Melton) and Shane Muir (Melton Sth) 27 votes.
1985 Graham Harrison (Diggers Rest) 22 votes.
1986 Steve Howard (Diggers Rest) 29 votes.
1987 Rod Johnson (Jacana) and Mark Hunter (Melton) 25 votes.
1988 Tas Turley (Sunbury) and Michael Hewat (Darley) 16 votes.
1989 Alexis Miller (Darley) 22 votes.
1990 Steve Nash (Sunbury) 25 votes.
1991 Terry Love (Melton) 21 votes.
1992 Andrew Willmott (Sunbury) 17 votes.
1993 Ibrahim Kaakour (Cragieburn) 21 votes.
1994 Jason Sikorski (Melton Sth) 17 votes.
1995 Mark Power (Sunbury) 26 votes.
1996 Mark Power (Sunbury) 15 votes.
1997 Jamie Cuffe (Romsey) 36 votes.
1998 Gavin Langborne (Wallan) 20 votes.
1999 Dean Fitzpatrick (Wallan) 32 votes.
2000 Luke Edwards (Romsey) 22 votes.
2001 Brett Spencer (Wallan) 26 votes.
2002 Mark Strack (Romsey) and Robbie Wittmer (Kilmore) 25 votes.
2003 Mark Strack (Romsey) 26 votes.
2004 Alistair Meldrum (Romsey) 18 votes.
2005 Lee James (Riddell) 22 votes.
2006 Steve Ruane (Diggers Rest) 23 votes.

* Tom Sankey was an equal winner of the Bowen Medal 1967, but was reported that year. At the time, players who were reported were deemed ineligible. He was awarded a retrospective Bowen Medal when the rules were changed at a later year.

Its a pity Matt Fitzgerald isnt able to carry on the family tradition & win one like his grandfather & father before him !

I seem to have a recolection of Tony Lucas winning one whilst he was at Sunbury, but his name is not here, can anyone shed any light please ?

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Tips for Rnd 18

Diggers - Easy.

Riddell - Just.

Kilmore - Easy.

Melton - Very Easy.

Woodend/Romsey - Draw.

Good Luck to all.

 

[bearsboy]

Its a pity Matt Fitzgerald isnt able to carry on the family tradition & win one like his grandfather & father before him !

I seem to have a recolection of Tony Lucas winning one whilst he was at Sunbury, but his name is not here, can anyone shed any light please ?

Matty Fitzgerald won the Bendigo league B&F (Michelson medal) a couple of years ago.

The honour boards at Gisborne show 3 generations of Fitzgeralds winning league medals.

 

[matt_nicholls]

Its a pity Matt Fitzgerald isnt able to carry on the family tradition & win one like his grandfather & father before him !

I seem to have a recolection of Tony Lucas winning one whilst he was at Sunbury, but his name is not here, can anyone shed any light please ?

Good spot, the RDFL never had Lucas down as a winner in their annual report last year and on their Bowen Medal publication, but the Free Press states that Tony Lucas tied with Steve Howard in 1986 with 29 votes.

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Good spot, the RDFL never had Lucas down as a winner in their annual report last year and on their Bowen Medal publication, but the Free Press states that Tony Lucas tied with Steve Howard in 1986 with 29 votes.

Was sure Tony won one (top player & bloke), thanks Matt, He is a cousin of the Fitzgeralds too !

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

There must be warning lights & a siren on top of his PC when anyone mentions anything about Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh G******* !

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Have it on good authority that Leigh McInerney will miss tomorrows big game against the Bombers after being diagnosed during the week with chronic Necrophilia !

 

[blues12]

Big day tommorrow at Boardman Reserve
The action kicks off at 10
The under 18s starting the day, both sides with 6 wins and Riddell some extra percentage. A win will guarantee a finals berth, a draw will see Riddell sneak in.
Then at 12
The Reserves are playing for 3rd spot, a win to the roos will see them play diggers next week in the first final, a win to riddell could see them grab 3rd if Romsey lose to woodend.
Then at 2:00 the Big One
The Seniors, After so much hype the last time these 2 sides met that turned into a one sided affair, this could be different. Despite a loss last week the roos will be out to show they can match it with the big guns come finals.
A win will see them confirm 3rd, a loss could mathematically see them drop to 4th.
What a day of local football, if you have nothing to do get there.

 

[matt_nicholls]

While finding the Bowen Medal winners, I also found out all the premiership winners (first and second division) from 1945 - 2006. I've compiled a list from most successful club to least successful in terms of premierships.

Sunbury - 12 (1953, 55, 57, 69, 74, 76, 77, 82, 87, 88, 90, 95).
Gisborne - 10 (1962, 65, 67, 72, 75, 78, 79, 97, 98, 99).
Lancefield - 9 (1945, 46, 49, 52, 58, 66, 95, 96, 2004).
Riddell - 9 (1947, 70, 80, 82, 90, 91, 92, 2005, 06).
Romsey - 7 (1948, 50, 51, 63, 68, 75, 2003).
Melton - 5 (1973, 81, 83, 84, 86).
Kilmore - 4 (1971, 87, 94, 2001).
Wallan - 4 (1977, 85, 88, 92).
Woodend/Hesket - 3 (1978, 83, 2002).
Trentham - 3 (1956, 59, 61).
Darley - 2 (1989, 95).
Broadford - 2 (1981, 84).
Craigieburn - 2 (1979, 93).
Woodend - 1 (1964).
Hesket - 1 (1960).
Macedon - 1 (1976).
Melton South - 1 (1994).
Moomba Park - 1 (1991).
Northern Eagles - 1 (1988).
Diggers Rest - 1 (1993).
Jacana - 1 (2000).

Sunbury Rovers/Kangaroos - 0
Rockbank - 0
Darraweit - 0
Fawkner Park - 0

I hope I haven't forgotten any side that hasn't won a flag. Forgive me if I have and enlighten me as to who I've overlooked.

 

[stubby holder]

While finding the Bowen Medal winners, I also found out all the premiership winners (first and second division) from 1945 - 2006. I've compiled a list from most successful club to least successful in terms of premierships.

Sunbury - 12 (1953, 55, 57, 69, 74, 76, 77, 82, 87, 88, 90, 95).
Gisborne - 10 (1962, 65, 67, 72, 75, 78, 79, 97, 98, 99).
Lancefield - 9 (1945, 46, 49, 52, 58, 66, 95, 96, 2004).
Riddell - 9 (1947, 70, 80, 82, 90, 91, 92, 2005, 06).
Romsey - 7 (1948, 50, 51, 63, 68, 75, 2003).
Melton - 5 (1973, 81, 83, 84, 86).
Kilmore - 4 (1971, 87, 94, 2001).
Wallan - 4 (1977, 85, 88, 92).
Woodend/Hesket - 3 (1978, 83, 2002).
Trentham - 3 (1956, 59, 61).
Darley - 2 (1989, 95).
Broadford - 2 (1981, 84).
Craigieburn - 2 (1979, 93).
Woodend - 1 (1964).
Hesket - 1 (1960).
Macedon - 1 (1976).
Melton South - 1 (1994).
Moomba Park - 1 (1991).
Northern Eagles - 1 (1988).
Diggers Rest - 1 (1993).
Jacana - 1 (2000).

Sunbury Rovers/Kangaroos - 0
Rockbank - 0
Darraweit - 0
Fawkner Park - 0

I hope I haven't forgotten any side that hasn't won a flag. Forgive me if I have and enlighten me as to who I've overlooked.

Sunbury won 1996 Division 1

 

[rightfoot_sloth]

While finding the Bowen Medal winners, I also found out all the premiership winners (first and second division) from 1945 - 2006. I've compiled a list from most successful club to least successful in terms of premierships.

Sunbury - 12 (1953, 55, 57, 69, 74, 76, 77, 82, 87, 88, 90, 95).
Gisborne - 10 (1962, 65, 67, 72, 75, 78, 79, 97, 98, 99).
Lancefield - 9 (1945, 46, 49, 52, 58, 66, 95, 96, 2004).
Riddell - 9 (1947, 70, 80, 82, 90, 91, 92, 2005, 06).
Romsey - 7 (1948, 50, 51, 63, 68, 75, 2003).
Melton - 5 (1973, 81, 83, 84, 86).
Kilmore - 4 (1971, 87, 94, 2001).
Wallan - 4 (1977, 85, 88, 92).
Woodend/Hesket - 3 (1978, 83, 2002).
Trentham - 3 (1956, 59, 61).
Darley - 2 (1989, 95).
Broadford - 2 (1981, 84).
Craigieburn - 2 (1979, 93).
Woodend - 1 (1964).
Hesket - 1 (1960).
Macedon - 1 (1976).
Melton South - 1 (1994).
Moomba Park - 1 (1991).
Northern Eagles - 1 (1988).
Diggers Rest - 1 (1993).
Jacana - 1 (2000).

Sunbury Rovers/Kangaroos - 0
Rockbank - 0
Darraweit - 0
Fawkner Park - 0

I hope I haven't forgotten any side that hasn't won a flag. Forgive me if I have and enlighten me as to who I've overlooked.

Matt - Another club was North Fawkner circa 1990 in the RDFL and Jacana played under the name of Broadmeadows United in the early 90's.

Cheers,
Sloth

 

[blues12]

Matt - Another club was North Fawkner circa 1990 in the RDFL and Jacana played under the name of Broadmeadows United in the early 90's.

Cheers,
Sloth

North fawkner merged with Moomba Park in the mid to late 90s

 

[matt_nicholls]

Thanks fellas. You're right, Sunbury did win it in 1996, not 95.

 

[matt_nicholls]

There's approximately three hours until the bounce down of the final home and away match of the season.

For Kilmore and Diggers Rest fans, the moment has come.

The Burra are lucky as they have control of whether they play in finals. Kilmore on the other hand, have two things to be concerned about - beating Rockbank and praying Lancefield can cause an upset, their second in a row.

I struggled to sleep last night to be honest, I think I might be more nervous than the players. For me, Broadford also need to win the last match of the round to play finals. As a sports writer, I tend to barrack for all the clubs in my area. There is nothing better than writing about finals.

In the words of Harry, good luck to all those pulling them on today and I'll report back this evening with an update for you all.

It's a ripper day and you can smell finals in the air. Enjoy!!