The Long Gestation 1947 - 1953

 It took E. J. (John) Weatherson nearly as long to form the Old Trinity Grammarians Amateur Football Club as it was subsequently to take the Club to move itself from E Section to A Section in the Amateur competition.

John first held discussions directed towards the formation of an old boys’ football club in 1947, two years after he left Trinity Grammar School. However, the lack of a ground meant that it was not until 1953 that the formation of the Club was assured - in late 1953 the VAFA approved a ground at Yarra Bend for the team to play in its newly formed E Section competition.

No one connected with the Club could fail to have had contact with the Weatherson family, notwithstanding that when this was written, the history of the Club had extended over 70 years. In the 60s John would still be serving the Club as President and committeeman, and as the Firsts goal umpire. John’s wife, Joan (later Joan Martin), continued as a constant worker in the Club into the 2020s and was awarded life membership in 2008. Two of John’s children, Neil and Linda have also been closely involved with the Club since the 1970’s. Neil is perhaps best known for his gourmet meals at the Club’s home game lunches at Bulleen; he also played 40 games. Three of John’s grandsons also played for the Club, extending the Weatherson family’s involvement into a third generation.

In 1968 the award for the Firsts Best and Fairest player became a perpetual trophy named after John. And in 2017 the same award for the Women’s senior team was named after Joan. Old Trinity is perhaps unique in having their two most prestigious playing trophies named after a husband and wife.  

George Dwyer was the other driving force behind the establishment of the Club and its admission to Amateur ranks. He was our inaugural Secretary, and a trophy is awarded in his honour to the runner-up senior best and fairest. George was a regular attendee at our pre-match luncheons up until 2005 and a very rabid supporter. The dedication of John and George and a number of committed helpers in those early years meant that the Club survived where others failed. Even South Melbourne City which was to win the 1954 E Section Premiership was unable to sustain itself and ultimately disappeared. Bruce Wardrop, a member of the inaugural committee, has no doubt that the spirit they engendered not only ensured the Club’s survival, but became a key ingredient in its later success.