Australian Football

Garry Hamer, who hailed form Shepparton-based club Lemnos, was a useful player for Geelong in 50 VFL games between 1961 and 1965, kicking 26 goals. Capable of playing as a half forward, defender and occasionally as a ruckman, despite standing only 185cm in height, he was a fringe player for most of his time with the Cats. The exception to this was a 1962 season which saw him play all 21 matches for the year, including the drawn preliminary final clash with Carlton, and the controversial five point loss in the following week’s replay.

In 1963-4-5 Hamer played mostly reserves football, which meant that he missed out on the Cats’ 1963 premiership triumph. He did, however, play in back to back reserves grand final wins in 1963-4.

In 1966, still aged just 22, Hamer was cleared to Wimmera League club Horsham where he was appointed playing coach. In 1967 and 1968 he led the side to premierships. The 1971 season saw him playing in the VFA for Geelong West (12 games, five goals), after which he played for Barwon Heads. He continued as a non-playing coach for several years, including a stint back at Geelong West in 1982.

Author - John Devaney