![]() Jock McHale, the legendary Magpies coach, held both roles simultaneously through those seasons. However, even in their formative years, they had the ability to attract the ‘big fish’ and throughout seasons 1928, 19 the coach of the senior side was the coach of the famous Collingwood Machine. Old Xavs were formed in 1923 but back then they weren’t quite the powerhouse we know them to be today. Old Xaverians Football Club – Jock McHale leads the Machine Suffice to say, Jack backed up his colourful language with a match-winning goal to hand Ormond a four-point win and the first of many A Section flags. It was amazing listening to George re-live the final moments as though the game was played last weekend – with his barrel ending up in the hands of teammate Jack Boland on the siren. George was one of those injured players (severely rolled ankle) and was sent to the half-back line with Ormond having the aid of the famous Elsternwick Park breeze in the final term. They were injury-riddled and down to 17 fit men at three quarter time. George Raphael, one of the surviving members of that Ormond premiership side, recounted the final moments of the day that “stole” the flag. They would reach A Section before the beginning of WWII in 1937 and after two A-Section losses to Uni Blacks in 19, it was their day in 1950 when they faced Uni Blacks who were aiming for seven premierships victories in a row. The 12th oldest club in the VAFA was born in late 1931, playing their first games in 1932. Ormond Amateur Football Club – George Raphael re-lives 1950 Grand Final He is much loved and well respected at the club, telling us how fondly he remembers all the U19 boys going out of their way to thank him for his work after training. ![]() When he couldn’t find one at the end of training on Thursday nights, he’d have to go and inspect every drain around the ground – incredible to think how easily things get lost and go missing around a football club changeroom. When he finished, he had the same 30 Sherrins – not losing one of them throughout his time. When the Chief started in the role, he had 30 brand new Sherrin footballs. As far as property stewards go, Chief took us completely by surprise with his vibrancy, his excitement, passion, and love for the boys in purple. He was the property steward at Collegians for 16 years through the 1990’s and early 2000’s. I’ve picked out my #5 favourite stories that we have uncovered throughout this series.Ĭollegians Football Club – The Chief & his SherrinsĪlec O’Brien, 97, is affectionately known around Harry Trott Oval as ‘The Chief’. To date, we’ve delved into the history of 10 VAFA clubs, all with unique and colourful histories. The smell of deep-heat in the rooms, the pre-game playlist by the clubs designated DJ, the 8am arrival on a cold Saturday morning for Thirds, U19’s and some women’s teams, standing behind the goals poking fun at the opposition full forward or full-back, the singing of the club song arm in arm, the post-match beer and more post-match tunes reflecting on a ‘tough day at the office’.ĭuring this time, to help fill the void of not playing ever so slightly, the VAFA has created a Mecwacare ‘Clubs in Focus’ podcast giving all 72 clubs the opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight and celebrate everything they’ve achieved throughout their history. However, from a local football perspective, the cancellation of the 2020 VAFA season left many with a gaping hole in their weekends. ![]() In Victoria, there’s a lot more than just football which we’re missing due to the global pandemic. Retired local legends, one game heroes, club stalwarts and volunteers, current-day players in both the men’s and women’s competition, club administrators and coaches, we’re all missing the game we love so much that sometimes it does ache. Words I’m sure many retired footballers will relate to: “I miss footy so much, I miss playing so much, that sometimes it aches.” Throughout his interview, 14 words stood out like the proverbial. Throughout his interview he discussed playing with Glenelg & South Adelaide in the SANFL, being the inaugural coach of the Adelaide Crows, guiding the South Australians in State of Origin football, and serving in the Vietnam war as an infantry soldier with the 7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment. Joe Pignataro – VAFA Commentator & Podcast HostĮarlier this week I heard Graham Cornes interviewed on RSN927’s The Breakfast Club.Ĭornes was reflecting on his life in football dating back to the late 1950’s and the profound impact the game has had on him.
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