PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS’ & OFFICIALS’ MEMBER NEWSLETTER MAY 2021 EDITION

We are the custodians of the FROM THE PRESIDENT MFC Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association. With - ROD GRINTER this come ups and downs, disappointment, grief and joy. elcome to That is why it is so important Wour third that everyone gets on board the newsletter for Dare To Dream Train. Enjoy and 2021. At the support the club and the team our very own Alistair Nicholson, who time of writing while having fun in 2021, because as has recently taken up the post of CEO this, our team we all know too well it’s a tough and of the AFL Coaches Association [and is sitting on top ruthless competition. who features in the triple ‘Where Are of the ladder with eight wins and zero A major part of what we endeavour They Now’ item in this newsletter]. losses. We should all be able to dream, to do is about creating togetherness Thank you to all who attended and as the excitement of what’s happening and connection. In Rd Eight, at our participated. on the field brings back some great second Family & Friends Match Day To stay in touch, keep an eye on memories. Some special times that I function vs the Swans, we had record our website, emails and Instagram, remember are: numbers attend, with Guy Rigoni doing and please pass on this newsletter 1987 - making the finals for the first an outstanding job as MC. He was to ensure constant communication time since 1964 (last premiership) and assisted superbly by Stephen Powell reaches all members. interviewing past Swans and Demons the first time the great Robbie Flower Once again, a big thank you goes to player, Wayne Henwood, along with played finals in his career. all those who have contributed to our 1988 - making the Grand Final, beating monthly newsletters. the Eagles in the Elimination Final, As always, stay safe and healthy. beating the Pies in the Semi Final and beating Carlton in the Preliminary Final. Regards and Go Dees 1990 – Equal best home and away year Rod Grinter with 16 wins from 22 games - we sat at President the top of the ladder after nine rounds. MFC P&PP&OA AROUND THE GROUND atch days and match day Mfunctions at the MCG have been special this year, with over 200 people in attendance for Rounds One and Eight. Along the way, Association members have both been part of and collected some memorable images. Here’s some to enjoy from Round Two onwards, with familiar faces and places popping up…and don’t forget to check our Instagram @ mfcpastplayers when you get the chance. PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS & OFFICIALS MEMBER NEWSLETTER

Four tickets to match day function, including premium reserved seating MATCH DAY information/brochures/giveaways etc Acknowledgement in MFC P&PP&OA at match day function President’s welcome address at match SPONSORSHIP day function To discuss further, please contact any of those named below: A welcome initiative for our next MCG Interview with MC at match day match day function - round to be function to promote your business to John Ahern – 0413 594 422 announced, subject to AFL scheduling guests – [email protected] – is: Networking opportunities with Rod Grinter – 0419 497 906 MATCH DAY SPONSORSHIP Association members and guests at – [email protected] For an investment of $1000, you will match day function Paul Hopgood – 0412 829 071 receive a range of benefits, including: Opportunity to distribute business – [email protected]

In recognition of so THE REV many who have made a huge contribution to hile many members will have the Association over the Wread of ‘The Rev’ Paul Burnham years, we present the being recognised with MFC P&PP&OA list of all Life Members, Life Membership at the Association’s with Paul Burnham the March AGM, the presentation of most recent addition to his certificate took place at the the company: late April committee meeting, with Vice President John Ahern doing the honours. The occasion was W. J. Adams* A.F. La Fontaine* greatly appreciated by The Rev, who H.L. McPherson* K.G. McKaige* afterwards said that: A.J. Bullock* C.S. Bradley* A. Mollison E.L. Meade* J.M. King* G.N. Pearce The certificate is now in my E.A. Cliffe* Sir A.E. Chadwick* C.W. Harris G.L. Jones* study area at home. I am so G.B. Payne G.A. O’Keefe* G.F. Bickford* H.J. Steel* proud to be associated with such F.V. Hughes* M.P. Gibb* E.J. Massey* R.L. Kennedy* a great club. It’s really humbling, N.W. Smith* J.D. Rogers E.J. Carroll S.L. Wittman* getting recognition from peers J.F. Lord K.V. Jones R.A. Mollison* P.B. Burnham and friends, and holds a lot of F.I. Williams* R.L. Wartman* B.J. Dixon weight along the journey. (* Deceased) POSITIVE PASTORAL CARE – PAUL ‘THE REV’ BURNHAM o continue with a good theme, and in his role, The Rev is always It must be acknowledged that it takes a Tlet’s review some of the statistics interested in caring for the individual dedicated effort from many to help out, achieved by The Rev throughout April and helping them to stay connected and contact details can occasionally and most of May. In his ‘match report’, as well. Some of those who he slide off the edge. Thanks are always we heard of eight hours of calls over six mentioned in further updates included due to those who have helped The Rev weeks, with 133 contacts. Most of these ‘Frank Rugolo, on the Mornington with keeping his contact notebook (all were actual conversations – checking Peninsula…Robbie Sayers, recovering texta and highlighted – an impressive in, catching up, sharing stories, just from surgery….Dan Rogers [mentioned document) up to date and flourishing, listening – with a few text messages above], recovering well….’ There are with special mention this time round thrown in for good measure. serious times, and shared stories, and going to Sophie Galer for her tracing The Rev is there to care at all times. efforts. Of course, it’s not all about the stats, MAY 2021

At the same time, we thank our long SPONSORSHIP - WELCOME, term sponsor, Dan Rogers, whose business – Rogers & Company Foods – has been a mainstay of the ! Association over many seasons. Dan, s you may have noticed in recent members who is currently recovering from a Atimes, the MFC P&PP&OA has a are stroke, is a Life Member of the MFC new sponsor. Well known to all around welcome P&PP&OA, and a valued contributor. the , Barry to contact Barry All members will be pleased to Bourke has come on board in Season on 0418 999 101 for assistance with know that he is going well with his 2021 to sponsor the Association. all their motoring needs. recuperation, and enjoying the season The Barry Bourke Motors logo is to date. We all wish Dan and his family Barry Bourke is an integral part of MFC steadily making its way onto our well, and look forward to seeing him heritage, having played 175 games communications, and we thank Barry again in the near future. in the red and blue – wearing No. 14 for being a huge supporter of the MFC throughout – between 1963 and 1973, P&PP&OA and its activities. including the 1964 premiership win. Barry Bourke Motors can be found at barrybourke.com.au, and Association *** 0418 999 101 BENEVOLENT FUND BIG FREEZE 7 LOOKING FOR….. 2021 s we head s noted, sometimes we lose Atowards the Acontact with past players and hroughout the past year, annual Melbourne officials. If anyone can assist with Tcontributions to the Association’s vs Collingwood Queen’s Birthday providing details or encouraging the Benevolent Fund via our GoFundMe blockbuster on Monday 14 June, following to contact us to update page have provided an invaluable there’s another eagerly awaited their information, it would be greatly source of assistance and helping to event on the horizon: appreciated. In the first instance, build for the future. The generosity of so please contact Spike Harris – 0411 many has meant that your Association BIG FREEZE 7 235 073 or [email protected] has a solid foundation to support On this day, we get to turn the MCG to pass on any details or leads. members of our community in need. red and blue – and BLUE – as the Also, don’t hesitate to refer to earlier We are continuing the campaign in much loved Fight MND beanies take editions of our newsletters. While 2021! Our contributors to date are: over the arena, and another group of we try to refresh the lists of ‘Looking daredevils descend into the ice bath. • Deluxe Print For’ in order to track down as many The motto this year – and always – is people as possible, often those who are • Paul Galway ‘Play On’, central to ’s missing in action stay that way for quite • Kaye Hargreaves determination and dedication to some time. We sincerely appreciate all fighting ‘The Beast’. assistance given. If you would like to join the list Visit https://fightmnd.org.au to buy Paul Granieri Matthew Mahoney your beanie, donate, and view the full John Howat Len Mann DONATE NOW range of events and merchandise. Ricky Jackson Bernie Massey

Or go to: gofundme.com and search MFC P&PP&OA We look forward to welcoming all contributors, and sharing some of their stories with you. PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS & OFFICIALS MEMBER NEWSLETTER

As you can see, the red and blue reminders are scattered throughout, AROUND THE MCG from player photos to a huge replica s everyone knows, we all missed a of the original rules. In areas such as Alot of time at the MCG in 2020 – the Anniversary Gallery, running in games, match day functions and the between the Members Dining Room annual reunion, just to name a few and the Long Room, the bronze doors occasions. However, we are all making and the giant tapestry have significant up for it in 2021, with six of nine wins MFC representation, with the likes of (at time of compiling) at our home and Ivor Warne-Smith ground. portrayed. Even when Melbourne games aren’t being played at the MCG, there is a strong MFC presence throughout the arena and surrounding Yarra Park, where the names remind us of the impact that our club has had – and continues to have – on the game and seat, and if you get the chance, visit the ground alike. either the Robert Flower or So, if you haven’t seen the following, Terraces, with stunning views of the make time to visit: city as a highlight. While you’re looking out beyond the ground, take note of a Statues honouring , Norm recent and very special addition to the Smith and , which can all Melbourne collection, with Daniher’s be seen throughout Yarra Park. Way leading over the William Barak The Jim Stynes Grill, Ron Barassi Bridge and into the city. Room, Bar, Frank Once you’ve made it back to the Grey Smith Bar (Grey Smith was a ground, you might make your way pioneering Melbourne player, as well into the MCC Members’ Stand via the as MCC President) and the Harrison Cordner Entrance at Gate 2, paying or Wills Rooms (two of those hailed tribute to an exceptional family, with for their role in the early days of the particular reference to Dr Donald game). Cordner, one time MCC Don’t forget to look up President, MFC premiership Then, of course, turn your attention at the Robert Flower captain and 1946 to the game that’s going on – for Wing as you take your Brownlow Medallist. that is where the next generation of Melbourne moments is being made. MAY 2021

1965 – this was a different and Fairest, and Darren Bennett kicked 87 disturbing time for the Melbourne goals to top the club’s goalkicking – the SEASONS PAST Football Club. Regardless, the team best effort since ’s 97 goals s you can read in Rod Grinter’s won eight games in a row to start the in 1947. Melbourne won the McClelland Areport, the run of Melbourne wins season, before the sacking of coach Trophy for the first time since 1958, to start this season was memorable, after conflict with the attaining the highest aggregate continuing to nine in a row before the Committee saw Melbourne miss the between seniors, reserves and under narrowest of losses to the Crows in finals for the first time since 1953. 19s. Rod Keogh won the first of two Round Ten. This achievement has put It was an era of great change and Gardiner Medals, while future 2016 the team of 2021 in elite company. increasing professionalism in the premiership coach Some of the statistics and seasons game, with Richmond becoming co- came second. tenants at the MCG. 1965 was also mentioned along the way include: 1994 - Melbourne produced its most the first season without Ron Barassi’s successful season under in 1956 – Norm Smith was coach, Noel presence after six premierships, as he 1994, with the team regarded as one of McMahen was captain, and this headed to captain-coach at Carlton. was the back-to-back companion Melbourne’s best since its most recent premiership win for 1955, with the 1990 - In the first year of the AFL, premiership win in 1964. As with 1990, hattrick waiting to be fulfilled in Melbourne recorded 16 wins – its equal the Demons started the 1994 season 1957. The team didn’t play on the best achievement in a home and away with five straight wins, ultimately MCG until Round Five, and went on season. However, it must be noted that finishing the home and away season to lose just two games for the entire the Demons played 22 rounds in 1990, with twelve wins. This took them to season, before a triumphant finals as opposed to 1956 when they won 16 seventh in the new final eight. series and victory over Collingwood. of 18 rounds. The Melbourne premiership side of Starting the season with a 1956 became known as the ‘Olympic flourish and five straight wins Premiers’, and in 2004 the team was (before a narrow loss at the inducted into the Sport Australia Hall SCG, followed by another of Fame. The winning streak in this two wins back at the MCG), season was thirteen games to start Melbourne sat at the top of the 1956. When added to the six that had ladder after nine rounds, ahead taken the team through to the 1955 of West Coast by percentage. premiership win, the run extends It took Hawthorn to stop the to nineteen. In fact, 1955 started momentum with a 44-point with ten straight wins, meaning that win, only soured by a skull Melbourne supporters were spoilt for fracture to when favourite game choice. he slid into Earl Spalding’s knee. Melbourne upset Carlton in the third For the fourth season in succession, qualifying final by 27 points at the MCG Melbourne made the finals. After to open their finals campaign. The defeating Hawthorn in the final home Demons then smashed Footscray by 79 and away round, Melbourne again points in the first semi-final, also played beat the Hawks, by nine points in the at the MCG. Elimination Final at the MCG. Defenders Tony Campbell and were booted 10 goals in a stunning pivotal in both weeks, keeping Dunstall display, and David Schwarz had a and Brereton in check. The Demons brilliant finals series. Melbourne played were then knocked out of the finals by its first non-Victorian final against West West Coast, an unfortunate turnaround Coast Eagles in the second preliminary after winning convincingly at Subiaco final at the WACA. Despite possessing in Round 20. The Eagles defeated an impressive line-up, Melbourne was Melbourne by 30 points in the first no match for the dominant West Coast, semi-final at Waverley Park – the first as the home side won by 65 points. The finals victory by an interstate team. Eagles went on to win the flag by 80 points against Geelong. Garry Lyon won the club’s Best and PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS & OFFICIALS MEMBER NEWSLETTER WHERE ARE THEY NOW? has a different perspective on AFL – NO. 8 – ALISTAIR NICHOLSON ‘when I was working at cricket, I liked NO. 9 – DAVID NEITZ n this issue of the newsletter, we are being able to click into another sport.’ ike he was when he played, David Ipleased to be able to bring you a triple Regardless of where he’s at, though, LNeitz remains a constant presence; treat of ‘Where Are They Now?’, taking he’s always been dedicated to keeping and while he may not be in the No. 9 in guernsey No. 8, 9 and 10. in touch with what is happening guernsey any longer, his involvement is at Melbourne, and his at the heart of the Melbourne Football Originally from three children are also all Club, as it has been since the early Western Australia, committed Demons. ‘Their 1990s. Alistair Nicholson – hearts beat true!’, says along with wife Julia Alistair. Son Sam has been Living in Elwood, David and partner and children Olivia playing footy at Under 13s Kelly have two young daughters – (14), Sam (12) and level, but as yet, a variety Edie and Cleo. Away from home, Josh (9) – could not of sports occupy the three David is at the helm of a craft beer be more entrenched junior Nicholsons. company that he ‘started a few years in Melbourne and ago with a couple of mates; one of its sporting culture As he observes from the those is Paul Hopgood, who is also if he tried. Having sidelines, there is no doubt involved.’ It’s called Brewmanity Beer recently departed his that Alistair’s own heart Company, and ‘if anyone’s going to role as CEO of the is still completely red and Dan Murphy’s or an IGA, feel free to Australian Cricketers’ blue, as he takes a strong grab a Social Beast – it’s probably Association, he is interest in this generation the easiest one to find!’ now in charge of of backline players, revels in the early season Brewmanity originally started when the AFL Coaches ‘Neale [Daniher] decided he was Association. achievements of 2021, and remembers his own time in going to do some fundraising for It has been an intense six years for the game, saying: Fight MND. We were obviously into the former No. 8, who played 110 beer – both the drinking and the games in red and blue between 1997 We made a run in 2000 – the back making of – so we decided to make and 2005 (initially wearing No. 44 end of the season was the run. It’s a a beer, put it out there, and see if before moving to 8 in 2001). His marathon, and it has its ups and downs. efforts were particularly highlighted What they do know this season is that by achieving a hard-won revenue they can play really strong footy. It sharing model of player payments does take five to six years in the system for male and female cricket players – week in, week out – to establish alike; a significant challenge in a yourself, and that’s where players like tumultuous environment. Having Petracca and Oliver are at. There’s no represented Australia’s cricketers substitute for experience. up to and through 2020’s COVID-19 Fittingly, Alistair also observes of challenges, Alistair, realising that it coach that ‘he has was ‘eighteen months to the next MOU a good rapport with the players, but (Memorandum of Understanding) that doesn’t surprise me. He’s a great agreement’, had to decide whether players’ man.’ Chances are that Alistair it was ‘time to go, or time to stay.’ will get quite a few chances to see Eighteen months meant either both the team and the coach in action, becoming fully absorbed, or stepping from to the MCG, in away. Then the stars aligned, with tandem with his new role. Meanwhile, Mark Brayshaw departing the AFL his last words are those of someone Coaches Association. It was time to who’s seen the game from both side of leave cricket. the boundary line, in good times and The new role means that Alistair again bad alike. ‘Let’s keep the faith.’ MAY 2021

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? continued we could put it into a few pubs and Needless to say, the Seecamp raise a few dollars. We did – we raised NO. 10 – MARCUS SEECAMP household is a busy one. Despite this, about $50,000…we’ve raised about ar from the MCG, Melbourne’s Marcus has maintained an involvement $250,000 for the cause. Now it’s Fformer No. 10 between 1995 and in football over the years – from turned into our actual business.’ But 2000 (89 games, following 51 with coaching to umpiring – and enjoys the wait, there’s more. ‘We will have the Fitzroy between 1992 and 1994) is ongoing community involvement. Brewmanity Brewery, in the not too living a life of community service and With his work often proving intensive distant future, in South Melbourne. involvement in Geelong. and challenging, Marcus welcomes So – keep your eyes peeled for that!’ Marcus Seecamp is currently the chance to get to Melbourne games Once again, Paul Hopgood is involved whenever possible. ‘I get to as many in the venture, maintaining the undertaking his final year of a Graduate Diploma of Psychology games as I can, and when I do go, I teamwork that has led to the success have a great time. It’s really exciting of Brewmanity. (Advanced), with the ultimate intention of studying for a Masters of this season, and it’s good to see us at David still ‘tries to get to the footy Psychology. ‘It’s been seven to eight the right end of the table.’ when the Demons are playing here years of study – I enjoy studying.’ There, of course, speaks the voice of in Melbourne – I like to come along Working in disability and mental many Melbourne people, and Marcus and check it out.’ Of course, one of has fond memories of the seasons the most special occasions in recent health services in both Geelong and Ballarat, and having been in the spent and the people met from his times was for the presentation of time in red and blue, saying: Nathan Jones’ 300th game guernsey industry for fifteen years, Marcus on Anzac Eve, and it’s such moments has hopes of – one day – putting his I really appreciate the Melbourne that highlight the importance of the experience and training into practice in Football Club – so many wonderful involvement of the likes of David conjunction with the AFL. ‘I had a good people – and I really appreciate the past Neitz. His name is ever present, and experience in the AFL – I feel I could players and people like Jackie and Rod not only in the record books. make a difference.’ and Spike, who keep it all together. I had a lot of respect for my coaches – Neil As well as the always popular David Now, however, it’s time for him to keep putting together his research Balme, Neale Daniher, Hutchy and Fages Neitz Terrace at the MCG, there is – a good group of people. I still have Melbourne’s David Neitz Academy proposal and being involved in sporting activities with his wife strong relationships from that time, and – originally initiated by - I remember it very fondly. enabling the former captain to share Caroline and three sons. ‘Keegan is 23, ‘some DNA’ when and he’s studying Commerce – he’s Meanwhile, it’s time to study, with he has a chat to played local writing taking place when it’s quiet, the first to third footy with usually late at night. ‘It takes me a year players each St Joseph’s. week to get over an assignment!’ season, imparting Jonas has Plans for his thesis are also churning, the values of the spent a bit with the potential topic encompassing club’s football of time in post-traumatic growth after COVID. department. It’s the Geelong Exams are always looming, and it’s a clever play on Falcons’ here that the amusing conjunction words, but it also squad between worlds often takes place for shows that the and plays Marcus. ‘There are kids in their 20s – legacy of David locally with and then there’s me. I sometimes get Neitz – 306 games, Newtown. the odd person who remembers me 631 goals and Jude is from footy, too.’ thirteen and with a plethora Thank you to Alistair, David and is considering of honours to his Marcus for sharing their time and his options – name – lives on stories. We look forward to bringing he’s dabbled through succeeding more ‘Where Are They Now?’ stories a bit in generations. to you in future issues. basketball.’ PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS & OFFICIALS MEMBER NEWSLETTER MAY 2021 NATHAN JONES – 300 GAMES n 24 April, Melbourne defeated We congratulate Nathan on his ORichmond in what is always a magnificent achievements, and memorable encounter, filled with recognise a number of other Melbourne ceremony to mark Anzac Eve. It was milestones that have been achieved so even more special in 2021, with Nathan far in Season 2021: Jones becoming one of a select band Round One vs Fremantle of players – and only two at Melbourne, – (100 games)

joining David Neitz (306) – to reach the AFL Media triple tonne. Round One vs Fremantle – James Jordon (AFL senior debut) I think it’s fantastic – he’s such a heart Round Two vs St Kilda and soul player of the Melbourne

AFL Media – Steven May (150 career games) Football Club. He’s had opportunities where he could have gone and chased Round Six vs Richmond (Anzac Eve) his own personal success, but he – (100 games) chose to stay, and guide the club into Round Seven vs North Melbourne a new era, which is what he’s achieved. – Ben Brown (MFC debut) Hopefully there’s a lot more for him still to achieve! It’s great that he’s been able to Round Eight vs Sydney earn his way into the 300 Club. – (100 career games) David Neitz

game against a combined VFL/VFA team. The VAFA won by 26 points, with VALE - Fenton-Smith kicking four goals as joint leading goal kicker for the winners. DICK FENTON-SMITH Following his playing career, Fenton- ll involved with the Melbourne Smith also served on Melbourne’s AFootball Club and the Melbourne committee, and in later years, was Football Club Past and Present named as a ‘Hero’ of the club for its Players’ and Officials’ Association 150th celebrations in 2008. were saddened to hear of the recent All will long remember Dick Fenton- death of Dick Fenton-Smith. Dick Fenton-Smith, third row down, sixth in. Smith’s contribution to the Melbourne Football Club and the wider game, From Ormond Amateurs, Fenton- from ruck to defence, Fenton-Smith and we offer our most sincere Smith packed a great deal into three was hailed for his speed, coupled with condolences to his family and friends. seasons – 1957 to 1959 – including ‘great mobility’. He played his 50th two premierships, in 1957 and 1959. game in the 1959 premiership win, Dick’s son, Richard, spoke to Association Wearing No. 1 throughout his career, after which he retired, later going on to chaplain, Paul ‘The Rev’ Burnham, Fenton-Smith ‘gained selection on the play with Sturt (SA). saying ‘It’s been a bit of a struggle at MFC final training list in 1957 at the age times – we’re all very tired, but working Fenton-Smith holds another rare of 25, after several years of trying....’ through it, and we’re very grateful to the honour, having represented the VAFA Association and the club.’ Being used in a variety of positions, in the 1956 Olympics demonstration

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