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The 70s |
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THE SEVENTIES
I left school in 1973. In that year, the school's First XVIII had been successful in preliminary games, including a victory over the Victorian Schoolboys. We won all six APS competition games. Our closest game was the finale at Geelong College, where the scores were level at three-quarter time. Our coach, Father Peter Quin was edgier than normal, but Xavier piled on ten goals to zero in the final stanza. The 1973 Xaverian described that side as possibly the best in the school's history. No-one went on to play league football, though full-forward David Warming was later involved in a blockbuster deal that saw him swapped from Richmond to South Melbourne for John Pitura. Warming, however, went to the Old Xavs rather than play at South. In contrast to the school eighteen's success, 1973 saw the relegation of the Old Xavs from C grade to D Grade, despite the efforts of young players Kev O'Shaughnessy and Jim Dwyer. Legend has it that sensing the grave vulnerability of the club, Jack Bowen organised a dinner at Kooyong Tennis club in hope of attracting some fresh blood to the club. Fathers and sons were invited. And attended. At the time, there was a drinking game called 'Matthew" that was doing the rounds. Possibly this recreation added something to the night. Whatever- while Firsts captain Paul O'Bryan played with Coburg Amateurs and Victoria, and two of his Xavier team-mates stayed home in the country, the remainder of the XVIII played at the Old Xavs in the years following. 1974 saw the appointment of David Kidd (an Old Scotch man) as coach. Dave was a good bloke and caring of the young blokes under his charge. As well as the young tyros, the club retained veterans such as Richard Stanley, Peter Frazer, Skinny Petroff and Terry Quinn. The team turned things around but defeat in the finals at the hands of Hampton Rovers saw us remain in D Grade. In 1975, Jack Kent, who had successfully coached St Bernard's, replaced Kidd who had returned to Scotch. Jack was a delightful bloke, but would have been over 60 and after a few games perhaps was finding the going a bit tough. Thus, John Sanders, an Old Xav who had played for the club and won All-Australian selection took over the coaching role. Club legend has it that some senior members of the Club approached him and reminded him of the role of the OXFC in pointing him away from his alleged larrikin youth, and that the club needed a favour in return. He paid it back in spades. The makeup of other clubs is still vivid. I was in the habit of of getting to the ground in time to watch the 2s. The day at Charles Mutton Reserve in Fawkner, I prepared for the senior game by driving two seconds players to the hospital, one after the other, both bleeding in the car. The native supporters at Fawkner were a breed apart. We led all day, but were beaten at the bell. Many of our players were crying in the rooms after the game - whether through disappointment over the loss or joy at mere survival, I still don't know. A loss to Old Geelong in the Preliminary final saw us remain in D Grade again. The Xavs have never had large numbers of supporters attending their games. During the 1970s , mainstays included Lou Zachariah, Alan Dwyer, the three Burnes brothers, Drs Noonan and Mortensen, Jack Bowen, G Dwyer and his wife Sue, John Unkles, Commo McCormack, my mother Geraldine and brother John. In 1976, the club played its home games at Como Park and trained at Xavier on the small hockey pitch which is now under the Stevenson Centre. The lights were not brilliant either, but not many showed up at training in those days. One night the lights didn't work, so Jack Sanders had those with cars drive them on to the basketball court and leave the engines running and lights on to illuminate the field. Some other clubs in D Grade were Elsternwick, Old Assumption and the State Bank, but that year saw the start of a great rivalry with Ajax, with the games competitive and full of vitriol. Great was the sight of Jaguars departing the premises when the Xavs led at lemon time. Old Xavs fronted up against Ajax in the 2nd semi at Albert Park and Sanders included Steve Curtain, Richard Cookesley, Brendan O'Sullivan and George Adgemis, who were all school standouts. We won by a point, clinching promotion and a slot in the GF two weeks later. The sight of seeing Commo McCormack doing the victory sprint on to the ground with tears pouring down his cheeks is one of the happiest memories I have. Two weeks later, we beat the Jackers easily to win the flag, with O'Sullivan voted BOG. Sanders stayed on as coach in 1977. We won the first four games and had a successful year. We lost the preliminary final and missed promotion to B Grade when in the dying seconds, Parkside player A Quaife took a mark and registered full points from point blank range. Or the goal umpire thought he did - and was the only one in the ground who thought he did. Thus, the Xavs remained in C grade because of an error. Sanders took over the presidency over the summer. Others involved in the administration of the club were Bryan Gurry and Mark Peters. They recruited Jack Batten to the cause as coach. Batten was a former captain of Xavier, and an A Grade premiership captain with the Uni Blacks. Recruits included and Alan Sierakowski and John Brimmacombe. We found a true home ground at Swan Street when the Old Paradians moved to Bundoora. a number of supporters chipped in with donations that enabled the club to spend $7000 on a lighting tower for the outer side. We were competitive and finished fourth at the end of the home and away season after doing battle with sides such as Alphington - always an experience. At one stage, I knocked an opponent into the point post. As this tattooed behemoth shook himself, regained his composure and marched towards me, I offered "Sorry, sorry," in an attempt to placate him. My father, who stood nearby, came to the rooms after the game and wanted to know why I had apologised. That same day, we led at half-time despite Alphington kicking 4 late goals before the siren. Francis Browne was out injured with another knee problem and had set up the drinks on a trestle table in the change room for our thirsty warriors. Coach Batten, incensed at Alphington's surge, steamed inside, up-ended the table and sent cordial everywhere. He commenced an inquisition, demanding of every player in turn that they reveal their whereabouts on the previous night. Curiously, and noticeably, he skipped Sierakowski. Unknown to us, but known to the coach was that Siera had been at the opera - with Jack's wife. The Xavs won the first semi and travelled to Corio for the Prelim to meet the Geelong Amateurs. We beat them, won promotion to B Grade and the chance to meet Ajax in the GF out at Monash. AJAX had the Ritterman brothers, Trevor Coen (to play for Melbourne) and Fabulous Farmer and they all began well. With early injuries to Richard Cookesley, John Nankervis, John McArthy and Sean Hants and a first half deficit, Batten could not drag me. Instead, he swung me to full-forward to get me out of the way. I had my day to remember, kicking 5 goals in 10 minutes. John Noonan dominated and was BOG in the Xavs win. Manic Jackers' supporter Robert Morley's pocket was, from accounts, considerably lighter on GF night. From D Grade in 1974 to b Grade in 1979 - the march to the top had begun. It is worth recalling that in 1974, at the AGM, there was serious contemplation of winding up the club, so hopeless did the future appear. The late and great Brian Lugar, who served as President, Secretary, and in a number of other positions, was the patron saint whose optimism breathed life back into ailing club. Since the despair of that AGM thirty years ago, we have expanded to the extent that we now field six teams and 130 odd players each week. We have won eight A Section flags, numerous Reserves pennants and countless Grand Finals with the Crocs. Brian Lugar was right and he would look back with enormous pride on the achievements of our club. |
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1970 |
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Jack Bowen had been forced into retirement with a knee injury, and had assumed the presidency. Lou Zachariah was elected to the VAFA presidency. Surviving editions of the UNGAR from 1971 impart well the kind of season it was. The editor wrote thusly "If you are reading this, you are doing the unusual. Nevertheless, even if a few are prepared to spare the moments to do so, we should be grateful. Just as we suppose we should be grateful if a few of you turn up tonight at Peter Rhoden's Barrel turn or turn up the following week at Michael Mulcahy's. In fact, we should be grateful if you pay your $6 subscription or pay your forty cents per game, or even if you turn up for training on both Tuesday and Thursday nights. come to think of it, "we" should be grateful if you turn up and play in today's game, now shouldn't we?" And that was just for starters - it got worse, and it was still only Round 1! "In addition to the usual $6 subscription, which, by the way is to be paid next Saturday or it will be $8, players will be charged 40 cents a game to offset some of the running costs of this club, which are considerable. To those who complain, realise that all other successful Amateur clubs have a similar levy and if you do not like it - STIFF . . . . Besides, you will no longer have to pay for this memorable publication, as your 40 cents will cover the printing and distribution costs." Round 2's UNGAR continued in a similar vein. "It is quite obvious that this is going to be a long season judging by last Saturday's "effort" for want of a better word. But credit to Old Carey, they were fitter, faster, smarter, more determined and twice as desperate - so how could we hope to win? It has become clear that something in the way of special efforts has to be done this year - not by the coach but by the players - the whole 40 of them - if the club wants to stay in "B" Grade." The good news was that Peter Rhoden's Barrel turn the previous Saturday had been attended by about thirty-three players and supporters plus about five wives and one or two girlfriends. The editor lamented the lack of "tone" - read lack of "women", though he did comment that among spectators at the season opener included "Natalie Woodley, Robbie Carroll, Mary Byrne and Meg Bowen, who added the glamour." Club members were urged to gather round the barrel again that night, and for one soul to step forward to take the role of Social Secretary (perhaps to organise functions that extended beyond a barrel). The other positive note was that Bill Seabrook had extracted the newly instituted 40c levy without too much drama. Round 3's UNGAR reported a better effort on the field, but attributed the loss to Uni Blacks as a case of "simply that the team did not want to win enough" and continued "'Wanting to win' starts on Tuesday night, not on Saturday at two o'clock. So when there are 18 players dedicated enough to winning, there is no doubt that we will. We have to decide whether we are a football club or a social club." The Round 4 edition hailed Mick and Maree Mulcahy's turn as a success, adding another $50 to club coffers. Stumps were drawn at the very civilised hour of 9:00pm. Round 5 saw more lament: "There once was a team that was runner-up in A Grade - almost premiers, but not quite. This side had a strong team, efficient administration and a host of supporters. Gradually the team went down the scale in A Grade until it could sustain the illusion no longer and succumbed to the clutches of B Grade - half willingly because it thought maybe it could win some matches in that grade - maybe even be premiers. That bubble quickly burst and for two years it struggled in B Grade until finally some thought that C Grade was its rightful mileu and did all they could to get there." Things were getting desperate. The Seniors had not won a game and the Reserves were struggling to field a team. Mention was made of the total lack of atmosphere in the rooms before the game, while Coach Alan Woodley was commended for his continued and continual enthusiasm. The UNGAR also noted the death of Jack Bowen's father, who had been a great supporter of the club. The sixth weekly UNGAR delivered the positive news of the Xavs' double victories over University High. Mick Mulcahy and Mitch McKenzie were selected in the Victorian squad. There was optimism about the visit to to play Ivanhoe. That optimism was misplaced. "We were well and truly thrashed by a side prepared to take the initiative despite the riskiness of the situation." But there was some frivolity, as the Reserves christened Paul "Pinky" Hamilton's new home renovations. "Last Thursday, by special invitation only, sixteen or more of the "hors d'oeuvres" were privileged to attend the opening of the South East Wing of the Paul Hamilton residence. paul was looking his sartorial best with the latest open neck white Pelaco unbuttoned to his navel, revealing a torso matted with the smoothest of light-brown hair. Most of the night, Paul's right hand was decorated with a seven ounce glass coloured with that tinge that only Carlton can provide. In his other hand was a whip which he occasionally flicked in his wife's direction to ensure that her head was kept over the stove. After sipping cocktails, the guests assembled for a smorgasbord which was really delicious. following this, the guests were bade to hear the coach's favourite speaker - himself. After a delightful half hour, punctuated by the inanities of Loudmouth Morrison, he finished speaking . . . The evening's formalities closed when one well-mannered gentleman proposed a vote of thanks to Pinky's wife Joan - and so with the floor covered in cigarette butts and having a gentle liquid sheen, the guests broke into groups for some light gossip." Round 8's UNGAR contained no such light-hearted banter. "Two of the heaviest defeats we have suffered in a long time have just occurred in successive games. At the moment, we are really struggling. On the field, we can barely field two teams, while off the field it is still too few doing too much. There is a decided lack of confidence, a lack of atmosphere in the clubrooms, little spectator support, players doing as they like; in fact a pessimist coiuld say the club's future is on the rocks!!! And so it went through the season . . . Steve Curtain retired mid-season to concentrate on the law. President Jack Bowen reported that the club was in a precarious position financially and that everyone should remember that that it costs over $1000 a year to run the club. By the end of June, 30 players had not paid their subs. Round 13 UNGAR: "What can you say about a club that is dying? That it is unfortunate? That it is unlucky? That it is talented?" NO. Just that it needs a transfusion. Of spirit, that has been slowly draining away since 1967. Everybody loves a winner but nobody cares for a loser. success breeds success and until we win on the field we can't expect to kick on." Edition 14 noted the following: "Out of 36 players last Saturday, not less than 7 took the field with numbers on their backs that were ripped to shreds or unable to be identified correctly. all you need to do is ask and you will be given a new number to be attached, so that at least you will look the part, even if you feel it is kinky to look like an escapee from a Spanish bull ring. also, the number of dirty boots and shorts are excessive, even the change of uniform that was introduced by the 20th man last week was tasteless. LET'S ALL MAKE AN EFFORT TO SMARTEN UP." UNGAR Round 16 delivered a postscript in the match report: "What do you care about the effort you put into your weekly game of football? Do you have any respect for individuals who put time an effort into running the club or is this the treatment you expect? Last Tuesday week, you, the players of the club, sank your final blow in what has been a very dismal year of football. Two coaches, the captain, and two players at training! Alan Woodley no doubt would have been happy at home in front of the fire, having a beer or perhaps still at work looking after some of his many patients, but no, he played his part and was at the ground, while nobody bothered to ring and excuse themselves. Without doubt, the most disgusting effort of the year and it is from you the players on the field that this disinterest is coming. Not only that, but last Saturday there were many players out injured, yet we were not able to get a boundary umpire for the Reserves, nor was a volunteer forthcoming to assist Alan Dwyer carry the oranges and cordial from the change rooms to the ground. It is very simple to say "first I must be asked to do a job" or that "it did not enter my head that these things had to be done", but if in fact they are not done, who complains? You, the players do! And if you turn up to training and nobody is there to supervise or coach, you are the first to complain. Let's get behind the club and finish the season on a better note of respect for yourselves and for Alan Woodley and others who put in the effort to help you. Despite the last ditch pleas, C Grade beckoned for season 1972. |
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1972 |
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In 1973, the Xavs celebrated 50 years. The following article, penned by club legend Robin McCooey, appeared in the Xaverian that year.
Thanks to regular correspondent “Martha from the Mallee” who sent in this team photo from circa 1973. I suspect it's the 2nd XVIII. Click on it for a much larger version. Taken at Como Park, it features from left: On the wall: Hugh McKechnie; Mark “Max” Bowden; Kevin Breheny; Peter Schillito; Ken “Skinny” Petroff; Peter “Greek” Meehan; John Spehr; Michael Wilson. On the bench: Steve Curtain; Peter “China” O’Brien; Wally Wray; Tim Hogan; Phonse Kyne; Brian “Boo” Hayden; John Midgley; Paul “Pinky” Hamilton On the carpet: Ernie Williams The guernseys certainly weren’t the haut couture they have become. Skinny Petroff holds the Old Xavs career games record by a long way. Greek Meehan hasn’t changed a bit in over 30 years. Steve Curtain looked as if he was shivering. China O’Brien is foreshadowing the bicep pumping that will later become a regular team photo passion of one J R Bowen III. John Midgley has apparently purchased new boots especially for the pic, a harbinger of his future in the footwear business. Boo Hayden sympathises with Curtain and refuses to remove the trendy under-shirt. (ed: 2006) |
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1974 R4: A final quarter lunge was not enough to get the Xavs up against Brunswick. Fraser, Brosnan and Howard were the best for the beaten. R12:Xavs fell to fourth position in D Section after a narrow loss to Brunswick. Seven goals down at the first change, Xavs fought back with help from John Noonan, Jemmeson, Peter Naughton and Fraser, who kicked 5 goals. In an unusual move, the Old Xavs appointed Old Scotch's David Kidd as its senior coach for 1974. He soon won friends. According to the Annual Report: "The season started with a great deal of enthusiasm, especially with the way we performed in the practice matches. The runs around the tan and Dave Kidd's 'miles into the legs' proved their value later in the year for all those who participated. Unfortunately not enough were there early and their lack of preparation showed out very clearly with the spate of injuries we received later in the season. We had the points on the board after the first few games and with David's new methods we were in for a really great year. The seconds also performed well and the taste of success was back at the Old Xavs. a few injuries midway through the year didn't help , especially those to Rolly Howard and Tipper Callinan, but we were fortunate in having the services of a number of the school side who were not only excellent replacements but stars in their own right. Lawrence, Byrne and Tony Midgley from school were all match winners on their day while Peter Naughton and John Midgley performed brilliantly throughout the year. With only a few games to play, it was touch and go whether we would make the final four, but with dedication and good fortune, we made the first semi-final. It just was not our day in the semi and although we had the team to win, Hampton rovers jumped away from us early and we were never able to make up the difference. Although it is disappointing that we are not in C Grade in 1975, we had a good year and one where we were able to develop a definite style of football and hopefully the start of our climb back up the ladder. The seconds also were a force, being beaten in the Preliminary Final. It's amazing what old blokes can do. Congratulations to Rats Raffaele and his team for a great effort. It is a long time since we had both teams in the finals and surely the signs are good." Commenting further on the future, the Report noted: "We have definitely got the makings for the move we all want back up into C Grade. It was shown this year that when we really had to win, we could. Our biggest problem was that we were unable to maintain the determination and effort which is required to win a premiership. If we are going to be successful next year, we must put our heads down from the start and maintain the pressure throughout the year. This effort is required not only of the team, but of the Committee and supporters. The problem of arousing enthusiasm into former players is increasingly difficult as most of them seem to be absorbed in other areas. It is the former players who help make the club and there are many areas where we greatly need assistance, so anyone who is interested is most welcome." Peter Naughton won the Best and Fairest, John Lawrence the Most Consistent and Best in Finals; John Zachariah the Most Improved; John Noonan the Best First Year Player; Hugh McKechnie won Best Clubman while Max Bowden won the Best and Fairest in the Reserves. At season end, David Kidd returned to Old Scotch, paving the way for the return of the great John Sanders. |
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1975 Season 1975 no sooner arrived than did this letter from the Secretary of the VAFA. It was sent to all members of the Association. The punctuation, syntax and emphases are all his . . . |
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4th APRIL 1975. TO EACH CLUB MEMBER : - It is not proposed to make this a regular practice, for I neither have the time, the inclination or the capacity to maintain this as a standard practice. In addition to this, the Association, does not have the finances to maintain this type of service, nor is there any real need for such an action, but on reading through these minutes of the ANNUAL MEETING, there are are some very important matters, that I am sure needs reminding of before the next Annual Meeting of the VAFA. There are several matters that need your immediate attention, and unless, they are attended to immediately, then each club will have problems, which in turn will make it quite difficult for them to meet the requirements of their Association. Matters such as Re-registration of players, applications for a Permit, Meetings of the Permit Committee and the closing date for the lodgement of such applications, Notices of Motion, Old Players and Officials Association, Changes of Grounds, Sub-committees of the Association and several other matters of equal importance, need immediate attention, and certainly will be forgotten if left until March 1976. It is in this vein that I write to each and every member of the association, with a copy of the Annual Meeting minutes attached, so that the efficiency of every club in general and the VAFA in particular, can and will be improved. As stated above this will NOT become a regular feature, nor for that matter will it become irregular, but I feel it is necessary on this single occasion. Yours Faithfully J. Fullerton Secretary. |
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Mr Fullerton served as VAFA Secretary for nearly a quarter of a century, and was reaching the end of his term and it would seem, his tether. Who wouldn't? Old Xaverians finished fourth in D Section |
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Season 1976 was the year that the fightback truly began. The Xaverians fought their way out of D Grade, thereby easing some of the frustration at seeing power clubs such as University Blacks recruit players from Xavier to bolster their lineups. John Sanders took the helm for his second season as coach. Peter Naughton was appointed captain of the club. Led by John Noonan, Mick Rush, John Nankervis and John Zachariah, the Xavs smashed Brunswick in the first game to set up their season. They beat Old Camberwell, Old Brighton and National Bank, and then proved they weren't frontrunners by hauling in a five goal deficit against State Bank in Round 5. Subsequent victories over Old Geelong and Elsternwick set up the clash with similarly unbeaten AJAX. Disappointment followed, as the Jackers won easily and the Xavs were crunched by Assumption. However, turning the corner at 7-2, with several stars to return was a happy position to be in. Despite a huge injury list, they continued their good form through the second half, toppling AJAX in the return fixture, but losing to Assumption by a point. The second semi-final meant a third clash with the Jackers. The UNGAR reported it thus: "Supporters, players, officials coaches and others jumped in unashamed joy (whilst some of the older heads wept) on the 28th august when the bell rang to give us victory by one point over AJAX in the second semi and ensured us of a place in C Grade for 1977. In a tense last five minutes of play, the backs held firm and defended stoically under great pressure. A stirring game for players and supporters saw half our dream realised - elevation to C Grade. Now for the Grand Final and our first senior pennant since 1962. Fourteen years is a long time between drinks." The Xavs played AJAX for a fourth time in the Grand Final and defeated them by 6 goals in a high scoring contest. Other highlights of the historic year . . . John Mortensen turned 21; John Unkles ran into a goalpost; The Nostalgia Night organised by Mick Lonergan and the raffle of a COLOUR television; while the beer ran out after the away game at State Bank by 5:35, the Xavs shaped up to beat their post-game gallonage record of 108.
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1977 |
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1979
R5: Xavs defeated Collegians at Harry Trott by 29 points, their first ever win at that ground. Bill Carroll noted it was the first time since 1959 (when he was captain) that Xavs had beaten Colls. |
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Before
his death in November 2004, club
legend and life member Michael Rush remembered his first years at
Xaverland:
1976