1980s

Typical Keysborough follies for a 1980 reserves match. Jim Bonwick trots out for his 150th game, escorted by Tom Fisher and preceded by Ross Bannon (56). No game at the Fisher Oval would be complete without dogs, in this case owned by Andy Williams.

Neil "Froggy" Crompton (right), who kicked a famous last-minute goal to win Melbourne the 1964 VFL premiership, coached the Bloods for a single year in 1980. He is pictured with his captain John Houghton, who that year also won his second Section Best and Fairest.

Andrew Langford-Jones limped over the 200 game milestone in 1980

Roger Paul played his 100th game at Old Camberwell's Gordon Barnard Reserve on a miserable winter afternoon. Andrew Langford-Jones and John Cracknell hold a rudimentary banner as Don McQueen, looking like a Wild West gunslinger, and David Southgate await Paul's arrival.

Roger Paul bursts through his run-through banner held by John Cracknell

Neville Schmidt won the 1980 Best and Fairest as he became a more and more important on-field figure for the Bloods whether in defence or, increasingly, in front of goals

Philip Kingston's inspiring 1980 was hard to beat. He captained the Under-19s to a one point win in the premier Junior section in the VAFA and won both the Section and his club Best and Fairests. Kingston went on to forge one of the stellar Amateur careers, being named as an inaugural Legend in the VAFA Hall of Fame and captain of the All-Australian Amateur team. He played in multiple A Grade premierships for Ormond.

Run through for the U19 Grand Final

Nick Tonkin’s finest hour. Peter Thompson shakes his hand as premiership captain Philip Kingston rides on his shoulders moments after their one-point win in the 1980 Junior Section 1 Grand Final.

A youthful Andrew Hicks in footy card pose with that familiar smile on the dial. This photo was taken a year or two after he won the under-nineteens’ Best and Fairest in 1981 and nearly thirty years before he became President, when he hardly looked any different.

The seemingly never-ending career of Don McQueen saw him past the 150 game milestone in 1981

As well as taking on the role of Secretary in 1981, Rob Forbes also played his 150th game for the Bloods

Durable back pocket John Corrigan won back-to-back Best and Fairest trophies in the difficult years of 1981 and 1982

Craig Brown, U19 Best and Fairest 1982

John Cracknell reached his 150 game milestone in 1982 before embarking on a corporate career that saw him become Managing Director of Disney Australia

Dino or Deek (aka Australian marathoner Robert de Castella)? Dean Lovig after 150 games.

Roger Paul (2) spoils against West Brunswick at McKinnon, 1983

Paul Brewer (42) shoots for goal

Talented forward Paul Brewer contests a mark

Ian Campbell spoils his West Brunswick opponent

Ian Campbell (7) in action

Scott Deller on the stretch

Scott Deller (1) in pursuit

"The Mountain", Michael Houston, takes a towering mark in the goal square

David Miller on his knees, Neville Schmidt prostrate and Peter Burns ready to pounce

Andrew Wilson (28) and John Kingsley (66) compete in the pack

Andrew Wilson (28) on the break

Andrew Wilson spoils, watched by Paul Brewer (42), Roger Paul and Ian Campbell

The bearded Kevin Meehan and Paul Brewer in pursuit

The Bloods moved to McKinnon in 1983 and spent three decades there prior to taking occupancy at Princes Park

Jim Bonwick played his 200th game in 1983

"The Mountain" - Michael Houston - played his 150th game in 1983

Haileybury's fourth APS football premiership team, the class of 1983, was coached by former South Melbourne wingman and future OHAFC President Ken Phillips. It included future OHAFC stalwarts Darren Seccull (middle of centre row) and Wayne Smith (extreme right of top row) as well as captain Ian Herman who later played at Carlton and rover Warren Ayres who played state cricket for Victoria

Veteran Terry Bouris in the opening match of the 1984 season against Old Brighton

The Bloods warm up for their season opener against Old Brighton

John Corrigan calmly clears the ball from the backline

David Miller contests a mark

Brett Skilton, son of the triple Brownlow Medallist Bobby Skilton

The form and talent of team leaders Neville Schmidt, Roger Gerny and Andrew Wilson, as well as a little of the ALJ influence, saw all three selected in the VAFA “CDEF” team in 1984 as Old Haileyburians began to play a prominent part in representative teams

"Blues brother" Steve Marshall and friend - the orange juice is unusual, the sunglasses are not

Burly Terry Bouris marks against Old Camberwell at a soggy Gordon Barnard Reserve

Ian Campbell (7) awaits the pass from David Miller

Roger Gerny takes a mark against Old Camberwell

Andrew Hicks kicks through the gloom against Old Camberwell

A clearing kick from future Richmond President Gary March

Andrew Wilson contests, Gary March (62) crumbs

Neville Schmidt leans forward for extra power in heavy conditions and kicks in his usual forceful style, watched by the similarly beefy Terry Bouris (11)

Eyes on the ball as ever, John Constable in a marking contest on the backline against St Kilda CBCOC, McKinnon Oval, 1984

David Hodge (29) doing what he liked most, shooting for goal. Mark Newton (34) watches his lanky frame bent well over the ball.

Roger Gerny snaps for goal

Through the mid-1980s Roger Gerny (19) and Neville Schmidt (3) carried much of their team’s fortunes on their backs. Here the 1985 captain and his predecessor congratulate each other on a goal against St Kilda CBC at McKinnon in 1984.

Paul Brewer drives the ball forward

Future State cricketer Warren Ayres (66) on the run to set up another attack

Life member Peter Collins, immaculate as ever, waves a well-laundered flag to signal a behind in the time-honoured ritual of the goal umpire

Club legends Peter Davies and Andy Home watch from the boundary

Coach Andrew Langford-Jones and runner Peter Bowring

Peter Noske doing a “Hudson”, performing his goal-kicking calculations with the precision of a jeweller

Determined defender Peter Thompson competes in the ruck

The 1984 First Eighteen, who defeated St Kilda CBCOC only weeks before that team won the C Grade premiership. Back row: John Corrigan, Andrew Hicks, Anthony Holohan, Richard Houston, Andrew Wilson, Dicky Blackwell, David Youngs, Peter Thompson and John Kingsley. Centre row: Brett Skilton, Gary March, Peter Noske, Mark Newton, Alistair Brown, Steven Bell, Mark Graham, Scott Deller, Kerry Sawtell, Ian Campbell, Paul Brewer and Tony Gilchrist. Front row: runner Peter Bowring, Roger Gerny, president Don McQueen, captain Neville Schmidt, coach Andrew Langford-Jones, John Constable, Warren Ayres and Roger Paul.

Due mainly to an unbeaten run of twelve matches, highlighted by an easy win over eventual premiers Hampton Rovers, the 1984 Reserves were the first Old Haileyburian team to make the finals for four years. The drought broken was as long as any in the club’s history. Back row: Mark Graham, Alan Stuart, Trevor Sinclair, Peter Thompson, Greg Andrews, Ian Clydesdale, Mark Thomson, Steven Bell and Andrew Brown. Centre row: Andrew Mountford, Mark Newton, Kerry Sawtell, Rod Wise, Richard Kingston, Greg Taylor, Dean Shepherd, Ross Thompson and physiotherapist Mark Schneider. Front row: John Corrigan, Tony Edwards, Jeff Wood, captain David Southgate, president Don McQueen, coach Greg Meadows, Neil Meadows, Peter Noske and Jim Bonwick.

Roger Gerny won his second senior Best and Fairest in 1984

“Mr Haileybury”, Andrew Langford-Jones, the morning after the launch of “Play Hard and Play for The Game” in 1985 at Kingston Heath Golf Club. ALJ holds up the “greatest-ever” OHAFC team he helped select (including himself on the half-forward flank).

Michael Houston, Andrew Langford-Jones and Andrew Hicks at pre-season training, McKinnon, 1985

OHA President Russell Sincock and host Stephen Phillips at the launch of “Play Hard and Play for The Game”

Richard "Dicky" Blackwell flies in balletic pose, surrounded by team mates from left to right Peter Noske, Steve Bell (76), Alistair Brown (1), John Houghton (8) and David Miller (32) against Monash Blues at McKinnon in 1985

Dicky Blackwell, round 6 v Monash Blues, McKinnon 1985

Dicky Blackwell, round 6 v Monash Blues, McKinnon 1985

Ian Campbell running loose through the centre of McKinnon Oval against Monash Blues, 1985

Ian Campbell and Anthony Holohan (25)

Anthony Holohan on the run

The Old Firm, ruckman John Houghton and centreman Roger Paul running on to the tap, do it one more time in their last year together against Monash in 1985. Steve Bell (76) gives Houghton support that he hardly needs.

John Houghton in ruck

Steve Bell (76) misses the mark but is backed up by Richard Houston

The Bloods' three quarter time huddle

Coach Langford-Jones gives instructions to Gary March (obscured), Craig Brown (6), Paul Brewer and Roger Paul

David Miller on the boundary with Gary March (10) ready to help

Long-kicking full back Kerry Sawtell from the front ...

... and the back

Future captain Darren Seccull in just his second game for the Bloods

Andrew Wilson in the middle of the pack flanked by Gary March (10)

Mark Newton leads the Reserves out for his hundredth game, against Banyule in round 7, 1985

John Houghton contests a mark against Banyule

John Kingsley and Dicky Blackwell outmarked by their Banyule opponent

Scott McVilly on the run

Greg Meadows takes a mark against Banyule

Mark Newton, neat as ever, streams out of the backline in his hundredth game watched by Tony “Perce” Mitchem at Banyule, 1986

Jamie Scott beaten to the ball

A happy Reserves team after their win at Banyule

A happy Reserves team after their win at Banyule

Determinedly serious as ever, Don McQueen strides out for one of the last of his notorious comebacks, in 1985 at the McKinnon Reserve, the venue he made the Old Haileyburians’ home

David Southgate leads the Reserves out for his hundredth game ...

... and wins the toss

Bernie Ladds (9) in the ruck, round 9 v Old Camberwell at McKinnon, 1985

Steve Bell gets his kick in

Roger Paul runs out for his 150th game, against Hampton Rovers alongside Richard Houston

The 1985 First Eighteen. Back row: Tony Mitchem, Dicky Blackwell, Steve Bell, Paul Brewer, Michael Garland, Warren Ayres, Mark Newton and Tony Gilchrist. Centre row: Gary March, Alistair Brown, Andrew Hicks, Anthony Holohan, Jeff Robertson, Brett Dawson, Ian Campbell, John Constable, Andrew Mountford and John Kingsley. Front row: Kerry Sawtell, Richard Houston, captain Roger Gerny, coach Andrew Langford-Jones, president Roger Paul, Andrew Wilson, John Houghton and Steve Marshall.

A very relaxed 1985 Reserves team. Back row: John Kingsley, Tony Gilchrist, Steve Fuller, Tony Mitchem and Andrew Mountford. Centre row: Mark Newton, Andrew Brown, Roger Loosemore, Andrew Robertson, Bernie Ladds, Greg Andrews, Neil Meadows and Dicky Blackwell. Front row: Tony Dunstan, John Corrigan, Rod Wise, coach John Houghton, Jim Bonwick, Drew Stuart and Adrian Chapman.

Running short of players for their last match of the seasons, the Reserves added a few guest players to their lineup. Rear: Andrew Robertson, Craig Farr, Rod Wise, Steve Fuller, Grant Hattam, coach John Houghton, Peter Mason, Tony Winkler and Greg Edwards. Centre: Scott McVilly, Alastair Brown, Jeff Robertson, Andrew Williams, Andrew Oakes, Tony Mitchem and Bernie Ladds. Front: Graham Head, George Whiteman, John Harper, Andrew Langford-Jones and John Corrigan. The umpire is Peter Davies.

Could the spirit of amateur football and joy of victory be captured any better than in this shot of the Old Haileyburians’ reserves after a romp in the McKinnon mud in 1986? The victors standing are Roger Loosemore, Rod Wise, Richard Kingston, John Corrigan, Greg Taylor, Andrew Hicks, Nick Peasley, Phil Derham and Geoff Sincock. On the ground are Drew Stuart, Andrew Brown, Peter Flockart, Chris Lane, Bernie Ladds, Tony Taranto, Rob Wilson and Craig Bottomley.

The 1986 First Eighteen. Back row: Peter Noske, Ian Campbell, Steve Bell, Michael Garland, Wayne Smith, Paul Brewer and team manager Col Bowman. Centre row: Chairman of Selectors Andrew Langford-Jones, Andy Wilson, Jeff Robertson, John Bingham, Mark Orton, Andrew Baxter, John Kingsley, Kerry Sawtell and Commissioner Grant Hattam. Front row: Scott Grenda, Dave Allison, Roger Gerny, captain-coach Wayne Shand, president Roger Paul, Neville Schmidt, David Miller and John Constable.

The 1986 Under-19 line-up included many future senior stars. Rear: Mark Stevens, Mick Constable, Chris Lane, Peter Flockart, Dean Lear, David Merrett, Rown Harry, Tim Doran. Standing: Runner Anthony Hogan, Craig Farr, John Bingham, Laurie Bingham, Tony Hood, John Hicks, Paul Sorati, Team Manager Ken Phillips. Seated: Cam Gregson, Jeff Wood, Paul Bennett, captain Rob Stewart, coach Max Lyon, Will Cox, Eric Mudge, Jeremy Rae. Front: Garry Phillips, Cameron McVilly, Matthew Larkworthy, Peter Merrett, Paul Hendricks, Paul Shinkfield.

1986 membership card

Andrew Langford-Jones shuffles the magnets on the whiteboard in the season's opening match against Old Trinity

Captain-coach Wayne Shand (11) on debut watches the action int eh forward line against Old Trinity in the opening round of 1986

Wayne Shand swings on to that favourite left foot

Trouble at the Mill for Wayne Shand in his first game as captain-coach, as Old Trinity already hold a handy lead at their Bulleen playing fields, 1986

Rookie Cam Gregson (10) on the left foot in the round 3 match at Victoria Park, Kew, 1986

David Miller (32) and John Kingsley compete in the pack against Kew

Ever the antagonist, David Miller looks ready to provoke another tribunal appearance as plaintiff, this time against Kew at Victoria Park in 1986. Paul Brewer looks on anxiously.

Mark Orton in his third game for the Bloods, against Kew 1986

Neville Schmidt deliberates before his kick

Neville Schmidt with another shot at goal

Cam Gregson watches from the bench in the Old Camberwell game

Ruckman Roger Loosemore (45) takes a strong pack mark

Greg Meadows and Wayne Smith in pursuit

Mark Orton contests in the ruck

Bernie Ladds and John Corrigan in the Reserves match against Old Camberwell

Drew Stuart and Dean Shepherd (7) await the ball watched by Bernie Ladds and Greg Taylor

Mark Orton in the ruck against AJAX in the round 7 match at Albert Park

Captaining the VAFA, Roger Paul lines up another collarbone at Elsternwick Park in 1986

Wayne Shand represented the VAFA CDEF team in 1986 and contributed with multiple goals

The pain of it all showing on the face of ALJ coaching the VAFA CDEF team in 1986

Roger Loosemore shoots for goal against Thomastown

Gary March handballs in the direction of Peter Noske (23) with David Miller in the background

The sticks that make up Jeff Robertson are characteristically bent over as he shoots for goal against Thomastown at McKinnon in 1986

Michael Constable contests in the ruck in the Under-19s match against Collegians at McKinnon

The Under-19s take on Collegians on the McKinnon Number 2 Oval

Coach Wayne Shand directs training

Host Stephen Phillips interviews Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett at the Bloods' Sporstman's Night

The mark escapes Andrew Baxter as the younger Bloods take on the school 1st XVIII

Scott Grenda in the middle of the pack

A long handball from Garry Phillips

Garry Phillips stretches to spoil

Tim Parkes and Nick Tonkin supervising the school 1st XVIII

David Allison marks in front of Michael Garland in the Old Trinity game

Injured coach Wayne Shand watches from the bench with assistants Andrew Langford-Jones and Grant Hattam

John Bingham takes an uncontested mark against Old Trinity

John Kingsley marks against Old Trinity at McKinnon in 1986 but looks full of worry. He might be trying to find a way of swinging onto that favourite left foot. Some of his number 66 is visible, as is his good mate Jeff Robertson in the background.

Veteran Neville Schmidt breaks the banner for his 200th game

It might look like Captain-coach Wayne Shand is leading the Bloods out at McKinnon in 1986, but Neville Schmidt has already broken the banner for his 200th game held by Tony Doyle. Paul Brewer and Mark Orton follow the veterans out.

Andrew Hicks takes the field for his 100th game

Andrew Mountford leads the Reserves out at Thomastown with Ken Allison licking his lips in his guest appearance

Ken Allison all gracefulness against Thomastown

The Reserves take a breather in their Thomastown game

Russell Sincock takes a chest mark

Veteran and dual Best and Fairest winner John Corrigan celebrates his 200th game in 1986, much to the joy and amusement of his reserves team mates, his great friends Don and Denise Lord, and Harry Metherall

A tired-looking John Corrigan at the end of his 200th game in the last round of the 1986 season; Richard Kingston also looking similarly exhausted

A composed Paul Brewer takes his kick against St Kevins

Roger Paul in pursuit against St Kevins

Roger Paul leaves the field at the end of 1986's final match

Craig Farr won the 1986 Under-19 Best and Fairest

John Corrigan at Presentation Night 1986

Presentation Night follies in the McKinnon social rooms, featuring 1980s fashions, president Roger Paul and his wife Bronwyn in the centre of the action and assorted Dales, Bonwicks and Corrigans

Season 1987 was disappointing for the Bloods after the promise they showed the previous year. The First Eighteen are: Back row: Team Manager Tony Doyle, Al Mytton, Gary March, Steve Bell, Garry Phillips, Wayne Smith, John Fergusson, runner Michael Donaldson and selector Peter Mason. Centre row: Neville Schmidt, Michael Constable, Tim Snowball, Mark Orton, Jeff Robertson, Andrew Baxter and John Kingsley. Front row: Will Cox, Paul Brewer, Roger Gerny, captain-coach Wayne Shand, president Roger Paul, John Constable and Anthony Holohan.

Max Lyon’s 1987 under-nineteens made the Grand Final but just missed out on the chocolates. Back row: Paul Sorati, Matthew Dickinson, Tim Jones, David Garfield, Chris Lane, Greg Lasscock, Tim Doran, Luke Elliott and Ward Caspers. Centre row: Jeremy Rae, Peter Merrett, Matthew Larkworthy, Dean Lear, Mark Seccull, Richard Bowman, Will Cox, Peter Flockart, Darren Cotton and Andrew Wigg. Front row: Robert Parton, Peter Bowman, captain Dave Merrett, coach Max Lyon, president Roger Paul, Paul Bennett, Paul Shinkfield and Danny Scaunich.

Michael Constable about to help the prone John Kingsley, round 6 v AJAX at Albert Park

Late in the match against AJAX at Albert Park

Recruit Jim Holland attempts to juggle a mark

The Haileyburian contingent at the 1987 VAFA match against the Monaro league at Canberra is still able to smile despite their famous and harrowing bus trip from Melbourne and 4am arrival. From left are selector Peter Mason, Roger Paul, debutant Garry Phillips and coach Andrew Langford-Jones.

Will Cox and Garry Phillips compete for a mark

John Fergusson and Alistair Mytton (9) on the damp McKinnon turf

Late in the round 11 match against Monash Blues

Wayne Shand kicks on the turn

After many useful games in the Seniors, wily forward Rod Wise kicked a bundle of goals as a veteran in the Reserves; he played his 150th game in 1987

Jim and Andrew Bonwick in the foreground watch the Under-19s semi-final

Paul Bennett and Chris Lane (38) compete against University Blues

John Fergusson with the ball, captain David Merrett awaiting a pass

Tim Jones takes a strong mark in the Under-19s' semi-final

Captain David Merrett breaks through the run-through as the Under-19s take the field for their Grand Final against Old Scotch

Max Lyon watches his Under-19 charges in their eventually unsuccessful Grand Final in 1987

Ruckman Laurie Bingham

Defender Matthew Larkworthy (23) spoils his Scotch opponent

Greg Lasscock awaits the outcome of a scrimage

Robert "Dolly" Parton juggling a mark

Paul Shinkfield on the break

Three quarter-time in the 1987 Under-19 Grand Final

Paul Bennett clears from defence in the under-nineteens’ 1987 preliminary final against Old Scotch, while an open-mouthed Peter Merrett watches on

David Bowman (10) and Paul Bennett (12) in the pack

Darren Cotton takes a mark

David Merrett out-marked by his Old Scotch opponent

David Garfield with the ball backed up by Andrew Wigg (1)

Future AFL ruckman Laurie Bingham taps down in the Under-19s’ Grand Final against Old Scotch at Albert Park in 1987

Laurie Bingham stretches for a mark

Matthew Larkworthy (23) at the top of a three man pack

A great pack mark for Greg Lasscock

Greg Lasscock shoots for goal

Mark Seccull leans back on a kick in the first year of the lengthiest career of all

Danny Scaunich and Peter Merrett on the run

Captain David Merrett took off the Under-19 Best and Fairest in 1987

Garry Phillips won two Best and Fairests a decade apart, the first in his debut year in senior football

Another APS football premiership for Haileybury in 1987, captained by Glenn Tanner and including the likes of David Connell (seated, second from left), Laurie Bingham (seated, third from left) and Wayne Phillips (seated, third from right)

In 1988 defender Michael Constable (left) made his debut for the VAFA in Adelaide alongside team mates John Bingham (centre) and Garry Phillips (right)

All Balaclava in the 1988 season opener

John Kingsley the meat in the Balaclava sandwich

Runner Kerry Sawtell, coach Phil Stevens and resting skipper Darren Seccull amongst others watch the final match of the home and away season against Old Brighton at Elsternwick Park

John Bingham contests a mark against Old Brighton

A mainly obscured David Connell gets his kick in

Mark Orton at the front and David Connell missing a mark at the back of the pack

Will Cox marks safely

Rover Paul Jury clears from the backline

Roger Paul (2) hits the deck

Tim Snowball and Wayne Smith under pressure from their Old Brighton opponents

Glenn Tanner hovers over a scrimage

Peter Noske and Jeff Robertson began their careers together as forwards in the Under-19s. They kicked nearly 600 goals between them, but by 1988 when they played their 150th games were found regularly in defence.

Roger Paul breaks the banner in his 200th and last game for the Bloods, the 1988 First semi-final against Old Brighton played at the Sandringham (now Trevor Barker) Oval

Tim Jones and Garry Phillips follow Paul onto the field

Tim Jones gets his kick in against Old Brighton in the First semi-final

Like Roger Paul, Wayne Shand played his last game in the First semi-final, leaving the field early with a leg injury

Andrew Walden in the pack, David Connell (36) backing up

Garry Phillips stretches for a mark watched by David Connell (36)

Skipper Darren Seccull marks in front of Garry Phillips and Roger Gerny

Roger Paul late in his final match for the Bloods

The end of a great career. John Bingham consoles Roger Paul after the legend’s 200th and final game ended in defeat to Old Brighton in the 1988 First Semi-final.
Mick Constable and Neville Schmidt bring up the rear.

Somehow the 1988 reserves conspired to surrender an eight-goal lead in the Grand Final. Here the squad lines up before the match. Back row: Matthew Larkworthy, Andrew Child, Rob Wilson, Jeff Robertson, Paul Bramich, Graham Ball, Mark Orton, Andrew Wilson, Peter Flockart, John Hicks, Tony Gilchrist and John Kingsley. Centre row: Trainer Vanessa Calvert, team manager Tony Mitchem, Ian Ridoutt, Peter Merrett, Craig Farr, Jeremy Rae, Richard Kingston, Ross Dobson, Drew Stuart, Runner Dean Lear and physiotherapist Mark Schneider. Front row : Paul Bennett, Greg Meadows, Andrew Hicks, Chris Lane, coach Kerry Sawtell, acting captain Jeff Wood, Peter Noske, Rod Wise, Al Mytton and Gary March.

Captain Jeff Wood leads the Reserves out for their 1988 Grand Final against Banyule at Elsternwick Park

Andrew Child (41) and Tony Gilchrist in the thick of the action against Banyule in the 1988 Grand Final

Action in the 1988 Grand Final, Andrew Hicks in the foreground

Andrew Wilson in a marking contest with John Kingsley and Gary March in support

Peter Noske takes a shot at goal

Mark Orton in a ruck contest

Reserves coach rallies the troops at three quarter-time with the Bloods' lead under pressure

Rod Wise stands the mark

Rod Wise shepherded out of the contest

Late in the game the scoreboard shows that Banyule have reined in what once looked an unassailable lead for the Bloods

Even the pain of the lost 1988 reserves Grand Final that should have been won can’t take the smile off perennial joker Tony Gilchrist’s face. He’s just managed to cajole a hint of a smirk from team mate Gary March. Perhaps Gilchrist knew he would play in a premiership the following year whereas March would not. A glummer John Kingsley at right completes the trio.

Wayne Smith was a surprise but deserved winner of the Best and Fairest in 1988

An iconic image for the Old Haileyburians. Captain Darren Seccull displays the 1989 premiership cup to a rapturous throng after the club’s first senior Grand Final win for twenty years.

David Connell (36) flies above team mates Garry Phillips (5) and Will Cox (17) to take a mark against Ivanhoe, round 2 at McKInnon, 1989

Wayne Smith is obscured by his Ivanhoe opponent, Michael Constable awaits the crumbs

Jumping Jack Will Cox (17) takes a mark

Will Cox contests against Ivanhoe

Skipper Darren Seccull contests in the pack watched by John Bingham (16) and Chris McKenzie

Andrew Walden breaks a tackle

Job done against Ivanhoe; in the return match the Bloods would kick their highest ever score

Matthew Armstrong (1) literally eating the turf in the middle of McKinnon Oval 2

Rookie ruckman Tim Chegwin wins a hitout for the U19s

Jamie Gordon in ruck for the U19s

Nippy rover Chris Mackenzie played all year in the U19s until making his senior debut in the 1989 Grand Final

Phil Stevens in one of his last games coaching the Bloods at Elsternwick Park in 1989, where he would soon became General Manager for the VAFA. Billy Baxter stands up, runner Kerry Sawtell listens, Wayne Smith (6) and Brett Carty sit and Col Bowman checks out the weather rolling in.

Jamie Barclay was a prize recruit for the Bloods in the late 1980s; here he contests in their round 6 match against St Kilda CBCOB

Garry Phillips takes a mark in one of the last games of the first part of his career for the Bloods before heading to VFL club Geelong

Veteran Roger Gerny kicks with his trusty left foot

Clever forward Greg Lasscock (14) takes a mark in front of team mate Darren Cotton (38)

The Distributor, Chris McKenzie, fires out another raking handball

Simon Meehan in his first match as coach of the Bloods

A spectacular attempt from the mercurial Andrew Walden against St Kilda CBCOB

By 1989 the Old Haileyburians were making substantial contributions to the VAFA’s representative teams, as seen by selector Simon Meehan, physiotherapist John Meckiff, players David Connell, Chris McKenzie and Andrew Walden, VAFA General Manager Phil Stevens and team manager David Southgate.

David Connell on the spoil for the VAFA against the South Australian Amateurs

Action sequence of Chris McKenzie playing for the VAFA

Andrew Walden marks and plays on for the VAFA

Andrew Walden kicks forward

Andrew Walden on the mark with the scoreboard showing the VAFA well in control early in the game

Matthew Armstrong and Fraser Main played for the VAFA U19 team in 1989

Max Lyon coached the VAFA U19 team

Followed by his captain Darren Seccull, Roger Gerny runs out for his 200th game in 1989

David Fletcher, Glenn Tanner, Brett Steenholdt, Neville Schmidt, Michael Constable and John Bingham make their way out onto the McKinnon Oval for the round 12 match against Balaclava

1989 Reserves Grand Final; Paul Bennett about to pick up the ball, backed up by Greg Lasscock (31)

Andrew Wigg kicks on the run

Paul Bennett outmarked by his Preston MBOB opponent in the Reserves' 1989 premiership win

Darren Cotton (19) marks in the third quarter, watched by Al Mytton

Stephen Dangerfield (5) spoils both his Preston opponent and team mate Paul Bennett (10); Peter Merrett (48) at the side of the pack

Dangerfield and Merrett in the pack again, watched by Al Mytton (9)

Peter Wigg at the base of the pack with Tim Doran (17) and David Fletcher nearby and Tim Jones (26) in the foreground

Forward Tim Doran

Quarter time in the 1989 Reserves Grand Final

Tim Jones and ruckman David Fletcher at the break

Skipper Peter Merrett and veteran Jeff Robertson at the break

Greg Lasscock in the centre of the photo

All that can be seen of utility Jeremy Rae are his curly locks

Ruckman David Fletcher under pressure backed up by Andy McGorlick

David Fletcher with the mark

Tony Gilchrist braces himself to tackle his Preston opponent, Peter Wigg also in pursuit

Forward Tony Gilchrist competes for a mark

Goal umpire and Preston defender in debate

Stewart King kicks a last quarter sealer

Ruckman Bernie Ladds

Peter Wigg takes the handball from team mate Andy McGorlick ...

... takes a run down the wing ...

... and finally takes his kick

Andy McGorlick takes a shot at goal

Wingman Alistair Mytton takes his kick

Alistair Mytton heads forward; former coach Nick Tonkin watches from the hill over the fence

Peter Wigg gathers while twin brother Andrew (1) is blocked by Preston opponents

Peter Wigg stoops to gather

Peter Wigg kicks for goal

Robert "Dolly" Parton follows his kick downfield, backed up by Tim Jones

Robert Parton (36) in the thick of the action

Jeremy Rae attempts to spoil, Tim Jones (26) in the foreground

Jeremy Rae clears from the backline

Full time, and Bloods have secured an eventually comfortable 34-point win for the club's third Reserves premiership and first since 1973

Runner Gary March and water boy Chris Lane lead the celebrations from the bench

The celebrations begin ...

... and continue

Coach Greg Meadows is chaired aloft by his team

Greg Meadows and team

Play Hard and Play for The Game!

Acting captain Peter Merrett congratulated by his father Bob

Greg Meadows receives the premiership cup from VAFA Executive member Tom "The Bomb" Johnson

Coach Greg Meadows raises the premiership cup

Coach Greg Meadows (right) celebrates the reserves’ 1989 premiership with acting captain Peter Merrett and the cup

Like a sheepdog guarding his flock, runner Roger Paul listens while coach Simon Meehan makes his final pre-match address. It was the 1980s (just), so jumpers are tucked in, socks are generally pulled up and boots are still black.

The injured Michael Constable holds up his end of the massive runthrough banner prior to the 1989 Grand Final. Zeke would have been pleased at the urging to “Bowl ‘em Over”!

The Bloods will Bellow Bowl 'em Over!

Skipper Darren Seccull leads the team out and David Connell can hardly wait for the action

John Bingham, Simon Meehan, David Connell, Tim Chegwin and Matthew Armstrong are first on the ground after Darren Seccull

Darren Seccull about to break through the banner

Players bursting through are Tim Chegwin (10), Matthew Armstrong (36), Matt Colston (25), Fraser Main (5), John Bingham, Wayne Smith (6) and coach Simon Meehan (20)

Chris McKenzie (4), Terry Lyell (9) and Glenn Tanner (33) bring up the rear

Pre-match warmup for the Seniors' 1989 Grand Final against Banyule at Elsternwick Park

Pre-match warmup for the Seniors' 1989 Grand Final against Banyule at Elsternwick Park

An early shot at goal from rookie Matthew Armstrong

Matthew Armstrong not quite able to catch his Banyule opponent

Matthew Armstrong takes an uncontested mark

John Bingham takes a safe chest mark

John Bingham spoils, but the ball has bypassed all players and lies on the ground

Surrounded by four Banyule opponents and not a team mate in sight, the imperturbable John Bingham calmly kicks long downfield during his signature performance in the 1989 Grand Final at Elsternwick Park

John Bingham kicks forward

John Bingham receives the handball

The crowd on Elsternwick Park's Hill of Knowledge watches the Bloods take control of the 1989 Grand Final

Veteran Roger Gerny takes a tumble

Roger Gerny reaches for the ball, backed up by Terry Lyell

Pain is clear on Roger Gerny's face; the veteran injured a knee early in the game

Roger Gerny takes his kick early in the game

Chris Mackenzie in his first senior game (in a Grand Final no less) closest to the ball, backed up by Chris McKenzie and with Wayne Phillips ready to pounce from the side

Wayne Phillips over the ball

Chris McKenzie spoils

Matthew Armstrong tackles

Chris McKenzie goals in the first quarter after a 25m penalty, runner Roger Paul in the foreground

Chris McKenzie handballs to coach Simon Meehan (20)

Simon Meehan on the run

Simon Meehan lays a tackle, Darren Seccull (12) in attendance

Wayne Smith tucks the ball under one arm and takes off for a run

Wayne Smith pursues his Banyule opponent

Forward Glenn Tanner lays a tackle

Glenn Tanner ready to gather the ball that Wayne Phillips has just over-run

Tim Chegwin's kick interrupted by the quarter-time siren

Tim Chegwin, Andrew Walden and Roger Gerny at the front of the quarter time huddle

Quarter time break

Coach Simon Meehan addresses the players at quarter time

Quarter time break

John Bingham at the quarter time break

Coach Simon Meehan instructs forward Glenn Tanner

Matthew Armstrong on the run

Matthew Armstrong on the turn

John Bingham clears, backed up by Chris Mackenzie

General view of the 1989 Grand Final

Chris McKenzie, Wayne Smith & David Connell

Chris Mackenzie feeds the ball out of the forward line

Chris McKenzie evades a tackle

SImon Meehan feigns a handball

Wayne Phillips on the turn and heading for goal

Small dog with a bone. The terrier-like Wayne Phillips shows why he was the best tackler of his era in the 1989 Grand Final against Banyule.

Wayne Phillips takes a tumble

Wayne Phillips handballs on the forward line

Neville Schmidt gets his kick in

Neville Schmidt tackled on the ground

Darren Seccull competes in the ruck supported by David Connell (2)

Best and Fairest in 1988, Wayne Smith on a typical Raines-like rampage down the Elsternwick Park wing in the following year’s Grand Final. David Connell in support.

Glenn Tanner ready to pounce

Glenn Tanner takes a snap on his left foot

Glenn Tanner juggles a mark

Glenn Tanner shooting for goal

Glenn Tanner in a marking contest in the goal square

Andrew Walden attempts to mark

Another marking contest for Andrew Walden

Andrew Walden in a close contest on the forward line in the 1989 Grand Final against Banyule

Andrew Walden looks to receive from Simon Meehan (20) at right

Glenn Tanner and Andrew Walden on the stretch

Glenn Tanner (33) and Andrew Walden in the pack, Neville Schmidt alongside

Walden flattened

Half time

Half time

The Bloods head in to the half time break with a five goal lead

John Bingham marks yet again

John Bingham drops one!

Tim Chegwin, Darren Seccull (12), John Bingham and Brett Carty (13) on the backline

Matt Colston clears forward

Simon Meehan on the burst

Wayne Phillips (15) bursts towards goal

Darren Seccull handballs out of the backline

It looks like Wayne Smith has kicked a grubber

Typical Wayne Smith running forward

Glenn Tanner takes a running shot at goal

Andrew Walden in the square

John Bingham out of the backline

Rover Wes Byrns gathers on the forward line

Wes Byrns takes a mark

Wes Byrns heads for goal

Terry Lyell contests on the wing

Terry Lyell takes a mark on the forward line

Chris McKenzie another handball

Chris McKenzie

Simon Meehan on the run

For once the ball eludes Wayne Phillips

Wayne Phillips turns ...

Wayne Phillips runs ...

Wayne Phillips kicks a goal, watched by Neville Schmidt (3)

Another score to the Bloods

Andrew Walden (21) and Matt Colston (25)

Glenn Tanner marks

Glenn Tanner marks again

The final scoreboard shows a comprehensive win to the Bloods

A happy bench at the end of the game including John Caspers (Chairman of Selectors), Neville Schmidt, David Young, Jeremy Rae, Roger Gerny, Gary March and Roger Paul (runner)

End of match celebrations

End of match celebrations

End of match celebrations

Play Hard and Play for The Game!

End of match celebrations

End of match celebrations

End of match celebrations

End of match celebrations, David Connell in the middle

President Ken Allison all smiles after the game

Best on ground John Bingham

David Connell

David Connell

Coach Simon Meehan and captain Darren Seccull

Roger Paul enjoys the first Senior premiership since he joined the club in 1974

Darren Seccull celebrates with President Ken Allison

Glenn Tanner

Andrew Baxter and Andrew Walden

Ready for the presentations

Ready for the presentations

Start of the victory lap

Victory lap

The Bloods head for the rooms

Andrew Baxter, John Bingham, Roger Gerny and Chris McKenzie after the win

Happy boys Wayne Phillips, Glenn Tanner, Andrew Walden and David Connell enjoy a post-match beer

Coach Simon Meehan embraces mentor David Young

Roger Paul, Max Lyon and physiotherapist Michael Troup celebrate the 1989 premierships

President Ken Allison all smiles with the recently retired Roger Paul

Greg Meadows’ reserves capped a great day for the Old Haileyburians by also winning their 1989 Grand Final. Back row: Andy McGorlick, Matt Colston, Stewart King, Stephen Dangerfield, Tony Hood, Phil Derham, Bernie Ladds, Steve Fuller, Peter Flockart and Peter Wigg. Centre row: Team Manager Rob Wilson, Andrew Wigg, Greg Lasscock, Cameron Waring, Ross Dobson, Al Mytton, Craig Farr, Tim Doran, Ward Caspers, Ross Lavender and boundary umpire Andrew Ladds. Front row: Paul Bennett, Richard Kingston, Peter Noske, captain-coach Greg Meadows, Peter Merrett, Ian Ridoutt, Jeff Wood and Tim Jones.

The 1989 First Eighteen, C Grade premiers. Back row: Chris McKenzie, Matt Colston, Darren Cotton, Brett Carty, David Connell, Jeff Robertson, David Fletcher, Tim Snowball, Will Cox, Tony Gilchrist, Team Manager Rob Wilson and physiotherapist John Meckiff. Centre row: Tim Doran, Paul Bennett, Wes Byrns, Wayne Phillips, Jeremy Rae, Terry Lyell, Glenn Tanner, Wayne Smith, David Merrett, Greg Lasscock, Roger Gerny, Tim Jones and press correspondent Allen White. Front row: Runner Roger Paul, Neville Schmidt, Michael Constable, captain Darren Seccull, coach Simon Meehan, president Ken Allison, Andrew Walden, Andrew Baxter, John Bingham and Chairman of Selectors John Caspers.

Gary March coached the Under-19s to the brink of the 1989 finals. Rear: Max Lyon (general manager), Paul Shinkfield (physiotherapist), Scott Devenish, Nick Gordon, Greg King, Matt Algie, Sean O'Leary, Geoff Tarr, Stewart McNidder, Cameron Lasscock (team manager), Andrew O'Brien. Centre: Tony Mitchem (team manager), Andrew Hamilton, Mike Thomas, Richard Home, Michael Krause, Jason Parton, Blair Main, Nick Barr, Heath Broadbent. Front: Andrew Labady, Chris MacKenzie, Tim Chegwin, Gary March (coach), Robert Parton (captain), Brendan Herbert, Fraser Main, Matthew Armstrong. On ground: Adam Kirkwood-Scott.

Recruit Chris McKenzie won the 1989 Best and Fairest in his first year at the club