50 YEARS AGO THE LOG JAM OF 1969 ( Ref: 2019/12)

The DFNC 1969 Senior XVIII

The 1960’s was one of the club’s brightest decades and the Senior XVIII participated in the Nepean League Finals in 1964, 1965, 1967 and 1968. On the Chinese Zodiac 1969 was the ‘Year of the Rooster’ and there was no mention of Grasshoppers or, for that matter, Tigers. Despite some fine performances during the Home and Away series the club finished in a ‘log jam’ outside the Final Four with ten wins.

VFL STARS TAKE TO THE BUSH

One of the features of that decade of DFNC history football was the number of experienced VFL and VFA players that the club appointed to coaching positions In that era of country football, many former VFL stars had left the ‘big smoke’ to take up coaching positions in ‘bush’ leagues. For example: Bob Rose (Collingwood to Wangaratta), Bill Milroy (Carlton to Trafalgar), Vic Lawrence (North Melbourne to Yallourn ), Graham Donaldson (Carlton to Morwell) and Bill Thripp (Collingwood to Bairnsdale). Dromana ‘got into the act’ also and acquired the services of some well- credentialed former VFL players. In that decade, the club appointed Gordon Proudfoot (ex- Fitzroy), John Nix (ex-Richmond), Bob Castles (ex-Camberwell VFA) and John Kelton ( ex-South Melbourne) to coach the club.

The archives show that the committee’s decisions were productive in lifting the performances of the club. The history of the 1969 season at DFC is somewhat ambiguous because the deep disappointment caused by the events that transpired during the 1968 final. The narrow and controversial defeat by Rye in that game , appeared to have had a profound effect on the ‘collective psyche’ of the club for a considerable period.

Gordon Proudfoot-DFC Coach in 1960-61 John Nix –DFC Coach in 1964.

In 1968, Dromana was bundled out of the finals race in questionable circumstances. According to the available documentation, in the !968 First Semi-final , Rye snatched victory in the dying seconds of the match. The sensational result sparked an outcry from DFC officials which, in turn, gave rise to an objection being lodged with the NFL. The subsequent league hearing dismissed Dromana’s appeal and the result of the match was awarded to Rye FC. It was though a ‘pall of discontent’ hung over Pier Street for some time after that, and the build-up to the 1969 season was subdued as the club struggled to shake off the perceived injustice of the previous season.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE 1969 SEASON

In 1969 the club was affiliated with the Nepean Football League and eleven other clubs were: Rosebud, Karingal, Rye, Crib Point, Langwarrin, Red Hill, Pines, Navy, Bonbeach, Pearcedale and Somerville. The DFC’s Annual General Meeting was held on January 17th and the elected office bearers for the 1969 season were; • President: E. Oakes. • Vice Presidents: N. Osborne and R. Hipwell. • Secretary: G. Osborne. • Treasurer: S. Rogers.

• General Committee: S. Fraser, A. Marriott, W. Work, J. Cornish, R. Jordan, J. Booth and J. Hellesey. At that meeting, the coaches for the 1969 season were confirmed: • Seniors: John Kelton • Reserves: Ron Choate • Thirds: Brian McCormick During the evening a presentation was made to former coach Bob Castles… “…The opportunity was taken to make a presentation to a former coach of the club, Mr Bob Castles, who was leaving the district to take up residence at Narrandera in NSW…” Source: ‘Southern Peninsula Gazette.’ February 19th 1969 Page: 13

Note: An article on the service given to Bob Castles during his years at DFNC can be found on the website. Amongst the business agreed upon at that AGM was the decision to enter a Fourth XVIII team in the Nepean FL Under: 15 competition. It was judgment of substantial importance to the future of the club and an indication of the number of boys, in the district, willing to play football in that era. Furthermore, the decision accentuated and the club’s confidence that such a new team was viable despite the considerable expense, extra support staff and volunteers required.

NFL LEAGUE REPRESENTATION & HONOURS

At the Nepean Football League’s Annual General Meeting on 24th February 1969, at the Somerville Social rooms, Eric Oates was elected to the important position of Vice President of the NFL for the 1969 season. At the same meeting, Dromana’s resolute and esteemed and administrator, George Osborne, was granted Life Membership of the NFL in appreciation of his untiring work for Football on the Mornington Peninsula since 1921. In the history of DFNC, Eric and George were the ‘Dynamic Duo’ and their collective contribution to the life of the club was selfless and enduring.

THE DFC PLAYING LISTS FOR 1969

Although there are no official players list available from that era, research, via local newspaper reports, unearthed the family names of players who played at least one game for the club in 1969:

THE SENIOR LIST: John Kelton, Daryl Grogan, Brian McCormick, Steve Jolley, Fyson brothers, Matthews brothers, Robert Work, Dave Williams, Brindley brothers, Tom Auburn, David Taylor, Ken Myers Sullivan, Graskowsky, J. Loveday, Hubbard, Rowler, Peter Dempsey, Ian Fraser, Brashe, Kerr brothers, Andrew Emerson, Brian Griffith and George Gourlay.

THIRDS XVIII: Cameron, Fromhold, McKenna, Doody, Lechte, Maine, White, Moorehead, Wall, Duckett, Delaney, Booth, Barker, Constable, Bullen, Osborne, Gow and Carter. FOURTH XVIII : Some of the known family names of Under: 15 listed players that season were: Casagrande, Bailey, Duggan, Bird, Collins, Birch brothers, Lyons, Bushby and Cairns.

Colin Matthews Brian McCormick Brian Griffith

THE RESULTS FOR 1969

Despite a brilliant 108 point victory over Red Hill in Round: 1, the club, although highly competitive, never reached the heights of 1968 and finished in seventh position with ten wins According to the official archives, the Nepean FL Ladder after the completion of the eighteen home-and-away games was:

TEAM Played Won Lost % Pts RYE 18 18 0 189 72 LANGWARRIN 18 14 3* 147 58 ROSEBUD 18 13 4* 170 54 BONBEACH 18 12 12 132 48 PEARCEDALE 18 10 8 131 40 CRIB POINT 18 10 8 131 40 DROMANA 18 10 8 118 40 SOMERVILLE 18 6 12 89 24 NAVY 18 5 11** 84 24 RED HILL 18 2 16 42 12 KARINGAL 18 0 18 31 0

An interesting aspect of the 1969 season was that Navy tied with Langwarrin and Rosebud (both finalists in that season) while, the league’s newcomer Karingal FC failed to win a game. As can be seen from the above ladder, Dromana finished seventh in a ‘very tight field’ with 10 wins. Langwarrin went on to win the Senior XVIII premiership that season.

The history of the Navy in local football can be traced back to much earlier times; and it is known that in 1929, the Naval Depot trounced Dromana by 147 points. On that day in July 1929, Navy 29.18 (192) defeated Dromana 7.3. (45). The large bold print headline to the article said: ‘GOAL KICKING RECORD NAVAL DEPOT V DROMANA.’

A photograph of the Navy team ( HMAS Cerberus Naval Base ) in the 1960’s

DFNC HISTORY CLARIFIED

A discrepancy that had long existed, regarding DFNC’s win/loss ratio in 1969, appears to have been finally resolved. The official ladder, as shown above, was provided by the MPNFL Historian, Doug Dyall, and clarifies the situation regarding Dromana’s position on the NFL ladder after 18 rounds that season.

NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE HONOURS

As mentioned previously on this website, all members of DFNC were particularly pleased and, indeed, proud when youngster Steve Jolley won the George Osborne Medal for the Best and Fairest Player in the Nepean Football League Senior Grade in 1969. Steve polled 28 votes to win from, former Richmond ruckman, Ray Orchard, of Langwarrin who gained 27 votes. Rye’s centreman Ray Rumbold collected 24 votes to claim third place in that count. Ray had earlier carved a handsome reputation as a tireless midfielder while playing with Yallourn FC (LVFL). Red Hill’s Theo Van Roy and Barry Clarke of Rosebud each received 22 votes.

Note: Theo Van Roy had played 65 games in the period 1964-67 with Dromana before crossing to Red Hill. Theo was selected on the half forward flank in DFNC’s Team of the Decade (1956-65).

Theo Van Roy ex- Dromana who starred with Red Hill in 1969.

A NOTE ABOUT BARRY CLARKE OF ROSEBUD

In that era, Barry Clarke was a star in Mornington Peninsula football. Regarded as a dynamo with Rosebud, Hawthorn and Carlton were anxious to gain his signature; and, it is known, that he kicked at least five ( the exact number is to be confirmed ) of Rosebud’s thirteen goals in the 1970 Premiership victory over Pearcedale at Somerville In 1971, Barry travelled north to Queensland and played in the QFL with resounding success. He won an impressive list of medals and awards while playing 226 games with Winston Grange FC.

Rosebud’s Barry Clarke- A champion in local football

Barry represented QFL on 16 occasions; and skippered the State team in Perth in 1979. To cap off a magnificent career, Barry was named in the Queensland team of the Century. Barry’s son, Nathan played with the Brisbane lions in 2010-11. It is fair to say that Barry Clarke was one of the finest MPNFL players of vintage.

Steve Jolley booted 43 goals in 1969 to finish fourth on league’s goal-kicking table ( The winner P. Jones of Langwarrin topped the list with 89 goals). In all, It was stellar year for Steve Jolley; and it came as no surprise that he was signed by Hawthorn FC in 1970. He was an outstanding young footballer and warranted the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the game. Note: A summary of Steve’s time at Hawthorn is given FC below.

DROMANA RESERVES PLAY FINALS IN 1969

The DFC Reserves finished fourth in 1969 but were defeated in the First Semi- Final by Navy in a close and exciting tussle. The best players for Dromana in that match were: Hubbard, Fraser and Brashe. Readers may be interested to know that in 1969, Balcombe (a team comprised of cadets from the Army Apprentices School at Balcombe ) won the NFL Reserves premiership.

The DFC Thirds finished fifth on the NFL Ladder with 13 wins; and the Fourth XVIII team was very impressive in its first season of competition football and held in fourth rung on the ladder with 44 points. The following week, an authoritative Rosebud Under: 15 have defeated Dromana by 43 points in the First Semi-Final.

CLUB AWARD WINNERS IN 1969

The DFC Presentation Night was held in the Rosebud Memorial Hall on 3rd October 1969; and, according to the available press report, a capacity crowd was in attendance and enjoyed a memorable evening.

The Senior XVIII trophy recipients were: • Best and Fairest: Steve Jolley. • Most Consistent Player: Dave Williams. • Most Determined Player: Ray Fyson. • Most Serviceable Player: Tom Auburn. • Most Improved Player: Phil Marriott. • Best First Year Player : Glenn Fyson In other grades, Ian Fraser won the Reserves Best and Fairest trophy while Tom Booth ( 3rds ) and Ross Bailey won the Fourth XVIII trophy that season. Ross Bailey went onto become one of champions of the club in the 1970’s.

Ross Bailey played 108 games with DFNC and was he selected in the centre in the Team of the Decade (1976-85).

LEADING GOAL KICKERS FOR DFC - 1969.

The leading goal kickers, in each grade, for the club that season were: • Seniors : Steve Jolley 43 goals • Reserves : Daryl Grogan 44 goals** • Thirds: Ron White: 49 goals. ** While Daryl Grogan was an effective forward, he was also known as a forceful defender for DFNC; and he played 96 Senior XVIII. Daryl and was selected in the club’s Team of the Decade (1956-65).

NOTES ABOUT ‘TWO OF THE BEST’ • JOHN KELTON

John Kelton ( born: 1937) coached Dromana CF for three seasons between 1967 and 1969. John started his football at Hampton and first came under notice as a player of some potential when he played with the South Melbourne Under: 19 team … “…and John Kelton, 6ft. 3in. 13st. and 17-year-old follower from Hampton Scouts, South considers it has secured two of the ‘recruits of the year.’ ‘The Argus’ 13th July 1955.

John played his first VFL game for South Melbourne in 1957 against Geelong at Kardinia Park. Some of his team mates on that day included the Swans’ stars , Bob Skilton, Don Keyter , Kevin Hogan ( Liam’s Father) , Max Oaten,

Brian McGowan and Hugh McLaughlin. South Melbourne won a ‘nail-biter’ by two points that day.

John Kelton played in the VFL 1957 Night Series . He was 19th man for the Swans that night against Carlton at the Lakeside Oval. Source: VFL ‘Record’ September 12th 1957.

John usually played in the ruck in those days; and he went onto play 21 games for South Melbourne and kicked 4 goals. John’s last VFL game was against Melbourne in Round:14 in 1960. He was 23 years of age when he retired from VFL football. Following his time at Lakeside, he played VFA football with Sandringham and then joined Parkdale in the Federal FL. From all accounts John Kelton was a most successful and popular coach at Dromana; and he led the club to a Grand Final against Rye in 1967. As has been documented before, Rye won by 17 points that day. Dromana also played in the finals series in 1968.

In 1970, Greg James was appointed to the position of coach but John stayed on at DFC as player and then assumed the role of club secretary before relocating to Darwin. John Kelton had been a wonderful player and valuable clubman

• STEVE JOLLEY

One of the undoubted stars of Mornington Peninsula football was Steven Jolley. Steven ( born July 1st 1950 ) was a youngster with superb skills and boundless potential; and great things were expected from him from his very first Senior game with Dromana in 1967. Playing in the ruck ( 188cm ) or as a key forward, he dominated aerial duels and his capability to kick goals was exemplified in 1969 when he booted 48 goals to win the club goal- kicking trophy. Steve won two DFC Best and Fairest awards in 1968 and 1969; and in 1969 he also won the George Osborne Medal with 28 votes. In that era of local football, there were brilliant footballers in the NFL such as Fred Webster ( Pines) Boris Ognew (Pearcedale), Ray Orchard ( Langwarrin ) Barry Clarke ( Rosebud), Neil McComb ( Sorrento), Wayne Esler ( Rosebud), Robert Jeffrey’s (Navy ) Ray Rumbold ( Rye) and Anthony Wearne of Bonbeach. Such names say much about Steve’s meritorious victory in the prestigious award in 1969 at the age of just nineteen years.

In 1970, Hawthorn FC signed Steve and he made his debut for the Hawks, against Melbourne at Glenferrie Oval, in Round: 13. The Hawthorn line-up that day included such VFL champions as , , , and .The coach of Hawthorn was the fabled John Kennedy. Steve Jolley was 20 years of age when he took the field at Glenferrie ( wearing guernsey number 42); and it was a most memorable occasion as the Hawks won by 39 points. On that day Steve gathered five kicks , one mark and handballed to a team mate on two occasions.

Steve was selected for the clash against Bob Rose’s Collingwood side the following Saturday and again the Hawks won by four goals. For reasons best known to the Hawthorn selection committee, this was to be Steve’s last game in VFL ranks; and he returned home in 1971 the and resumed his career with Dromana .

Steve Jolley wore number: 42 for Hawthorn in 1970. Source: ‘VFL Record’ April 11th 1970

Steve Jolley played with Dromana until stepping down in 1974. In all, he had played 93 games; and is ranked as one of the best forwards in the long history of the club. Steve was chosen in DFC’s ‘Team of the Decade’ (1966-75) and was selected at centre half-forward in the ‘Team of the Post War Era’ ( 1946- 2015). Since 1945 , Dromana FC has been blessed with some extraordinary key forward such as Jack Duncan Greg James, Harold Fletcher, Michael Prentice, Phil Watson, Steven Gaertner, Heath Laube, Anthony Bruhn and, of course, the ‘Coleman of the Bush’, Simon Goosey. To be selected at centre half-foward at Dromana in the best team ever accentuates Steve Jolley’s ability. Steve resides locally and still has more than a ‘passing interest’ in the fortunes of the Tigers. Steve is an accountant and tax agent and has been an ever- willing and generous sponsor of the club for many seasons.

A RARE PIECE OF DROMANA HISTORY Sometimes when researching the past, people are fortunate enough to stumble across a ‘real nugget ‘ of historical significance and worth. Such was the case in exploring Steven Jolley’s career with Hawthorn. The following clipping was found in the VFL Record (April 11th 1970 Page: 12); and shows the results from the Reserve Grade match between Hawthorn and Geelong on the previous Saturday ( April 4th). The match details are interesting because there Indicate two strong connections, Steven Jolley and Lindsay Edgerton, with DFNC involved in that match.

Former DFNC Coach- Lindsay Edgerton in action

Lindsay (who kicked two goals) was listed third best for the Cats; while Greg booted three majors for Hawthorn. The Cat’s won a thriller by two points that day . Lindsay Edgerton played 76 games with Dromana and coached the club in 1981-82 . He also won the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 1978. Note: A story regarding Lindsay Edgerton has been prepared and will be posted on this website in the future.

REFERENCE & RESEARCH INFORMATION: Sources: DFNC Records –DFNC Handbook-AFL Websites - MPNFL history archives. Article reference: The Log Jam of 1969 ( 2019/12) Written and researched for DFNC by: Roger Spaull –June 2019. DFNC website administrator: Graham Stelling. DFNC Secretary-Board Member. Email contacts:[email protected]. or [email protected]