DRC GOLF DAY
The DRC Golf Day was held at Sandhurst Golf Club on Wednesday 4th February, and was an outstanding success. The weather was perfect for golf and 26 teams participated. Included in the teams playing were 3 teams consisting of 4 current players, namely, Darcy Parish, Josh Begley, Dylan Clarke, Dylan Shiel, Andrew McGrath, Jake Stringer, Devon Smith, Orazio Fantasia, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson, Michael Hurley and Jacob Townsend.
Left: Dylan Shiel, Jacob Townsend, Devon Smith and Jake Stringer.
Right: Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia, Martin Gleeson and James Stewart.
Following the round of golf a lunch was provided, during which Kevin Dale , who organises this great event, introduced the three winning teams, 1st place going to Essendon BMW, represented by; Michael Baker, Craig Freshney, Paolo Ribeiro and former player, Barry Young, 2nd place to Dale Haggar, David Armstrong, Michael Percy and former player, Joe Misiti, and 3rd place to Mos Kassaby, Peter Lynagh, Paul Patrick and Troy Tollis.
Left: Barry Young and his team from Essendon BMW.
Right: The current day player team of Josh Begley, Dylan Clarke, Andrew McGrath and Darcy Parish, finished in 4th place.
The longest drive of the day was recorded by Jake Stringer at an amazing 311m. In introducing the longest drive, Kevin Dale first suggested that former player and State Sport Minister, Hugh Delahunty was the winner of the longest drive, not on the golf course, but because he had driven down from Horsham to play in the event.
One player finished within 10cm of scoring a hole in one, which would have meant him winning a BMW supplied by Essendon BMW, however Kevin did reward him with a model car.
As all monies generated from the golf day, amounting to around $10,000, are directed to the EFC Past Players Foundation Trust, which is used to assist past players suffering financial hardship following their playing days, we are greatly appreciative of all of those participating and all Sponsors for their contributions, as you have all contributed to the welfare of past players of the EFC. The Sponsors, namely Essendon BMW, Alliance Insurance, Dixon Advisory, PMD
Financial Advisors, Border Express, Drummond Golf and Rendina Real Estate, are greatly appreciated by our Association as, without their help, this event would not be practical, so thank you for your continued support. We also greatly appreciate donations from the EFC, Iain Findlay, Joel Reynolds, the Essendonians, Howard Staehr and Barbara Cullen.
TWO ESSENDON GREATS TURN 80.
Ian “Bluey” Shelton
On Sunday 23rd February, a group of past players and their wives had a luncheon at Windy Hill to help celebrate the 80th birthday of Ian “Bluey” Shelton. Some tall stories were told about “Bluey’s” exploits as a player and “Bluey” responded by telling stories about each one in attendance.
“Bluey” hasn’t been in the best of health recently, however he was very eloquent and lively on the day and all of those attending had a great day.
“Bluey” was a fierce Centre Half Back and was widely feared by the opposition as he was relentless at attacking the ball- it was bad luck if you got in his way. He played 91 games for the club, played in the 1962 and 1965 Premiership Teams, was Vice-Captain in 1965 and represented Victoria in 1962. Bluey is a Life Member of the club and also a Member of the Hall Of Fame.
Ken “Frizza” Fraser.
A function, which included family, friends and past teammates, was held at the Rosanna Golf Club on Sunday 2nd March to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Ken Fraser.
The speakers on the day were all very mindful of the great service Ken had given to his teaching career and sporting prowess and all were stumped in finding much to say that wasn’t very complimentary, as Ken is a true gentleman.
In his response Ken was very thankful of the friends he had gained throughout his life and was very pleased to see them at the function together with his family and grand-children.
Ken was an outstanding Centre Half Forward playing 198 games and kicking 156 goals. Ken was a member of the 1962 and 1965 Premiership Teams, was Captain of the 1965 team, was Best and Fairest in 1963 and 1964, was runner up in the Brownlow Medal in 1962 and 1964, played for Victoria in 1959, 1960, 1962 as Captain, 1964, 1965, and 1966. Ken is a Life Member of the EFC and a Legend of the Hall of Fame.
From left: Barry Davis, Barry Capuano, Graeme Johnston, Russell Blew, Greg Sewell, John Birt, Don McKenzie, Ken Fraser, David Shaw, Paul Doran, Kevin Egan, Darryl Gerlach, Hugh Mitchell, Greg Brown and Charlie Payne.
MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS
The following members have or will have achieved significant birthday milestones between 1st Jan 2020 and 30th April 2020.
60 years of age
Roger Merrett (60)
70 years of age +
Eugene Hawryszko (70)
Laurie Moloney (71)
Greg Perry (71)
Bill Thompson (71)
Ian Crowley (72)
Ken Fletcher (72)
Allan Graco (72)
70 years of age +
Owen Hegarty (72)
Neil Evans (73)
Bob Greenwood (73)
Don Gross (73)
Ian Payne (73)
Howard Staehr (73)
Barbara Cullen (74)
Rex Dale (75)
Keith Gent (75)
Noel Judkins (75)
Darryl Gerlach (76)
Greg Brown (77)
Ray Horsburgh (77)
Terry Rodgers (77)
Ken Forge (78)
80 years of age +Ken Fraser (80)
Ian Graham (80)
Graham Leydin (80)
Max Owen (80)
Ian Shelton (80)
Brian Crowe (81)
Don McKenzie (81)
Barry Mackie (82)
John Welsh (82)
John Birt (83)
Don Carmichael (83)
Rob Gluyas (83)
Kevin Harwood (83)
Colin Hebbard (83)
Leo Moloney (83)
Jim Carter (84)
Allan Dunn (84)
Barry Colliver (85)
Kevin Green (85)
Mal Pascoe (87)
Ron Smith (87)
Fred Gallagher (89)
90 Years of age +Allan Taylor (91) 
Bill Stephen (92)
90 years of age+
George Goninon (93)
Fred Payne (93)
Associate Reserve & U19 Players
50 years of age
David Tonks
70 Years of age+
Norm Piper (73)
Michael Brown (74)
Malcom Middleton (78)
Lyndon Langan (79)
80 years of age +
John Saboto (82)
Bill Nicholson (83)
Des Freeman (84)
Peter Overman (84)
DRC Members
60 Years of age
Peter Walsh
70 years of age +
David Rice (70)
Myles Snow (71)
Rodney Cooper (74)
Rae Waters (74)
Howard Reynolds (76)
Lindsay Knox (77)
Raymond Rutherford (79)
80 years of age
Malcolm Browning
VALE JACK JONES
Sadly, club icon Jack Jones passed away on the 24th March, the date being somewhat ironical as Jack wore the number 24, which he had requested from the club, as he had served in the 2/24th Regiment during his war service.
Jack gave great service to the club playing in 175 games and kicking 156 goals between 1946 and 1954. Jack also played in three Premiership Teams and was a member of a staggering 7 Grand Final appearances between 1946 and 1951.
Jack for many years hosted the Presidents luncheons on match days and was highly respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed as he was an absolute gentleman. Jack was a Life Member of the club and a Member of the EFC Hall of Fame.
OTHER OBITUARIES
Unfortunately, since our last Newsletter, we have lost the following members:
Doug Cox
Doug played 3 games for Essendon in 1984, coming from St Kilda, where he played 36 games in 1981 and 1982. Doug was only 62 when he passed away.
Eddie Lake
Ed played 39 games for Essendon between 1968 and 1973. Eddie was 68 when he passed away after a long illness.
It is also noted that Ron Freer, who donated John Coleman’s jumper and premiership trophy to our Association last year, passed on recently.
Our condolences are passed on to their families.
COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Although the team showed promising signs in the build- up to the season and in winning the first game against Fremantle, the season has been brought to an abrupt halt due to the Corona Virus problem. At this stage no one is sure if the season will continue later in the year, however we wish all players the best of health and hope that they are able to play later in the year. We are now in the process of re-establishing our own Website and anticipate that this will be fully operational by the end of April. The new Website will have a number of new features, including lists of past players who played Reserve and U19 football for the club and are not eligible for Full Membership but are eligible to become Associate Members. We would encourage any of our readers who know of any of these player’s contacts to please inform Kelvin Steel on 0419582992. The Website address will be essendonfcpastplayers.com.au We are extremely pleased to announce that we have been able to raise the amount of $10,000 from our membership base through the Hanger Community Centre Fund, to assist with the development of the new Museum/HOF at Tullamarine. As mentioned to you in earlier Newsletters, our Association agreed to match $ for $ for funds raised through our membership base up to $10,000 and we will be paying $10,000 to the fund during this year. This will ensure that we have a dedicated area in the new Museum/HOF to display our own memorabilia items, and we are very thankful to all of those who contributed to the fund to allow this to happen. Each contributor to the fund will receive a Certificate of Appreciation from our Association for the assistance they have given.
COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Although the team showed promising signs in the build- up to the season and in winning the first game against Fremantle, the season has been brought to an abrupt halt due to the Corona Virus problem. At this stage no one is sure if the season will continue later in the year, however we wish all players the best of health and hope that they are able to play later in the year.
We are now in the process of re-establishing our own Website and anticipate that this will be fully operational by the end of April. The new Website will have a number of new features, including lists of past players who played Reserve and U19 football for the club and are not eligible for Full Membership but are eligible to become Associate Members. We would encourage any of our readers who know of any of these player’s contacts to please inform Kelvin Steel on 0419582992. The Website address will be essendonfcpastplayers.com.au
We are extremely pleased to announce that we have been able to raise the amount of $10,000 from our membership base through the Hanger Community Centre Fund, to assist with the development of the new Museum/HOF at Tullamarine. As mentioned to you in earlier Newsletters, our Association agreed to match $ for $ for funds raised through our membership base up to $10,000 and we will be paying $10,000 to the fund during this year. This will ensure that we have a dedicated area in the new Museum/HOF to display our own memorabilia items, and we are very thankful to all of those who contributed to the fund to allow this to happen.
Each contributor to the fund will receive a Certificate of Appreciation from our Association for the assistance they have given.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Ian Payne
Games played:45
Years Played:1965-1967
Number worn:3
Career was interrupted due to War Service in Vietnam.
Brother of Charlie Payne
What did you do, football wise, following your playing days with Essendon?
I played for Sunshine in the VFA for two years and then played a further three years for Keilor FC in the EDFL
What job/jobs did you pursue following your playing days, including what you are doing currently?
I was a member of the Victoria Police Force retiring as an Inspector. Operations Manager, Wilson Parking. I also won the raffle in 1967 and conscripted into the Army for two years, including twelve months in Vietnam.
Are you still working? No
Have you suffered with any post football injuries and have any required surgery?
I suffered a knee injury in my last game with Essendon. This injury required surgery. I had two further operations on the same knee over the years and finally in 2018, I had the full knee replacement.
Do you have any ongoing medical problems? No
What are your thoughts on the modern game, and how would you change any of the areas that you don’t like!
I cannot see any reason to change any of the rules. Whatever rule changes are made they will be exploited by the Coaches to suit the clubs playing style.
Do you have any special anecdotes from your playing time to pass onto other past players?
It was a privilege to have played for Essendon and also to have played with big brother Charlie at that level.
Who were your mates in your playing days with Essendon, do you keep in touch?
Keith Gent, Bob Greenwood, and Big Brother of course. Charlie and I play golf every Friday at Keilor Golf Club and have been doing it for a number of years. Barry Capuano used to play with us but back problems forced him into retirement.
Who were the players you most admired in your playing days at Essendon?
For Essendon: Ken Fraser, Jack Clarke and John Birt. They were great leaders with different styles.
Other teams: Barry Cable, Bob Skilton, Alistair and Stewart Lord
Do you have any comments that you would like to pass on about your time at Essendon?
As I said before, it was a privilege to have played at Essendon and to meet so many fine people at the club.
FACTS, FIGURES AND OTHER TRIVIA.
Alick Dick Captained the 4 Premiership teams which competed in the then VFA from 1891 to 1894. 1894 was the last year he played with the club. He was an Inter Colonial Representative in 1889, 1893 and 1894.
A number of brothers played together in the same team with the club, including the following:
August and Edward Officer in 1897, Dick and Tom Reynolds in 1937, Chris and Harold Lambert 1941, Ted and Tom Leehane 1950, Charlie and Ian Payne 1965, Bruce and Eddie Lake 1968, and of course the famous foursome, Terry, Neale, Anthony and Chris Daniher in 1990.
Frank Reid was the Honorary Secretary of the EFC for an amazing 29 years, spanning from 1908 to 1936, during which time the club won 4 Premierships. This is the same period of time that Kevin Sheedy served the club and co-incidentially, he also presided over 4 Premierships.
In 1984, Essendon won both the Day and Night Premierships. In round three of that year Essendon defeated Collingwood 26.13.169 to 16.10.106, which was the highest score ever that Essendon had scored against Collingwood to that time. That however was short lived as Essendon defeated Collingwood in the Preliminary Final that year 28.6.174 to 5.11.41, which was the highest ever score and greatest winning margin in a Preliminary Final to that stage.
This is the first year that Essendon referred to “The Bombers” on their Membership Cards.
This year celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the 2000 Premiership win, which means the period from 2000 to 2020 is now the longest period of time that Essendon has not won a flag. Let’s hope that this changes very soon!
How early immigrants saw Aussie Rules.
“Now that me and Guiseppe is together we think maybe we see football which is the sport all good Australians watch. So we goes to the football ground where we is all made sardines. Then two mobs wearing ski jumpers come rushing onto the ground and run around picking
up grass. The fella who owns the ball comes onto the ground also; he is called Yamug. Two guys called Captains they go off together and have a game of two-up, and when they finish they tell Yamug the result. He gets mad and throws the ball in the air. The crowd she roars and I yell “kill the Yamug”, at which one big bloke tell me to shut up or he will kill me. Then a fella with straight hair called Curley kicks the ball at the two flag poles and misses and the crowd she roars again and the poor fella in the white coat gets scared and grabs the two white flags an waves to surrender. But they keeps on attacking him till the air raid siren goes an they all goes home.
As we leave I says to Guiseppe, we had better not bring any money next time we came as I hears fellas leaving the ground sayin they was robbed.”
WHO IS THIS PAST PLAYER?
Charles “Tracker” Forbes
Charles joined the EFC in 1889 and played in the 1891, 1892, 1893 and 1894 Premiership teams in the then VFA competition, playing 120 games until the formulation of the VFL in 1897. Charles then played in another 54 games with the club, including as a member of the 1897 Premiership team and a member of the 1898 Runner- up team. Charles was considered a high flying rugged Ruckman and was named player of the year in 1892 by the Argus Newspaper. In a tribute in The Referee newspaper on the 5th July 1922, following Charles death at the age of 57, an Onlooker, who was a former Fitzroy footballer, was quoted as saying: “Thus sportsmen learnt that another of the brilliants who blazed during the nineties had followed into those mystic shades whence none return. Upon the soil of the newly opened grave I stood, and in common with those who had joined to see the last, I sorrowed. As the funeral service had swung its beautiful course, in even tones, men beside me sobbed. Through the clear wintry air not another sound was heard. I shall never forget the scene. “ He was obviously a highly respected footballer and person.
THE OLDIES WILL BE ABLE TO RELATE TO THIS!
ANOTHER UNSUNG CHAMPION OF THE CLUB
ROBERT DESTRADI- 34 years great service to date to the EFC.
I applied for a job as a trainer late 1985 to a newspaper advertisement, and after being interviewed by “Killer” (John Kilby), I started for the 1986 season.
In the first year I was a trainer for the U19’s. The Coach was Ray (Slug) Jordan. Paul Wise was also a trainer/physio in the U19’s with me at that time. We made the Elimination final that year so I got my first game at the MCG (Unfortunately we lost).
The U19’s played at the opposite ground to where the seniors were playing so we rarely got to see the Seniors play, although one game we were a curtain raiser to the Seniors at Windy Hill. I also did one Reserves game that year, at the Lakeside Oval South Melbourne.
From 1987 to 1989 I was a trainer in the Reserves. The Coach was Robert Shaw.
In 1990 I was promoted to Senior 18 trainer/masseur and remain in that role today.
The Senior Coaches I have worked under are: Kevin Sheedy, Garry O’Donnell (1game), Matthew Knights, Matthew Egan, Simon Goodwin, James Hird, Mark Thompson and John Worsfold.
My achievements & Highlights:
- Received Essendon Life Membership in 2006.
- Part of winning Grand Finals in 1993 and 2000.
- Part of losing Grand Finals 1990 and 2001.
MERCHANDISE & MEMORABILIA In conjunction with the re-development of our new Website, we have now produced some merchandise items that we believe will enable our members and supporters to show their allegiance to our Association. The following items are available for purchase and all enquiries should be directed to Barry Besanko on email: [email protected]
MERCHANDISE & MEMORABILIA
In conjunction with the re-development of our new Website, we have now produced some merchandise items that we believe will enable our members and supporters to show their allegiance to our Association. The following items are available for purchase and all enquiries should be directed to Barry Besanko on email: [email protected]
The full range of other merchandise and memorabilia items will be displayed on our Website when finalised and it is our intention to upgrade items on a regular basis.
UPDATE ON ALEC EPIS
At the time that this Newsletter was completed, Alec was on the mend, and in great spirit. He is likely to be transferred to Dorset rehab shortly. To Alec and all of our members and readers, we say to you in these very worrying times: Be wise, be careful, look after your own health and those of your family, do the right thing by others and be positive for the future.
