The early stars of southern Tasmania
A remarkable feature in Tasmanian football of recent years has been the utter failure to produce a combined team either at Hobart or Launceston capable of extending a first-class Victorian League team. Time was when the sturdy Islanders were able to vanquish the Melbourne cracks; at least, the Hobartonians did so. In fact, so expert were the 'native sons' that many of them were induced to 'leave home and beauty' and take up their residence in the Victorian capital.
It appears from photographs of present leading Hobart teams that their physique is inferior to that of the old-timers. This may be a cause of the comparative mediocrity of their play. But whatever the reason, it is certain that the 'light little Island's' sons are not now as expert as they were a couple of decades ago. Last season friend 'Forward,' who has written football for the 'Tasmanian Mail' for about 25 years, commented upon the great disparity between the old and the new brigade.
Billy Cundy
How Hobart enthusiasts who have followed the game for a quarter of a century must sigh for the times when Billy Cundy and Tommy Ryan led so many Southern Tasmanian teams to victory! The father of the game in Hobart, Cundy, captained the Railway Club, a team composed mainly of men employed in the Railway Department. A born leader, he was a champion rover for many years. His club team was very successful, and yet he was equally 'at home' when handling the representative team. In those days visiting Victorian sides were nearly always defeated. Cundy captained both teams that went to Melbourne, and there are probably many there today who remember his pretty and effective football.
I saw him in Sydney last season—he was watching the South Melbourne v Combined Sydney match. Still smart on his feet, and very little stouter than he was twenty years ago, Cundy looked almost young enough to play again. He did much for the game in Hobart—more, perhaps than any other player. He was champion sprinter of Tasmania, and also one of the first Tasmanian crew that took part in the Intercolonial eight-oared race.
Tommy Ryan
When Cundy left Hobart to take up his residence in Victoria nineteen years ago there was no one to take his place—that is permanently as captain. Tommy Ryan, who led the City Club for years, acted more frequently as skipper of the combined team than any other, though Sammy Dunlop (Railway) ran him close, as he commanded the Tasmanian team which toured New South Wales in 1890.
A brainy fellow, short, sturdy, with plenty of pace, and a magnificent left foot kick, Ryan was for many years a shining light. Any orders of his to the men of the City Club were carried out to the letter. In fact, such a strong personality did he possess that for several years he might be said to have almost dominated Hobart football.
Ryan was one of the cleverest forwards ever seen in Tasmania, and a performance by him which has stuck in my memory more than any other was when he notched five goals against Carlton on the Risdon Ground (Hobart) in 1889. Carlton at that time had a very strong side, containing such players as Jack Baker (one of the finest footballers who ever figured on Victorian fields, and who, during the last few seasons of his career, transferred his allegiance to Geelong), Billy Strickland, Tommy Leydin, Micky Whelan, McKechnie, Danny Hutchison (now residing in Sydney), the Coulsons, Gellally, and several others whose names for the moment I cannot recall.
An exceptional, all-round athlete, Ryan was a representative cricketer for many years, being a very good left-hand, medium-pace bowler, and a pretty wristy bat. He was also a speed merchant over the 'hundred,' and a boxer of skill, though he never appeared in any competitions.
Tall, strong, and a good mark and kick, Sammy Dunlop figured in the Railway team—as well as rep sides—for many years. Though not brilliant, he was a very able defender, and was a great favorite throughout Tasmania. Sammy passed away some years ago.
Charles Eady
The finest footballer I have ever seen was the genial giant, Charlie Eady, better known in Sydney for deeds on the cricket field; though in my humble opinion he was a far greater exponent of the Winter than the Summer pastime. As a defender, he stood in a class by himself. His great height—combined with wonderful activity and rare judgment in the flight of the ball—gave him a great advantage in the air over opposing forwards, who rarely tried to mark from him, but resorted to every kind of subterfuge to stop him; all too little purpose. When his side played with the wind, Eady would rove. On obtaining possession his comrades usually kicked the ball in his direction, notwithstanding that he was invariably surrounded by opponents. A run of about ten yards, he would soar in the air like a rocket and take the ball nicely on the tips of his adhesive fingers.
A sportsman every inch, he never lost his temper, though subjected to many unfair tactics in endeavors by opponents to stop his marking. He was a great player, my masters!
George Vautin
And now I come to George Vautin, whose brilliance I have never seen equalled on a football field—Australian or Rugby. I have seen Moulton, Abbott, Colquhoun, Gwyn. Nicholls, Spragg, Wallace, George Smith, Bush; Wickham, Messenger, and all the cracks of the favorite Sydney Winter sport, but none of them—in my opinion, at least—had the grace and trickiness of Vautin. More effective players I have seen, but never one so pleasing to watch. Picked to play inter-colonial football when a mere boy, Vautin continued to delight onlookers for many years by his brilliant roving.
He played for Essendon (Melbourne) during the last few seasons of his career and had for a companion Colin Campbell (an old Northern Tasmanian champion), whose death in England some six months ago it was my sad lot to chronicle. They were opponents when residing in Tasmania as Campbell roved for the North and Vautin for the South, and they were well matched in every respect.
Ampy Edwards
Another great performer, also of the City, was 'Ampy' Edwards, who, though a Northerner, for, several seasons played at Hobart, and was a power of strength. Not so brilliant as Vautin, Edwards was more consistent and effective. In the air he was a veritable champion, and when Hobart was visited by South Melbourne, then at top of the Victorian premiership list, he put up the game of the 40 (twenty aside in those days). The Melbourne champions were defeated for the first time for a considerable period. Peter Burns was then at his best, and the team also included Elms, Purdy, and Windley (who played with South Melbourne when here the season before last).
Kenny Burn
The finest centre-man Tasmania ever produced was Kenny Burn (Railway), who, like Eady, is better known in Sydney as a cricketer. Very nippy, his particular forte was notching goals with a drop kick after a short run. Kenny went to Victoria for a time, and played for the Melbourne Club.
Alec 'Joker' Hall
Everybody who followed football in Victoria or Tasmania was familiar with the name of 'Joker' Hall, who was undoubtedly a star of the first magnitude. He first went to Tasmania with the 'Same Old’ [Essendon], very many years ago and notched goals from almost impossible angles and distances. Later on he resided at Hobart, and played for City, and was also a member of the rep teams that visited Victoria and New South Wales.
I remember an amusing remark he made when we were in Melbourne (for your humble servant was with that team, as well as the one that came Sydneywards) to the late Mr John Hayle, a fine sport, who was manager. We were passing an hotel when suddenly 'Joker' stopped, looked up and, with a merry twinkle in his eye, said: “That's a very fine hotel Mr Hayle!” The latter, who was as sharp as a needle 'dropped' at once; “What, Joker, are you dry”, “Yes Mr Hayle, and so are the rest of the team." “Come on then, boys!” said the manager, and some 25 of us filed in after him.
Poor Joker was capsized on the Derwent about eleven years ago, and was drowned to the deep regret of all who knew him.
Other greats
Next to Kenny Burn, 'Wobbler' Seabrook (City) was the best centre Tasmania ever had. He had an inimitable dodge, which completely nonplussed opponents, especially Victorians, who were unaware of his methods. Nearing the end of his football career, a kneecap gave him a deal of trouble, and probably caused him to retire much earlier than otherwise would have been the case.
One of the trickiest backs of those days was Tom Bagley (Railway), and there must be many followers of the game who, having seen the first Tasmanian team that visited Melbourne, remember his many brilliant runs. Bagley was also a champion over hurdles, a fair sprinter, and above mediocrity as a cricketer.
The finest all-round athlete the Island ever possessed was Audy Stuart (Holebrook), a splendid player. As with athletics, so with football he was at home in any place on the field, and was right in the front rank for very many years. He rowed in Tasmania's first Intercolonial eight, was a champion runner and jumper, a fine gymnast, rifle shot, and fair cricketer, and I saw him throw a cricket ball 120 yards in a competition. In fact, his was a name to conjure with in anything he undertook in the athletic world.
A marvel of physical beauty, Albert Nicholson, was quite a terror to opposing forwards by reason of his facial expression, which, when desired, 'Nicky' could make quite Mephistophelian. But he was not by any means a rough player, and a more jovial comrade on a tour I never travelled with. His kicking-off could not possibly be forgotten by those who saw it—it was magnificent. On a trip to Hobart some twelve years ago I had a chat with Nicky and remarked how well he was looking. But a few months after the poor fellow developed consumption, which carried him off very quickly.
Among followers diminutive Tommy Hehir, who, like his club mate, Nicholson, succumbed to consumption, was one of the most prominent. Possessed of remarkable powers of endurance, he was up to every move in the game, and was a thorn in the side of opponents. Hehir was a member of the combined teams that visited Victoria and New South Wales.
Though he came into the game later, Percy Willing (Holebrook) was just as effective as Hehir, though lacking the grace and nimbleness of the Railway champion. He was the best companion I ever had in the ruck—and I rubbed shoulders with a good number—in as much as he was more unselfish than most and thought more of the side than of himself.
At scooping the ball in the ruck and passing a 'little mark' 'Chiller' Horton (City) was the cleverest I ever encountered. But his ability ended there, as he was a very poor kick, and slow and ungainly in his movements.
A good follower of the plodding order, George McGinis (City)—elder brother of Fred of that ilk, who for several seasons was generally considered to be Victoria's champion player—was a rep for many years. More notable for dogged determination and stamina than for brilliance, George was very serviceable. And the same may be written of burly George Cheverton (Railway), Alf Macky (Holebrook), and Charlie Goddard (Holebrook).
A follower who did much for the game (and particularly the Holebrook Club) was Jack Reid, who took part in many rep matches and was very reliable. Genial and courteous, Jack endeared himself to comrades and opponents alike. Ah, how easily umpires would earn their money if footballers all played like J.K.Reid—‘real no humbug!’ was a favourite expression of his, and he personally fitted it to a nicety. A good sport indeed.
Other followers who deserve a mention were Mick Macleod (Cricketers), Dick Kirby, and Willoughby Howe (Holebrook), Dick Langworthy, and 'Turkey' Langford (Railway), George Langford and Bob White (City).
Strapped up like Dave Hickenbotham, the old Geelong centre-man, Charlie Cherry was a shining light at centre wing; probably the best since the agile Vere Harris) did such great things for the old Cricketers. Though many years have passed away, I well recollect the splendid tussles between Vere and 'Snowy' Griffiths when the Melbourne club visited Hobart. The latter was a very smart player, who, if memory serves, played for St Kilda later in his career.
There lived in Brighton in those days a family by the name of Webb, who were remarkable specimens of physical manhood, all being well over six feet high and built in proportion. Leonard Webb went to Hobart nineteen years ago to play for the City Club. Very awkward at first, continuous brushing against metropolitan footballers soon polished him up, and he became an excellent all rounder—his great height enabling him to mark repeatedly from opponents. He came to Sydney with the Southern Tasmanian Combined team, and eventually made his mark with Geelong (Victoria).
One of Holebrook's most brilliant performers was Percy Lovett. Very fast and clever, he either roved or played centre-wing, and was the personification of neatness. He was a rep player and a member of the last Tasmanian team that visited Melbourne, as well as that which toured New South Wales.
Away in the dim past Joey Briggs (Railway) filled the dual positions of the club's champion goal-sneak and comedian. Joey always wore a red and black cap, and when he secured a mark would take the cap from his head and throw it vimfully to the ground, look at the goal posts for some ten seconds with the expression of a tragedian, and then take his kick. Joey was very deadly at a short range!
A bright, sparkling player was Charlie Pringle (Holebrook), who took part in many matches played on the old Battery Ground. His brother Lempriere (then called Harry) was also a member of the same club, but never attained the eminence at the great Winter pastime that he has in the musical world, for he is none other than the famous grand opera singer. Charlie went to India when a young fellow and is, I believe, still there.
Jovial Billy Gregg showed magnificent form for his club (Railway), and in the greater matches. It was a pleasure to play against him, as he was as full of fun as a kitten. When I last visited Hobart I met the merry fellow, and he gave me such a hearty handshake that in fancy I can feel it now.
Then there were Fred and Arthur Turner, who battled for the City Club. Both were fine exponents, but Arthur was much the better, being a clinking all-rounder.
George Watt, too, another ‘good un’, would have been a champion had his eyesight been keener. Bubbling over with animal spirits, George was a merry fellow, and is probably the same to-day.
One of the best drop-kicks in those days was Lou Macleod, who was also a clever high mark. Tall and with the strength of a lion, Bill Shea (Holebrook) was one of Tasmania's greatest players. Charlie Barlow was another a long way above the average and a merry fellow withal. He could imitate the sound of linen being torn to the life, and many a hearty laugh have we had at hotelkeepers when they thought they had their curtains ripped to pieces.
Of the mercurial type, Jimmy Atkinson (City) was very neat and effective, and was a member of many rep teams. Of gigantic proportions, Billy Ward (Holebrook) was a very prominent performer, being clever in every department of the game. Other notable players were George Dickens (a graceful back man), Ted Collins, Bert Cherry, Arthur Sinclair; Billy Eady, Clyde Gibson, Sid Howe, Arthur Cook, Billy Cooper, Bobbie Brown, Cecil and Jack Sibley, Ben Stuart, Nick Bonnitcha, Albert Eady, Charlie Kean, Charlie Vautin, Jack Dunlop, Tim Molloy.
The good ol' days
A snowstorm came on after the Geelong v. Hobart match of twenty years ago. A trip to New Norfolk was fixed for the next day, and the Pivotonians went down to the steamer rolled up in rugs and coats. We all kept below deck on the way up. But on reaching our destination a small crowd on the jetty called out: 'Three cheers for Geelong!' Up went all heads, only to receive a volley of snowballs, which they had carefully made for the purpose. And then a great snow fight took place, the Victorians enjoying it immensely.
They were good old days indeed! Excitement was intense, and nearly every man, woman, and child was interested in one or other of the clubs. The games were fine, manly tussles too. When some of the old players read this, memory will make the blood course more rapidly through their veins, and they will doubtless regret—as I do—that no more will they appear on the green field to engage in friendly rivalry of youthful skill and physical endurance. A tear may also dim their eyes when they think of the fine fellows who are gone—fellows with whom, perhaps, they had many stirring encounters while the games lasted, and with whom they have spent many happy hours when travelling together in a combined team to play for the honor of their country! [sic]
I often think of those old days, boys, and I am sure those of you who read this do the same. Nothing would please me better than to have a chat with some of you over those old battles of long ago. And what battles they were, to be sure!
Footnotes
Title: SOUTHERN TASMANIAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS OF OTHER DAYS. Author: OLD-TIMER Publisher: Referee (Sydney, NSW: 1886–1939) Date: Wednesday, 13 May 1908; 20 May 1908; 27 May 1908.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120334654
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120340149
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120336905
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