Bill Nicholls (Snr)
From the Ballarat Football League to the North West Mallee League Bill Nicholls was known as the 'Coleman of the Bush'. But many at North Shore would only remember Bill Nicholls as a switched on no-nonsense football club president. Very few senior footballers put anything back into the game once they have bowed out, that could never be said of Bill Nicholls. After breaking an ankle while playing for North Shore in 1967 at the age of 39 'Nico' called it a day and retired. His love for the game saw him continue his involvement with the club, firstly as a trainer where his waving and swirling of his towel above his head in moments of excitement and despair were his trademark. Bill became senior team manager and served as a vice president before being elected to the presidency in 1969. During his time at the 'helm' North Shore emerged from the football wilderness to become one of the district's top clubs. Nicholls was also senior chairman of selectors for many years, after serving seven years as president ill-health forced Bill to step down mid way through 1976. But back to his playing career, a wandering minstrel would be a fair description of Bill. He first played with Newtown under 18's in 1943 and went on to play with Geelong West (Red West), Mornington, Moe, Imperials (North West Mallee League), Drysdale, North Geelong, Deans marsh, Torquay, Bell Park and North Shore. In 1946 Bill played in an all Australian services premiership team while serving in the army in Japan. He played in 2 premierships with Geelong West in the Ballarat league in 1947 and 1948, in 1954 he played a major part in North Geelong's championship and also experienced that winning feeling in 1956 with Torquay. Bill's outstanding ability as a star full forward saw him win respect right across Victoria and he was hotly pursued by several VFL clubs in the late 40's and 50's. Twenty of Bill's 25 years in football were played at full forward and some of his major feats were kicking 23 goals for the Imperials, 15 for Torquay, Imperials and North Geelong. In 1952 he kicked 166 goals for the Imperials,
"After playing with Bill i can understand how he won the title of Coleman of the bush. "He deserved that title", frost said. A life member of North Shore, Bill was further honored by the club when the bar in the social rooms was name after him. If it hadn't been for the persistence of Bill Nicholls, Gordon Hynes would almost certainly never have donned the Blue and Gold guernsey. One of Billy's trademarks was a new suit for each final, he must have a bloody wardrobe full of them after the seventies," laughed Gordon.
Retired and living by the sea at Indented Head with his wife hazel, Bill still monitors the progress of the Seagulls, particularly in junior ranks where his grandsons Wade and Corey Chapman and Bill Nicholls (Jnr) play.
From The Press Of The Day
Nicholls, a farm worker came to Imperials this seasonfrom Moe, (Gippsland). Four weeks ago against Underbool he kicked 15 goals, his side the Imperials has been defeated only once since the start of the 1950 season. In 1949 he kicked 17 goals for Geelong West against Redan, and lost the leading goalkicker title to Ken yates of Maryborough by one goal. He has an excellent chance of winning this years title although he has missed games through unjury. Two years ago Collingwood was interested in Nicholls but discovered he was tied to Geelong.
1972 President Bill Nicholls and Secretary Stuart Hilderbrand (second from left) at the handover of the cheque for the new Clubrooms.
"Coleman of the Bush" Kicks 12
goals for Geelong West
goals for Geelong West
