MORE than 100 former players, life members, club officials and supporters gathered to celebrate the success of the 1974 and 1994 senior premierships and the 1964 Thirds and 1964 Reserves teams.
That’s more than 60 years, 50 years and 30 years on!
And what great teams they were too. Under the astute leadership of coach Joe Robson, the thirds notched up seven premierships in eight years. The reserves under coach Brian Grumley and captain Rover’s legend Norm Smith won back-to-back premierships in knee deep mud, far from the conditions experienced today.
Whilst the focus was on the senior success it was great to acknowledge the other teams and welcome representatives along to celebrate the victories.
Former secretary (1987-2004) John Duscher welcomed everyone saying how good it was to be able to get as many people together who were part of the wonderful history of the Rovers, share again the success and acknowledge the contribution of the people who made the club great, those who provided the leadership and vision, the coaches, the trainers, the umpires and officials, the wonderful ladies in the canteen and the families of the players and the staunch supporters.
“The Wonthaggi Rovers were a great family club, and you were always made welcome there,” said John. “Today you will share the sweetness of success, all fantastic memories, the highs and lows, the excitement, the joy and disappointments, the great marks and goals, the social functions and the life-long friendships made.”
Many of the guests travelled a considerable distance to attend and apologies noted. John also acknowledged the passing of some former players and in particular friend and coach Dennis Vague who was represented by son Ben who had been a mascot for the 1994 premiership side. He also thanked those who had organised the day and warned that it would all be happening again next year with the celebration of the 1975 and 1995 senior premierships. And they will be joined by the members of the 2005 Wonthaggi Power premiership teams.
John outlined what a proud, passionate club the Rovers had been since it was formed in 1956 with the amalgamation of East Wonthaggi and shops assistants and later in 2004 amalgamated with the Wonthaggi Football Club to form Wonthaggi Power. In that time, it won five senior premierships, 10 reserves cups and nine thirds’ premierships.
987 players pulled on the Tiger colours, and he outlined some fantastic highlights, five seniors best and fairest awards to Daryl (Squeaky) Lindsay, most seniors’ games 338 by John Gilliland, most club games 458 by John Mitchell, League best and fairest awards to Brian (Chips) Kane, Peter Campbell, and gun forward Justin Paul who won twice.
“There are lots of incredible stories about the Rovers and most of them are true,” John said.
John then introduced special guest Darren Berry Victorian Cricket legend who grew up here in Wonthaggi, played footy with Rovers and was a close friend of Dennis Vague. He kept the crowd entertained with his terrific stories and memories. He was followed by 1974/75 coach Colin McRae who spoke about the growth and hard work of his successful teams, the contribution of so many to bring that success and how much he valued the friendship of his old mates. Finally, premiership captain Carl Lindsay rounded off the speeches encouraging everyone to get around and catch up and enjoy this opportunity.
“It was a great day all round and looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
