1981
D Section
President: Norm Latchford
Secretary: Steve Nelson
Treasurer: Stuart Stockdale
Firsts coach: Ted Haberman
Reserves coach: Stuart Stockdale
TEAM LEADERS
Firsts captain: Paul Bunting
Firsts vice-captain: not recorded
Reserves captain: Stuart Stockdale
Reserves vice-captain: not recorded
Down to D Section, things were so dire both on and off the field, that a merger was proposed between the Club and a local church side. The merger was vehemently opposed by the OTGA, former Club presidents Judge Gordon Just and Norm Latchford and by Ian Monro on behalf of the School. At an emotional Extraordinary General Meeting, it was likely that the Club would fold unless people “put up or shut up”. In typical fashion, Norm Latchford “put up” and volunteered to take on the presidency, and the merger proposal lapsed.
The Club is forever in the debt of Norm Latchford, Gordon Just and Ian Monro for ensuring its survival.
But 1981 was to be another grim year. After 9 rounds the Firsts were in danger of relegation in 9th position with only 2 wins and 7 losses. The Reserves were doing even worse in bottom position and 1 win & 8 losses. Things didn’t improve in the second half of the year - the Firsts finished last with 5 wins and 13 losses, and the Reserves were 9th with 2-16.
The result was relegation to E Section. However, was there a glimmer of light on the horizon. We managed to recruit Dave O’Shaughnessy and Ed Borghesi out of the clutches of their Old Xaverian fraternity. They boosted our playing stocks, and both became 200 gamers.
One high point of the season was the selection of Paul Bunting in the VAFA CDEF state team. Later in the season Paul unfortunately severely injured his knee, which led to his retirement as a player. However, the team’s loss was the Club’s gain, with Paul going on to make a huge contribution as chairman of selectors, treasurer and president. Paul was awarded Life Membership in 1991.
AWARD WINNERS 1981
Firsts best & fairest (E.J. Weatherson Trophy): Peter Cumming
Runner-up: Paul Bunting
Firsts coach’s award: not recorded
Reserves best & fairest: Tony Scott & Stuart Stockdale
Runner-up: not recorded
Reserves coach’s award: Michael Nougher
Best club person: Peter Beer
Best first year players: Richard Wardrop & Dave O’Shaughnessy
100 games: Steve Nelson
100 games: Graeme Watsford