Look out '55 ... Bulldogs hungry for another pennant
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FOOTSCRAY'S prospects for another pennant in 1955 are bright. They must be, seeing we won our first premiership ever last year, and we have lost only one regular player since.
When I say we will do at least as well as we did last year, I hope you won't misunderstand me. I really believe we are good enough to go on and win again—although experience has shown it is unwise to be overconfident in any game. Then, too, every club will be dead keen to topple the premiership team. All I can say is that Footscray will be trying 100 per cent to hold its place at the top. We are determined to win another flag out here.
Alan Martin, solid half-back flanker, is our only loss, but we have good players to take over that job. Ron Stockman, an experienced young player who played in our 1954 semi-final and final as wing half-forward, has been tested in defence, and has done all that we have asked of him.
But he is not the only one. Young players Ron Porta and Lionel Ryan, both of whom were tested last year, could hold down the position well. Who it will be must be left to the selectors.
The form of the regulars is pleasing me a lot. I'm singling out Ted Whitten and Herb Henderson, who are already at the peak of their form. But the others are shaping nicely, thank you.
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Although we are strong in reserves we have picked up several boys who, I think, will eventually become fine League players. I refer especially to Kev Smith, of Eaglehawk, and Alex Gardiner (left), of Gisborne, both of whom are wing half-forwards. Then we have Bernie Lee, a 6ft. 2in. full forward from Werribee, who has had experience in the thirds.
He is only 16, but could reach the senior side this season. It all depends on the form of the regulars. Lee is a nice mover, and can hold his marks, but I would be happier if he were a better kick. He's young enough to learn, but look out for him. To me he is the goods.
So far as new players are concerned, it's only a question of fitting them in, but it seems to me that the regulars will have to keep on playing well if they are to keep the rising youngsters out.
Everywhere I go around our district I can sense the keenness and the enthusiasm, and everyone seems to have the idea that "Premiers, 1955," will be emblazoned on another pennant at Footscray. And the players are confident without being "cocky."
With the continued support of our fine body of supporters, I can see no reason why we should not win again.
Footnotes
Title: Look out '55 ... Bulldogs hungry for another pennant
Author: Percy Taylor
Publisher: Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)
Date: Wednesday 13 April 1955, page 1
Web: http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71876004
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