From this week's Footy Record:
CHI
7 v DET
0 Q1
ATL
3 v TB
3 Q1
CIN
7 v IND
0 Q1
NO
0 v CAR
0 Q1
BAL
0 v LA
3 Q1
CLE
7 v JAX
0 Q1
NYJ
0 v HOU
0 Q1
SF
0 v SEA
0 PM
DAL
0 v PHI
0 PM
KC
0 v BUF
0 PM
LV
0 v MIN
0 PM
LA
0 v DEN
0 PM
PAL
9.8
62 v WAN
11.14
80 FT
STM
8.10
58 v NCL
11.9
75 FT
WAR
13.8
86 v SD
14.11
95 FT
WSW
3 v MVC
4 FT
SYD
0 v MAC
2 FT
ADE
0 v BRI
2 FT
LAL
123 v IND
109 FT
ORL
123 v DET
91 FT
SA
112 v CHI
121 FT
PHI
125 v ATL
114 FT
PHX
106 v SAC
114 FT
CHA
119 v TOR
116 FT
ADE
101 v CNS
116 FT
OKC
138 v GS
136 FT
MIA
99 v CLE
111 FT
DEN
106 v HOU
114 FT
UTH
103 v LAC
117 FT
MEL
103 v BNE
68 FT
POR
112 v DAL
125 FT
WEL
0 v NEW
3 FT
BRO
124 v WSH
97 FT
BOS
133 v NY
123 FT
SYD
94 v SEM
104 FT
MEM
103 v MIN
127 FT
Resource The NMFC History thread
- Thread starter Teffy
- Start date
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- Mar 11, 2006
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Anyone old enough to assist is too old to be able to read that.
Fair point - it looked better when I originally snipped it.
Col Hutchinson is looking for any information on NMFC players:
Arthur Batchelor
Claude Curtin
Dudley Cassidy
Allan Crawford
John Dowling
Dion Kemp
George Kennedy
Email col.hutchinson@afl.com.au
Darryl Sutton – underrated poise and consistency
Great work getting that for us GF. Darryl was one of those blokes that successful teams cannot do without. He originally came over from Tassie in the early 70s with big wraps as a full forward. Legend has it that one of our recruiters went to Tassie to check out full forwards. The one he was sent to check turned out too fat and slow, so he passed. He decided that Darryl Sutton was the man. Darryl came over but went home after one year but then returned and played in the 77 Premiership. A very versatile player. So sad that that horrible disease took him so early. We did have much success with players who went away and were enticed back a few years later and made a huge difference...Gary Farrant, Peter Chisnall, Phil 'Snake' Baker, Darryl Sutton...and Barry Cable. By the way, the fat, slow bloke from Tassie that we overlooked did come over for a few games with another club, but didn't amount to much apparently. Peter Hudson was his name I think. True story. The recruiter tells the story against himself.Darryl Sutton – underrated poise and consistency
www.footyalmanac.com.au
1932---A VAST IMPROVEMENT.
North had hit rock bottom. The previous three seasons (1929-31) had yielded a total of two wins. The club lost every match in 1931 by an average of 54 points. They had gone through seven different coaches since 1927 and were suffering financially through low attendances and the effects of The Great Depression, which hit North harder than other clubs. They had the lowest membership in the league and their local recruiting district was small, a large section of it being taken up by factories and European migrants who had no interest in the game or the club. This meant they did not have as much local business support as other clubs. They were obliged to reduce player payments in 1931 and also to approach the VFL for financial assistance. There were rumours of the club being excluded from the VFL, along with Footscray and Hawthorn. These were later proved unfounded.
Against this bleak background, the club remained optimistic and planned to lift itself off the bottom of the ladder. One of the first things to do was to find a new coach. Champion player John Lewis had held the job in 1931 but was unsuccessful. In February, North appointed Richmond ruckman Jack Bisset to the post. However, Bisset ended up going to South Melbourne, who had found him employment. North then approached Melbourne champion Dick Taylor and appointed him to the position before Taylor had got his clearance from Melbourne. Due to his outstanding service, Melbourne granted it. Taylor usually played on the wing or half-forward and would prove to be a good leader.
To further encourage the team, Mr Rich Homsey, a local tailor and club committee member offered a weekly trophy of 10/6d to the best player in the side. The winner would be selected after each match by Mr Homsey, club secretary John Meere and a representative from the Sporting Globe. The player who won the most awards would receive a new suit from Mr Homsey at the end of the season.
North now went after several players at other clubs. Getting a player at times also involved finding them employment. This was the case with St Kilda winger Jack Smith, who was cleared on the condition that North get him a job. The other new recruits who played this year with varying degrees of success were:
Leslie Allen—Former Carlton forward who had scored 87 goals in two seasons with that club.
Thomas Fitzmaurice—Former Essendon and Geelong champion who had retired from VFL football in 1928 and was now at Yarraville. Made his name as a high-flying centre-half-back and ruckman, but would be used on the forward line by North. Aged 33 he was still very capable.
Edward Llewellen—Geelong follower who had been overlooked by Geelong’s selectors for their Grand Final team in 1931.
Jack Welsh—Also from Geelong but had not played with them since 1930. Had spent the 1931 season at Werribee or Geelong West.
Jack Patterson—A little rover who had played with South Melbourne in 1931.
Max Millen---From South Melbourne. Brother of the former Fitzroy champion rover Jack.
Frank Pearce---Fitzroy defender
Thomas Leather---Scottish born Richmond junior who would go on to play cricket for state and country
Hugh Carroll---Rover from Ouyen
Jack Lynch---Former North utility player who played with the club from 1925-27, then returned this season after playing some time with Port Fairy.
Other new players who had little impact were: Thomas Dunne (Richmond), and Fitzroy pair Arthur Batchelor and Dinny Dowd.
North also had some good established players in Lewis, Cameron, Adamson, Baker, Carter, Gaudion, Gregory, Huggins, Jerram and Matthews as well as an emerging local player in Wrout.
The club looked forward eagerly to the opening of the season, desperate to prove that were better than their 1931 performance seemed to indicate. They had matched it with most teams for part of the game, but then tended to fade. Also their performance dropped when Johnny Lewis went off the ball and a glaring weakness since they had come into the League was the forward line. Hopefully these things would be rectified.
(To be Continued)
North had hit rock bottom. The previous three seasons (1929-31) had yielded a total of two wins. The club lost every match in 1931 by an average of 54 points. They had gone through seven different coaches since 1927 and were suffering financially through low attendances and the effects of The Great Depression, which hit North harder than other clubs. They had the lowest membership in the league and their local recruiting district was small, a large section of it being taken up by factories and European migrants who had no interest in the game or the club. This meant they did not have as much local business support as other clubs. They were obliged to reduce player payments in 1931 and also to approach the VFL for financial assistance. There were rumours of the club being excluded from the VFL, along with Footscray and Hawthorn. These were later proved unfounded.
Against this bleak background, the club remained optimistic and planned to lift itself off the bottom of the ladder. One of the first things to do was to find a new coach. Champion player John Lewis had held the job in 1931 but was unsuccessful. In February, North appointed Richmond ruckman Jack Bisset to the post. However, Bisset ended up going to South Melbourne, who had found him employment. North then approached Melbourne champion Dick Taylor and appointed him to the position before Taylor had got his clearance from Melbourne. Due to his outstanding service, Melbourne granted it. Taylor usually played on the wing or half-forward and would prove to be a good leader.
To further encourage the team, Mr Rich Homsey, a local tailor and club committee member offered a weekly trophy of 10/6d to the best player in the side. The winner would be selected after each match by Mr Homsey, club secretary John Meere and a representative from the Sporting Globe. The player who won the most awards would receive a new suit from Mr Homsey at the end of the season.
North now went after several players at other clubs. Getting a player at times also involved finding them employment. This was the case with St Kilda winger Jack Smith, who was cleared on the condition that North get him a job. The other new recruits who played this year with varying degrees of success were:
Leslie Allen—Former Carlton forward who had scored 87 goals in two seasons with that club.
Thomas Fitzmaurice—Former Essendon and Geelong champion who had retired from VFL football in 1928 and was now at Yarraville. Made his name as a high-flying centre-half-back and ruckman, but would be used on the forward line by North. Aged 33 he was still very capable.
Edward Llewellen—Geelong follower who had been overlooked by Geelong’s selectors for their Grand Final team in 1931.
Jack Welsh—Also from Geelong but had not played with them since 1930. Had spent the 1931 season at Werribee or Geelong West.
Jack Patterson—A little rover who had played with South Melbourne in 1931.
Max Millen---From South Melbourne. Brother of the former Fitzroy champion rover Jack.
Frank Pearce---Fitzroy defender
Thomas Leather---Scottish born Richmond junior who would go on to play cricket for state and country
Hugh Carroll---Rover from Ouyen
Jack Lynch---Former North utility player who played with the club from 1925-27, then returned this season after playing some time with Port Fairy.
Other new players who had little impact were: Thomas Dunne (Richmond), and Fitzroy pair Arthur Batchelor and Dinny Dowd.
North also had some good established players in Lewis, Cameron, Adamson, Baker, Carter, Gaudion, Gregory, Huggins, Jerram and Matthews as well as an emerging local player in Wrout.
The club looked forward eagerly to the opening of the season, desperate to prove that were better than their 1931 performance seemed to indicate. They had matched it with most teams for part of the game, but then tended to fade. Also their performance dropped when Johnny Lewis went off the ball and a glaring weakness since they had come into the League was the forward line. Hopefully these things would be rectified.
(To be Continued)
A good read about the rise of Wang Rovers in the early 70’s with a young Mick Nolan, Phillip Doherty, Terry Bartel (father of Jimmy), Steve Norman (father of Karl) etc
www.footyalmanac.com.au
‘The birth of a fabulous era…’ by KB Hill
1932 (Cont..)
Round 1---Geelong
North opened the season with a difficult away game against reigning premiers Geelong, who they had only ever beaten once. With six new men in the side, they took the game right up to the home team. But a seven goal burst in the third quarter enabled Geelong to break away and win by 27 points, having won their 1931 encounter with North by 67. Best for North were Gaudion, Jerram, Lewis, Smith, Allen and Selwyn Baker, who kicked four goals and whose direct opponent was his older brother Edward. A local supporter collapsed and died during the match.
Lewis contests a mark.
Round 2---Essendon
North brought in their prized recruit Tom Fitzmaurice as well as Fitzroy pair Arthur Batchelor and Frank Pearce. For the first time they had a reliable target on the forward line. Fitmaurice and Allen would be North’s chief goalkickers this season. North led for the first three quarters, putting on an amazing display of skills and pace and had Essendon rattled. But they tired in the last quarter, allowing Essendon to overtake them and win by 17 points. Fitzmaurice scored 5.3, including two posters and almost enabled North to win. Other good players were Gregory, Gaudion, Huggins, Smith, Pearce, Lewis, Jerram, Leather and Taylor. North were happy with their performance despite the defeat. For the second consecutive week at a North match a spectator collapsed and died.
During the week, there was drama with Fitzmaurice. Apparently he had been in communication with the Warracknabeal club while still in talks with North. He was cleared by Yarraville and the VFL to play with North, but in the meantime, Warracknabeal had appointed him coach and claimed that North had promised to clear him after playing the Essendon match. But after his performance against Essendon, North were determined to keep him and would not grant him a clearance to the country club. He and North officials went to Warracknabeal to explain that he would be staying with North. Warracknabeal protested and the case was investigated by the VFL who ruled in favour of North.
Despite two opening losses, North’s improvement was obvious to all.
Round 3---Fitzroy
New player Millen replaced Batchelor in the side. After 33 consecutive defeats, North broke through for their first win since Round 5 1930. The match was close and exciting, with Fitzroy winning in most positions. But Lewis was dominating in the ruck, playing his 50th consecutive match for North—a club record. Despite having champion payers Bunton, Smallhorn and Moriarty, Fitzroy were in for a lean season this year and North overcame a two point ¾ time deficit to win by 19 points. Best players were Huggins, Smith, Baker (four goals), Fitzmaurice (6 goals, his 11 goals in two weeks was a club record), Gaudion and Jerram.
Round 1---Geelong
North opened the season with a difficult away game against reigning premiers Geelong, who they had only ever beaten once. With six new men in the side, they took the game right up to the home team. But a seven goal burst in the third quarter enabled Geelong to break away and win by 27 points, having won their 1931 encounter with North by 67. Best for North were Gaudion, Jerram, Lewis, Smith, Allen and Selwyn Baker, who kicked four goals and whose direct opponent was his older brother Edward. A local supporter collapsed and died during the match.
Lewis contests a mark.
Round 2---Essendon
North brought in their prized recruit Tom Fitzmaurice as well as Fitzroy pair Arthur Batchelor and Frank Pearce. For the first time they had a reliable target on the forward line. Fitmaurice and Allen would be North’s chief goalkickers this season. North led for the first three quarters, putting on an amazing display of skills and pace and had Essendon rattled. But they tired in the last quarter, allowing Essendon to overtake them and win by 17 points. Fitzmaurice scored 5.3, including two posters and almost enabled North to win. Other good players were Gregory, Gaudion, Huggins, Smith, Pearce, Lewis, Jerram, Leather and Taylor. North were happy with their performance despite the defeat. For the second consecutive week at a North match a spectator collapsed and died.
During the week, there was drama with Fitzmaurice. Apparently he had been in communication with the Warracknabeal club while still in talks with North. He was cleared by Yarraville and the VFL to play with North, but in the meantime, Warracknabeal had appointed him coach and claimed that North had promised to clear him after playing the Essendon match. But after his performance against Essendon, North were determined to keep him and would not grant him a clearance to the country club. He and North officials went to Warracknabeal to explain that he would be staying with North. Warracknabeal protested and the case was investigated by the VFL who ruled in favour of North.
Despite two opening losses, North’s improvement was obvious to all.
Round 3---Fitzroy
New player Millen replaced Batchelor in the side. After 33 consecutive defeats, North broke through for their first win since Round 5 1930. The match was close and exciting, with Fitzroy winning in most positions. But Lewis was dominating in the ruck, playing his 50th consecutive match for North—a club record. Despite having champion payers Bunton, Smallhorn and Moriarty, Fitzroy were in for a lean season this year and North overcame a two point ¾ time deficit to win by 19 points. Best players were Huggins, Smith, Baker (four goals), Fitzmaurice (6 goals, his 11 goals in two weeks was a club record), Gaudion and Jerram.
1932 (Cont..)
Round 4 ---South Melbourne
North put on another great display in a game they should have won. Like North, South had recruited well and would make the finals this season—they would be undefeated until Round 11. North led nearly all day but lost the match in the third quarter when they scored 1.7 with the wind. Jerram and Gaudion played well in defence for North. Other good players were Baker, Patterson Cameron and Allen. Fitzmaurice was beaten on the day by South full-back Hillis. Taylor was reported by four umpires for elbowing Hillis. In spite of his past good record, he was suspended for four matches, meaning he could not coach the side for that time. This match also highlighted North’s need for a louder bell at Arden St. The roar at the end of the game almost drowned it out. As North had been robbed, so were several spectators—by pickpockets in the crowd.
Round 5---Melbourne
North recorded a 30 point win over Melbourne with another good display, leaving Melbourne the only winless team. They had beaten Melbourne only once—in 1925—prior to this. Long kicking, high marking and solid defence highlighted North’s game. Melbourne’s forwards missed some easy shots for goal. Best for North were Lewis, Fitzmaurice (7goals--a club record), Gaudion, Jerram, Allen, Baker, Gregory and Pearce.
Round 6---St Kilda
Matthews came in for his first match since Round 16 last year, Three players who had sustained minor injuries against Melbourne—Gaudion, Fitzmaurice and Smith—all lined up. The match was fast, exciting and close all day, with first one side then the other superior. It was North’s hard driving straight-ahead game against St Kilda’s high marking, handball and playing through the wings. Inaccuracy almost cost North, who had their defenders to thank once again for their narrow five point win. Smith kicked the winner against his old club. Fitzmaurice, Allen and Baker all kicked four goals. Jerram, Gregory, Pearce, Lewis and Donnellan were best for North.
Round 4 ---South Melbourne
North put on another great display in a game they should have won. Like North, South had recruited well and would make the finals this season—they would be undefeated until Round 11. North led nearly all day but lost the match in the third quarter when they scored 1.7 with the wind. Jerram and Gaudion played well in defence for North. Other good players were Baker, Patterson Cameron and Allen. Fitzmaurice was beaten on the day by South full-back Hillis. Taylor was reported by four umpires for elbowing Hillis. In spite of his past good record, he was suspended for four matches, meaning he could not coach the side for that time. This match also highlighted North’s need for a louder bell at Arden St. The roar at the end of the game almost drowned it out. As North had been robbed, so were several spectators—by pickpockets in the crowd.
Round 5---Melbourne
North recorded a 30 point win over Melbourne with another good display, leaving Melbourne the only winless team. They had beaten Melbourne only once—in 1925—prior to this. Long kicking, high marking and solid defence highlighted North’s game. Melbourne’s forwards missed some easy shots for goal. Best for North were Lewis, Fitzmaurice (7goals--a club record), Gaudion, Jerram, Allen, Baker, Gregory and Pearce.
Round 6---St Kilda
Matthews came in for his first match since Round 16 last year, Three players who had sustained minor injuries against Melbourne—Gaudion, Fitzmaurice and Smith—all lined up. The match was fast, exciting and close all day, with first one side then the other superior. It was North’s hard driving straight-ahead game against St Kilda’s high marking, handball and playing through the wings. Inaccuracy almost cost North, who had their defenders to thank once again for their narrow five point win. Smith kicked the winner against his old club. Fitzmaurice, Allen and Baker all kicked four goals. Jerram, Gregory, Pearce, Lewis and Donnellan were best for North.
1932 (Cont..)
Round 7---Footscray
North put in a disappointing performance at home against Footscray. Accuracy kept them in the game until half-time, after which Footscray pulled away to win by 29 points. North’s accuracy deserted them in the last quarter, when they scored 1.5 with the wind. Footscray won across the centre—usually one of North’s strengths—and just about every other position in the last quarter. There were some fine individual efforts, but many Northerners lacked energy or courage to go through with the ball. Fitzmaurice’s first four kicks were goals and he ended up with five. Other better players for North were Carter, Welsh, Baker and Leather.
Round 8---Carlton
North were looking for only their second win against Carlton. Gaudion, Smith and Jackson, all injured against Footscray, would miss this game. Adamson, who would be restricted to two appearances this season due to restrictions placed on him by his employer, the Fire Brigade, and Syd Barker jnr, who had not played since Round 1,came in along with Wrout and Millen. Donnellan was also omitted and Carroll, in his first match, was 19th man. Lewis opened at centre-half-forward with Llewellyn in the ruck. Once again it was the third quarter that killed North when bad luck struck. Gregory bruised his back in a collision with a team mate. Carroll came on to replace him, and accidentally kicked Carter in the hand, breaking his thumb. Carter, who had been playing brilliantly on the wing, was forced to retire for a time, and was of little use afterwards. Carlton took advantage of his absence and having a loose man and scored seven goals to two in the third quarter. They won by 27 points. Fitzmaurice, when he found he could not outmark Gill, the Carlton fullback, constantly punched the ball down to the North rovers. Patterson, Millen and Carter (until injured) were North’s best, along with Jerram, Pearce, Matthews (who played a good game on Carlton’s full forward Vallence) and Adamson.
Round 9---Collingwood.
North left out Allen and Leather (omitted) as well as Adamson, Carter and Gregory (all injured). New player Dunne (ex Carlton & Richmond) was included along with Batchelor and Smith. Captain-coach Taylor returned from suspension. North may have improved but were still not good enough to beat Collingwood especially at Victoria Park. Allen came into the side at the last minute, replacing Smith (influenza). He was the only successsful forward, kicking five goals. North battled desperately, but Collingwood were too good, winning by 39 points. Best were Huggins, Allen, Lewis, Jerram, Matthews, Patterson and Taylor.
Round 7---Footscray
North put in a disappointing performance at home against Footscray. Accuracy kept them in the game until half-time, after which Footscray pulled away to win by 29 points. North’s accuracy deserted them in the last quarter, when they scored 1.5 with the wind. Footscray won across the centre—usually one of North’s strengths—and just about every other position in the last quarter. There were some fine individual efforts, but many Northerners lacked energy or courage to go through with the ball. Fitzmaurice’s first four kicks were goals and he ended up with five. Other better players for North were Carter, Welsh, Baker and Leather.
Round 8---Carlton
North were looking for only their second win against Carlton. Gaudion, Smith and Jackson, all injured against Footscray, would miss this game. Adamson, who would be restricted to two appearances this season due to restrictions placed on him by his employer, the Fire Brigade, and Syd Barker jnr, who had not played since Round 1,came in along with Wrout and Millen. Donnellan was also omitted and Carroll, in his first match, was 19th man. Lewis opened at centre-half-forward with Llewellyn in the ruck. Once again it was the third quarter that killed North when bad luck struck. Gregory bruised his back in a collision with a team mate. Carroll came on to replace him, and accidentally kicked Carter in the hand, breaking his thumb. Carter, who had been playing brilliantly on the wing, was forced to retire for a time, and was of little use afterwards. Carlton took advantage of his absence and having a loose man and scored seven goals to two in the third quarter. They won by 27 points. Fitzmaurice, when he found he could not outmark Gill, the Carlton fullback, constantly punched the ball down to the North rovers. Patterson, Millen and Carter (until injured) were North’s best, along with Jerram, Pearce, Matthews (who played a good game on Carlton’s full forward Vallence) and Adamson.
Round 9---Collingwood.
North left out Allen and Leather (omitted) as well as Adamson, Carter and Gregory (all injured). New player Dunne (ex Carlton & Richmond) was included along with Batchelor and Smith. Captain-coach Taylor returned from suspension. North may have improved but were still not good enough to beat Collingwood especially at Victoria Park. Allen came into the side at the last minute, replacing Smith (influenza). He was the only successsful forward, kicking five goals. North battled desperately, but Collingwood were too good, winning by 39 points. Best were Huggins, Allen, Lewis, Jerram, Matthews, Patterson and Taylor.
Last edited:
- Sep 8, 2000
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We may need to put this one to a vote, but I think we may have won this trade. 
Trade Flashback: John Blakey
Trade Flashback: John Blakey
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Sure as hell, if BigFooty was around back then, there would've been the usual Chicken Littles carrying on about how we 'lost' the trade.We may need to put this one to a vote, but I think we may have won this trade.
Trade Flashback: John Blakey
PS - as I've posted on numerous occasions, it is a dead set disgrace that Johnny B is not in the AFL Hall of Fame.
1932 (Cont...)
Round 10---Hawthorn
North made five changes for the Hawthorn match. Gregory, Smith, Carter, Bill Lewis (John’s brother) and former player Jack Lynch came in at the expense of Carroll, Millen, Batchelor, Wrout and Welsh. Smith still had the flu and would withdraw from the team for the second time in two weeks, allowing Welsh back in and Carroll became 19th man. After the first quarter, North generally prevailed by virtue of speed and strength and won by 47 points. Taylor was best on the ground. Other good players were Patterson, Carter, Jerram, Lewis, Llewelyn and Lynch. Fitzmaurice and Allen kicked eight goals between them.
Round 11---Richmond
North had lost their two 1931 encounters with Richmond by a combined 207 points. The first one in particular was humiliating, Richmond scoring a record 30.19-199. North, who had never beaten Richmond and would not do so for another four years, were determined not to let this happen again. Two new players, Dowd and Webb came into the side along with Gaudion, Jackson and Baker, all back from injury. Matthews, Dunne, Welsh, W. Lewis and Barker made way. North surprised Richmond with their pace and general skills. The game was close all day and only Richmond’s experience allowed them to win by fifteen points. By watching the Strang brothers closely, North frustrated Richmond’s forward work. Gaudion gave a superb display of high marking and kicking. Others to do well were Huggins, Baker and Carter.
Round 12---Geelong
Charles Gaudion, stationed at the Queenscliffe Artillery base, was listed for transfer to Darwin, but was then withdrawn from the list by the Defence department so he could play out the season with North. However, he had received a smallpox innoculation injection which stopped him from playing. Smith, Allen, Webb and Dowd were also omitted, with Carroll, Matthews, Welsh, Barker and Cusack coming in. North played well, but missed many chances, and the Geelong defence was solid. North lost Jerram after the first half and Welsh sustained a leg injury. Geelong drew away to win by 44 points. Lewis was North’s best, along with Cameron, Carter, Taylor, Matthews, Lynch a nd Huggins. Fitzmaurice kicked 3.6 and Lynch 1.4, highlighting North’s inaccuracy.
Round 10---Hawthorn
North made five changes for the Hawthorn match. Gregory, Smith, Carter, Bill Lewis (John’s brother) and former player Jack Lynch came in at the expense of Carroll, Millen, Batchelor, Wrout and Welsh. Smith still had the flu and would withdraw from the team for the second time in two weeks, allowing Welsh back in and Carroll became 19th man. After the first quarter, North generally prevailed by virtue of speed and strength and won by 47 points. Taylor was best on the ground. Other good players were Patterson, Carter, Jerram, Lewis, Llewelyn and Lynch. Fitzmaurice and Allen kicked eight goals between them.
Round 11---Richmond
North had lost their two 1931 encounters with Richmond by a combined 207 points. The first one in particular was humiliating, Richmond scoring a record 30.19-199. North, who had never beaten Richmond and would not do so for another four years, were determined not to let this happen again. Two new players, Dowd and Webb came into the side along with Gaudion, Jackson and Baker, all back from injury. Matthews, Dunne, Welsh, W. Lewis and Barker made way. North surprised Richmond with their pace and general skills. The game was close all day and only Richmond’s experience allowed them to win by fifteen points. By watching the Strang brothers closely, North frustrated Richmond’s forward work. Gaudion gave a superb display of high marking and kicking. Others to do well were Huggins, Baker and Carter.
Round 12---Geelong
Charles Gaudion, stationed at the Queenscliffe Artillery base, was listed for transfer to Darwin, but was then withdrawn from the list by the Defence department so he could play out the season with North. However, he had received a smallpox innoculation injection which stopped him from playing. Smith, Allen, Webb and Dowd were also omitted, with Carroll, Matthews, Welsh, Barker and Cusack coming in. North played well, but missed many chances, and the Geelong defence was solid. North lost Jerram after the first half and Welsh sustained a leg injury. Geelong drew away to win by 44 points. Lewis was North’s best, along with Cameron, Carter, Taylor, Matthews, Lynch a nd Huggins. Fitzmaurice kicked 3.6 and Lynch 1.4, highlighting North’s inaccuracy.
1932 would have been one of our better seasons in the ‘30’s I take it. Actually won a few
1932 (Cont...)
Round 13---Essendon
Jerram, Lynch and Welsh were out injured, and Carroll and Barker omitted. In came Gaudion, Allen, Dunne, Dowd and Wrout. In a thrilling match that was close all day, North, amazingly accurate on the day, went down by just six points. Scores were 14.14-98 to 15.2-92. Patterson was best on the ground for North. He and fellow rover Baker each kicked four goals. Taylor did well in the centre. Gregory, Pearce and Gaudion were good in defence. An incident happened in the last quarter that could have caused much argument and discussion had the result been different. When Carter had to be replaced when injured, the 19th man, Millen, dashed onto the ground before Carter had left the playing area. It was a critical stage of the match, when North were constantly attacking and might have won with some luck. Under the then rules, had the Essendon captain called for a player count, North’s entire score would have been wiped. A similar event would occur between these two teams 26 years later. On that occasion Essendon did call for a count, but all was in order.
North were making steady progress and improving, especially in the forward zone. Up until the end of Round 13, they had scored 1098 points, higher than the past four seasons completed, and beating their previous record set in 1927. And there were five rounds to go.
Round 14---Fitzroy
Lewis, who had played last week despite having influenza, was now seriously ill and bedridden with bronchitis. He had played 60 consecutive matches, and although selected this week he did not play and was replaced by his brother Bill. Gaudion had been selected in the State team to play South Australia this week. Jerram, back from injury, came in along with Smith, Dunne and Morgan, a new centre-half forward from Warrnambool. Dowd, Cusack and Wrout were also dropped. North displayed all their skills, but did not shake Fitzroy off until the third quarter, when, with the wind, they doubled their score, and Fitzroy’s. Fitzroy came back in the final quarter, But North were too far ahead and also managed to score against the wind, winning by 21 points. It was a real team effort, with Carroll playing his best game of the season. Fitzmaurice was a little astray, scoring 3.6.
Prior to the match starting, North had a flag-raising ceremony of sorts. Deciding that the old Association flags were becoming a little tattered, the Recreation Reserves Committee had a new royal blue one made inscribed NMRR. It would be another 43 years before North had a real premiership pennant to fly over its ground.
Round 15---South Melbourne
With so many players performing well, it was hard for North to pick their side. Room had to be made for Gaudion, J.Lewis, Llewellyn and Lynch. Last week’s Rich Homsey Trophy winner, Carroll, found himself relegated to 19th man. Pearce and Baker were both out injured. Allen was omitted. Lewis played his 150th game for North, Cameron his 100th and Jerram his 50th. Despite these milestones, the match was a great disappointment. South had slid from first to third on the ladder over the last two weeks and wanted to make up lost ground. North had only one goal to quarter time and four for the match. Their coordination was poor on the day. Cameron, Patterson, Lewis, Huggins and Carter were North’s best in the 32 point loss.
Round 13---Essendon
Jerram, Lynch and Welsh were out injured, and Carroll and Barker omitted. In came Gaudion, Allen, Dunne, Dowd and Wrout. In a thrilling match that was close all day, North, amazingly accurate on the day, went down by just six points. Scores were 14.14-98 to 15.2-92. Patterson was best on the ground for North. He and fellow rover Baker each kicked four goals. Taylor did well in the centre. Gregory, Pearce and Gaudion were good in defence. An incident happened in the last quarter that could have caused much argument and discussion had the result been different. When Carter had to be replaced when injured, the 19th man, Millen, dashed onto the ground before Carter had left the playing area. It was a critical stage of the match, when North were constantly attacking and might have won with some luck. Under the then rules, had the Essendon captain called for a player count, North’s entire score would have been wiped. A similar event would occur between these two teams 26 years later. On that occasion Essendon did call for a count, but all was in order.
North were making steady progress and improving, especially in the forward zone. Up until the end of Round 13, they had scored 1098 points, higher than the past four seasons completed, and beating their previous record set in 1927. And there were five rounds to go.
Round 14---Fitzroy
Lewis, who had played last week despite having influenza, was now seriously ill and bedridden with bronchitis. He had played 60 consecutive matches, and although selected this week he did not play and was replaced by his brother Bill. Gaudion had been selected in the State team to play South Australia this week. Jerram, back from injury, came in along with Smith, Dunne and Morgan, a new centre-half forward from Warrnambool. Dowd, Cusack and Wrout were also dropped. North displayed all their skills, but did not shake Fitzroy off until the third quarter, when, with the wind, they doubled their score, and Fitzroy’s. Fitzroy came back in the final quarter, But North were too far ahead and also managed to score against the wind, winning by 21 points. It was a real team effort, with Carroll playing his best game of the season. Fitzmaurice was a little astray, scoring 3.6.
Prior to the match starting, North had a flag-raising ceremony of sorts. Deciding that the old Association flags were becoming a little tattered, the Recreation Reserves Committee had a new royal blue one made inscribed NMRR. It would be another 43 years before North had a real premiership pennant to fly over its ground.
Round 15---South Melbourne
With so many players performing well, it was hard for North to pick their side. Room had to be made for Gaudion, J.Lewis, Llewellyn and Lynch. Last week’s Rich Homsey Trophy winner, Carroll, found himself relegated to 19th man. Pearce and Baker were both out injured. Allen was omitted. Lewis played his 150th game for North, Cameron his 100th and Jerram his 50th. Despite these milestones, the match was a great disappointment. South had slid from first to third on the ladder over the last two weeks and wanted to make up lost ground. North had only one goal to quarter time and four for the match. Their coordination was poor on the day. Cameron, Patterson, Lewis, Huggins and Carter were North’s best in the 32 point loss.
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1932 (Concluded...)
Round 16---Melbourne
Pearce, Smith, Leather, Allen and Baker came into the side. Gaudion and W. Lewis were injured and Carter, Morgan and Millen omitted.In a game that was marred by over-umpiring, inaccuracy again plagued North, but they were too good for Melbourne, winning by 25 points. The holding the ball rule was the cause of quite a few free kicks, of which North was the main beneficiary, getting nearly three times as many as Melbourne. But it was a great team effort, with Taylor leading superbly against his old side. Fitzmaurice and Allen were a contrast in kicking, Fitzmaurice getting 6.2 and Allen 4.9. Llewellyn, Cameron, Patterson, Lewis, Jerram and Matthews also played well. It was North’s first win on the MCG.
Round 17---St Kilda
North made only one change—Adamson in for Dunne, who was 19th man. Adamson would be a most dependable player for North in years to come, but this season he had been restricted by his employer, the Fire Brigade, to playing only one game in seven. Other weeks he played for the Fire Brigade team for which he starred. North once again left their kicking boots at home with shocking inaccuracy. At half-time they were 3.10 to StKilda’s 7.4. But they overran St Kilda in the third quarter to build up a lead big enough to win—by 20 points. Fitzmaurice and Allen both kicked 5.6 each—35 shots to 20 should have given North a bigger win. Best were Gregory, Jerram, Llewellyn, Lynch, Allen and Fitzmaurice.
Round 18---Footscray
In a game that was strongly influenced by the wind, North finished too well for Footscray to finish the season on a high. Of the 21 goals scored, only four were kicked against the wind. Footscray had first use of the wind, but North made better use of it to win by 26 points.
Best were Huggins, Pearce, Jerram and Gregory. Patterson sustained an ankle injury that would cause him to miss all next season.
It was North’s most successful season since joining the VFL. Records were made and broken. Eighth position was their highest finishing position on the premiership ladder. Eight wins was the most in a season. Their last three wins were consecutive—never done before. Tom Fitzmaurice became the club’s highest goalkicker in a season—62. His seven goals against Melbourne in Round 5 was also a club record. The number of points scored for the season—1535-- was far higher than any other year, the previous highest being 1102 in 1926. They had beaten Fitzroy, St Kilda and Melbourne twice, and were desperately unlucky against South Melbourne in Round 4 and Essendon in Round 13.
The year was successful in every way except financially. Despite the increased attendances and memberships, the club still had a substantial overdraft at the end of the season.
Jack Patterson was named as the most popular player--presumably the best and fairest. The club’s then system of voting for this is unknown. The weekly Rich Homsey Trophy appeared to have little bearing on this. Patterson only won this once, whereas J. Lewis won two and shared one.
Four other players also won it twice. Presumably Johnny Lewis got the new suit.
North’s improvement would be maintained the following year, when they would retain their position on the ladder and have their first win over Collingwood. Unfortunately they would then slip back to their old ways due to more financial difficulties and player dissatisfaction, and lose two coaches, and later on several good players, as a result.
Round 16---Melbourne
Pearce, Smith, Leather, Allen and Baker came into the side. Gaudion and W. Lewis were injured and Carter, Morgan and Millen omitted.In a game that was marred by over-umpiring, inaccuracy again plagued North, but they were too good for Melbourne, winning by 25 points. The holding the ball rule was the cause of quite a few free kicks, of which North was the main beneficiary, getting nearly three times as many as Melbourne. But it was a great team effort, with Taylor leading superbly against his old side. Fitzmaurice and Allen were a contrast in kicking, Fitzmaurice getting 6.2 and Allen 4.9. Llewellyn, Cameron, Patterson, Lewis, Jerram and Matthews also played well. It was North’s first win on the MCG.
Round 17---St Kilda
North made only one change—Adamson in for Dunne, who was 19th man. Adamson would be a most dependable player for North in years to come, but this season he had been restricted by his employer, the Fire Brigade, to playing only one game in seven. Other weeks he played for the Fire Brigade team for which he starred. North once again left their kicking boots at home with shocking inaccuracy. At half-time they were 3.10 to StKilda’s 7.4. But they overran St Kilda in the third quarter to build up a lead big enough to win—by 20 points. Fitzmaurice and Allen both kicked 5.6 each—35 shots to 20 should have given North a bigger win. Best were Gregory, Jerram, Llewellyn, Lynch, Allen and Fitzmaurice.
Round 18---Footscray
In a game that was strongly influenced by the wind, North finished too well for Footscray to finish the season on a high. Of the 21 goals scored, only four were kicked against the wind. Footscray had first use of the wind, but North made better use of it to win by 26 points.
Best were Huggins, Pearce, Jerram and Gregory. Patterson sustained an ankle injury that would cause him to miss all next season.
It was North’s most successful season since joining the VFL. Records were made and broken. Eighth position was their highest finishing position on the premiership ladder. Eight wins was the most in a season. Their last three wins were consecutive—never done before. Tom Fitzmaurice became the club’s highest goalkicker in a season—62. His seven goals against Melbourne in Round 5 was also a club record. The number of points scored for the season—1535-- was far higher than any other year, the previous highest being 1102 in 1926. They had beaten Fitzroy, St Kilda and Melbourne twice, and were desperately unlucky against South Melbourne in Round 4 and Essendon in Round 13.
The year was successful in every way except financially. Despite the increased attendances and memberships, the club still had a substantial overdraft at the end of the season.
Jack Patterson was named as the most popular player--presumably the best and fairest. The club’s then system of voting for this is unknown. The weekly Rich Homsey Trophy appeared to have little bearing on this. Patterson only won this once, whereas J. Lewis won two and shared one.
Four other players also won it twice. Presumably Johnny Lewis got the new suit.
North’s improvement would be maintained the following year, when they would retain their position on the ladder and have their first win over Collingwood. Unfortunately they would then slip back to their old ways due to more financial difficulties and player dissatisfaction, and lose two coaches, and later on several good players, as a result.
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RHLK
Club Legend
- Aug 3, 2009
- 2,359
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- AFL Club
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Cleaning out the oldies' shed a while back came across this beauty among my childhood souvenirs....
Sadly, I don't even remember the game! Was a year or two off my descent into debauchery so unsure why it's so vague.
Even a Google search shows no results.
Will scan and post a pdf.
Sadly, I don't even remember the game! Was a year or two off my descent into debauchery so unsure why it's so vague.
Even a Google search shows no results.
Will scan and post a pdf.
1969---Centenary year.
As the 100th year of the club’s existence dawned, they had little to show for their 44 years in the VFL. No premiership, Brownlow Medallist or leading goalkicker, one Grand Final appearance and 11 wooden spoons. Noel Teasdale would later be awarded a retrospective Brownlow for 1965, but this would not happen until 1989. The other two clubs that had joined the League the same year as North—Footscray and Hawthorn—had both tasted success, leaving North the only team without a flag.
Having finished last with just three wins in 1968, North were hoping for an improvement to celebrate their centenary year. But there were gaps to fill. Players who left after 1968 included Ray Davies, Mick Evans, Frank Goode, John Ibrahim, Bert Johnson, Arthur Karanicolas, Denis McGrath and Michael Quade. Ken Montgomery was relegated to the Supplementary List but would would soon return.
It was decided that John Dugdale, who had been full back for the past four seasons after moving from full forward, would now play in the centre. The reliable Peter Steward was moved from centre half back to full back and his position was taken by Gary Farrant. Ray Taylor, in his third year at the club, lined up at centre-half-forward and ruck duties were shared by Kerry Haywood, Geoff Hopgood, Ray Johnston, Mick Howell, Barry Goodingham and the exciting Sam Kekovich, now in his second season with North. New players to appear included Geoff Bryant (Box Hill), David Dench (U19s, originally West Coburg), John Duthie (Albury), David Pretty (Wodonga) Frank Dimattina (Richmond) and Noel Fincher (Footscray). Keith McKenzie would enter his third year of coaching the club.
Noteworthy happenings for the season were:
A mid-season Centenary Ball at the Southern Cross Hotel to commemorate the first 100 years of the club’s existence.
A Recognition Dinner for retiring president Jack Adams for more than forty years service to the club.
The opening of the social club’s Harold R Henderson Pavilion.
A new scoreboard at the Macauley Rd end of the ground, much bigger than the existing one at the Arden St end and sponsored by the Olympic Tyre and Rubber Co Pty Ltd.
The club announced mid-season that four pylons would be erected to provide lighting for night football and would be better than the lights at South Melbourne’s ground. Nothing came of this.
North made a pre-season trip interstate, first to Adelaide to play a night match against West Torrens, which they lost by a point, then to Perth to play West Perth, then coached by “Polly" Farmer. After leading comfortably, North had to withstand a fightback by the Western Australian club, hanging on to win by a goal. West Perth would go on to win the WANFL premiership in 1969.
(To be continued)
As the 100th year of the club’s existence dawned, they had little to show for their 44 years in the VFL. No premiership, Brownlow Medallist or leading goalkicker, one Grand Final appearance and 11 wooden spoons. Noel Teasdale would later be awarded a retrospective Brownlow for 1965, but this would not happen until 1989. The other two clubs that had joined the League the same year as North—Footscray and Hawthorn—had both tasted success, leaving North the only team without a flag.
Having finished last with just three wins in 1968, North were hoping for an improvement to celebrate their centenary year. But there were gaps to fill. Players who left after 1968 included Ray Davies, Mick Evans, Frank Goode, John Ibrahim, Bert Johnson, Arthur Karanicolas, Denis McGrath and Michael Quade. Ken Montgomery was relegated to the Supplementary List but would would soon return.
It was decided that John Dugdale, who had been full back for the past four seasons after moving from full forward, would now play in the centre. The reliable Peter Steward was moved from centre half back to full back and his position was taken by Gary Farrant. Ray Taylor, in his third year at the club, lined up at centre-half-forward and ruck duties were shared by Kerry Haywood, Geoff Hopgood, Ray Johnston, Mick Howell, Barry Goodingham and the exciting Sam Kekovich, now in his second season with North. New players to appear included Geoff Bryant (Box Hill), David Dench (U19s, originally West Coburg), John Duthie (Albury), David Pretty (Wodonga) Frank Dimattina (Richmond) and Noel Fincher (Footscray). Keith McKenzie would enter his third year of coaching the club.
Noteworthy happenings for the season were:
A mid-season Centenary Ball at the Southern Cross Hotel to commemorate the first 100 years of the club’s existence.
A Recognition Dinner for retiring president Jack Adams for more than forty years service to the club.
The opening of the social club’s Harold R Henderson Pavilion.
A new scoreboard at the Macauley Rd end of the ground, much bigger than the existing one at the Arden St end and sponsored by the Olympic Tyre and Rubber Co Pty Ltd.
The club announced mid-season that four pylons would be erected to provide lighting for night football and would be better than the lights at South Melbourne’s ground. Nothing came of this.
North made a pre-season trip interstate, first to Adelaide to play a night match against West Torrens, which they lost by a point, then to Perth to play West Perth, then coached by “Polly" Farmer. After leading comfortably, North had to withstand a fightback by the Western Australian club, hanging on to win by a goal. West Perth would go on to win the WANFL premiership in 1969.
(To be continued)
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1969 (Cont.)
Round 1 South Melbourne
North began the season with a win over South, which were now being coached by Norm Smith. Three players—Geoff Bryant, Lindsay Jacob and David Pretty made their debut. North dominated the first half, leading by 35 points at half-time, but, after a tongue lashing from Smith, South fought back in the second half to get within 9 points at the end. Rantall lifted South when moved into the centre. Kekovich and D. Farrant each got 4 goals. Other good players for North were Steward, Bryant, O’Brien, Dowdle and Redenbach. New rover Lindsay Jacob distinguished himself by almost killing the goal umpire when a full-blooded snap from the goal square hit him fair in the face. The umpire survived to signal the goal.
North Melbourne 15.20-110 d South Melbourne 14.17-101
A few days before the Round 2 match, VFA secretary Fred Hill claimed that North had paid a $2000 transfer fee for Geoff Bryant. Bryant had been cleared to North in time for the Round 1 match, and Hill claimed that North secretary Ron Joseph had paid him $2000 cash. The VFL had recently reviewed the old Coulter Law. Now a VFL team could sell a player but could not pay any transfer fee to get one. The VFA, on the other hand could demand a payment from a VFL club that wanted one of their players. The VFA still had animosity towards North for their taking over Coburg’s ground in 1965. The VFL decided to hold an inquiry and set the date for 28 April.
In the meantime, a former North player, Les Cameron, claimed that two years ago he and his brother Garry had each been paid $800 to join North. They came from St Albans, which was then unallotted football territory. The brothers managed a combined total of 5 matches over two seasons. Cameron then got the job as captain-coach of Birchip, thinking he would have no problem getting a clearance, but claimed he was forced to pay North $300 to get it. Cameron admitted that he and his brother did not make the grade as VFL players, but claimed that there were no conditions to the initial payment he received. The club considered they had not got value for the money they had paid. Garry Cameron returned to St Albans and was not asked for a transfer fee.
The night of the hearing of the Bryant case arrived, but the accuser, Fred Hill, refused to participate in a VFL investigation and the North officials did not have to answer the charge. The club and its secretary were exonerated.
Round 2 Melbourne
Coach Keith McKenzie was disappointed with the second half fade out against South, and had ordered extra training sessions during the week. Ruckman Kerry Haywood had sustained a knee injury and was replaced by Mick Howell. Terry Benton and Barry Goodingham were the 19th and 20th men. Inspired by their captain John Dugdale’s superb centre play, North went away after an even first half and recorded their first win over Melbourne at the MCG since 1952. Doug Farrant at full forward was too fast for Melbourne’s veteran full back Tassie Johnson and got six goals. McCarthy was moved back to his old position at centre half forward and strengthened the attack. Other good players were Steward, Dowdle, Dwyer, Bryant and Kekovich.
North Melbourne 15.17-107 d Melbourne 12.7-79
Round 3 Richmond
North brought in another new player, Rod Elliot (former Under 19s), to replace the injured Jacob. Before the game, Keith McKenzie made a special plea to his players to win for the sake of Ron Joseph, who had the charge of paying for a player hanging over him (this would be resolved the following week).
As a result, North put in a great performance, one of their best for years, to beat eventual premiers, Richmond, at the MCG. Richmond contributed to its downfall with shocking kicking, but North played four consistent quarters and withstood a last quarter fightback to get home by 5 points. Richmond could not stop Kekovich and Maurie Wood, who kicked 9 goals between them. Other good players were Redenbach, Johnston, O’Brien, G Farrant and Dugdale, who kicked two glorious 60 yard goals in the last quarter.
North Melbourne 16.15-111 d Richmond 13.28-106
Round 4 Fitzroy
North had Fincher and Duthie as the two reserves in place of Goodingham and Benton. But Benton came in as a last minute replacement for Steward and Pagan went to full-back. After a close first half, North scored 9 goals to 4 in the second half to run out easy winners. Kekovich, Wood and D. Farrant each got 3 goals. Besides these, G.Farrant, Dowdle, Bryant and Dugdale played well. North now sat undefeated at the top of the table.
North Melbourne 19.15-129 d Fitzroy 13.18-96
Round 5 Essendon
North suffered their first defeat of the season. Steward was back in and Benton relegated to the bench. The game was close for the first three quarters, but in the final quarter Essendon raced away. North lost Kekovich to an ankle injury in the third quarter and he was badly missed. When he went off he had kicked four of North’s seven goals. Essendon players gained more confidence after this. Laurie Dwyer played his 200th match. Others to play well were Wood, O’Brien, Howell, Steward, Taylor and Elliott.
Essendon 16.17-113 d North Melbourne 12.11-83
(to be continued)
Round 1 South Melbourne
North began the season with a win over South, which were now being coached by Norm Smith. Three players—Geoff Bryant, Lindsay Jacob and David Pretty made their debut. North dominated the first half, leading by 35 points at half-time, but, after a tongue lashing from Smith, South fought back in the second half to get within 9 points at the end. Rantall lifted South when moved into the centre. Kekovich and D. Farrant each got 4 goals. Other good players for North were Steward, Bryant, O’Brien, Dowdle and Redenbach. New rover Lindsay Jacob distinguished himself by almost killing the goal umpire when a full-blooded snap from the goal square hit him fair in the face. The umpire survived to signal the goal.
North Melbourne 15.20-110 d South Melbourne 14.17-101
A few days before the Round 2 match, VFA secretary Fred Hill claimed that North had paid a $2000 transfer fee for Geoff Bryant. Bryant had been cleared to North in time for the Round 1 match, and Hill claimed that North secretary Ron Joseph had paid him $2000 cash. The VFL had recently reviewed the old Coulter Law. Now a VFL team could sell a player but could not pay any transfer fee to get one. The VFA, on the other hand could demand a payment from a VFL club that wanted one of their players. The VFA still had animosity towards North for their taking over Coburg’s ground in 1965. The VFL decided to hold an inquiry and set the date for 28 April.
In the meantime, a former North player, Les Cameron, claimed that two years ago he and his brother Garry had each been paid $800 to join North. They came from St Albans, which was then unallotted football territory. The brothers managed a combined total of 5 matches over two seasons. Cameron then got the job as captain-coach of Birchip, thinking he would have no problem getting a clearance, but claimed he was forced to pay North $300 to get it. Cameron admitted that he and his brother did not make the grade as VFL players, but claimed that there were no conditions to the initial payment he received. The club considered they had not got value for the money they had paid. Garry Cameron returned to St Albans and was not asked for a transfer fee.
The night of the hearing of the Bryant case arrived, but the accuser, Fred Hill, refused to participate in a VFL investigation and the North officials did not have to answer the charge. The club and its secretary were exonerated.
Round 2 Melbourne
Coach Keith McKenzie was disappointed with the second half fade out against South, and had ordered extra training sessions during the week. Ruckman Kerry Haywood had sustained a knee injury and was replaced by Mick Howell. Terry Benton and Barry Goodingham were the 19th and 20th men. Inspired by their captain John Dugdale’s superb centre play, North went away after an even first half and recorded their first win over Melbourne at the MCG since 1952. Doug Farrant at full forward was too fast for Melbourne’s veteran full back Tassie Johnson and got six goals. McCarthy was moved back to his old position at centre half forward and strengthened the attack. Other good players were Steward, Dowdle, Dwyer, Bryant and Kekovich.
North Melbourne 15.17-107 d Melbourne 12.7-79
Round 3 Richmond
North brought in another new player, Rod Elliot (former Under 19s), to replace the injured Jacob. Before the game, Keith McKenzie made a special plea to his players to win for the sake of Ron Joseph, who had the charge of paying for a player hanging over him (this would be resolved the following week).
As a result, North put in a great performance, one of their best for years, to beat eventual premiers, Richmond, at the MCG. Richmond contributed to its downfall with shocking kicking, but North played four consistent quarters and withstood a last quarter fightback to get home by 5 points. Richmond could not stop Kekovich and Maurie Wood, who kicked 9 goals between them. Other good players were Redenbach, Johnston, O’Brien, G Farrant and Dugdale, who kicked two glorious 60 yard goals in the last quarter.
North Melbourne 16.15-111 d Richmond 13.28-106
Round 4 Fitzroy
North had Fincher and Duthie as the two reserves in place of Goodingham and Benton. But Benton came in as a last minute replacement for Steward and Pagan went to full-back. After a close first half, North scored 9 goals to 4 in the second half to run out easy winners. Kekovich, Wood and D. Farrant each got 3 goals. Besides these, G.Farrant, Dowdle, Bryant and Dugdale played well. North now sat undefeated at the top of the table.
North Melbourne 19.15-129 d Fitzroy 13.18-96
Round 5 Essendon
North suffered their first defeat of the season. Steward was back in and Benton relegated to the bench. The game was close for the first three quarters, but in the final quarter Essendon raced away. North lost Kekovich to an ankle injury in the third quarter and he was badly missed. When he went off he had kicked four of North’s seven goals. Essendon players gained more confidence after this. Laurie Dwyer played his 200th match. Others to play well were Wood, O’Brien, Howell, Steward, Taylor and Elliott.
Essendon 16.17-113 d North Melbourne 12.11-83
(to be continued)
Great stuff k7! I remember those first 4 wins which left us sitting undefeated on top of the ladder, heady stuff for me who had never seen us win 4 on the trot let alone be on top. Sigh not to last unfortunately.
1969 (Cont)
Round 6 Hawthorn
Benton came in for Redenbach, who was injured. Duthie was omitted. John Scholes and Rodney Dell, both making their first appearance for the season, were named as 19th and 20th. But in a last minute change, Kekovich was forced to withdraw and Scholes replaced him. Fincher came in as 20th man. In a game affected by the wind in the first half, North had first use of it, but their 32 point lead was not enough. Taylor hit the post with his first two shots at goal and it proved costly. When the wind dropped in the third quarter, Hawthorn matched North’s three goals for the scores to be level at three quarter time. They outscored North in the last quarter by nine points to win by that margin. Hawthorn’s star full-forward Peter Hudson was held to six goals—a modest total for him. In the second quarter he was double-teamed by Steward, who stayed close to him, and Dugdale, who played 15 yards in front of them. John Scholes, who appeared to be an unequal swap for Kekovich, being 18 cm shorter and 29 kg lighter—the smallest man on North’s list—gave a Best on Ground performance with five goals and came close to winning the match for North. Other good players were Dugdale, Steward, Dowdle, O’Brien, Pagan and Bryant.
Hawthorn 14.12-96 d North Melbourne 13.9-87
Round 7 Geelong
Kekovich and Duthie came into the team at the expense of Ray Johnston, who had been reported during the Hawthorn match and suspended, and Hopgood, who was relegated to 19th man. Tom Allison was named as 20th man in his first appearance for the season. North staged a great fightback in the final term to win by eight points. Geelong led by four goals deep in the third quarter, but during time on of that quarter, North full-forward Doug Farrant kicked three quick goals, making four for the quarter, and reducing the leeway to six points. However, Geelong had last use of the wind in the last quarter and it seemed that North’s inaccuracy (0.5 in the second quarter and 4.8 in the third) would cost them. But North came at Geelong hard in the final quarter, not allowing them an easy possession or letting them get into space. They won across the centre and half-forward, and Allison and Hopgood made a difference when they came on. Best were Dwyer, Kekovich, D.Farrant (5 goals), Bryant, Wood, Dugdale, Dowdle and G.Farrant. It was North’s first win at Kardinia Park since 1959.
North Melbourne 14.23-107 d Geelong 14.15-99
Round 8 St Kilda
Duthie, Elliott and Benton made way for Allison, Hopgood (both on the bench last week) and Fincher. Goodingham and Pretty were named on the bench. In a game that was close all day, North won by 9 points. Despite the closeness of the scores, North were the better side and played with more system. The winning centre line was a big factor in the win. St Kilda big man Bob Pascoe, who had been let go by North at the end of 1967 along with brother Barry, was assigned to mind Kekovich, but gave away several free kicks. Indeed, during the third quarter, umpire Jolley ran back 70 yards to penalise Pascoe’s infringment on Kekovich. North supporters roared their delight when Pascoe was replaced at three quarter time. The lead changed four times in the last quarter, but North got out to a 22 point lead. They then relaxed and almost let St Kilda back in, but the final siren saved them. Allison, named in the back pocket, played forward and kicked five goals.
North Melbourne 15.13-103 d St Kilda 13.16-94
Round 9 Collingwood
Ray Johnston returned after serving a two match suspension and Redenbach returned from injury. Hopgood and Fincher made way.
On a cold, wet day at Victoria Park, the weather matched North’s form. They were well beaten all over the ground, suffering their first heavy defeat of the season. North tried two unsuccessful tactics to loosen Collingwood’s grip. Coach Keith McKenzie kept his players in the room for four minutes after half-time to make the Collingwood players wait in the cold. Umpire Crouch was twice obliged to run up the race and call them on to the field. The club was fined $10 ($127 in today’s money) for coming out late. The other ploy was to ask the umpire to bounce the ball rather than throwing it up, as the umpire was doing due to the muddy conditions. Throwing the ball up made it easier for the taller Collingwood ruckmen to out-reach their opponents.
Collingwood 17.16-118 d North Melbourne 9.4-58
Round 10 Carlton
Steward and Kekovich were called up to represent Victoria in the AFNC tournament in Adelaide so would miss. Dwyer was ill. Benton and Goodingham came into the side and Peter Chisnall was named on the bench for his first game. Redenbach, who had been dropped, came back in as a last minute replacement for Pagan, who had the flu. Allison lined up for his 100th match.
North put up a good battle, but could not overcome Carlton, who wasted many opportunities to win by a bigger margin than they did. Best for North were Dowdle, McCarthy, Redenbach, Benton, Wood and Bryant.
Carlton 10.18-78 d North Melbourne 7.13-57
Kekovich had hurt his ankle against Victoria’s second Carnival match against Western Australia on 11 June. The North contingent in Adelaide were not keen for him to play in the final match against South Australia on the 14th, fearing he would damage the ankle further and be kept out for a long period. The State selectors questioned him closely, thinking he was being pressured by the club officials not to play. Kekovich said he was more than willing to play and was selected, but was a last minute withdrawal.
Round 6 Hawthorn
Benton came in for Redenbach, who was injured. Duthie was omitted. John Scholes and Rodney Dell, both making their first appearance for the season, were named as 19th and 20th. But in a last minute change, Kekovich was forced to withdraw and Scholes replaced him. Fincher came in as 20th man. In a game affected by the wind in the first half, North had first use of it, but their 32 point lead was not enough. Taylor hit the post with his first two shots at goal and it proved costly. When the wind dropped in the third quarter, Hawthorn matched North’s three goals for the scores to be level at three quarter time. They outscored North in the last quarter by nine points to win by that margin. Hawthorn’s star full-forward Peter Hudson was held to six goals—a modest total for him. In the second quarter he was double-teamed by Steward, who stayed close to him, and Dugdale, who played 15 yards in front of them. John Scholes, who appeared to be an unequal swap for Kekovich, being 18 cm shorter and 29 kg lighter—the smallest man on North’s list—gave a Best on Ground performance with five goals and came close to winning the match for North. Other good players were Dugdale, Steward, Dowdle, O’Brien, Pagan and Bryant.
Hawthorn 14.12-96 d North Melbourne 13.9-87
Round 7 Geelong
Kekovich and Duthie came into the team at the expense of Ray Johnston, who had been reported during the Hawthorn match and suspended, and Hopgood, who was relegated to 19th man. Tom Allison was named as 20th man in his first appearance for the season. North staged a great fightback in the final term to win by eight points. Geelong led by four goals deep in the third quarter, but during time on of that quarter, North full-forward Doug Farrant kicked three quick goals, making four for the quarter, and reducing the leeway to six points. However, Geelong had last use of the wind in the last quarter and it seemed that North’s inaccuracy (0.5 in the second quarter and 4.8 in the third) would cost them. But North came at Geelong hard in the final quarter, not allowing them an easy possession or letting them get into space. They won across the centre and half-forward, and Allison and Hopgood made a difference when they came on. Best were Dwyer, Kekovich, D.Farrant (5 goals), Bryant, Wood, Dugdale, Dowdle and G.Farrant. It was North’s first win at Kardinia Park since 1959.
North Melbourne 14.23-107 d Geelong 14.15-99
Round 8 St Kilda
Duthie, Elliott and Benton made way for Allison, Hopgood (both on the bench last week) and Fincher. Goodingham and Pretty were named on the bench. In a game that was close all day, North won by 9 points. Despite the closeness of the scores, North were the better side and played with more system. The winning centre line was a big factor in the win. St Kilda big man Bob Pascoe, who had been let go by North at the end of 1967 along with brother Barry, was assigned to mind Kekovich, but gave away several free kicks. Indeed, during the third quarter, umpire Jolley ran back 70 yards to penalise Pascoe’s infringment on Kekovich. North supporters roared their delight when Pascoe was replaced at three quarter time. The lead changed four times in the last quarter, but North got out to a 22 point lead. They then relaxed and almost let St Kilda back in, but the final siren saved them. Allison, named in the back pocket, played forward and kicked five goals.
North Melbourne 15.13-103 d St Kilda 13.16-94
Round 9 Collingwood
Ray Johnston returned after serving a two match suspension and Redenbach returned from injury. Hopgood and Fincher made way.
On a cold, wet day at Victoria Park, the weather matched North’s form. They were well beaten all over the ground, suffering their first heavy defeat of the season. North tried two unsuccessful tactics to loosen Collingwood’s grip. Coach Keith McKenzie kept his players in the room for four minutes after half-time to make the Collingwood players wait in the cold. Umpire Crouch was twice obliged to run up the race and call them on to the field. The club was fined $10 ($127 in today’s money) for coming out late. The other ploy was to ask the umpire to bounce the ball rather than throwing it up, as the umpire was doing due to the muddy conditions. Throwing the ball up made it easier for the taller Collingwood ruckmen to out-reach their opponents.
Collingwood 17.16-118 d North Melbourne 9.4-58
Round 10 Carlton
Steward and Kekovich were called up to represent Victoria in the AFNC tournament in Adelaide so would miss. Dwyer was ill. Benton and Goodingham came into the side and Peter Chisnall was named on the bench for his first game. Redenbach, who had been dropped, came back in as a last minute replacement for Pagan, who had the flu. Allison lined up for his 100th match.
North put up a good battle, but could not overcome Carlton, who wasted many opportunities to win by a bigger margin than they did. Best for North were Dowdle, McCarthy, Redenbach, Benton, Wood and Bryant.
Carlton 10.18-78 d North Melbourne 7.13-57
Kekovich had hurt his ankle against Victoria’s second Carnival match against Western Australia on 11 June. The North contingent in Adelaide were not keen for him to play in the final match against South Australia on the 14th, fearing he would damage the ankle further and be kept out for a long period. The State selectors questioned him closely, thinking he was being pressured by the club officials not to play. Kekovich said he was more than willing to play and was selected, but was a last minute withdrawal.
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Love these K7. Growing up in Canning st.flats and my footy interest really taking off ( aged 8 ) my favourite players were Dowdle and Redenbach as l got their autographs at training in one of those little booklets that were common back then. Not household names and probably not known by many here. Steward an all time favourite too. What coudda been ☹
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