Victory premiership to Williamstown
The Association "Victory" pennant has come to Williamstown. It is an honor richly deserved because it represents the fruit of remarkable endeavor on the part of those who took the field carrying the blue and gold, who worked on the administrative side, and who assisted the many ventures for the raising of finance. The flag is a symbol of the superb skill of the players, their indomitable will to win, their physical fitness to see the job through, and above all their undeniable sportsmanship-it is a lasting memento of the wonderful spirit of camaraderie which permeated all phases of club life in season 1945.
A pennant is a great performance in senior football in any circumstances, but the last two of the Seagulls have been accompanied by many record-breaking features that have given added interest to the achievement. Whilst the latest effort does not merit the superlatives of the 1939 feat because that pennant was so long coming along, it is nevertheless a source of great satisfaction and delight to the club's many supporters, scattered all over Australia and indeed at the present time the world.
The last seven years have seen two premierships to Williamstown but in between has been the great est war of all history. Had it not been for this it is certain that the magnificent fillip given Association football by Williams town's meteoric rise in 1939 would have ushered in a long period of prosperity for the V.F.A. The recess of three seasons was absolutely necessary, but it cannot be denied that some of the clubs will take a long time to fully gather their pre-war strength and enthusiasm. And that is why it is felt that last Saturday's win accompanied as it was with several records was very satisfactory.
Seagulls took early season risks
All premierships must be blessed with good fortune, be it small or large, and the Seagulls are not backward in admitting that many of the early moves made to build a class team quickly were risky, but were based on a knowledge of what the public of Williamstown had become accustomed to expect. Accordingly, plans were made to capture the interest of the public so far as building up support was concerned, and then when the finance was available to ensure a reasonable payment to the players, the right type was secured. Even then there were many hazards to consider, but these were eventually overcome until today the club is in easily the best position it has ever been as a club, as a team, and financially.
'Town favorites after Port beat Coburg
Players trained excellently well on the Thursday before the game. New balls were used and long kicking was a feature. Colin Wilcox was subjected to long strenuous practice involving his shoulder and he measured up satisfactorily. George Bradley phoned to say that he was flying to Singapore, but hoped to be back in time for selection (this was on the Tuesday, but he failed to arrive in time). Big Hugh Torney was unable to train on account of his knee injury, and these two last mentioned were the only ones unavailable from a list of 33 players.
Cliff Johnson selected
The match committee made three changes in the team that defeated Coburg in the second semi-final. Bradley, Teasdale and Scarffe were omitted for Cockburn, Johnson and Wilcox. The selection of Cliff Johnson was a courageous decision, but one that had its basis on sound judgment. He had been playing excellent football with the Air Force (apparently unbeknown to some critics), and in addition las always been able to handle Freyer, the Port veteran, who was the avenue through which Port went to get the goals to beat Coburg.
Same room and knickers as Semi-final
Seagulls used the visitors' room at St. Kilda and black knickers by choice after delegate Jim Foley had won the toss from Wattie Power of Port. All the players had been carefully instructed on the previous Tuesday of the ‘high command’s’ plans and were in attendance early. The first news was bad; Mallie McGregor, the popular boot-studder, was absent in the Williamstown Hospital for a sudden operation. Harry Armstrong took over his task.
Many former Seagulls visited the room early and at the risk of missing mentioning a few, the following were noticed: Allan Geddes, Syd Porter, Roy McKay, Bob Gibbs, Gordon Helwig, Bill Spokes, Gordon Salvas and Bob King (hero of the 1921 pennant).
Numerous telegrams were received from supporters and players from all over Australia and the islands. Too numerous to mention all, but one came from Stan Jamieson, Tom New (islands), Bob Major, and most of the League clubs sent good-luck messages to their former players in 'Town's team. There was one from Jasper Jones, of Middle Park. Would this be the Jasper who is already a legend in the football world for his prodigious kicking of yesteryear?
Record gate and 39,000 crowd
The Seagulls enhanced an already established reputation as the best draw in the Association and followed the record gates at Coburg, Williamstown, and the second semi-final with the largest gate ever taken at a V.F.A. match, and it is understood a record for the St. Kilda ground. The gate receipts amounted to £3470. This was about £300 in excess of the previous record put up by Brunswick and Williamstown in the grand final at the M.C.G. in 1939. The 39,000 was the third best in Association history. The best is 47,000 at the 1939 game and 41,000 at a match between North Melbourne and Brunswick on American Fleet Day in 1908.
Port score first two goals
Port were the first away and slapped on two goals before Seagulls replied. After Hearn had scored first goal for 'Town, Todd booted his 183rd to equal Pratt's record, and soon after achieved the feat that has been so tantalisingly near over the past few weeks. Spring was outstanding in the early exchanges and marked and kicked cleanly. Seagulls had a nice lead at the first change with the scores 6-4 to 3-8-and against a slight breeze.
In the second term Seagulls continued to play confidently and always appeared to have a firm grip of the game. The play was not as good as the three previous second-round games. It was free from spite, but there were plenty of hard knocks. 'Town were supreme across the centre, and Johnson had vindicated the selectors with many fine saves.
Half time scores: Willamstown, 10-10 (70 pts.); Port Melbourne, 5-14 (44 pts.).
Port were exceptionally late coming out, but the Seagulls took things easy by reclining on the turf in the sunshine. The Burras put everything into the play on resumption and by sheer determination drew within six points of 'Town's score. Every Seagull attack was solidly turned, and on the face of it Port looked to have the show in the last quarter. The scores showed that 'Town failed to pierce the big opening for the term:
Town 10-13 to Port 8-18.
Harris decided to take charge of the game from the bounce, and it was his brilliant play that settled whatever chance Port may have given themselves. Scouting round the packs and exploiting the lose man, Dick [Harris] put the ball through three times after Glass had punted the first. One of Harris's goals was a gem-50 yards out and on the angle. When Cockburn' scored again the pennant was assured for the Seagulls. The bell rang with Todd in possession of the ball. He "souvenired" it in preference to adding another goal to his tally.
Final scores: Williamstown, 16-21 (117 pts.). Port Melbourne, 10-20 (80, pts). Goalkickers: Todd 6, Harris 3, Spring 3, Glass, Matthews, Hearn and Cockburn.
Tom Lahiff, the Port captain, was the first visitor into the Seagull room and was lavish in his praise of the winners. He said that he was happy with Port's performance in winning the previous week against Coburg. The crowd milled into the room. Vice president Alf Urban took charge, and he, Secretary Floyd, Ron Todd and Maurie Hearn were all called on for speeches. The Mayor or Williamstown (Cr. W. G. Gray) congratulated the players and officials, and the president of the V.F.A. (Mr H. P. Zwar, M.L.A.) did likewise, and praised both teams for their clean exhibition of the code. Cheers in plenty were given for the team, and for Cr. Tom Griffin (president of Port) when he gave his congratulations.
Alf Urban and Larry Floyd visited the Port room and were well received. Each thanked Port for their sporting game and remarks in the 'Town room. Reference was made to the long associations each club had had with the V.F.A. without acquiring ambitions, after a success, of "ratting" on the Association like many other clubs have done in the past. These remarks found ready acquiescence from the Port supporters.
The best players
For his match-winning efforts in the first half 20-year-old Geoff Spring deserves to be singled out from a good team as the best: player. He is a protege of Todd's and was brought to Williamstown just before the Collingwood scouts got wind of his arrival from the North. For a time supporters doubted the wisdom of his quick selection in the team, but his games since have proved Todd a good judge. He has a good pair of hands and gets up well for his marks.
Cliff Johnson was a reliable defender and kicked the ground for a nasty ankle injury late in the third quarter. Reg Ryan took some nice marks and saved well. Ron Todd gave a grand display of unselfish play and was swung around on the forward line to disconcert his opponents. The centre line: Norm Chisholm, Reg Featherby and Ben Le Sueur, had the call on the day, and Arthur Cutting gave speed and mobility to the solid defence lines.
Eric Glass got better as the season progressed, and his three marks in the third term were very handy when Port was applying the pressure. Reg Harley was a hard man to pass, and the rovers Doug Dowling and Fred Matthews, were on top most of the day. Maurie Hearn said afterwards that Matthews faced death about four times when he went through a solid pack to kick a goal. The followers felt the heat and were not so noticeable. Bruce Chapman was about the best of the bunch. Just the same, although Maurie Hearn was not at his best, he took the strain against the Port heavyweights and received good assistance from Jack Cockburn.
George Archibald was the side's utility man and performed well in a number of positions. His marks the equal of Ryan's, except that the umpire allowed his. Colin Wilcox had a hard task watching a good player in Houston, but did a good job considering that he was short of match practice. Dick Harris was always a menace to Port. Forward he made the game for Todd; in defence he was a loose man, and roving he was clever. Altogether a sound move bringing Dick into the team - Richmond may have used him if we had not grabbed him when we did. Athol Teasdale was unfortunate to have missed the game after playing so many, and as 19th man was not called on to take the field.
General notes
The committee decided to pay each player £1 extra for a win on top of the £3 being paid for the final. Mr Harry Fowler of Spotswood, decided to do the same, and since then Mr Frank Holmes has agreed to act likewise. Thus the 19 players will receive £6 for the game. The trainers, too, will benefit as follows: Ten shillings each from the club and £5 from each ot the above donors to be distributed amongst them.
Mr Bill Faulkiner has stated that he will have two of the balls used in the match polished, autographed by the players, and suitably mounted for presentation to Ron Todd and the club. Last Saturday was Norm Chisholm's 100th game in senior football, 67 with Williamstown and the rest with Footscray. He did not merit the inane remark in the Footscray Advertiser last week in which he was referred to as one of four Footscray discards in the V.FA. grand final.
The writer up I there must be well behind in his knowledge of the game or he would know that Chisholm didn't go to Footscray until the V.F.A. recess occurred and he returned as soon as Willlamstown started again. Also if Footscray can afford to call Houston of Port a discard they must be well off, and performances does not bear that out. Still, our complaint is not against the club, it is against a frustrated football reporter who must be a little jealous of the success of erstwhile 'Scray players.
Players have quiet dinner
After the game the players were taken by the secretary to a quiet dinner at the Federal, and on the way to the ground to meet the rest of the club a visit was made to the Shore Theatre. The team was given a tumultuous reception. Cr. L. Floyd (secretary) thanked the supporters for their reception and asked Maurie Hearn to introduce the players. All were present bar Wilcox, who had gone home for his car. Maurie said it was the happiest football season he had ever put in, and Eric Glass said that he was becoming quite an actor with his frequent appearances before the mike. Fred Matthews, Geoff Spring and Jack Cockburn were also induced to speak.
Later the president (Mr Bill Dooley) entertained the club at the ground and later at his home.
Retirements announced
After the game Arthur Cutting and Eric Glass, who have been wonderful stalwarts for seasons, announced their retirements. More will be said of them at a later date. Also their records with the statistics will be given after the trip has been concluded. Maurie Hearn, too, may be an absentee next season as he is seriously considering a business proposition in a country town.
The club is indebted to Mr Bob Daval, who gave wonderful assistance and advice over the season. He was formerly head trainer at Richmond. Also to Messrs J. Greenfleld, L. Donaldson and C. Tomkins the committee are grateful for attending to players on the final days.
Team leaves for Broken Hill on Tuesday
The party of 60 odd will leave for the trip to Broken Hill on Tuesday evening, via Mildura. Coburg and a few Seagull players will travel the next day. Altogether the party will be about 112, and there has been a tremendous amount of work for local officials getting accommodation arranged. However, Mr Len Bevis will leave on Friday to finalise arrangements and a great trip is anticipated.
There has been plenty of publicity up there of the Coburg v. Williamstown game on the Saturday and the gate should be in the vicinity of £400. The visiting clubs will share the Saturday gate and the Sunday proceeds will go to charity.
A report of the dinner and dance held at the town hall on Wednesday evening will appear in our next issue.
Ron Todd
Ron Todd, who broke the Australian goal kicking record for a season with 188 goals, is rated by the best judges as the greatest forward the game has seen. Admitted as the best draw-card in the game and a match-winner in any grade, he has now played 55 games with 'Town. During that time he has kicked 326 goals, nearly an average of 6 a match. He won the V.F.A. goal kicking by 69 goals from Titus. It is the first time for over 30 years that a 'Town forward has won the honor. A move will be made later for the public to recognise his performance.
Footnotes
Title: Victory premiership to Williamstown Publisher: Williamstown Chronicle (Victoria, 1856-1954) Author: Williamstown Chronicle Staff Writer Date: Friday, 12 October, 1945, p.2 (Article) Web: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70683685
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