Geelong veterans
An event unique in the history of football was celebrated at Geelong on October 6, to commemorate an incident in the football world that the old residents of the city had not forgotten. That incident, which has left such a lasting impression, occurred in 1886—50 years ago. In that year, a Geelong team of 20 stalwarts, captained by Dave Hickinbotham, went through the season undefeated, an almost unprecedented event in the annals of football. South Melbourne, as in the present season, was the runner-up.
Seeing and hearing of an odd survivor of that famous team here and there—it was a grand combination, as I can verify—the idea came to Mr J. D’Helin, a former umpire of fine repute, to round up as many of the surviving veterans as possible and honour them by a round of festivities, as a reminder that their deeds had not been forgotten. It was no sooner conceived than acted upon, and October 6 was set apart for the reunion and meeting of old friends and opponents, who were the guests of the president (Mr. M. Jacobs).
Unfortunately, not all the survivors, who numbered nine, were able to attend, but seven were present and many tales were told of the deeds that distinguished those heroes in other days. As the president dryly remarked, there was no doubt a modicum of truth in some of the stories. Those reunionists had the time of their lives and reminded one of a lot of boys who had come bounding out of school. Their pleasure at being recognised and renewing old friendships was so genuine that it made Jimmy D’Helin the happiest man in Geelong.
Other veteran players included Peter Burns, Joe McShane, Ted Rankin, Jack Conway, Con Hickey, Dr McArthur, Bob Rush, Reid, and the writer. All were sorry that the old Carlton champion, Jack Baker, the "beau ideal" of a footballer in his younger days, was not well enough to attend. It was also regretted that Dr. McClelland, the president of the League, was prevented by business reasons from putting in an appearance.
All the old-timers of other clubs were well received, especially Con Hickey. Not because he was secretary of the Australian National Football Council, a body that is creating a national football feeling through the Commonwealth, but for the reason that he was the uncle of the Geelong coach and captain, Reg Hickey. It was pleasing to note the feeling of respect accorded to Reg Hickey in Geelong, as a captain, footballer, coach, and a man.
Geelong was a hive of industry, and all the metropolitan visitors were surprised at its growth and importance. The programme included civic receptions by the Mayors of Geelong and Geelong West. Alderman G, Brown and Councillor N. H. Drew, respectively, a visit to the site of the old Argyle Football ground, which is now built on, a drive skirting the picturesque Moorabool Valley, the Corio Oval, and the Geelong District Hospital (Kitchener Memorial), where the visitors were welcomed and entertained by the president of the hospital committee (Councillor H. B. Hooper). Great stress was laid by Councillor Hooper upon the help received by leading officials of the football club in the building of the hospital, and a memorial tablet has been erected in the building commemorative of the services rendered by Messrs. A. Bowman. C. Brownlow, and C. Myers, who, at the time, occupied the respective positions of president, secretary, and treasurer of the Geelong Football Club.
The dinner at the Victoria Hotel was a pronounced success, nearly 40 guests being present. Supporting the toast of the veterans, Senator Guthrie made a stirring speech. He emphasised the fact that all outdoor sport helped in the building up of character. He said that Australian football stood alone in that regard. It was a fine game, and he would like to see it prosper in every State. The exceptional attendance of 74,000 spectators was a definite answer to critics who had been commenting on a decrease in public interest. Fine speeches also were made by Messrs. R. Rush, president of the council; L. H. McBrien, secretary of the League; and D. Crone, a vice-president of the League and president of Carlton.
In his remarks. Bob Rush said that the game had never been so popular; and that there was a chance of it being played in New Zealand, as a stepping stone-to its introduction across the Pacific. I should imagine, however, that in such a Rugby stronghold, the lack of suitable grounds would be a distinct bar to penetration.
The day was a huge success and was a great credit to the organisers, especially the host and Jimmy D’Helin. The seven survivors present were D. Hickinbotham, F. M. Douglass, J. Galbraith, J. Groves, F. James, J. Kerley, and T. Mullen (who came all the way from Stawell to be present at the gathering). Owing to ill-health, A. Boyd and F. Furnell were unable to attend. There were some great players in that gathering, men that were champions in their day, such as Gilham Kerley, Peter Burns, Ted Rankin, Joe McShane, and Jack Conway. Before breaking up it was unanimously decided, on the recommendation of Peter Burns, that a letter of congratulation be sent to Miss B. Kernot, of Geelong, for winning the champion of champions event at women's golf. So those old-timers were not only interested in Geelong males’ ascendancy at sport.
Footnotes
Title: Geelong veterans
Author: Jack Worrall
Publisher: The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria, 1864-1946)
Date: Saturday, 17 October 1936, p.57 (Article)
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