In search of the 1978 VFA Grand Final
Today marks the 65th birthday of North Melbourne's "Slammin' Sam" Kekovich. A member of the Kangaroos' inaugural premiership side in 1975, Kekovich later played 26 matches for Prahran in the VFA, including the 1978 Grand Final. Kekovich's opponent in that match was Preston's Paul Bolger and although the Bullants went under by 22 points on that day, Paul's son Chris would love to have the opportunity of sitting down and watching the game with his dad over a quiet ale or two . And with good reason - despite the loss, Paul Bolger managed to hold the former North superstar to a solitary goal.
Footage of a famous brawl from that match has previously been featured on this website, and is shared again below, but Chris is hoping that someone out there has video footage of other parts of the match, if not the full game. If you can help, please drop us a line here.
Footnotes
Video sourced from YouTube, courtesy of Gezza1967.
Comments
Brian Membrey 3 June 2015
I went the rounds with then ATV-0 many years ago trying to get footage, but the only response was that in the days of video-tape, the tape had probably been re-used so the only chance would be if someone ha a very early video-recorder. As much as anything, the GF is probably remembered for Harold Martin copping a six-week suspension and still managing to play Round 1 of the following season after the VFA Independent Commissioners rule that the suspension applied to all matches under control of the VFA Umpires Board. As well as the three inter-club practice matches usual for the time, Preston arranged three extra mid-week inter-club games, booked VFA umpires and the big H was in the clear for the first game of 1979.
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