Great stalwarts of the Australian game
That Australian Rules is enjoying, despite the economic troubles confronting the country, the greatest patronage of all football codes in Australia at the present time, is borne out by the fact that every Saturday, wet or fine, hail or shine, over one hundred thousand people in Victoria alone, turn out to encourage their favorites and freely criticise the official with the whistle.
To the great majority of these enthusiasts, however, the names of Peter Burns and Henry Young naturally represent but little. The scintillating brilliance of the indomitable Percy Trotter, the unquestioned superiority of the late Albert Thurgood, and the prodigious kicking of Dave McNamara, to say nothing of the place-kicking dexterity of Harry Latchford, the skilful captaincy of ‘Sonny’ Elms, and the capabilities of 'Tracker' Forbes and 'Silver' Caine, or the brilliancy of Charlie Pannam, the eldest—all these are but links with the past of which they know nothing, and care but little. Yet there were great players in those days, too, just as there are at the present moment. Let me recall just a few.
South Melbourne, in its early days, had many notables, probably the greatest Roman of them all being Peter Burns, for whom many a kindly blessing was given in prayer by the children of South Melbourne of those days. Yet he was not greatly superior to Billy Windley, Harry Latchford, and Sonny Elms.
At Carlton where there was a galaxy of talent players like 'SiIver' Caine, Joe McShane, Mick Grace, and Fred Elliott, are still remembered for their exploits in League football. Naturally Collingwood had great players, too, for Billy Proudfoot, George Angus, Teddy Rowell, Dick Condon, Jock McHale, Arthur Leach, Frank Hailward, L. E. Tulloch, and many others wore the magpie avery of those days. Len Millis, Percy Sheehan, and Gerald Brosnan, were a brilliant trio at Fitzroy, the home by the way, of the incomparable Trotter, while Henry Young [was a] Geelong stalwart of the first water. There were many others, not forgetting Fred McGinis and Dave Moodie at Melbourne, 'Tracker' Forbes at Essendon, and the present Premier of South Australia, Lionel Hill, at Norwood.
The ruck division
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Since 1905, however, Australia's greatest ruck-man was undoubtedly Tom Leahy (pictured left), who wore the Magarey Medal on his breast for fair play. The West Adelaide giant—he resembled Essendon's Oscar Asche, Norman Becton, in size—was rarely beaten except in his declining days. Rarely did Tom ever have a rub down either before or after a match, and in this respect he must be unique among footballers. Leahy, whose brother, Bernie, was also outstanding, used his great weight sparingly, depending more upon the strength of his arms and his height. But he was an exercrable kick. One of the brilliant big fellows of Victorian football today, George Claydon, of Collingwood, is also a shocking kick, but, on the other hand, has fine marking ability, great courage, and is remarkably fast. Leahy rose to great heights in times of crises.
It was this wonderful ability to rise to the occasion when his side was being battered that made Colllingwood's skipper, Syd Coventry, the outstanding man of his day. It was that fine judge, Peter Burns, who declared that Coventry, because of his courage, was the best player Australia has produced since the war. In his palmy days, the Subiaco ruckman, Tom Outridge, had remarkable courage, too, and he must always be regarded as a champion. Just as Leahy and Coventry were the best players of their days, so, too, was Vic Cumberland in his time. Cumberland reached championship class at Sturt, although he originally played with St. Kilda. At times he was incomparable; he was one of the finest players in the history of Australian Rules. Carlton usually have good followers. Charlie Hammond and Harry Haughton, with Harry Valentine roving, were powerful, yet not of the superlative achievements of Roy Cazaly, shepherded by Fred Fleiter, with Mark Tandy roving, at South Melbourne. At Essendon, Syd Barker, shepherded by George Rawle, and Charlie Hardy roving, were a fine ruck, while Bernie Herbert, assisted by Dave Moffatt, and little Clarrie Hall roving, did many fine things at Richmond.
As far as following goes in Victorian football, Les Hughes and Con McCarthy at Collingwood, Maurice Beasy and Bert Boromeo at Carlton, Peter Reville and Charlie Stanbridge at South Mel bourne, Hughie James and Bert Foster at Richmond, and George Rudolph at Oakleigh, are outstanding players of recent years.
The highest marking followers of today in Victoria are Charlie Davey (Carlton), and Jack Cashman (Fitzroy), although Tom O'Halloran (Richmond) often flies to a greater height than any other player in the game's history. But, beyond question, Australia's champion follower today is Jack ‘Johnny’ Lewis of North Melbourne, a man of the size and type of Leahy.
The backline
At Norwood, the man of medicine, Tommy Stoddart, was regarded as the best half-back of his day, he was never quite the equal of the South Adelaide champion, Dan Moriarty; a champion among champions of superlative merit. He won the Magarey Medal three times in succession, a remarkable tribute to the grandest defender of all time. It is interesting to note that the Collingwood half-back Albert Collier, who is Moriarty's successor as Australia's champion half-back, is like Moriarty in physique, style of play, and football brains. Collier's games in big football have been particularly impressive. To make the comparison to Moriarty more intriguing, Collier also wears the coveted medal for fair play—the Brownlow.
Bert Chadwick, before he left Melbourne, made a specialty of half- back play, and he was a remarkably gentle manly player in defence, where the star player is called upon so repeatedly to break down the onslaughts of the opposing side. Chadwick was the greatest player to wear the Melbourne jersey since the war days, although he did not possess the all-round capabilities of Ivor Warne-Smith, he was nevertheless a capable leader, and a man admired by friend and foo alike for big clean methods of play. ×
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At Carlton, Alec Duncan was an artist, too; he is still playing, although but a shadow of the champion whose remarkable game against Collingwood a few years ago carved a niche for himself in the tablets of football fame. Yet for sheer audacity in lighting his way through the pack, Paddy O'Brien, the Carltonite, has had few superiors. He was lion like in courage, stamina, and dependability.
Two other fine half-backs worthy of remembrance were Clyde Donaldson at Essendon and Walter Scott at Norwood, where he has just finished a distinguished career by being the recipient of the Magarey Medal. Jim Smith, at Richmond, was a slashing half-back for a season or two, but like Collingwood's great player, Charlie Brown, he failed to play on.
All rounders
In utility play several men stand out predominantly. Horrie Riley (Sturt) was one of the best—for big matches, he was masterly in the air. His spring was phenomenal. In every respect Riley was an ornament to the great national game. Phil Matson, another Sturt man, before Riley's time, was strikingly versatile, playing anywhere with great brilliancy. He was a big figure in South Australian football before he achieved coaching fame in Western Australia. Unfortunately his distinguished career was marred by the Victorian League's refusal to permit his coaching the Richmond side. It broke Matson's heart.
Matson was a truly great coach. He ranks with Jock McHale and Dan Minogue, products of the Collingwood school, as being the best coaches the game has produced. What a difference to the game these men would have made had they been financed by the financial Leagues to coach in New South Wales and Queensland! Collingwood's phenomenal successes are a fitting tribute to the soundness of McHale's twenty-three years of coaching. Harry Rumney, rejected by Carlton, and developed by McHale, is Australia's best utility player of the present. He is, in fact, another Riley, with more pace. His dependability in getting out of difficulties is proverbial.
Roy Cazaly, still playing in Tasmania, would be regarded probably as the greatest utility player in the game's history, although Tom Fitzmaurice (Essendon) and Bruce McGregor (West Adelaide) were in the first water, and were champions in every sense. Fitzmaurice, before he went to Geelong, was the champion of the Victorian League and his exploits on the field were amazing. He is finishing his football at Yarraville.
Across the centre
Rod McGregor's title as Australia's champion centre has never been questioned, although Alec Lill (Norwood) has seriously rivalled the great Carl in recent years. McGregor was undoubtedly a champion, but Lill has never yet met his Waterloo in interstate engagements. He outplayed Colin Martyn (Carlton) recently, and proved too elusive for Barnie Carr (St. Kilda) two years ago. And Carr was as dashing as any man in the game. Percy Wilson was another of the dashing type. He captained Collingwood when Alec Mutch used to clear the defence lines with imposing rushes. Wilson was one of the most graceful footballers to play the game.
But the greatest centre-line player of recent years was Colin Watson (St. Kilda), who was so shamefully treated by the St. Kilda executive and driven out of the game he adored by the autocratic Victorian League. He wore the Brownlow Medal on his breast, too. Until Lill's arrival, the Warrnambool boy had no equal in Australia in his position. In comparatively recent years, Colin Martyn at Carlton, Vic Richardson at Sturt, Bert Rankin and ‘Carji’ Greeves at Geelong, Paddy Scanlon at South Melbourne, and Charlie Pannam and Jack Beveridge at Collingwood, have given good service at the pivot, even if less brilliant than McGregor, Lill, Watson, or Wilson.
Watson, of course, played brilliantly as a wingster, but the most dashing wingster today is the diminutive aboriginal, Doug Nicholls, whoso ebony shines with great brilliancy at Northcote. A graceful, gentlemanly player is Australia's native son, Nicholis is superb in his passing to a comrade. Billy Twomey, whose flashing feet won him a Stawell Gift, was a particularly dashing wingster at Collingwood a few years ago. Twomey was probably the fastest man to the ball the game has yet known, for while the world's sprint champion, Austin Robertson, plays with South Melbourne, he is on the forward line, and therefore plays in a confined area. Despite his great ability, Twomey had serious duels with Newton Chandler at Carlton and Bobby Carew at Richmond. Jim Sadler, at Collingwood, the tricky Antie Wood at South Melbourne, the versatile Dick Head at West Adelaide, Alan Geddes at Richmond, and the dashing Leo Dwyer at North Melbourne, also deserve remembrance when wingsters are mentioned. In his best days, 'Snowy' Hamilton, now playing with Subiaco, was the prince of wingsters, pacy, clever, and capable of turning either way on the veritable six-penny piece. Dick Head, however, was exceedingly skilful, too, while Dick Taylor (Melbourne), is most effective.
The great rovers
Since Percy Trottor's days at Fitzroy—he is the greatest rover of all time—the best rovers in the game have been Mark Tandy at South Melbourne, and Alex Eason in his Geelong days. Tandy roved to Roy Cazaly and was an inspiration to his side. In the days of the beautiful flick-pass, Eason was a star. After the Hobart carnival, Horrie Gorringe (Hobart), came to the forefront, while George Haines, specially when at Melbourne, was particularly impressive. Harry Collier (Collingwood) and Keith Forbes (Essendon), are the out- standing rovers in Victoria today but rovers of the ability of Teddy Baker at Geelong, Charlie Hardy, Percy Ogden, and Frank Maher at Essendon, Lyle Downs and Harry Valentine at Carlton, Clarrie Hall and Doug Hayes at Richmond, Gus Dobrigh, Charlie Laxton, and Billy Libbis at Collingwood, were players who always made the most of the opportunities created by the men following the ball. In this respect, Maher was a scientist.
The forwards
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Whether Horace Clover (Carlton) or Dave McNamara (St. Kilda), was Australia's champion centre forward, has often been discussed. It is beside the point. Both were champions. Clover's presence in the Carlton side strengthens the morale of the team, which is a fine tribute to any player. McNamara, before he came [back] into the League, kicked 107 goals one season [for Essendon ‘A’, in the VFA]; and many of these came from the centre. McNamara kicked huge distances with remarkable consistency. He was a big, powerful man, whereas Clover lacks physical strength and is consequently severely buffeted at times.
The best half forward of recent years is Stan Wittman of Melbourne, who, despite the fact that he has been soundly trounced by Harry Rumney and Fred Gilby (Carlton), has, nevertheless, every attribute of a match-winning champion. Wittman's stride and twisty turning are features of his play. He is decidedly clever.
Billy Dick (Carlton) was a fine half-forward, his left foot kicking being a feature, but Percy Parratt, assisted by Gordon Rattray, had no equal on the half-forward line when it came to feeding the forwards. Parratt’s finding of Jimmy Freake was classical.
Because of his ability to play as grandly in defence as forward, Albert Thurgood must always be classed as the prince of forwards, yet Dick Lee (Collingwood) was very little his inferior as an actual forward. The big Essendonite once kicked 14 goals in one [VFA] game. Lee never got that many, but he got over 700 goals in League football, and got them from all angles, including the seemingly impossible. He was every inch an artist. Even Lloyd Hagger (Geelong), or Wells Eicke (St. Kilda), could not outshine Lee in his flying into the air for the ball. Yet great as Lee's scoring was it has paled into insignificance alongside the record smashing of his successor at Collingwood, Gordon Coventry, the imperturbable Don Bradman of Australian football. Coventry's League tally is over 700 goals, including two seasons with century aggregates, match tallies of 16 and 17 goals, and 10 goals against South Australia. Coventry is noted for his dependability to be in position to cap off the good work of his team-mates.
For sheer artistry in kicking, George Bayliss (Richmond), and Arthur Ryan (South Adelaide), were without comparison, yet, although successful, were not great forwards. Fitzroy usually have capable forward lines, although the crack half forward, Charlie Chapman, has been doing the most goal-getting lately. However, Fitzroy were soundly served by Bob Briggs, Bruce Campbell, Jim Freake, Bob Merrick, and Jack Moriarty, who set goal-kicking on a now pedestal until Coventry eclipsed all records. Moriarty was a clever forward for his size; gentlemanly in all his work, he left the game in somewhat dramatic circumstances but with a fine list of achievements to his credit.
In concluding, let me pay tribute to the many fine performances registered by such brilliant exponents as Bruce Sloss, Jack Cooper, Jack Brake, Billy Walton, Alan Belcher, Bert Franks, Alan Hopkins, Len Incigneri, Basil McCormack, Vic Belcher, Billy Walker, and players of that type in Victoria, and to brilliant players and fine sportsmen like Essington Lewis, 'Boss' Daly, ‘Taffy’ Waye, ‘Shine’ Hosking, S. Malin, Dave Lowe, 'Bunny' Daly, Jack Tredrea, Joe Ashley, Len Chamberlain, Beames, and Geddes in South Australia. To these let me add the 'Dookie' McKenzie of Victoria, and the 'Dookie' McKenzie of South Australia, Stan Milton and W. R. McKoy in Sydney, Leo O'Connor in Brisbane, Alan Rait and Alan Leitch in Tasmania, and Harry Gosnells, Wilfred Brophy, Cyril Hoft, and Johnny Leonard in the West. 'Fair play is bonnie play,' and they were, each and all, a credit to the game and to the manly physique of the Australian athlete.
Footnotes
Title: GREAT STALWARTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN GAME
Author: Harold Prider
Publisher: Referee (Sydney, NSW: 1886 - 1939)
Date: Wednesday, 24 September 1930, p.14
Comments
Randal Williams 24 November 2014
Nice to read a 1930 perspective on the great players up to that time. If you went forward a few years you would have to add Haydn Bunton Snr and Ken Farmer. They would all be champions today with the same conditions and might be able to teach modern players a few things about kicking! Of course the drop kick and screw punt were king in those days. They would barely recognise the modern game but most would agree we have lost something from the footy of old.
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