Templeton's time
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Nat Fyfe’s recent Brownlow Medal victory will, hopefully, lessen the bitter aftertaste of his club's inability to land an inaugural AFL premiership this season. Fyfe’s impressive tally of 31 votes saw him outlast the previous year’s winner, West Coast’s Matt Priddis (28 votes). It continues a two decade midfield monopoly of the Medal, Essendon defender Gavin Wanganeen’s 1993 triumph the last time a “non-on-baller” managed to take out Australian Rules football’s most coveted individual award. Ruckman have been shut out since Scott Wynd topped the tally board the season preceding Wanganeen’s win.
As for those whose careers were spent plying their trade in the front half of the field? Well, the pickings are even slimmer.
When Tony Lockett, the most prolific goal scorer in AFL/VFL history, polled 20 votes and tied with Hawthorn rover John Platten to share the 1987 Medal he became the second and most recent forward to take Charlie home. With the indigenous game at its highest level stressing a need for a wider spread of attacking options - “goal kicking by committee” if you wish - it’s hard to imagine another forward, tall medium or small, dominating the competition to such an extent to see them emulate Lockett’s award winning performance.
Seven years prior to Platten and Plugger partaking the podium, history was created when Footscray’s Kelvin Templeton became the first key forward to win the competitions 'fairest and best' award since its inception in 1924. Templeton polled votes in 10 matches (he played all 22 games in 1980) that included five best-on-ground '3' vote performances, three '2' votes and two '1' vote efforts.
Before we revisit KT’s special season its worth taking a look at the less than ideal position Templeton and Footscray found themselves in as the new decade dawned.
Royce Hart’s appointment as the new senior coach of the Footscray Football Club on the now antiquated Show Day public holiday in September 1979 signalled an imminent shake-up on Barkly Street. Trevor Grant, reporting for the Melbourne Age, quoted the newly appointed Kennel Master in the following morning’s publication:
The biggest doubt I had about taking the job came from people saying that it (Footscray) was a poor club to get involved with. But I have found out for myself that the Footscray administration has done a lot to alter that and I will be working hard to change the image too.
The new coach’s brief was to revitalise a club that tasted success in less than a third of their encounters (14 wins, 1 draw, 28 losses) during the two year reign of his predecessor Don McKenzie. Hart hopped on the front foot promising a “wholesale unloading of players” who didn’t measure up to the requirements of a high octane summer training regime that would place an emphasis on improving the Dogs running power. Legendary Olympian Peter Norman joined club fitness advisors Alec Gardner and Ron Simmons to oversee a punishing pre-season program.
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Hart stayed true to his word and rather than renovate, chose to detonate the playing list. 18 of the 42 players that made senior appearances during the ’79 season departed the Western Oval over the pre-season. The cull, whilst allowing the introduction of fresh blood would come at a cost - a loss of more than 500 games of VFL experience. Alan Stoneham, Ian Low & Robert 'Bones' McGhie moved on to pastures greener and the dashing Stephen Power, one of the clubs finest players over the previous decade, called time on his 177-game career. In hindsight the decision to clear 18-year-old local lad Brian Wilson to North Melbourne proved poor and would continue to haunt the club for years to come. Less than three years after he received his marching orders from his original VFL club, Wilson won the 1982 Brownlow Medal. Interestingly his victory came in his first season with Melbourne after the Kangaroos sent Wilson packing for a second time in as many years after 39 games in Blue & White vertical stripes.
A trading loss $49,743 over the 78/79 financial year highlighted the Pups perilous position placing any high priced recruit out of the question.
Amidst the revolving doors and summer shenanigans Kelvin Templeton hit the gym hard, improving his already impressive frame. By the end of the 'Sensational Seventies' Templeton was unquestionably the premier forward in the country. In 1978 he became the first Bulldog to kick 'the ton' in a season, registering 118 goals. He backed up that phenomenal performance with 91 majors in 1979, grabbing back-to-back leading goal kicker awards in the process. Templeton’s gym junket prompted former St Kilda champion and part-time journalist Neil Roberts to liken the Latrobe Valley native to the (fictional) beast that terrorised New York half a century earlier. In his March 16 column for the now defunct Sunday Press, Roberts informed his readers:
Collingwood fans might have the Incredible Hulk in Rene Kink, but Footscray’s have gone one better – they think they might have their own King Kong! Their star Full-Forward Kelvin Templeton now tips the scales at a cool 96 kilograms. And it’s solid muscle.
Roberts noted Templeton had:
..been pushing iron around like a bulldozer in a scrap metal yard and everyone in the Western Suburbs is giving him more attention than the Loch Nest Monster.
A disappointing pre-season coupled with the changes to on and off field personnel couldn’t hide the fact that the fortunes of the Footscray Football Club would continue to rest solely on the shoulders, albeit now substantially broader, of Kelvin Templeton. Rather than utilising the talents of his sole match-winner deep in his own half Hart decided both player and team would reap the benefits of a move further up the field. It proved to be his best, some less diplomatic historians might suggest ONLY, correct call he would make during his brief coaching foray. By the halfway point of the 1982 home and away fixture the former Richmond legend had departed, failing to complete the terms (three years) of the original contract he signed in October 1979. The lack of success he enjoyed during his ill-fated two and a half seasons in the coach’s box was sadly in complete contrast to his incredible on-field career.
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Prior to 1984 Brownlow Medal votes were not, as they are today, read out Round by Round, rather all '1' votes were announced, followed by the '2' votes and finally the best on ground '3’s. Under this system it was impossible to determine which players were awarded votes in any specific match. Therefore, I’ve picked the ten games Templeton was most likely to have figured amongst the best three players on the field.
Round 3 – Saturday April 12 - Footscray 14.10-94 lost to Carlton 17.17-119 @ the Western Oval
The reigning premier jumped the hosts and raced to a handy quarter time lead in excess of five goals. Footscray matched their superior opponent across the last three quarters of the encounter but the damage was irreparable and Carlton cruised to a solid win at a venue that had provided the Navy Blues a headache or two over the previous decade.
KT’s day – 17 kicks, 8 handballs, 12 marks – 3 goals
What the experts said –
“For the Bulldogs Kelvin Templeton was superb in attack, accounting for three opponents. Unfortunately for the high flying star he got little support”
Brian Burke – Melbourne Sun News Pictorial Monday April 14 1980
Round 4 – Saturday April 19 – Melbourne 18.21-129 defeated Footscray 18.12-120 @ the MCG
But for their inaccuracy in front of goal, and another outstanding effort from Templeton (two goals in the first, third and final quarters respectively) Melbourne’s winning margin would’ve been far more convincing than the nine-point difference between the sides at the final siren.
KT’s day – 11 kicks, 4 handballs, 6 marks – 6 goals
What the experts said –
“Only Templeton, a one man forward line, and rovers Whitten and Edmond seemed determined to match the Demons”
Greg Baum – Melbourne Sun News Pictorial Monday April 21 1980
Round 6 – Saturday May 3 – Hawthorn 19.16-130 defeated Footscray 18.5-113 @ Princes Park
Any remaining doubts as to the value of moving their centurion goal kicker from the goal square were clinically swept away following another stellar performance from Kelvin Templeton at centre half-forward. Templeton came close to carrying his side across the finish line ahead of a Hawk outfit that were forced to work hard for the four points.
KT’s day – 13 kicks, 2 handballs, 9 marks – 7 goals
What the experts said –
“If available, he would be priceless on the football market. He will kick 100 goals from Centre-half forward. There is no doubt he is the best forward in Victoria”
Royce Hart – Footscray senior coach Saturday May 3 1980
Round 8 – Saturday May 17 – Essendon 22.16-148 defeated Footscray 10.11-71 @ VFL Park
Sitting in last place, 0-7, the Scraggers needed a quick fire start. They got it, leading by 16 points at quarter time. Then it was one way traffic – unfortunately for the Doggies it was the wrong way. Templeton made the journey to Headquarters bearable for the faithful.
KT’s day – 20 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 marks – 2 goals
What the experts said –
“Templeton had 20 kicks for the day but had to chase as far as the half back line to get them. It was a lesson to some team mates – at least he chased!”
Melbourne Age Monday May 19 1980¹
Round 9 – Saturday May 24 – St Kilda 19.15-129 defeated Footscray 15.13-103 @ Moorabbin
Two goals up with less than half an hour to play, the Dogs looked like registering the clubs first win of the eighties. St Kilda’s nine-goal final quarter blitz ensured the drought continued. Templeton’s magnificent seven took his aggregate to 17 goals in his last three visits to Linton Street. It wasn’t enough to help his side breakthrough for a win.
KT’s day – 16 kicks, 1 handball, 9 marks – 7 goals
What the experts said –
“Kelvin Templeton showed plenty of skill and determination to be best player for Footscray. He positioned himself well to take several (nine) marks, his ground play was good and he finished with seven goals”
Roy Jamieson– Western Suburbs Advertiser, Thursday May 29 1980
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Round 10 – Saturday May 31 – Footscray 18.11-119 lost to Collingwood 24.17-161 @ Western Oval
The opposition (Collingwood) assigned the task of quelling the brilliance of Templeton to its best defender. To the surprise of few Templeton came out on top. He couldn’t do it all by himself and the last day of Autumn proved to be a record equalling one for the locals, 10 straight losses tying the clubs worst start to a season (1939).
KT’s day – 23 kicks, 6 handballs, 12 marks – 4 goals
What the experts said –
“Kelvin Templeton did it again making Billy Picken look like a schoolboy in the process. It’s asking a lot of him to come up trumps every week but he keeps on doing it. ”
Ross Brundrett - The Mail, Wednesday June 4 1980
Round 14 – Saturday June 28 – Footscray 10.13-73 defeated Melbourne 6.7-43 @ Western Oval
Leading from go-to-whoa the home town heroes made it three wins on the trot. Heady days indeed for the Woofers. In front of a paltry crowd of less than 12,000 Templeton dazzled on an otherwise damp, dreary, all together despicable day at the Western Oval.
KT’s day – 22 kicks, 5 handballs, 11 marks, 10 hit outs – 4 goals
What the experts said –
“Against a background of waning daylight and drizzly rain Templeton nailed the lid to Melbourne’s coffin with two typically stylish goals”
Andrew Rule – Melbourne Age, Monday June 30 1980
Round 17 – Saturday July 26 – Footscray 25.10-160 defeated Hawthorn 15.17-107 @ Western Oval
Hawthorn had won their previous eight encounters at the Western Oval, so it would’ve come as a bit of shock to the 'Orrible 'Awks to trail by 10 goals at the long interval. It didn’t get much better in the second hour of play as the 'Scray coasted to a convincing victory. Templeton was brilliant, his first half pulverising of the great Peter Knights equal parts destructive and breathtaking.
KT’s day – 16 kicks, 7 handballs, 11 marks – 4 goals
What the experts said –
“Knights, at centre half-back, received one of the most devastating hidings of his career against Templeton. He was moved to centre half-forward during the second quarter but was switched back when Paton couldn’t contain Templeton”
John Craven – Melbourne Herald, Saturday July 26 1980
Round 19 – Saturday August 9 – Essendon 18.8-116 defeated Footscray 11.8-74 @ Windy Hill
The Dogs kept pace with the Bombers in the second half. Too bad they were eight goals down at the intermission. Hart moved Templeton between centre half-forward and full forward throughout the afternoon. Constantly outnumbered two, sometimes three-to-one in marking contests, his half dozen goal haul was just reward for another superb display.
KT’s day – 18 kicks, 2 handballs, 9 marks – 6 goals
What the experts said –
“Footscray had one effective forward, Kelvin Templeton, who battled against impossible odds all day. Spare defenders dropped back on him at every opportunity”
Graham Burke – Melbourne Herald, Saturday August 9 1980
Round 20 – Saturday August 16 – Footscray 16.22-118 defeated St Kilda 11.7-73 @ Western Oval
This late season battle of the bottom feeders will live in the memory bank longer than it should due to Templeton’s tour de force - 10 kicks and 9 marks in the first quarter alone. Four opponents (Elphinstone, Sarau, Thomas & Colling) came, tried and were dispatched with a minimum of fuss. His superb efforts single-handedly ensured the Dogs avoided their third (VFL) wooden spoon.
KT’s day – 28 kicks, 4 handballs, 19 marks, 6 hit outs – 2 goals
What the experts said –
“He (Kelvin Templeton) is rarely less than very good and usually great. Unfortunately for St Kilda on Saturday the big centre half-forward was superb, magnificent. Templeton let it be known from the first bounce at the Western Oval that it was to be his – and Footscray’s – day. He marked, kicked, dodged and did everything except change the numbers on the scoreboard”
Damien Comerford -Melbourne Age, Monday August 18 1980
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A wretched season for Hart’s men saw them finish in tenth position on the twelve-team table, their 5-17 record wouldn’t have loyal followers salivating at the prospect of a premiership push in the foreseeable future. Still, watching Kelvin Templeton in full flight was a without doubt a wonderful way to while away their winter weekends.
Templeton figured prominently in the various Player-of-the-year awards, the champion Bulldog capturing the Sunday Observer, Sunday Press and Inside Football prizes and tied with former teammate Gary Dempsey in the Herald and Truth 'Gold Cazaly' awards. He was runner-up to Dempsey in the Age award and placed third in the Sun News-Pictorial’s 'Sunscore'.
Bookmakers fancied Templeton’s chances of becoming the fifth² Footscray player to claim the Medal, and following the regular season and framed the market:
5-2 (favourite) Kelvin Templeton, 9-2 Peter Moore (Coll), 7-1 Tim Watson (Ess) & Gary Dempsey (NM), 8-1 Rod Blake (Geel), 16-1 Keith Grieg (NM).
The days leading into the count included the traditional “leak”, the subject of the 1980 Brownlow betting plunge none other than Geoff Raines. Raines, a driving force in Richmond’s surge up the ladder, saw his odds shorten from a generous 40/1 to 6/1 and third favourite just days out from the count.
Not only did Templeton have to end a hoodoo that had seen legendary goal square greats such as Gordon Coventry, Bob Pratt, John Coleman and Peters’ Hudson and McKenna, overlooked by the men in white, Footscray’s success, (22.7%) or more precisely lack thereof, suggested umpires might look elsewhere when casting their votes. Only four² players who’d captured the Medal had played on teams that had enjoyed less success over their Medal winning campaign than the 1980 Bulldogs, those being:
1963 – Bob Skilton (SM) 4-14 (22.2%)
1936 – Dinny Ryan (Fitz) 2-16 (11.1%)
1932 – Hadyn Bunton (Fitz) 3-15 (16.6%)
1931 – Hadyn Bunton (Fitz) 4-14 (22.2%)
As mentioned earlier, prior to 1984 votes weren’t allocated round by round, rather the '1's were announced, followed by the '2’s and finally the all-important '3’s. With two thirds of the count completed, and a modest tally of 8 beside his name, Templeton was removed from the leader board. But the Brownlow Medal is usually secured by the player, or players for that matter, that catch the umpire’s eye and accumulate best-on-ground performances. And such was the case on September 22 1980, Kelvin Templeton’s effort in grabbing maximum votes in five matches would see him finish the evening with 23 votes, edging out Essendon’s Merv Neagle (20 votes) and Geelong’s Rod Blake (19 votes).
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Despite a tense finish to the evening’s official proceedings (he hit the front with less than a dozen votes to be counted) it was a calm Templeton who received the medal from the President of the Victorian Football League Dr Allen Aylett. Taking the microphone he told a packed Southern Cross Ballroom that he “felt a bit nervous at the start”, and that when he went off the leader board he thought “there was no use worrying about it and the nerves eased a bit”. He said “It’s hard to put into words how I feel at the moment, it’s certainly something I didn’t think would happen”. He suggested his win “would mean a hell of a lot to the Bulldogs. We’ve been down this year but have also shown our supporters we are on the way to something good”
Sadly fate would deny Templeton the opportunity to take his game to a higher level, when a severe knee injury sustained in a pre-season night match in March 1981 ruined his chances of a significant encore performance the following year. He returned to action in late July playing the final six games of an otherwise deplorable campaign for the Bulldogs, Hart’s men sporting a truly dreadful 2 win, 20 loss record at the completion their commitments. After making 14 appearances for the ‘Scray in 1982 Templeton was cleared to Melbourne. Whilst he was never able to return to his brilliant best he averaged just under three goals a game (99 goals/34 games) for the Demons for whom he played parts of the next three seasons. Templeton retired from VFL football in 1985.
Footnotes
1. A journalists strike in May 1980 meant that match reports weren’t accredited for a three-week period in the Melbourne Age.
2. In 1989 the VFL awarded retrospective Brownlow Medals to players who had been overlooked due to the “countback system” i.e. In case of a tie between two or more players the one with the highest number of “best-on-ground” 3 votes was declared the winner. Alan Hopkins (1930, Footscray 4-14 22.2%) and Col Austen’s (1949, Hawthorn 3-16 15.8%) played in teams with inferior win % to the 1980 Footscray team. Hopkins win meant Templeton was then the sixth Footscray player to win the Brownlow.
Comments
Chris Kouteris 23 October 2015
Wow Mic, that brings back such fond memories...I know we were bad back then but I used to love watching KT play. My recollection is that he seemed to mark everything that came his way...Its a shame he did his knee and was cleared to Melbourne...had been not been injured his deeds would have been recognised by the wider community... a great article. thanks for the memories...
Peter Feehan 23 October 2015
Sheer Gold Mic! Thanks for bringing the brilliant KT's name back where it should be, right at the forefront of the great names of the game, without peer as the best Footscray player i have seen. Was always part of folklore that he offered himself up for trade because he knew his knee was shot, and told the club to get some money whilst he had currency.
Carl Rayson 25 October 2015
19 marks v StKilda at Western Oval. Proper marks too. Contested marks against two or three opponents. Not receiving a kick from a teammate 15 metres away, kicking it back to him and him kicking it back to you type marks. Or just ran onto the ground and I'm 30 metres away from an opponent marks.
Templeton was colossal that year. I haven't seen a player dominate games like that since. You can keep Carey and Ablett and Brereton and every other forward that has played the game since. Kelvin's best football left all of their best football a long way behind. A brownlow and two Colemans and it was all over at the age of 23. That he achieved that in uniformly terrible teams makes him even greater.
Kelvin Templeton was the greatest player of the last 50 years.
Carl Rayson 25 October 2015
While I was up on my high horse I forgot to say what a great essay that was Mic. I really enjoyed reading it and it took me back to those far off days. Especially that one at Victoria Park watching us get thrashed and hoping that KT would get the 3 goals he needed to notch the ton from the limited opportunities that were coming his way. But he did and we went home as happy as you could after getting your pantspulled down at Vic Park.
Looking forward to your next contribution Mic.
Smokie Dawson 23 February 2016
Great stuff, Mic. I read this a while back but forgot to leave a comment. For some reason I was one of the few people actually at that night match in March 81 when KT did his knee. I remember it was a wretched night - bucketing down with rain - and can still recall KT going down. I was only 14 at the time, but you just knew it was a bad injury.
Julien Peter Benney 20 August 2016
19 marks would have been wonderful on paper – looking at the 1989 Football Year no one had more than seventeen in a match, and having that many under the longer, lower kicking of the pre-Docklands era would be much more difficult in theory at least than it is today.
I had thought Templeton was a very good player from reading football statistics as a young child in the 1980s, but he is rarely considered among the great players of even his time, probably in part because he only played one final and his career ended well before his thirtieth birthday due to a succession of injuries after his Brownlow season. What Templeton would have done during the 1980s had he remained sound is a fascinating question.
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