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IN THE BEGINNING |
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| 1927 - North Shore Football Club was formed after a meeting in the North Shore Presbyterian Church hall in January 1927. The meeting was instigated by William G. Evans whose family has been connected with the club throughout its history. Local progress association activist. Mr D. Mcruer was the inaugural president. It was an excellent time to start as house lots on Connors Estate North Shore were subdivided and sold for 2 pound 10. A team was entered in the Geelong Athletic Societies Football League and the ground was an open paddock in Walch's Road (formerly known as Sparks Road) in North Shore. A nearby barn owned by G.F Evans was used as changing sheds. The inaugural side that took the field in the Blue and Gold on April 30, 1927 was: |
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B: J.Smith, Kelly, Norton
HB: R.Cahir, Abbott, Richards
C: J.Green, Holcombe, C.Green
HF: E.Evans, K.Dearnley (c), Millard
F: R.Green, Kemp, Looker
R: P.Wildman, G.Evans
R: W.Evans (vc) |
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North Shore Football Club Pioneer
Bill Evans, first best & fairest winner
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Percy Squires 1933 Captain
-Coach, best & fairest |
1933 - The season started in a sensational manner when the owners of the paddock that the Seagulls had made its headquarters arrived unexpectedly when a practice match was in full swing. They were far from impressed and the club was given its marching orders. The new ground was situated behind the old Corio Shire Hotel in Melbourne Road, Norlane. Percy squires was the new captain coach and his side won 12 games to make the four for the first time. A win in the first semi final was followed by a loss in the preliminary final. |
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1934 - A confident lot would be the best way to describe the 1934 side. In only its third season the team finished on top with 18 wins and three losses. An idea of the confidence can be taken from a quote in the September 29, 1934 edition of the Geelong Advertiser. "So confident are we that East Geelong's third defeat will be administered in the second semi final that some of our usual stalwarts will continue their spell until the Grand Final to avoid further risk of injury." Things didn't go quite to plan as East Geelong trotted home by 78 points and only Vin Cahir, Percy Squires, Bill Dillon and Alan Thompson made the best players list.
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North Shore's first Grand Final team was:
B: Jenkins, W.Dillon, Stephenson
HB: Squires, McDonald, Small
C: E.Evans, Dunstan, A.Green
HF: R.Green, B.Cahir, A.Thompson
F: Ingles, Kelly, V.Cahir
R: Wildman, Hole, Cantwell
19th C.Thompson |
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Details:
East Geelong 18.8.116
North Shore 8.13.61
Goals - Stephenson 3, Kelly 2, R.Green, P.Hole, V.Cahir
Best - Kelly, Cantwell, A.Green, V.Cahir, P.Hole, Dunstan |
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| 1935 - 1944 - Efforts to win the first flag were thwarted by Drysdale and Lethbridge when they beat us in the '35 and '36 preliminary finals. The club wasn't successful in 1937. A youthful Pat Cahir won his first best and fairest , (he won this award 4 times). it was a good year for Pat as he won the monster raffle as well, 4 bags of briquettes. Popular district sportsman Danny Slevin was 1938's captain - coach and. he pulled the club out of its slump and it finished on top. A big second semi-final win over Queenscliff at Osborne Park sent the Shore into the grand final a warm favorite. A record crowd of 800 saw the club win its first premiership when it defeated Queenscliff by 14 points. |
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Details:
North Shore 12.9.81
Queenscliff 10.7.67
Goals: C.Cahir 6, M.Hawkins 4, R.Cahir, P.Cahir
Best: C.Cahir, Dean, D.Slevin, P.Cahir, I.Hawkins, M.Hawkins
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First finals side.
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1938 Centenary Premiers
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1935 - 1944 Cont - With new captain coach Ivan Hawking at the helm success continued in 1939 and the club had good wins over Queenscliff and Anakie in the first semi and preliminary finals. A sensation followed on the eve of the grand final when opponent Queenscliff Garrison forfeited. It was confined to the Queenscliff fort as the war crisis was becoming serious. North Shore was awarded the game giving the club its second successive flag. In 1940 the Sub District League in which North Shore had been affiliated with since 1935 went into recess and the club joined the Geelong and District association. Many players were now joining the forces and ranks were depleted resulting in a poor 1940. The next year 1941 wasn't much better, one of the few highlights was Pat Cahir's win in the competition best and fairest. The association went into recess in 1942 and never resumed until the 1945 season. A club meeting in 1945 chaired by president Mr R.H.Beckley reformed the club and changed the name to the North Shore Football and Cricket Club.
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Former players standing in front of the ford annexe (the clubs home ground in 1933) are from left Ray Fitzgerald, Arch Gourley, Bill Evans, Alan Mitchell, Roy French (pres.past players) and Pat Cahir. |
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1945 - On September 1, 1945, the president Mr Beckley, welcomed back Pat Cahir to the ranks after service overseas and presented him with a fountain pen. Fred Hawking was captain-coach and the side finished on top with 16 wins. Gloom followed with defeats in the second semi and preliminary finals, Frank Dean was beaten by a vote in the league best and fairest by W.Field of North Geelong and was also runner up in the club award to George Brumby.
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Mr R.H.Beckley the clubs longest serving president. |
1946 - North Shore's first under age side took to the field and managed just one win. The under 18 side followed the same pattern as the seniors did after it's first season - it went into recession - and didn't take to the field again for another 12 years, 1958. When the side didn't reform in 1947 the majority of players transferred to North Geelong. Australian rules started to blossom in Geelong in 1946 with a record number of affiliations necessitating two sections - the Evelyn Hurst Cup and the Woolworth Cup. S. Menzies was honorary senior coach but the side slid down the ladder winning only four matches. |
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Pat Cahir, one of the club's best ever players, won his fourth best and fairest. Runners up were A.Walsh and N.Potter. McHarry's Buslines ferried supporters and players to games and raffle prizes included a ton of wood, a pair of drakes, 100 cigarettes and a 1/2 gallon keg.
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1947 - Mr Beckley who had served the club as president from 1934 stood down from the position at the start of the 1947 season and at the annual meeting was awarded the clubs first life membership. Ron Chapman was the clubs new coach and although winning 12 games the side just missed out on the four. Jim Spitty won the best and fairest from S.Reidy. Inflation hadn't hit memberships and they remained 2 shillings & sixpence, Committee meetings were held in the scout hall, Plume Street, Norlane. For those that kicked up their heels at the presentation ball the cost for males was 3 shillings and females 2 shillings
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1948 - The future of the club looked bleak when 13 attended the 1948 annual meeting. At the rescheduled meeting after much discussion it was decided on the motion of Pat Cahir seconded by J.Madox that the club field a side in the Woolworth Cup. The previous years coach Ron Chapman was working in Lorne and applied for a clearance there. The club was having nothing to do with that and appointed Pat Cahir coach and Chapman as captain. Ron Chapman was the club best and fairest from Don Swan and made it a double when he became the second player to win a competition best and fairest. The side performed well and finished on top and revelled in a fiery second semi final against St. Albans at West Oval from which it emerged an easy winner. A crowd of 1750 paid 77 pound to watch the grand final against St Albans at Kardinia Park. At the final siren North Shore was eight points in front and it had earnt it's third flag.
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Ron Chapman receives the 1948 Premiership Cup.
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1948 Premiers |
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1949 - Not many clubs go into recess after winning the premiership but North Shore did in 1949. A lack of players forced the club to make the decision. When the club did not reform in 1950, 1951 and 1952 it looked as though it could have been dealt the death knell.
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1953 - Interest was rekindled in 1953 and at a meeting on February 2, a decision was made to reform. The main instigators in getting the club up and running again according to records were W.Gillett, E.Young, W.Manners, R.Payne and M.Fitzgerald. the Phosphate Company in North Shore became the nerve centre. Meetings were held in the recreation hut and their home ground was used, in fact it was "home" until we took up occupancy of Windsor park in 1958. Ted Handley was appointed coach and it was the only year in the clubs history when it failed to win a game. Handley won the best and fairest from Marty Lynch.
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1954 - The big slump continued on the field with just one win. Rex Glenister was replaced by Mac berry as coach during the year and the club was forced to share the ground with the International Harvester Soccer Club. Harold Cahir won his first best and fairest's, Meetings were held in the scout hall and at the homes of committeemen.
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Mac Berry |
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Harold Cahir |
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1955 - After winning only one game since reforming in 1953, this season was seen as determining whether the club had a future. Under coach L.Leach the side did improve and won seven games. Harold Cahir won his 2nd best and fairest, runner up was Alan Lynch. The Committee meetings venue switched to the new RSL rooms in Rose Avenue Norlane.
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1956 - Olympic year, 1956 got off to a disappointing start when the Shire of Corio refused the club the use of Windsor Park. The housing commission had built over 2000 homes in the area and the move from North Shore to the Norlane area was paramount importance to the club. So it was back to the Phosphate ground for another season. The senior side continued to improve under Mac Berry and the side climbed back into the four and won the first semi final. After a game performance it went down to St Alblans by eight points in the preliminary final.
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Past Players Pat Cahir, Alan Mitchell & Bill Evans in front of the old Phosphate groundwhere the
club played before the move to Windsor Park
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The 1956 team was:
B: Jacka, Berry, Campbell
HB: Todd, Cahir, Welsh
C: Laurie, R.Berry, M.Evans
HF: Mitchell, Power, Handley
F: McDowell, Burns, R.Evans
R: Burke, Ryan, Lynch
19th: Fiffe, 20th: Gamble |
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Details:
Goals: B.Mitchell 3, A.Burns 3, A.Lynch, R.Berry, H.McDowell,
Best: B.Laurie, B.Walsh, R.Berry, T.Handley, R.Todd, B.Mitchell |
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| 1957 - Coaching chaos again hit the club preseason with Alan Archibald being replaced by Ted Handley who was to become the 16th senior coach in 18 seasons. Plans were put in motion to field an Under 18 side in 1958 as numbers were again increasing and the club was hopeful of eventually receiving the nod from the council to move to Windsor Park. The seniors missed the four but still had 10 wins and were highly competitive. Ronnie Evans junior won his second best and fairest and his father Ron took over the presidency from A.Berry. A proposal by the Norlane Football Club to amalgamate with North Shore was put to the members who decided by a solitary vote that a combined club could not be formed. |
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1957 first eighteen
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1958 - Club history was made when an Under 15 side was fielded with Peter Bliss as coach. For the first time since 1948 an Under 18 side was fielded with Adam Young as coach. The other big news was that permission was finally granted by the Corio Shire Council for the club to take up occupancy of Windsor Park. School teacher Graeme Bridgeland was the new senior coach and the signing of the "Coleman of the Bush" Bill Nicholls created plenty of interest. The team made the four only to lose to Modewarre in the first semi final. All-Round sportsman Brian Laurie won the senior best and fairest, A.Phillips won the under 18 award and G.Cordell won the first Under 15 award.
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1959 - Although only at Windsor Park for just over 12 months the club had a surplus of Under 15 players who couldn't get a game in the solitary team. Max Evans overcame the problem by organising games on Sundays for these players who otherwise would have missed out on a game. Harold Cahir became the 18th senior coach in 20 seasons and the club after three good seasons plummeted back down near the bottom of the ladder winning only two games. Harry McDowell won the senior best and fairest while Ted Allen and Ron Cordingley won the Under 18 and Under 15 best and fairest's.
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1960 - At the beginning of the year, Geelong Football Club coach Bob Davis attended a club committee meeting and stressed the need for closer co-operation between junior club's and the Geelong Football Club. The seniors under the direction of Ray Spokes had a poor year and only won one game. The coach's season was made no brighter when the committee refused a request for the sleeves of his jumper to be removed for fear of setting a precedent. Harold Cahir made it a hat-trick of best and fairest's with his previous wins being in 1954 and 1955. Max Evans who took over the presidents position halfway through 1959 was re-elected. Negotiations were started with the Corio Shire for the installation of a hot water service in the change rooms after complaints from players.
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1961 - The club's first ever under age flag was brought home to Windsor park when the Under 15 side defeated Torquay in a cliff hanger in the wet at Kardinia Park. Victory looked to be slipping away from the Seagulls but with only minutes to go Bobbie Knell kicked a goal off the ground to give his side victory by five points. Max Evans assisted by Ron Rutherford coached the side to the historic win. The senior side was in a real rut and new coach Ron Evans jnr could do nothing about it as his side registered three wins. Alan Lynch snr won the best and fairest.
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1962 - The move to Windsor Park was starting to reap rewards when the club won two premierships in a season for the first time. A hard fought grand final at Kardinia Park against Geelong West saw North Shore emerge victor by 10 points to give the club its first Under 18 premiership. Bill Di Domenico joined his brother Charlie on the Under 18 honor board when he won the best and fairest and they with the Winters remain the only set of brothers in this age group to achieve the feat. It was the new team, the Under 15B's coached by Don Chapman that bought up the second leg of the double when best and fairest winner Robert No ye split the centre with a long bomb with the last kick of the day to give the side victory. Max Evans continued to organise Sunday scratch matches for those still unable to get a game in the Under 15 sides and he had enough boys to run a 4 sided round robin. New senior coach rugged Geelong West defender Keith Ettridge failed to stop the slide with the side improving marginally winning four games. It had only won 10 games since 1958. The talented Ron Rutherford won the first of his three senior best and fairest's while Peter Chapman won the first of his three Under 15A best and fairest's.
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1963 - The North Shore Little League with live wire organiser Max Evans made its debut proper and it was fitting that inaugural best and fairest winner be Michael Woolnough who went on and played VFL football with Geelong. Despite the lack of success in senior ranks the coaching job was keenly sought after with Messrs McCormack, Ettridge, Lynch and Way all applying with Keith Ettridge being successful. The side had its best season since 1958 winning seven games. Tom Van Velzen won the senior best and fairest but returned to Holland with his family the following year. Promising junior ruckman Bill Benson played in the Geelong Under 19's and reserves side during the season. Barry Benson won the Under 18 best and fairest and Under 15 winners were Peter Chapman (A's) and Barry Breguet (B's), Max Evans was re-elected president for the fifth term at the annual meeting held at Windsor Park.
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Peter Chapman |
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1964 - Former Under 18's coach Basil Gamble was appointed non-playing senior coach with Ron Rutherford elected as on field leader. The side with some fresh new talent up from the junior ranks won 13 games and finished with a double chance. Despite excellent form from Ted Allen, Marcus McDowell, Lindsay Toulmin, Terry Brown and Barry Cooke the side was defeated in the second semi and preliminary finals. During the season Ron Rutherford was seriously hurt when he fractured his vertebrae in a game at Windsor Park, no stretcher was available so he was carried off precariously on a trestle top. He was in plaster for 3 months and went on to make a complete recovery. The Under 18 side coached by Don Chapman and captained by Darby Fisher finished on top. A resounding win over Bell Park in the second semi was followed by a thrilling 4 point win over St Peters to take premiership honors. Life Memberships were bestowed upon Alan Lynch snr and Max Evans at presentation night. The Little League continued to expand and tenacious red head Terry Bellears became the second NSLL best and fairest winner.
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1965 - The club continued to grow at a fast rate and an extra under 18 side took the field for the first time with club stalwarts Max Evans and Pat Cahir sharing the coaching duties. Dan Vaughan from Winchelsea took over as senior coach and Bill Benson was elected Vice Captain. The side couldnt reproduce its 1964 form and won five games. Ron Rutherford made a great return from injury to take out the senior best and fairest. No junior teams made the four but the junior section continued to blossom with the little league in full swing. The NSLL made history when it traveled to South Australia to play South Adelaide in the first Under 12 interstate game. Michael Woolnough became the first and only player to date to win two Under 13 Little league best and fairest's. Voting for the NSLL best and fairest was as follows:
Michael Woolnough 23, Terry Bellears 20, Rod Welsh 18, Doug Benson 13, Peter Burke 12, Bob Stannard 12, Ron Full 12, Terry Burke 12, Joe Stolk 10, Phillip Pettingill 8, Gerald Matthews 8, Ron Todd 7, Ray Crossling 7, Graeme Leonard 7, Kelvin Young 7, Wayne Thomas 7, Bary O'Toole 6, Alan Witham 6, Kevin Hayden 5
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1966 - After 27 years with just one senior team a reserve grade team was fielded for the first time in 1966. Alan Lynch snr was captain-coach of the young side. He led by example winning the first reserve grade best and fairest. Lynch had earlier won the senior award in 1961. Bill Benson, Ron Rutherford and 1965 coach Dan Vaughan were all applicants for the senior coach. Ron Rutherford was appointed and he made it a best and fairest double for the coaches. Runner-up was promising young ruckman Lee Crawford. The first eighteen won seven games and finished middle of the road. With an ever growing junior section transport was causing problems and the club bought a Vulcan Bus with a perkins Diesel for $550. Ken Bellears had the job of keeping the bus in running order and on occasions of driving it on end of season trips.
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Lee Crawford |
1967 - Ron Rutherford was forced to step down as senior coach after six games due to injury. Bill Benson was appointed coach for the remainder of the year. After a disappointing start the side finished strongly winning its last four games outing GWCFC and North Geelong from the four in the process. Bill Benson won his one and only senior best and fairest and it was a timely reward for one of the clubs most courageous players. The reserves missed the four while the Under 18A's re-entered it after a two year absence but were beaten in the first semi final. Although the Under 15's missed the finals the Little league continued to gain momentum. Dimunitive and highly promising Alan 'Dizzy' Lynch became the fifth Little league best and fairest. The Little league side that travelled to South Australia by train to play Glenelg at Glenelg Oval on September 1, 1967 was:
B: R.Warren, C.Luttrell, G.Stanford
HB: I.Fisher, P.Hawkin, P.Dennis
C: G.Matthews, A.Floyd, J.Sanders
HF: I.James, K.Young, K.Ivermee
F: J.Brown, T.Schwenneson, R.O'Toole
R: J.Wilson, A.Lynch (c)
R: R.Todd
Res: T.Scott, D.Webb |
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1968 - The senior vote count ended in controversy and turmoil when the winner, Lee Crawford, was ruled ineligible as he had incurred a suspension during the season. Bill Burrows was subsequently declared the winner with Lindsay Toulmin elevated to runner-up. Later on the Clubs constitution was altered to delete that anomaly. Don Chapman who had coached Under 15 and Under 18 premiership sides at North Shore was appointed non playing coach for 1968. Alan Lynch was reappointed for his third term as reserves coach. The senior team although competitive won only six matches while the reserves nine. The reserve grade best and fairest was won by Graeme Purcell from John O'Hara. Daryl Williams finished in front of Les White in the Under 18A, equal third were Doug Toulmin,Alan Marsh, John Dillon, Col Williams and Peter Bath. Under 18B victor was Joe Stolk with runner-up Jim Cullen.
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1969 - North Shore reached its first grand final for 21 years after a drastic improvement on previous seasons. Pre-season plans were thrown into confusion when newly appointed coach Glen Bow resigned after only 2 weeks. But nothing was lost when Ron Sells, one of the all time GDFL greats was appointed captain-coach. Sells had a terrific rapport with his new charges and had their confidence with the side finishing with a double chance. All looked rosy when North Shore recorded an easy win over Thomson in the second semi final at Kardinia Park and appeared to have a second-to-none chance of winning its first senior flag since 1948. Bur despite kicking 18 goals North Shore went down to North Geelong by 27 points in what has been described as one of the districts finest ever spectacles of the game. Bill Burrows, who won the controversial 1968 best and fairest won the 1969 count. Runner-up was second year player Lindsay Toulmin. The reserves was won by John O'Hara form Ron Fisher. The highly promising Michael Craven won the Under 18A best and fairest from Jeff Miller whilst Herbie Matthews made it a double in the Under 15A's from Dizzy Lynch. Graeme Wilson topped the Under 18B vote count and Terry Carter won the Under 15B's In the Under 15C's voting was won by Peter Earl for his 1st award, and in the Little League Paul Whittington was the top votegetter.
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Ron Sells |
1970 - After having to pay to play for the last 31 seasons a landmark decision was handed down by the committee when they abolished those fees. Another significant change was a switch from blue and gold hooped sox to an all blue one. Ron Sells was reappointed senior coach and Bill Frost had charge of the reserves. The senior side again made the four and lined up against 1969 premiers North Geelong in the first semi final at Kardinia Park. After a game dominated by defences North Shore won the game 8.9.(57) to 6.6.(42). A strong 59 point win over Newtown in the preliminary final saw North Shore storm into it's second successive grand final, but red hot favourite East Geelong proved too strong winning by 40 points. |
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After finishing runner-up in 1968 and 1969, Lindsay Toulmin won his first senior best and fairest after another ultra consistent season. Runner up was the fleet footed and high marking winger Bill DiDomenico. Alan 'Dizzy' Lynch won the reserves best and fairest an award his father Alan senior won in 1966. Runner up was Ian Prett, the Under 18A's was won by Alan Floyd with promising forward Colin Luttrell as runner-up. Brian Flynn won the Under 18b award from tenacious Terry Bellears whilst one of the clubs most promising 'young' players Greg Young was successful in the Under 15A's, Andrew Lorincz was runner-up. Soccer convert Malcolm Jobson won the Under 15B's from Peter Gamble and Bruce Ellingsen defeated Barry Sheehan for the Under 15C award. North Geelong youngster Dennis Hynes won the little League best and fairest.
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Action from 1970 Senior Grand Final
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Action from 1970 Senior Grand Final
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Unique Double
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Alan Lynch snr, and Alan Lynch jnr, have set a club record that is destined never to be broken.
Both have won first and second eighteen best and fairests to give father and son the unique and unusual honor.
Alan snr, won his first eighteen best and fairest in 1961 and won his seconds award in 1966, the first year the club fielded a reserve grade side.
Alan snr was also the first captain-coach of this section.
Alan jnr (Dizzy) took out his seconds best and fairest in 1970 aged just 16 and two years later won the first eighteen best and fairest. |
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1971 - Former St Peter's junior coach John Bligh was appointed coach of the Under 18A side. John Bligh had an immediate impact with his enthusiasm and sheer hard work and the A side improved dramatically to finish runner-up. Ron Sells was reappointed captain-coach for his third term but his side was disappointing winning only four games despite being runner-up the last two seasons. All three of North Shores Under 15 sides made the final four - a feat never achieved by any other local club. The Under 25B's defeated St Augustine's in the first semi final by 26 points. In the preliminary final Bell Park won by two points with North Shore's best being Mick Hutchinson, Jeff Wall, Geoff Vessey and G.Ryan. The Under 15C's were defeated by Modewarre in the first semi, but it was up to Bill Benson's Under 15A side to bring some glory to Windsor Park. in what must be regarded as one of the closest junior final series ever played North Shore went on to record one of its finest premiership wins after being runner-up in 1969 and 1970.Dashing back pocket Michael Craven won the senior best and fairest and the experienced marcus McDowell won the reserve grade. Under 18A winner was Gary Hoppe and Under 18B was taken out by Mick Hoare. In the Under 15's the A grade winner was won by the exiting John Albon, the B grade went to Bill Spitty whilst the C grade went to T.Cockerill.
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1972 - 1972 saw the senior side under the auspices of new non-playing coach Herb Jeffery win only five games but the year didn't pass without it's highlights. Colin Luttrell up from the Under18's topped the goalkicking with 78 majors leaving top full forwards Joe Radojevic and Mel Winter in his wake. Another exciting player Alan 'Dizzy' Lynch won the club's senior best and fairest The reserves best and fairest was won by Wayne Elliott whilst Andrew Lorincz won the Under 18A award from first year player John Albon. Peter Hutchinson overcome injuries to win the Under 18B award from Steven Abbott. Mick Brady won the Under 15A's, P.Clarke Under 15B's and R.Devlin Under 15C's, this was the last year that North Shore would field three Under 15 sides. Brett Torney was voted best player in the North Shore Little League SSB representatives were Daryl Julien, Rod Boothroyd, Geoff Bellears, Mick Todd, Brad Cox and Peter Suggett.
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1973 - North Shore pulled off possibly the biggest coup of all time when it appointed former Geelong Premiership rover and North Geelong Champion Gordon Hynes as captain-coach. It was club president Bill Nicholl's constant perseverance and 'harassing' that finally persuaded Hynes to sign on. But there was plenty of drama pre-season when an outside group attempted to take over control of the football section. They look all set to succeed as they appeared to have the numbers at the annual meeting. A quick weigh-up of the situation by president Bill Nicholls saw Stuart Hilderbrand quickly leave the meeting with a couple of friends and head down to the local watering hole the Norlane Hotel. Members who had failed to turn up to the meeting and who were having an ale or two suddenly found themselves being ferried back to Windsor Park in a convoy which saw the numbers swing back overwhelmingly in favour of the locals. Hynes immediately made his presence felt with his discipline, dedication and enthusiasm. Gone were the days of having a few beers on Thursday and Friday nights. The few that did soon found it no fun sitting on the sidelines on saturday. Compulsory Sunday morning training was another innovation that took a bit of getting used to for some. Gordon Hynes first game as captain-coach on April 9, 1973 saw North Shore defeat St.Josephs by 141 points. Members of that team were: D.Brogden, W.Benson, C.Ferguson, C.Luttrell, W.Thomas, P.Chapman, G.Purcell, B.Smith, R.Almond, T.Gill, I.McGregor, D.Benson, P.Full
, P.Burke, P.Dennis, R.Jane, H.Domanski, J.Miller, R.Breed
The seniors made the four and lined up for the first semi final against Newtown without Gordon Hynes (suspended) and number one ruckman Bill Benson who had a broken ankle. Doug Toulmin came off the bench to kick two prodigious time on goals to give North Shore a one point win. In the preliminary final North Shore led at half time but the task of playing without its leaders took it's toll and the side went down gallantly.
Tough defender Barry Smith was the epitome of courage playing the last half with a broken collarbone. Colin Luttrell topped the league goalkicking for the second time. He became the first North Shore player to kick 100 goals in a season and set a new club record when he kicked 17 against St. Josephs. The reserves coached by Barry Smith were defeated in the first semi final. The Under 18A's finished the home and away games with 22 straight wins but the wobbles set in with the team losing the second and preliminary finals. The Under 18B's side underlined the strength in this section when it was runner-up to Amateurs. Gordon Hynes finished an excellent debut season when he won the best and fairest, runner-up was Barry Smith. The reserves was won by max Kier and Jan Smith won the Under 18 award from Murray Sleep. Mick Brady won his second Under 15A best and fairest and G.Edwards was the best for the B's. P.DiSanto was voted the Little League's best player.
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1974 - Twenty six years since our last senior flag saw Bill Nicholls take up his fifth term as president. Coaches were Gordon Hynes (Seniors), Barry Smith (Reserves), John Bligh (Under18A), Col Williams (Under 18B) and Carl Ferguson (Under 15A) who replaced Bill Benson who stepped down after seven years. The senior section continued to strengthen with both sides making the first semi final. the reserves went down to North Geelong in a mudbath. The seniors defeated St Peters and moved into the preliminary final against Bell Park at West Oval. North Shore finished stronger and won by 26 points. With the 26 year flag drought hanging over the club the side went into the grand final against East Geelong at Kardinia Park the outsider. In a battle royal North Shore won a titanic struggle in the rain by9 points, Col Luttrell who won the competition goalkicking for the third successive year kicked 6 of North Shore's 8 goals. No-one played better than captain-coach Gordon Hynes who was best afield. Luttrell, Alan Floyd, Bellears, Peter Chapman and John Albon were other good players in a great team win. Hynes won his second best and fairest from Barry Smith whilst Peter Full took out the reserves honors. John Bligh's exasperating run continued in '74' when his side was defeated in the grand final after holding a big lead at half time. The Under 18B's also had another good year finishing runner-up . Mick McManus won the Under 18A best and fairest from Kelvin Willers while Andrew Kennedy finished in front of Ross matthews for the B grade. Brendan Purcell won the Under 15A whilst G.Storm was judged the Little Leagues top player.
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1974 - Senior Premiers first senior flag in 26 years
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Colin Luttrell
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1975 - This year saw the club go from strength to strength, the seniors, reserves and Under 17A all finished on top giving North Shore the championship. Max Giddings who was recruited to the club from Geelong West in 1974 took over the reserves coaching, the other coaches were John Bligh (U17A), Rocky Couzins(U17B), Bill Benson resumed coaching the Under (15A's) and Peter Full had charge of the Under (15B's). The senior side thrashed GWCFC in the second semi final and cruised into the grand final a long odds-on favourite. As any punter knows only too well favourites do get beat and that's what we did when a doubtful mark was paid to the late 'Whale' Dwyer who goaled with the last kick to give St.Marys the flag by two points. The reserves won its first flag but not before they overcome two titanic struggles against GWCFC
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The sides met four times during the year and the winning margin was never more than a goal. John Blighs Under 17A's downed Barwon in the grand final by 13 points to claim it's third flag. The senior best and fairest resulted in a tie between Gordon Hynes and Gerald 'Herbie' Matthews with 33 votes each. Ken Ivermee was runner-up with 27 then came Col Luttrell with 21 and Bill Benson 15. Joe Stolk won the reserves on a countback from Laurie Thom, Ian McGregor was third next best was Jeff Wall and Bill Nicholls jnr. The Under 17A's was won by Greg Gallichan from Ken McKeown, and the B's was won by Robert Devlin with runner-up Robert Miner.
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| 1976 - Football clubs have good years and bad years, 1976 goes down in the record books as one of North Shore's best. Coaches were Seniors, Gordon Hynes, Reserves Max Giddings, Under 17A John Bligh, Under 17B P.Full and Under 15A Laurie Davies. Bill Nicholls who had been president since 1969 stood down early in the year due to ill health and senior vice president and well known identity Vin Kelly was appointed to the position. Club legend Bill Benson was cleared to Corio Football Club as coach and it was a sad way to start the season, Benson had been a club great playing over 200 games, coaching junior sides with distinction and serving on the committee. Senior coach Gordon Hynes used number one ticket holder and local member of parliament Neil Tresize to address the team before the second semi final. The former Geelong star revved up the Seagulls with some good old fashioned fire and brimstone which saw the team go on and record a 55 point win over Bell Park and march straight into the grand final. Grand Final day 1976 saw three North Shore sides line up at Kardinia Park to do battle, first cab of the rank was John Bligh's Under 17As against traditional rival Barwon. After one of the best junior finals seen North Shore had won its first flag of the day when it finished 3 points in front to give this section back to back flags. Next up on stage was the reserves whose superior fitness saw them run St Mary's off their legs to win by 31 points, it was back to back flags for the reserves also and two premierships in a row for coach Max Giddings. Ian McGregor won the reserves grade competition best and fairest to round off a great year for the veteran captain, the pressure was really on the seniors to create history by winning three flags in a day. The result was never in doubt as North Shore swept St Mary's off Kardinia Park winning by 61 points, it was the club's finest hour as the Seagulls entourage headed back North of the Cowie to celebrate. The headlines said it all on the following Monday, NORTH SHORE SCOOPS POOL, the season's finale was the clash of Bellarine premier Drysdale against North Shore at St Albans before a crowd of 4000, this also was a non-event and an embarrassment for Bellarine football when North Shore won by a massive 95 points. Gordon Hynes produced another brilliant season of football to win his fourth best and fairest, runner-up was Mick McManus with Col Luttrell finishing third. Steve Abbott won the reserves grade while runner-up was Ian McGregor. Centreman Trevor Crowley won the UInder17A from Tom Floyd, Under 17B ruckman J.Verdesoto and ruck rover John Laspenas were top votegetters in this section. Peter Sluggett won the Under 15 section from Ian Thomason, whilst Mick Todd won the Under 13, Ken Spitty the Under 11 and Len Hedley the Under 9's. |
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The Seniors and Reserves celebrate at the Bayview |
And Bombers boys celebrate their success
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1977 - One of the biggest sensations in local football affected North Shore when the GDFL disqualified the club's reserve grade side on the eve of the Grand Final. Almost certainly heading for three premierships in a row the GDFL ruled that Kevin Hayden was ineligible to play in an earlier final. It was a bitter pill for the club to swallow as it firmly believed it had done no wrong. Gordon Hynes was reappointed senior coach for his fifth term, Hynes sooled his charges through their most intensive pre-season with practice matches against Yarraville, South Warrnambool, Deer Park, Cobden and North Geelong. It had its desired effect as the firsts finished the season top of the ladder and was quoted a short priced flag favourite, they steamrolled Newtown by 61 points in the second semi to shorten the quote even further.In the grand final Hynes and his gallant charges produced a great last quarter fightback to defeat Newtown by 15 points at Kardinia Park , for Max Giddings, Gordon Hynes, John Albon, Wayne Thomas, Gerald Matthews, Alan Marsh and Ken Ivermee it was their fourth successive grand final and third premiership. Steve Winter won the Under 15 best and fairest while Doug Hose won the little leagues 15th medal, Those GDFL officials brave enough to attend celebrations at the igloo that nigh felt the wrath of a couple of reserve grade players who let them know their feelings on the disqualification fiasco. John Bligh's Under 18A side was stamping itself as one of the strongest sides in the region and justified this billing when it won it's third flag in a row. The strength in this section was hammered home when Peter Full's Under 18B side won the clubs first ever championship to give us our second successive triple header of flags. Gordon Hynes created a new club record when he won his fifth consecutive best and fairest eclipsing Pat Cahir who took out the award four times 1937,1939,1941 and 1946 and Harold Cahir who also won four best and fairests. Hynes polled a huge 47 votes, runner-up was John Albon, in the reserves Glen Baker won from Richard Rylance while Under 18 premiership captain Steve Mathisen won his section from Mick Todd.
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Division 1 Senior Premiers 1976
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1977 Seniors Second flag in a row
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1978 - The Seagulls were right on cue for three in a row when they defeated Newtown by 22 points in the second semi final at Kardinia Park. In a heart stopping grand final North Shore went down by 4 points to Newtown and thus denied a hat-trick of senior premierships. The reserves suffered the same fate finishing runner-up to Barwon which won by 35 points. The Under 18A side after winning premierships in the last three years finished third, Gordon Hynes again dominated the senior vote count when he won his sixth club best and fairest. Terry Scott won the reserves grade, Mick Todd the Under 18A's, Paul Bath Under 18B's and Doug Hose the Under 15A's, Graeme Hobbs Under 15B'S. Gordon Hynes became only the third North Shore player to win the GDFL senior best and fairest, Greg Dennis made it a double when he took out the GDFL reserve grade best and fairest. A new senior record score of 35.24.(234) was posted against North Geelong with Rodney Alymer kicking 13 goals. Alymer went on to top the competition goal kicking award and become the first North Shore player to kick 100 goals since Col Luttrell in 1973.
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1979 - The club's first and only posthumous life membership was awarded to the late Arthur Dennis at the presentation ball held at Centenary Hall. Arthur was one of the driving forces behind Little League and was also senior secretary for many years. His two sons Phil and Greg played for the club and his wife Pat is a life member also. Other life memberships awarded in 1979 went to John Dillon and Doug Benson.New senior players were Steve Mathiesen , David MacDonald , Glen Frost , Mick Brady , Col Thulborn , Colin Bennett and Steve Richardson. Although not touted, it looked as though 1979 could be the year for that elusive championship. Undefeated and looking good, the firsts headed to Bakers Oval for the last game against the lowly Westerners. A shock four point defeat ended any championship aspirations and put a question mark on a grand final berth. Victory by the barest of margins, a point saw North Shore defeat St Mary's in the second semi final and advance to its sixth consecutive grand final. Looking for it's fourth flag of the seventies, the Seagulls went down to St Mary's by 21 points. Max Gidding's reserves side won it's third flag in five years when it turned the tables on Barwon to win easily by 45 points. The side never lost a game all year and gave the club it's first senior championship. For the first time since John Bligh took over the under 18 coaching reins since 1971 the side missed the four finishing fifth. Gordon wrote himself into the record books when he won his seventh consecutive senior best and fairest. Rodney Jones won the reserves and Steven Winter the under 18's. Brothers Rodney and Ross Alymer notched up a first when they both kicked 100 goals, Rod kicked 135 in the seniors and also won the competition award while Ross became the first North Shore player to kick 100 goals in the reserve grade competition.
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1980 - Robert 'Mick' McManus broke Gordon Hyne's run of seven successive senior North Shore best and fairest's when he was judged top seagull for 1980, Hynes however was runner up. McManus' younger brother, Glenn, made it a unique family double when he won the reserve grade's award. Gordon Hynes was re-appointed for the eight term as senior coach. Max Gidding's lined up for his sixth year as reserves coach and John Bligh began his 10th term as Under 18 coach, John Dillon and George Smith again too charge of the two under 15 sides.
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Mick McManus
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After finishing runner-up in 1978 and 1979, season 1980 was a vital one for the boys north of the Cowie, they measured up to the task and finished with the double chance. A huge 97 point win over St Mary's followed in the second semi with Ross Alymer booting 10 goals. The reserves crushed St Mary's by 84 points to go straight into the grand final, Rod Almyer made it a big day for the family when he also kicked 10 goals. Grand Final day started badly when the under 18's went down to Barwon, and worse was yet to come when our reserves, considered as certainties, went down to Bell Park by 20 points. When the senior side ran onto Kardinia Park for it's seventh consecutive grand final its record stood at 3 premierships and 3 runners-up Opponents St Mary's turned in a form reversal after the second semi and made the afternoon an uncomfortable one. At the final siren the Seagulls finished 10 points in front and it had earnt it's seventh senior premiership. |
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Earlier in the year another record score was recorded when the seagulls kicked 41-14-(260) to Thomson's 5-7-(37) at Godfrey street, Rod Alymer kicked 13 goals. Steve Doedee became the first junior since Gerald Matthews in 1969 to win the under 15A competition best and fairest award. Junior section best and fairest winners were Darren Purcell (U18), Steve Doedee (U15A), Craig Casey (U15B), Brett Fridey had an easy win in the under 14 award. Life Memberships were awarded to Norm Thrower , Gordon Hynes , John Bligh , Colin Luttrell and Jeff Bolger.
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1980 Senior Premiership Side
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1981 - Grand Final day at West Oval, Church street, didn't seem the same with no under 18 game. Their grand final was to be played the following day, Sunday, a decision that considerably annoyed everyone at the club. The reserves had the pressure on as a win would see a second championship in three years, they had defeated Newtown by six points in the second semi to go straight into the big one. First year coach Col Luttrell had his unit finely tuned as they came out firing on all cylinders to whip Newtown by 10 goals in a good a display likely to been by any second side. The seniors appearing in their eight successive grand final and chasing back to back flags lined up against 'hot' favorites Newtown who were the Seagulls second semi-final conquerors by 15 points. But North Shore's form was anything but bad when they disposed of St Mary's in the preliminary final by 70 points. In a game of fluctuating fortunes Newtown appeared to finally get the winning break late in the last quarter when they lead by nearly three goals. The chants of N-E-W-T-O-W-N,N-E-W-T-O-W-N had started around the ground and one large group on the Corio Bay side of the oval starting to toast their side in champagne. But they hadn't taken into account the never say die, never beaten attitude of the Seagulls. Dizzy Lynch goaled then Luttrell cleverly put one through and when Glen Murphy snapped truly the Seagulls were home in one of their memorable victories. The following day saw John Blighs under 18 side defeat Grovedale by 17 points in front of a huge crowd to give them their fourth flag in seven years. A bonus for all sections was the formation of the Past Players on June 27, the main instigators were Ian McGregor and Pat Cahir and they have been assisted by stalwarts Mick Brady, Max Evans, Roy French, Arnie French, George Smith, Ivan Allen, Phil Sweeney and a host of others over the years. Their main fundraising is the famous 50/50 raffle and they have held annual luncheons since formation, all sections of this club benefit financially from their efforts.Terry Scott capped off a great season by winning the senior best and fairest whilst Ondre Foltin won the reserves, Under 18A captain Glen Pitman won his teams best and Craig Aldridge won the Under 18B. Under 15A was won by Dick Martini and S. Sarcevic won the B grade.
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1981 Senior Premiership Side (Back to Back)
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1982 - For the first time since 1974 the senior side missed playing in the grand final when it was defeated by St Peters by four points in the preliminary final at Kardinia Park. After being nearly 10 goals down at three quarter time all seemed lost but a late charge saw the seagulls storm home but it was all too late.The loss of Alan Lynch, Max Giddings, Gordon Hynes, Col Luttrell, Daryl Richardson and Claude Gasparini when he was seriously injured in round two, left gaping holes. During the season Alan Marsh played his 200th senior game for the Blue and Gold, John Albon, Greg Dennis, and Rod Alymer reached 150 while passing 100 were Glen McManus, Steve Mathisen and Ross Alymer. The reserve side overcame many obstacles to make the four and to go and gain a grand final berth was a credit to their spirit. 1981 premiership player Alan Lynch put himself into the athletes hall of fame when he won the 3200 metre race at the Stawell Easter Gift meeting for the third time. Bomber Bligh's under 18's continued their roller-coaster ride when they defeated St Mary's by 30 points at Osborne Park to give the team its fifth flag in eight years. Bill Dixon finished with 41 votes to win his first senior best and fairest, runner-up was Leigh Crawford, Ballarat recruit Steve Miller won the reserves from Bob Jane, in the Under 18's John Burns won from Errol Ekinci. Ken Denning won the Under 15A's whilst Brett Fridey took out the U15B honors.
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1983 - Gordon Hynes in his eleventh season as coach was still bitter of the fact that North Shore in 1982 had missed its first grand final since 1974, if previous pre seasons were thought to be grueling then pity those partaking this season. Competitive practice matches against North Ballarat, Terang and Warrnambool had the side in good stead and they finished the home and away games with only one loss. At the start of the season many had wiped off the seniors as a flag threat as the loss of Lee Crawford and terry Scott had left them without a recognised ruckman, however Glen Pitman and Ondre Foltin stepped in and performed superbly. The return of Mick Todd and an injury free Claude Gasparini were pluses and when Terry Scott returned late in the year the team was on line to win its sixth flag in 10 years. A big win in the second semi final sent the Seagulls into the big one as short priced favorites, it was the firsts ninth grand final in the last 10 years. After a fluctuating game North Shore held on to defeat Bell Park by 6 points to give us our third flag of the eighties. The reserves appeared in their eight grand final in 9 years and went right on with it to give the club its third senior and reserve grade double premiership. The under 18's were chasing three flags in a row and our youngest side in this section for many years went down gallantly to Grovedale. The U16A's despite losing eight players to the under 18's had a good year under Norm (Shorty) Eccles and both U14 sides finished runners-up. Mark Cairns was commissioned by the club to paint the Seagull mural in the new social rooms and the finished job was testimony to his talent. Mick Todd who won the Little league best and fairest in 1976 won the senior best and fairest, runner-up was again John Albon. In the reserves David MacDonald finished first ahead of Steve Abbott and Rod Alymer, Steve Doedee took out the Under 18 from Glen Thulborn, D.Porteus U16A, C.Smith U16B and C.Strange U14 won their respective junior sections.
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The 1983 Senior Premiership team Celebrate
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Mick Todd
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| 1984 - It was the end of an era when Gordon Hynes retired as senior coach at the end of the season. He took over as senior coach in 1973 and in his 12 years at the top he completely turned around the club from a mediocre performer at best to one of the strongest and most respected clubs in Geelong. Hynes led the club to six premierships and won seven successive best and fairest awards in a playing career of 166 games. All teams again made the four with two winning the premierships. The big disappointment was the seniors which had their worst finish to a season since 1972 when they lost to St Albans in the first semi-final at Osborne Park. Team balance was upset when John Albon suffered a detached retina, he required an operation and only played 10 games. Others to miss many games included Steven Winter, Terry Scott, Geoff Boothroyd, Vin Todd and Glen Frost. A highlight during the year was the new record score for the senior side, it was recorded on july 21 at Thomson. details were North Shore 45-17-(287) , Thomson 8-8-(56) Vin Todd kicked 12 and Steve Doedee 7. The reserves side finished runner-up to Bell Park, the junior sides however kept those flags unfurling. The Under 14's clearly led the competition all year but received a jolt back to reality when it lost the second semi but bounced back to win the club's first flag in division one. The under18 side went one better when it came through champions under coach Rowley Bone to give the club its eight flag in this division. The under 16's reappeared as a force eventually being forced out in the preliminary final, Glenn Wiese, richard Corrigan and Mark Burns were big improvers. The senior best and fairest was won by Vin Todd from Glen Pitman, in the reserves Geoff Bellears got home in a cliff hanger from David Totton and in the under 18's Darren Winter won easily from Ian Nowell. |
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North Shore Legend
- Gordon Hynes Retires
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| 1985 - The big question in local football circles was who would replace Gordon Hynes at the helm after 12 seasons, Leo King and Jan Smith were the two applicants. Jan Smith who started with the club and went on to play VFL football with Geelong and Fitzroy and VFA with Geelong West was appointed, Alan Marsh was appointed reserves coach. Both senior sides again made the four with the senior side defeating Barwon by 10 points in the first semi-final in the mud and slush at Kardinia Park, only one goal was kicked after half time in horrific conditions. Newtown was too strong in the preliminary final. The under 18's failed to achieve back to back flags when they finished runner-up to St Josephs. Colin Thulborn joined greg Dennis and Ian McGregor to become North Shore's third reserve grade competition best and fairest winner. The reserves won their fifth flag when they defeated Bell Park easily, it was a coaching triumph for Alan Marsh who earlier in the season played his 250th senior game with the club. The senior vote count resulted in Stephen Winter winning from Greg Dennis, in the reserves Pat Burns defeated Colin Thulborn by 4 votes. David Hilder won the under 18 from Steven Lewry. |
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1985 Reserves Premiers
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| 1986 - John Bligh again demonstrated his prowess as the region's top junior mentor when he coached the under 15A side to its first flag since 1971. After coaching the under 18's from 1971 to 1983 Bligh took a two year break from coaching before taking on the under 15 position for the first time this year. Bligh also took on the presidency to ensure a very busy 1986. An amazing turn around by the senior side saw them crash into the four after hitting rock bottom midway through the year. In the first semi it was a 20 point win over Barwon followed by a six point win over Bell Park in the preliminary and suddenly we were in the grand final, our 10th in the last 13 years. After leading by five points at half time in the grand final Newtown drew away in the second half. The reserves again made the four but went no further than the first semi. The under 18's playing in its 12th grand final since 1971 saw the game slip away from it in the dying minutes and lost by two goals. John Albon, one of the clubs favorite sons, was honored during the season at a function which saw the crowd literally packed to the rafters. John Albon throughout his career turned down many attractive and tempting offers to remain at North Shore. At the club function president John Bligh said that Albon was the best player the club had produced. His coach for 11 years, Gordon Hynes paid a 20 minute tribute and mentioned that John Albon finished in the first four in the best and fairest from 1974 to 1985. Stephen Winter won his second consecutive best and fairest from Glen Frost and David MacDonald, Pat Burns also won his second consecutive best and fairest from Arthur Hodgson. In the under 18's Simon Riddoch was the winner just ahead of Mark Burns, and the under 16A winner was Jason McGowan from Matt Wilson and 16B winner was Dominic Acoraci from A.Sheedy.
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JOHN (Bomber) BLIGH
1971 - Runner Up
1972 - 4th
1973 - 3rd
1974 - Runner Up
1975 - Premiers
1976 - Premiers
1977 - Premiers
1978 - 3rd
1979 - 5th
1980 - Runner Up |
Under 18 Legendry Coach John (Bomber) Bligh |
JOHN (Bomber) BLIGH
1981 - Premiers
1982 - Premiers
1983 - Runner Up
1984 - Break
1985 - Break
1986 - Premiers (U16)
1987 - Premiers
1988 - Premiers
1989 - Premiers
1990 - 4th
1991 - Runner Up
1992 - Premiers
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| 1987 - Jan Smith who led the senior team into last season's grand final was overlooked for the club's top coaching position and Alan Marsh was appointed, Colin Thulborn was given the reserves position. The senior side finished the home and away games with 14 win - 3 loss record, normally enough to secure a double chance but not in 1987. The first semi-final against St Mary's proved a disappointing affair with the Saints winning by 25 points. The reserves also made it to the first semi-final and after trailing Newtown by 6 goals got up to register a gutsy 19 point win. St Albans proved too strong in the preliminary final winning by 7 points. The under 18's after the disappointments of being runner-up the two previous years won a nail biting grand final against St Albans by 4 points. Glen Frost was the senior best and fairest winner from Stephen Winter, the reserves winner was Robert 'Bob' Jane ahead of Barry Jacobs, in the under 18's Glen Wiese was the winner from Nigel Phillips. |
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1987 Under 18 Premiers
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Paul Keating after winning his 1st of 2 Mathisen Medals
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| 1988 - Pre-Season unrest yet again heralded the new season when senior coach Alan Marsh and reserves coach Colin Thulborn resigned, Marsh quit after certain requirements he had asked for were not met by the club. Thulborn quit in support of Marsh. Club legend John Albon was given the senior coaching job and stephen winter was appointed reserves coach. After a bad start the senior side lost three games in a row for the first time in 16 years, but coach John Albon rallied his troops and the side finished with a meritorious double chance. The effort was wasted with defeats by St Al ban's in the second semi and St Joseph's in the preliminary final. The reserves also made the four but went no further than the first semi final, however club honor was restored John Bligh and his under 18 side went through the year champions to give this section that honor for the third time. It was John Blighs sixth premiership and the sections 18th final series in the last 20 years. Kane Purcell won the club's first under 14 competition best and fairest but he could only finish second in the club count behind Anthony Sutej. Stephen Winter won his 3rd best and fairest in the seniors beating Steve Mathisen, the kid from 'Kerang' Rick Troy took out the reserves best and fairest from David Totton. The under 18 award went to Nigel Phillips from Dominic Acoraci.During the season the club's record score of 42-17-(287) against Thomson was broken when the side annihilated a hapless Amateurs 47-23-(305) to 2-3-(15), seventeen players made the goalkicker's list with Gary Harriots 10 being the best individual effort. Harriot rewrote the record books earlier in the season when he booted an incredible 21 goals against Amateurs to set a new club record. |
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Kane Purcell
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Stephen Winter 4 Senior Best & Fairest's |
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Nigel Phillips
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1989 - Two record breaking achievements highlighted the year. Firstly the under 18 side sent the statisticians scurrying for the record books when they played in every grand final of the 80's. Of those 10 grand finals North Shore won 6 to write themselves into history, perhaps for all time. The senior side was inconsistent throughout the year but still finished the home and away games in fourth spot, several games clear of the rest to enter it's 17th consecutive finals series. With a convincing first semi-final win over St Albans at Osborne park the atmosphere around the club began to grow in anticipation of winning our first flag since 1983. But that was short lived when St Mary's won the preliminary final. But despite a drought of senior premierships flags continued to come Windsor Park's way. A perfect blend of youth and experience saw the reserves win their third premiership of the 80's when they ran right over the top of St Joseph's in the second half of the grand final. It was a dream start to coaching for Arthur 'Devil' Hodgson. The under 18 side had plenty to aim for as a grand final berth would see it participate in every grand final of the 80's. An ordinary start to the season made that milestone improbable, but if anyone can improve a side with sheer hard work John Bligh can. And the side did improve enough to see them get up and win their 6th flag in a golden decade for that section. The senior vote count saw Stephen Winter win his 4th award in 5 years beating Pat Burns, in the reserves the award went to 1988 under 18 captain Jason McGowan, second was Alan Craig. In the under 18's the winner was David Mutsaerts from Mark Hilderbrandt.
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| 1990 - The start of a new decade saw the senior team still hungry for a senior flag having last won one in 1983. Both senior coaches John Albon and Arthur Hodgson (reserves) were re-appointed and John Dillon again took on the presidency. Gordon Hynes and John Albon were out early looking for recruits,. new players included Russell Hearn (Anakie), John Purtill (Portland), Jeff Hill (Portarlington), Kevin Bull (Back from QLD), David Milsome (North Geelong), Glen Frost (Back from USA), Michael Benson, Mark Hilderbrandt, Andre Sutej, David Mutsaerts, John Kerr & Kane Purcell all from the under 18 nursery. The seniors and reserves both finished with the double chance, after an abysmal performance against St MAry's in the second semi final the seniors bounced back into the premiership race with a superb second half against St Josephs in the preliminary final. Grand Final day started on a sour note when our highly talented reserve grade side was defeated by St Mary's in an outstanding game. And grand final day didn't become any better for Seagull supporters until the 20 minute mark of the third quarter. Trailing St Mary's by 27 points the thoughts of our first major flag since 1983 seemed remote until the youngest player on the ground, Kane Purcell intercepted a short kick off from full back and followed up with a six pointer from right on the boundary. This lifted the whole side and they finished the quarter all over the saints and trailed by less than 2 goals at the last change and the scent of a Seagull victory started to pervade the packed Western Oval. North Shore started the last quarter like the finished the third , it wasn't long before we hit the front but that was short lived as St Mary's replied immediately following a North Shore mistake. But that was to be their last score for 1990 as the never say die Seagulls thundered home to win their seventh premiership since 1974. For coach John Albon there could be no better way to end his illustrious 309 game career that has seen him achieve nearly everything attainable in football. The under 18's after playing in every grand final of the eighties had to battle extremely hard to win a finals spot and they went no further than the first semi-final losing to Grovedale. John Albon was more than half way through his first year as non playing coach when he got the urge to play again, after 298 first eighteen games Abbo ran out against St Marys to play his first ever reserves game. Despite a plea from the match committee to play his 300th game in the seniors 'the man' refused and brought up his milestone the following week in the reserves against Grovedale. |
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Club Legend John Albon Retires |
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Visitors to the History Section Since 1st May 2007 |
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