9p8 x 9.5cm 20p2 x 4cm These blended ones are here as reference only! Toni knows of their existence, but unless she requests one, preference is for the single (blue) colour version

9p8 x 2cm

20p2 x 4cm

9p8 x 2cm

20p2 x 4cm

In footy’s 150th year, we pay tribute to the clubs and leagues that are the heartbeat of country Football League Leopold Founded: 1955 Nickname: Lions Premierships: 1979, 1990 (Bellarine FL) VFL/AFL players (include): Mario Bortolotto (Geelong, Carlton), Craig Dowsett (Geelong), Ben Graham (Geelong), Tony Brown (St Kilda), David Loats (Hawthorn, Geelong), Tim Boyle (Hawthorn) leopold Short history The Geelong Advertiser recorded that a Leopold team played in 1897. The club played casually in local leagues until 1923 and it is believed social matches were played between 1924-55 when the modern club was formed. It then played in the Geelong and District league, Polwarth league and Bellarine league before taking the step up to the GFL in 1992. Defining moments On October 21, 1991, a special meeting passed a resolution for the Lions to join the GFL. Two weeks later, about 160 members voted on the move. There was some local opposition because of fear of the netball teams’ future. The GFL supported the move in principle, pending clearance from the Bellarine league, which later voted 13-1 against the move. The Lions appealed to the West Coast Football Council which allowed the move. The change put the Lions in the top regional league and helped them retain talented junior and senior players who may otherwise have defected. Club legends Les Ash was the club’s first secretary, was instrumental in forming the Bellarine league and was president for eight years. The league best-and-fairest is named after him. Terry Rowe played 217 games and was also president and reserves coach, but is best known for burying his boots in the southern goalsquare when he announced his retirement. Rumour has it that he sneaked back after dark and retrieved them. Off-field there was no greater contributor than Marty Dunstan who was involved with the club for nearly 40 years as timekeeper and gatekeeper. Under Dunstan, nobody walked through the gate without paying. Once in the 1970s, as a 68-year-old, he ran around the outer wing after someone who didn’t cough up the cash. One tap on the car window and the money was claimed. Dunstan went back to the gate to 15 cars and some foot traffic waiting and ready to pay.

GROVEDALE Founded: 1920 Nickname: Tigers Premierships: 1963, 1975, 1977 VFL/AFL players (include): John Hoiles (Geelong), Russell Koehler (Geelong), David Bolton (Geelong, Sydney), Michael Schulze (Geelong), David Mensch (Geelong), Kent Butcher (Collingwood), Matt Primus (Fitzroy, Port Adelaide), Daniel Fletcher (Geelong), Simon Fletcher (Geelong, Carlton)Grovedale Short history Grovedale’s first recorded game was in 1920, but the club has also existed as both the Marshall and Marshall Grovedale football clubs before settling as the Grovedale Tigers in 1975. The club was a founding member of the GFL in 1979 and approximately 800 members are on the books at Burdoo Reserve. Great eras Grovedale lost grand finals to Modewarre in 1973 and ’74, but exacted revenge on its bitter rival in the 1975 grand final by five points. The Tigers made it five grand final appearances on the trot over the following two years with another loss to Modewarre in 1976 followed by a three-goal win against St Joseph’s in 1977, a season in which the seniors were undefeated. Club legends Noel Winter and Merv Poyner are legends with the yellow and black, having spent a great part of their lives in almost every conceivable position with the club after their playing days ended. Ray Taylor coached the flag sides of the 1970s and was captain-coach in 1975. He is still involved, helping with the club’s finances. Peter Mann, ruckman throughout the 1970s, and Steve Martin, premiership centre half-forward, were two of the stalwarts of the club throughout the successful era.

All details are provided by the clubs. Contact Amelia Harris: [email protected] or phone (03) 9292 1269