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The 60s |
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THE SWINGING SIXTIES The
Xavs in the sixties can be summarised as the era of the three P’s. Personalities.
Players. Performance. And in that order. On
the personality side, possibly the most infamous was “Mr Amateur
Football”, Lou Zachariah, who was President from 1959 – 1962 before
handballing the job to his deputy and long-time club man in Alan
Dwyer. Jock Chappell, John Burnes and Bill Carroll took turns 'til
the swinging sixties passed into the history books. In
1961, former Fitzroy VFL hit-man Jack Gaffney took over from Geoff
Harris as senior coach. Peter Rhoden was appointed in 1962 and took Xavs
to their only premiership in the sixties, winning the “B” grade
flag. Rhoden coached for a record seven seasons, with Pat Walsh
taking over in 1969. John
Sanders captained Xavs from 1960 to 1963. Peter Slattery and David
Cotter led the firsts onto the paddock in subsequent years. Then
came the Mick Mulcahy era as skipper 1966 – 1968. Mulcahy
represented the big “V” several times and won the Amateur ‘B’
grade Fairest and Best in 1966. Former
Tigers star Trevor Gowers led the seniors in 1969 that was to be the
first of his five years as skipper. The
sixties was big on the social scene, with the amber liquid flowing at
Charlie Turnley's pub in Kew. But only til 6pm. The
Xavier Boatsheds were home to numerous barbecues and hundreds bopped to
the sounds of wannabe Beatle groups. By 1967, pubs stayed open ‘til
10pm. By the end of the decade, Xavs fielded three sides, Seniors,
Seconds and another Reserve side. Reflecting on this era, it is interesting to see how many former players are now regular supporters which says a lot for the mateship that makes up a successful sporting club. -
John O'Keefe |
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1960 |
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1961
Xavs 1st XVIII 17.14.116 def. De La Salle 10.13.73 at Olympic Park 19.8.61 Back: I Stoney, R Alston, M Clancy, W Seabrook, P Slattery, B Lawler, A Capes, R Stanley Centre: M Malone (vc), J Whybrow, J Gaffney (coach), J Dowling, P Williams, M Kennedy Front: P Pearce, P Raffaele, G McIsaac, J Sanders (c), N Gibson, A Wardlaw, N Kennedy Absent: D Drum, G Blackie, R Tucker, P Corby |
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1962 Peter Rhoden recalled in 1976: "It was a windy day at Elsternwick Park and as coach I was conscious of avoiding the errors we had made in a Grand Final five years earlier. This time we turned the tables on Alphington. I remember John Sanders winning the toss, going into the breeze and kicking 5 of the greatest goals you've ever seen in the first quarter. I recall Greg Gibson playing the half forward flank so wide (under instruction) so that his man made him a spare player in our forward line. Most of all, I recall our Treasurer Jock Chappell, who counted every penny carefully, telling the supporters at three quarter time that they could "get in to the grog, for we are back in A Grade." The team that day: B. McIssacs, Lawler, Slattery HB: Meehan, Capes, B Gibson C: Raffaele, Malone, Collins HF: Cotter, Meagher, G Gibson F: Stanley, I Stoney, N Gibson Foll: W Athorne, Tully R: Sanders 19: Tucker 20: Mulcahy |
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1963
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1964 Herewith, a re-typed text version of the OXFC Weekly Newsletter from Grand Final Day, formatted as close to the original as possible. Both seniors and reserves were in the GF - the first time the Old Xavs had reached an A Grade Final. Xavs won the curtainraiser, but lost the big one by just four points. |
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "U N G A R" GRAND FINAL EDITION Editors: J. O'Keefe, W. Carroll, S. Williams Edition 20 Saturday, 19th September, 1964 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OLD XAVS. SCORE UPSET WIN After an even first half, Old Xavs. finished too strongly for Old Paradians and ran out winners by 27 points in the 2nd semi-final at South Melbourne last Saturday week. Although we've participated in several "A" Grade Finals Series in recent years, this was the first occasion on which we were successful and for nthis reason alone, it was certainly a meritorious victory. The game opened at a fast pace with a total of ten goals being scored in the 1st quarter. Old Xavs. did most of the attacking but O.P.'s with the greater co-operation on the forward line had gone to a handy 10 point lead at quarter-time. However, Old Xavs. gradually overhauled their opponents and had drawn level by half-time. A determined Old Xav. side took the field for the 3rd quarter and with tough, relentless football continually forced the ball forward but those big sticks proved very elusive. Bad kicking is match-losing football and it's up to all forwards to make those kicks really count on the scoreboard with much more talking and steadiness around the goals. Nevertheless, the last quarter saw Old Xavs. really go on with the job and although Parade at one stage crept to within 13 points, we were able to withstand the challenge and run out victors by over 4 goals. Well, today we make our debut in an "A" Grade Amateur Grand Final. It's taken a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice by a lot of people to get there and even though we beat O.P.'s in the second-semi, make no mistake - today's game will certainly be no cakewalk. One thing's for sure - there's no prize for 2nd. WE MUST WIN! So how about each and every member of the side finishing the season off with 100 minutes of fierce, determined pressure football TODAY and making that flag a red and black one for the 1st time. Result: Old Xaverians 12.19 . . 91 defeated Old Paradians 10.4 . . 64 Goalkickers: Stoney (4), Capes, Mulcahy, Cotter (2), Stanley and McClelland (1) Contributing Editor: P. Williams ooooOOOoooo TODAY'S TEAM B. G. Gibson A. Johnston J. Bowen HB. B. Gibson A. Capes A. Wardlaw C. P. Raffaele P. Johnston M. Malone HF. D. Cotter D. Meagher R. Stanley F. M. Mulcahy D. Stoney M. McClelland RUCKS: B. Lawler, R. Brady ROVER: N. Gibson 19th - M. Kennedy 20th - P. Meehan IN: B. Lawler OUT: P. Slattery (Ill) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - 2 - RESERVES ENTER GRAND FINAL Phew! What a finish! With the lead changing at least six times during a hectic last quarter the Reserves snatched victory from the Old Paradians in the last minute of the game and so earn the right to go into the Grand Final. The first quarter saw an even first ten minutes when both back lines were on top, but then we began to assert ourselves, and with Bob Gilbert and "Jay" Maher marking everything that came their way we were kept in attack, and at quarter time we we were in a position to go on with the game and build up a good lead.. The second quarter saw however lamentable football, as players were hesitant in going for the ball, and too often were not prepared to even make an effort to contest the issue with an opponent. At half time, we were still in the game, but greater effort and determination was needed to win. After the interval, spectators were treated to possibly one of the most thrilling games seen for many a year. It was a new Xaverian side that fought out every issue and goal was matched by goal as the ball was swung from one end of the ground to the other. At the end of the third quarter we held a narrow lead, and we had a real struggle on our hands as we entered the last quarter. What a quarter it was - Paradians were soon into attack and they eventually hit the lead and kept the ball on their forward line as the minutes ticked away. During this period the backs held firm, but with time running out, it appeared all was lost. We eventually got the ball forward and Peter Padfield and Justin Heffey ran in and scored goals. We were in the lead and it appeared that we had the game safely won. But Paradians were not to be denied and they fought back to kick another goal, and they had taken the lead again. With time running out Mark Bowden took the ball from his back flank to the half forward line, and on the defensive kick from the Paradians, Mark gained possession again and put it through. Again we were in the lead. Paradians attacked again but the backs held firm and the siren sounded with us four points up. It was a great win, especially taking into account that three of our forwards, Woodruff, Stanley and Fraser, were kept out of the game, but these players each deserve credit for the way they fought the game out. Every member of the side played a part in the victory, but the three players who perhaps deserve special mention are Justin Heffey, who dominated his wing position all day, Peter Padfield who was our most constructive forward player and Carlo Leoncelli who, playing his first game at full back, turned attack after attack. With the same determination and willingness to get the ball, as displayed in the second half of the semi-final, victory today in the Grand Final should result. so let's make assurance doubly sure by playing in that fashion for the whole game. Result: Old Xaverians 8.4 . . 52 defeated Old Paradians 6.12 . . 48 Goalkickers: M. Croyle (2), C. Keeshan, P. Padfield, G. Woodruff, A. Tehan, J. Heffey and M. Bowden (1 each) Best Players: J. Heffey,o' R. Gilbert, C. Leoncelli, P. Padfield, P. Hamilton and M. Bowden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 3 - OUR THANKS ARE EXTENDED TO . . .
Today's edition being the last for season 1964, we'd like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of 'Ungar". Most of all we'd like to express our special thanks to miss Malone and the girls of the Australian Bank Officials' Association for the invaluable help they have given in typing the stencils. this year, the size of the "Ungar" has slightly increased and this has meant extra time and work on their part. Thank you once again, Miss Malone and the girls of the A.B.O.A. We also thank the various contributing editors we have had this year. Their front page articles have made the newsletter more interesting and thought-provoking. finally, we thank you for reading our "rubbish" and ask you for any suggestions (besides sacking the editors or scrapping the newsletter), that will help us to improve even more. ------------------------------------------------------ "SOCIAL JOTTINGS" by BETTY ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
This year's O.X.F.C. Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies is to held on next Tuesday, 22nfd September (i.e.: only 3 days away) at 7 p.m. The venue will be the "Florida Room" at the Old London Inn, Cr. Market Street and Flinders Lane. Numbers are limited - so if you haven't made your reservation yet, see Jock O'Keefe or Peter Williams TODAY and book your ticket. *** *** *** OLD XAVS. IN OTHER AMATEUR TEAMS Often we hear about Old Xaverians playing in other sides but we didn't realise how many there were until the coach showed us the following team, comprised of just such players: B. Keogh (Blues) S. Hamilton (Ormond) Richter (Brunswick) HB. Dalton (Kew) Lethlean (Blues) Spring (Monash) C. Curcio (Hampton Rovers) L-Hills (Uni. Juniors) Buxton (Monash) HF. D. Rhoden (Kew) J. Corby (National Bank) Sheezel (Ajax) F. J. Gartlan (St. Pats.) B. Thomas (Assumption) Campbell (Blacks) RUCKS: D. Drum (Ormond), J. Maunsell (Geelong) ROVER: Sierakowski (Ormond) COACH: J. Sanders (St. Bernard's) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BARRACKER'S CORNER Last Saturday was without any shadow of doubt a hard day's afternoon but more than satisfying to the gathered crew of red and black fans. Where ever you looked, there were screaming Xav. supporters. The grandstand provided an aerial view for Mrs. Meredith, Mrs. Stanley, Mrs. Rhoden, Trish Woolcott, Mrs. Brian Kelly and Mrs. Johnston. Taking stand on "one-eyed hill" were Jack Coglan, John Tynan, Peter Johnston, John Barrett, Mr. Cotter and Michael O'Sullivan. down for the weekend from his second home was Dennis Tucker full of Mildura stories. Tony Monks, Gerald King and John McMillan did a lion's share of provoking O.P. supporters into a frenzy. John Excell, Michael Breen, Father Keenan, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Stoney, Bill Tracey and "Ants" Tehan were also prominent in regular verbal battles. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 4 - BARRACKER'S CORNER: (CONTINUED) Bill Galbraith, Trevor Gowers, Brian Sierakowski, Tim Hogan and Mark Bowden made mince meat of any outspoken Parade supporter. Accepting a roving, yelling commission was Mr. Mulcahy who covered a lot of ground abusing and yelling at the slightest chance. Don't think we'll ever forget the scene in the rooms after the game. It was one of jubilation and a wonderful feeling of "togetherness" instilled into players and supporters by coach and committee. Fred Brady's premiership song even sounded in harmony. Feeling confident after recent medical exams was Dr. "Ben Casey" Meehan who regularly let off steam ably supported by Dick Alston in between mouthfuls of Hot Dogs. Amongst the first to congratulate players after the game was Bill Prendergast, Bill Carroll, Jim Ryan, Geoff Ogge and Peter Williams. Noticed Cathy Stanley, Denise Lynch, Jim Cass, Annie Johnston, Kay Browne and Susie Maddocks amongst the assembled multitude. Reserves Dick Fahkry, Peter Stanley, Gavin Woodruff, Jay Maher, Michael Croyle, Peter Fraser and Ian Campbell deserve a big mention for their job well done of drowning out any O.P. outburst. Club Treasurer, Jock Chappell, was in great yelling form and teamed vocal chords with Don Sanders. Welcome visitor after the game was "cat" forward Brian Brushfield. another Geelong visitor was Mrs. Callan last seen in control of two nieces. The club was delighted to see Father O'Keefe whose words of advice to the coach were more than appreciated by players. *** *** *** "IN BLACK AND RED" by E.W. Sipping Amongst the many well wishers before the semi-final game were telegrams from Father O'Mahony in Adelaide, and John Sanders. The Committee and players wish to thank these people for their kind wishes. *** *** *** Next Saturday our popular boundary umpire Ian McLean will take part in the 26 miles Professional Road Marathon. Judging by recent performances Ian will be amongst the favourites and a few cheer squads of supporters between Oakleigh and Pakenham would be more than appreciated. How about it fellas? Essendon skipper Jack Clarke will also be a runner in the same race. *** *** *** Interested in playing cricket with the O.X.C.C.? If so see Peter Rhoden or Bill Carroll for further particulars. *** *** *** Photographs of both teams are now available - priced 15/-. Place your order with John O'Keefe. *** *** *** Trophies for best and fairest during the semi's were awarded to Des. Meagher (Firsts) and Justin Heffey (Reserves). We would liike to thank Mr. McHale for his kind donation of the trophies. *** *** *** Undoubtedly the unluckiest player in the Club at the moment would be the skipper, Peter Slattery. Peter, unfortunately, has cointracted an illness that will keep him out of the Grand Final today. But despite the gap, his absence will leave, we're sure the boys will be in there fighting for you, Peter, and will bring home both flags. We wish you the best for a speedy recovery. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 5 - "IN BLACK AND RED" (Continued) Well, "it's on" again at Olly's this year and tonight is the night we celebrate. The kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. at 849 Glenferrie Road, Kew and the cost is a mere 10/- single or double (all inclusive). so come along and enjoy yourself. *** *** *** We almost forgot to mention the the great job being done by two of our club stalwarts, John Padfield and Tony Nolan. Unable to play this year, Johnny, besides lending vocal support to his brother, Peter, has quite often helped the Reserves with the time-keeping. Tony is another of the band that has helped keep the Reserves running smoothly by acting as a boundary umpire in a number of games. He has also done the same job in the practice matches played during the finals. *** *** *** It was good to se Johnny Barrett recovering from his severe knee injury and out running on the traioning track over the past two weeks. Disregarding all his joking about being available for selection, he is one chap who would dearly love to be out there today, striving for a flag for the Red and Blacks. Perhaps this is another reason for a victory! *** *** *** It's interesting to note that the highest score we kicked this season was against O.P. in the semi-final - and the second highest was against O.P. in the first round. *** *** *** On behalf of the club we send our best wishes to Jack Tully and Biddy Campbell who are to be married this afternoon. We hope the future holds many blessings for them. *** *** *** There it is again, cats, the O.X.F.C. Annual Hit Parade. Heading the charts this year is "I Should Have Known Better" sung by two of the oldest "teenagers" in the club, tony Capes and Nev. Gibson. Hot on their heels is the Rhoden-Carroll rendition of "Wishing and Hoping". No. 3 spot is held by "It's all over now", sung, (we hope), by the Paradians and Ormond Reserves. Expected to reserve the red bullet after the party tonight is "Such a night", featuring a chorus of O.X. members (we won't name them!). our performer of the year is Mick 'Chart-Wrecker" Kennedy who now has two hits, "Constantly" and "always Together". *** *** *** Just what is it Pete Stanley found on the floor of the change-rooms after practice last Thursday night? *** *** *** Progress goalkicking lists are: 1st XVIII RESERVES M. Mulcahy 28 P. Fraser 29 R. Stanley 26 G. Woodruff 27 D. Cotter 24 J. Dowling 17 D. Meagher 24 P. Stanley 15 N. Gibson 15 D. Stoney 12 D. Stoney 13 P. Padfield 12 P. Slattery 10 C. Keeshan 10 |
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Sadly, the Xavs failed by just four points to win their first A Section flag. It was a bitter disappointment for the Xaverians, who believed that had skipper Peter Slattery not taken ill, the result would have been different. Pic below, senior team and Reserves, who were premiers. click to enlarge.
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1965 R6: Xavs dropped the game to Old Paradians 17.13 to 12.9 after leading at the half, thus leaving the Xavs a game back in fourth spot. Best for the Red 'n' Blacks were Stoney, Gilbert, Higgins, Quinn, Mulcahy and Des Meagher with 4 goals.
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1966
THE
NIGHT I ACCEPTED THE OSCAR Consequently, confirmation came through the mail inviting me to join all clubs in the entire amateur comp at the Presentation Dinner. The big night arrived and the Old Xavs had a table of officials including Reserves coach Bill "Tank" Seabrook, team manager Hiram "Hooter" Haridence and I think Allan “Smig" McLean. The evening kicked off at 6:30 pm, which was a trap in itself as it allowed guests to leave work at five, drop into the local boozer for an hour before sitting down to the Amateurs big Presentation Night of Nights. Strictly an all blokes affair, it had zero resemblance to today’s Brownlow nights. Not a low-cut dress in sight, nor diamond encrusted and G strings were taboo - just wall-to-wall blokes, out for a good time. The meal came and went as the presentations got underway. First up was the Fairest and Best in the Senior grades. Our own Mick Mulcahy got a rousing reception as he strode to the podium to accept his silver dish for Fairest & Best in "B" Grade. Back at the OXFC table, our boys were making the most of this beer appreciation evening. Surely my moment of glory was only minutes away. Wrong. As they finished with "D" Grade in the Seniors, the MC commissioned a toilet break. The hall was emptied within seconds. Upon resumption, the MC started on the Juniors. The room was getting rowdier and restless. Around 10.30 pm and after four hours of the guests imbibing, the MC, who was no Eddie Everywhere, announced another toilet break - and still no Reserves awards. At last my moment of glory had arrived ... well nearly. Little did I realise they had to start from A Reserves to D Reserves. At around 11 pm, the MC said "and finally the F & B for "D" Grade Reserves". Yes, I had won it, and up I strode to the stage where a crusty grey haired gent gave me a bone-shaking handshake. He was the VAFA Chief President. My acceptance speech included a quip about Snow Storm, a fictitious character I had created for the weekly series I wrote for the Amateur Football Record. The reference went over like the proverbial lead Zeppelin, so in true show business style I repeated it. Again not a whimper from the audience. I looked out at the admiring throng to see a hall choc full of a hundred, or more, guys fast asleep. They had all nodded off. The only ones awake were those on stage and the Old Xavs table loudly applauding. As I wimped back to the table I passed tables of once very awake players and officials splayed in all directions. Some were snoring, others asleep face down. It was eerie! Suddenly they had a rude awakening as the house lights were turned on and everyone regained composure. Meanwhile at our table, "Tank" and "Hooter" showed little effects of their liquid intake. To them it had hardly touched the sides. "Tank" was a mere 16 stone who chain-smoked Alpines while "Hooter", a lithe 11 stoner chain-smoked Marlboros. Sadly, both are no longer with us. "Tank" was the Old Xavs very own Weapon of Mass Destruction, a brilliant ruckman and heaven help those he bumped. Whereas "Hooter", I doubt he even kicked a footy but was invaluable as timekeeper/first aid man/goal umpire and any other job he was called upon to do. Having been asleep for the latter part of the evening many guests waltzed off for a few quiet "roadies". I can't recall where "Tank" and "Hooter" retired to that night, but it is remembered as the night the OXFC out lasted all the other clubs in the amateur competition. ~ "Jock" O'Keefe |
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1967 |
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1968 |
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1969 |
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