Geelong premiers: the best team wins
Geelong won the premiership of Victorian football on the Melbourne Cricket- ground on Saturday by beating Collingwood in the presence of 64,288 spectators. The match was a fitting climax to a remarkable season in which, while the football has not been of a particularly high standard, it has been very interesting. The new law, which provided for a free kick when the ball is kicked or forced out of bounds, has improved the character of the play, but it cannot be said that the skill all round has been up to the highest standard. There have been a few players, notably C. Watson (St. Kilda), E. G. Greeves (Geelong), I. Warne Smith (Melbourne), L. Wigraft (Fitzroy), and S. Coventry (Collingwood) who have stood out for skill and consistency, but on the whole there have not, I think, been so many star players as there used to be.
The inclusion of three clubs from the Association lent increased interest, but, as might be expected, they were not up to best League standard, and consequently they brought down the average. The outstanding feature of the season has been the improvement shown by Geelong, who gained the premiership by sheer merit, and Melbourne, who finished in third place. Geelong had not been premiers since the League was formed in 1897, their previous success having been in 1886, while Melbourne had not been first since 1900.
Geelong, the premiers for the season, have been most consistent. They lost their first game, against North Melbourne, on May 2, but then had a run of 12 victories in succession, until they met St. Kilda and were defeated in a remarkable game by four points. Their performance in the third quarter of that match was one of the best of the season, and stamped them as a champion side. After that reverse they went on without further loss until they met Melbourne in the second semi-final, and were defeated by 13 points. In that game they were beaten in pace, and the confidence of their supporters was much shaken, though their enthusiasm was rather accentuated than otherwise.
Their failure on that occasion led people to believe that their capacity for failure in semi-finals had not been cured, and there were many - myself among the number - who feared that after all their fine record they would not be capable of fighting out a strong final game. That those who thought thus were wrong was clearly demonstrated on Saturday, for they proved themselves without any possibility of doubt. They were the faster, more skilful side, and they met Collingwood shoulder with shoulder, hip with hip, chest with chest, with never a man flinching, and they won on their merits and proved themselves in that game, as in their other contests, to be the best team of the season, a well- balanced, skilful side, strong, fast, and determined, capably led by their captain (C. Rankin).
As an exhibition of strong, rugged football the game on Saturday was very interesting. Collingwood a week before had beaten Melbourne by their strength, determination, and general ability. The Melbourne men, who excel in fast, open play, found that the Collingwood methods were too solid for them, and then accidents to three of their players robbed them of whatever chance they might have had of a recovery. When Collingwood met Geelong on Saturday they found the men from the shores of Corio Bay standing up to them, bumping when they bumped, and returning the bumps with interest.
The result was that we saw a hard, vigorous game, in which, while there was no lack of determination, there was little temper. It was, I think, even more strenuous than the week before, and it was extraordinary to hear men in the reserve praising Geelong on Saturday for the very tactics which, a week earlier, they had condemned in Collingwood. It makes such a deal of difference to the football spectator who does the bumping. If it is one's own side it is manly and the correct game, but when it goes against one, well, it is quite another matter.
The thousands who saw the game on Saturday were treated to a trial of strength, speed, and skill in which, though one side was the better, the favours were evenly divided, and the game was well played. Also, there were no accidents.
A popular team
There was no doubt which side had the sympathy of the crowd, for, though Collingwood were applauded as they came out, Geelong were given an ovation. The Australian public likes the man who climbs the hill, and Geelong, coming up year after year without success, always making a good showing, always giving an attractive display, has always been a favourite team. The long lane Geelong has had to traverse, the steep hill it has had to climb, has won the teams which have worn the blue-and-white barred jerseys thousands of supporters in Melbourne; many of whom, strong supporters of their own clubs, always gave Geelong second preference. There have been times when Geelong people, much absorbed in their own affairs, have felt that they were neglected in Melbourne; but they must have been satisfied that these suspicions were groundless when they heard the full-throated cheers which greeted their men at the beginning of the game and all through it, and when, with the premiership actually won, the demonstration was overwhelming, and the congratulations general. They must have felt that it was worth waiting for.
It has been it great year for Geelong in football, for Geelong College, for the first time since it became a public school in 1908, won the football premiership, and now the seniors have followed suit. Geelong has always drawn largely from her two public schools - the College and Grammar - for her footballers. In 1886, when Geelong won her last premiership, there were several Geelong College boys in the team, and Geelong College in that year lost but one game. This year the only old Geelong Collegian in the team is Greeves, the brilliant centre man, but the captain, Cliff Rankin, learned the game at Geelong College, where his father, Ted Rankin, was curator for more than 20 years.
Geelong's first premiership team
Geelong gained its first premiership by beating Melbourne, on the Melbourne ground, on October 10, 1878, and for nine seasons the team was well-nigh invincible, for from 1878 to 1886 inclusive the club won the premiership on seven occasions, and in each of the other two years, was runner-up to South Melbourne. The captain of that first Geelong premier team was the late A. A. Austin, who died a few weeks ago. In the "Footballer" of that year, the writer of a review of the season says:—
“While speculation was rife amongst footballers of the metropolis as to the coming of the seniors (Essendon and West Melbourne), few ever thought of the great danger that lay in the quiet little town on the shores of Corio Bay, which, however, was destined to turn out a team of players, the doings of which during the last season put into a complete shade all the crack teams of the colony.
The alarm was first sounded when Hotham tackled them, and got a decisive overthrow, then Carlton got a still worst beating — and, to wind up a season of exceptional glory, Melbourne were ignominiously defeated on their own ground by the champion team of 1878. Well did they deserve the title, no luck marked their triumphal career throughout the season, and it may safety be said that for all round excellence of play, kicking, running, and dodging their equals have never trod a Victorian turf. Undoubtedly Geelong holds pride of place in football circles, and the denizens of Geelong have every reason to be proud of their team.”
One of the first, men I saw on the Melbourne ground on Saturday was Mr. P. V. Douglass, who was a member of the 1878 Geelong team. In the "Footballer" he is described as "compels pride of place as an all-round player, with Boyd, sets a laudable example to footballers in general by not playing for the crowd." Of other members of that team, Mr. R. D. Booth, afterwards a noted oarsman, was telling me yesterday of the various players. He is described as "a splendid kick and dodger." He was associated with H. P. Douglass in rowing as well as in football, for he stroked the Melbourne Rowing Club crew which won the senior eights at the Melbourne Regatta in 1883, and H. P. Douglass rowed No. 2. This was the crew which won the King's Champagne Challenge Cup.
In those days footballers were also oarsmen, but then they were all amateurs. Mr. Booth recalled that Mr. G. A. Stephen, at present, in England with the Australian Croquet team, who was the secretary and treasurer, confided in him that the credit balance for that year was 12/6. Mr. Stephen is thus described in the "Footballer": An excellent mark and kick; does not confine himself to kicking as formerly, but essays to run now and then." H. Upton is a well-known solicitor in Melbourne. Two famous players in that team were George Watson, of whom the "Footballer" says:-"Generally plays 'ninepins' with his adversaries." I suppose what we would call a strenuous player nowadays; and James Wilson, "a thorough good man in any place in the field." Mr. Wilson was at Caulfield, where his horse, Brimming, was running on Saturday, but I believe Mr. Watson was on the Melbourne Cricket-ground, though I did not see him.
There are not many of that old team left, but what a fine thing it would be for them to be invited to the great celebration which is to be arranged in Geelong. The veteran Geelong supporter at the match on Saturday was Mr. J. C. Brownhill, to whom the Melbourne Cricket Club extended a special invitation, for he has been an ardent Geelong supporter for more than 60 years. I had the pleasure of meeting him, and found him as keen as anyone could be for the success of his old town.
Geelong's last premiership
Geelong won their last premiership in 1886, and the captain of that team (D. Hickinbotham) was present on Saturday. They won 21 matches and drew three, though on the present system of scoring by points they would have won every match. Geelong and Essendon are the only teams which have gone through a season undefeated. Dave Hickinbotham was an ideal captain, quick to detect a weak spot, and quick to remedy it. Among that team were such champions as P. McShane, the champion goal-kicker; Hugh McLean, an ideal forward, J. Kerley, Jim Galbraith, who was present on Saturday and delighted at the reception given to his pipers band, J. Julien, T. McShane, H. Steedman, R. Talbot, A. Robertson, J. McShane, A. and S. Boyd, and R. Groves. I do not know how many of these were present on Saturday, but they were well represented by D. Hickinbotham and J. Galbraith.
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In the dressing-room
The scene in the Geelong dressing-room was remarkable. The players who had succeeded when teams for 39 years had failed, seemed to be the coolest men there. They had just come out of a strenuous contest and were besieged by enthusiastic supporters, but they accepted the plaudits with becoming modesty. Not one of them had been in a premiership team, save Tom Fitzmaurice, who played with Essendon in their last two premierships, and not one of them was alive when Geelong last gained the honours. Tom Fitzmaurice, in acknowledging my congratulations, said "I must be the mascot, even if I am not the player I was," and the rest of his reply was interrupted by the intervention of a member of the team, who fervently kissed him on the lips. It was the only sign of excitement I saw on the part of a player, but time was no doubt they were reserving themselves for the enthusiastic home-coming awaiting them at Geelong.
The mayor (Councillor Ritchie) and his successor, the mayor elect (Councillor Thear), were also reserving themselves for the celebration at Geelong, but they were highly delighted. Dr. Piper, the president, was all smiles, and so was Senator Frank Guthrie. To these two much of the credit of Geelong is due, for they set themselves to organise the management of the team on lines that demanded success. Dr. Piper’s personal interest has been outstanding. He and Senator Guthrie have done much to create the atmosphere of good fellowship and keen club spirit which has permeated the team and its supporters. Senator Guthrie's speech to the team was full of good sportsmanship.
After Senator Guthrie had spoken there was a burst of cheering as Dave Hickinbotham mounted the form. He was the captain of the last Geelong team to win the premiership in 1886, and was highly delighted. Then came the Collingwood representatives, C. Tyson, the captain, and Mr. H. Curtis, (president) and Mr. G. Connor (secretary), each of whom offered unstinted congratulations. They expressed their disappointment at having been beaten, but acknowledged the Geelong superiority, not only on the day, but during the season. Mr. C. Newbold, on behalf of Footscray, offered the congratulations of his club also, and the speeches might have gone on indefinitely, but for the fact that they had to get to Geelong to receive a public welcome and more con- gratulations.
Among those in the room none were prouder than the two fathers, ‘Ted’ Ran- kin and ‘Ted’ Greeves, whose sons had done so much to place Geelong on top. Each was a champion in his day, and each has a champion son. Dave Hickin- botham, one of the best of centremen, was the centre of an ecstatic throng and when I shook hands with him he said: "I don't often come to Melbourne, but I had to come to-day to hand over the crown I have worn for 39 years to Cliff Rankin. He has won it well, and though I wish him all that anyone could, I hope he won't be the leader of the last victorious team as long as I was."
Gradually the crowd dispersed, but outside there were hundreds of excited Gee- long folk waiting for the team. As Cliff Rankin, wearing a ‘belltopper’, with blue and while streamers, left the room, he was carried shoulder high, and had to make a speech, and there were cheers and singing as everyone hurried off to Geelong. The honours have been long delayed, but they have been well and truly won, and there has been no more popular success.
Enthusiasm at Geelong
Thousands of Geelong people went into an ecstasy of delight, when, after some tense moments during which the announcer for 3LO at the M.C.C. grounds, had been describing Collingwood's heroic attempts to wipe off Geelong's lead, he broke off in the middle of a sentence and said, "Geelong has won the premiership." It is safe to say that every wireless set in the district was tuned in to 3LO, and those people who were unable to go to Melbourne to witness the grand final match waited about houses where wireless was installed, or in the streets where wireless depots were opened, so that the news could be received. At such places hundreds congregated. Wireless was installed into the bars of a number of hotels, and a temporary set was installed in two wards of the Geelong Hospital, by Mr. W. Mullett, for the benefit of the patients. A set was also installed at Kardinia Park, where the Junior Association final match was in progress. The crowd took comparatively little interest in the game, but listened intently to the news from Melbourne, applauding any good play announced by Geelong players, growing despondent about injuries received, and cheeing loudly the announcement of every goal by Geelong.
When the sentence, "Geelong has won the premiership," was announced, at all places the crowds broke into tumultuous cheering, and the announcer's following words were lost till his sentence "It will be a great night in Geelong to-night!" His prophecy was fulfilled. People were determined that the occasion should be suitably recognised.
Literally the city went mad at night. Soon after 8 o'clock a crowd of 5,000 people assembled in front of the railway station, and each special from Melbourne added to the number and caused a block on the platform, on which upward of 2,000 were congregated. "When is the team coming?" was the question on everybody's lips. There was no need for the question, as the special train on which they were travelling commenced to whistle loudly before it reached North Geelong, and whistled all the way into the station. The signal being taken up by the drivers of all engines in the station-yards and by the firebells. As the train pulled into the station, upwards of 200 detonators were let off and the crowd cheered loudly, only to cheer again as the St Augustine Orphanage band struck a welcoming tune.
It was with the greatest difficulty that the players were taken from the platform, only to undergo another ordeal possibly worse than that experienced during the hard game. They were shouldered by admiring supporters, and the crowd surged and cheered until the players were placed in waiting motor-cars. There were upwards of 10,000 people and 3,000 motor-cars in the vicinity of the station. The players, except C. Rankin, who was carried through the park, were driven to the city hall, whither the crowd had made a wild rush. From the steps of the hall the mayor, Councillor Ritchie, faced 7,500 people. Such enthusiasm was not manifested on armistice night, and in the last decade the crowd in front of the hall his only been equalled by the one which gathered on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales.
Councillor Ritchie said he desired to congratulate the side on its magnificent performance in winning the League premiership for the first time in the history of the League. Collingwood, after the match, had been sportsmen enough to admit that they had been defeated by a better side. Geelong had waited for such an event for nearly 40 years. He looked upon the day's events as a happy finale to his term of office. Those who had witnessed the game could not help admit- ting that the best team won. Every man had contributed to the success, but Ran- kin's diplomacy in moving Hagger half-forward had upset the Collingwood defence. And they never recovered. The win would be hailed with delight throughout Victoria.
The unanimity between the players, committee and trainers had been responsible for the success this season.
Dr. Piper, president of the club, said it had been a happy day for Geelong, and the premiership had been won before a record crowd. The match committee was to be congratulated for the manner in which it had carried out its duties, and in Cliff Rankin Geelong had the best coach in Australia. The action of the commit- tee in appointing him had been a success, and added to that they had the advantage of having the experience of Fitzmaurice who had been a wonderful help to the side. In addition, they had the champion goal kicker for Victoria in Lloyd Hagger. Councillor Thear and Mr. Brownbill, M.L.A., also spoke.
When Cliff Rankin, the captain, was called, the crowd cheered for several minutes. He called for three cheers for his players and said, on behalf of the players, "I thank you for this wonderful reception tonight, I am captain of a great side, in which every player has been captain in his own part."
Ted Rankin, Lloyd Hagger, and Ivan More, secretary of the club, also spoke and their remarks were cheered to the echo.
In the mayor's room the health of the team, coupled with the name of Cliff Ran- kin, was honoured with enthusiasm on being proposed by the mayor, who read a congratulatory telegram from the mayor of Ballarat. Rankin, in responding, said 26 to 28 players had assisted the side to achieve the premiership, and even man did his part. Whenever a man was injured there was another just as good to come in. The club had its ups and downs. The disqualification of Thomas and Coughlan had been a blow, but the two players had accepted the position as sports, and others equally good were available.
Dr. Piper also replied to the toast.
There is sure to be another great demonstration tonight when the club's picture entertainment, in aid if the trip to Sydney, will be held. At the entertainment the Brownlow medal of 1924 will be presented to Greeves and other presentations will be made. The team will leave for a holiday trip to Sydney in a fortnight.
Note: For the full match report from The Argus see: http://australianfootball.com/game/view/Geelong/Collingwood/1925_GF_7_4_10
Footnotes
Title: Geelong Premiers: The Best Team Wins. Author: Reg Wilmot (‘Old Boy’) Publisher: The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria, 1848 - 1957) Date: 12 October, 1925, p.7 (Article) Web: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2151253
Comments
J S 30 August 2012
"The Australian public likes the man who climbs the hill, and Geelong, coming up year after year without success, always making a good showing, always giving an attractive display, has always been a favourite team. The long lane Geelong has had to traverse, the steep hill it has had to climb, has won the teams which have worn the blue-and-white barred jerseys thousands of supporters in Melbourne; many of whom, strong supporters of their own clubs, always gave Geelong second preference."
I have read this article before and the above excerpt stood out to me as something that could still apply today.
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