1990s

1990

Darren Seccull Simon Meehan Andrew Langford-Jones

Darren Seccull (left) and Simon Meehan share the spoils of the 1990 premiership cup, presented by VAFA President David Scott. As usual, there’s no keeping former coach Andrew Langford-Jones (right) out of the action!

1990 membership card

OHAFC patriarch Tom Fisher and his wife Jo attend the flag unfurling at McKinnon at the start of the 1990 season

President Ken Allison with OHA President and former OHAFC player Dicky Metherall at the unfurling of the 1989 premiership flags at the opening round of 1990

Players line up with Ken Allison for the flag unfurling

Unfurling of the 1989 premiership flags

Premiership flags unfurled at McKinnon

Nick Cameron takes a strong mark with only team mates Fraser Main (behind) and Darren Williams (front) for competition; Michael Garland awaits the crumbs that never came

David Connell beautifully positioned to mark against Kew in 1990's opening round

Richard Home about to kick one of four goals on his senior debut

Richard Home in hot pursuit of his Kew opponent

Geoff Tarr (37) and Scott Devenish (22) compete for a mark in the U19s' opening round match against St Bernard's

Simon Meehan with a clearing kick in the Round 14 match against Old Melburnians at McKinnon

Andrew Baxter spoils

Andrew Baxter spoils again, Darren Seccull (12) in the foreground, Fraser Main and Wayne Smith awaiting the crumbs

Andrew Baxter marks with Cam Gregson (14) in support

Andrew Baxter and Darren Seccull in defence

Paul Bennett shoots out a handpass over the head of Chris McKenzie (4)

Heath Broadbent, who only weeks previously had been playing in the Thirds, about to take his kick against OMs

Heath Broadbent blocked by OMs' champion fullback Rick Pizarski (2)

David Connell really lays back on this kick

A firm tackle from David Connell; John Bingham and Glenn Tanner (33) enjoy the view

Matthew Armstrong Darren Seccull Heath Broadbent Paul Bennett

Matthew Armstrong, Darren Seccull (12), Heath Broadbent (27) and Paul Bennett gather towards the end of the match against OMs

Ian Kidgell in the ruck, Andrew Walden (21) on the ground

Another handball from the prolific Chris McKenzie

David Merrett prepares to spoil, David Connell (2) and Wayne Smith await the crumbs

Mark Seccull takes a tumbling mark watched by Glenn Tanner

Glenn Tanner in the thick of the action along with Chris McKenzie (4)

Andrew Walden, the King of McKinnon, with OMs' Rick Pizarski in the foreground

Andrew Walden Brett Steenholdt Mark Seccull

Andrew Walden can't quite complete the mark in the goal square flanked by Brett Steenholdt and Mark Seccull

Nick Tonkin and his Under-19 team line up behind the goals to support the Seniors in the last quarter

“Play Hard and Play for The Game!” There’s nothing quite like singing the song after the game, especially when the defeated opponent is Old Melburnians. Players at full voice include (from left) Darren Seccull, Eddie Bingham, Wayne Smith, Mark Seccull, Mick Constable, Dave Connell, David Merrett (behind Connell), Ian Kidgell, Chris McKenzie, Andrew Baxter, Andrew Walden, John Bingham and Brett Steenholdt.

Approaching the peak of his career, Andrew Baxter wheels around onto his left foot against Bulleen-Templestowe at McKinnon, Round 15 1990

John Bingham enjoying himself against Bulleen-Templestowe with a tackle and a kick

Recruit Scott Bradley and defender Brett Carty in action against Bulleen-Templestowe

David Connell leans back on his kick again

David Connell in pursuit

Players in the huddle include David Connell, Brett Steenholdt (39), Heath Broadbent, Fraser Main, Darren Seccull and Michael Constable

Brett Steenholdt Darren Seccull Peter Robinson Darren Williams

Brett Steenholdt (39), Darren Seccull, Peter Robinson and Darren "Poppy" Williams

Wayne Smith kicks, Brett Steenholdt juggles

Andrew Walden snaps, Glenn Tanner bounces

The athletic Darren Williams was adaptable enough to play in the ruck as seen here, but was also capable of playing on the wing

Cam Gregson, Wes Byrns and Michael Constable in the Round 16 match against Old Trinity at Elsternwick Park

Chris McKenzie has just dished off yet another handball to a team mate on the Elsternwick Park wing against Old Trinity in 1990

Wayne Smith, Darren Seccull and John Bingham lead the charge onto the ground for the 1990 Grand Final against Old Melburnians

The backs of David Connell (2), Matthew Armstrong (36), Wayne Smith (6), Mark Seccull (32) and Paul Bennett (10) just before the start of the 1990 Grand Final

Simon Meehan calls for the handball, backup by Chris Krause and Wes Byrns (29)

Glenn Tanner under pressure at the front of the pack

Giant ruckman Ian Kidgell (57) dominates the pack watched by David Connell, Glenn Tanner (33), Wes Byrns (29), Darren Seccull (12) and Simon Meehan

Matthew Armstrong takes a fine mark watched by Andrew Walden (21) and Tony Witts (1) of OMs

Matthew Armstrong clears from his wing

Full-back Andrew Baxter with a typical spoil

Andrew Baxter clears from the backline

Paul Bennett and John Bingham during the 1990 Grand Final

Ian Kidgell at the front of the pack and Andrew Baxterat the back' Fraser Main and John Bingham (40) at the bottom

Wes Byrns kicks on the run

Wes Byrns marks

Brett Carty and David Connell, Grand Final 1990

Best on ground David Connell streams forward

Another attacking thrust from David Connell

A great mark and goal from David Connell

Future club Presidents Mark Seccull and Michael Constable in the 1990 Grand Final

A strong mark from Darren Seccull

The ball eludes Darren Seccull on the stretch

Darren Seccull competing in the 1990 Grand Final

Happy days for Darren Seccull and Andrew Walden; not for their OMs opponents

Ian Kidgell kicks clear on the far wing

Ian Kidgell kicks, Fraser Main sits

Chris Kraus watches Simon Meehan clear, as does Darren Seccull (12)

Mark Seccull shoots at goal in the first of three premiership teams he played for

Mark Seccull on the left foot

Fraser Main about to be tackled, Brett Carty in support

Leaders Chris McKenzie and Simon Meehan in action

Simon Meehan on the run again

Simon Meehan makes a typical clearance through the centre of the ground in the 1990 Grand Final massacre of Old Melburnians, with OM’s Jeremy Nichols literally and metaphorically put on his backside.

Wayne Smith falls to the ground; Paul Bennett and Wes Byrns can do little to save him

Andrew Walden marks in front of OMs' full back Tony Witts

Darren Williams in ruck

A couple of Glenn Tanner's disposals in the 1990 Grand Final

Wayne Smith and Glenn Tanner get their kicks away

A record-breaking final scoreboard

Final siren celebrations

Coach Simon Meehan all smiles after his second successive flag

Players await the presentations with former coach Phil Stevens, now VAFA General Manager at right

David Connell Andrew Baxter Mark Seccull

Presentations for David Connell, Andrew Baxter and Mark Seccull

Captain Darren Seccull and coach Simon Meehan ready to receive the premiership cup

Captain Darren Seccull and coach Simon Meehan hoist the premiership cup

Premiers for the second year in succession, the 1990 First Eighteen. Back row: Team Manager Peter Seccull, Richard Home, Scott Devenish, Darren Ray, Darren Williams, Eddie Bingham, Brett Carty, Matt Colston, Cameron Gregson and committeeman Keith Schilling. Centre row: Committeeman Roger Gerny, Paul Bennett, Chris McKenzie, Wayne Smith, Glenn Tanner, Robert Plecher, Michael Garland, Fraser Main, Blair Main and major sponsor Robin Carroll. Front row: Chris MacKenzie, Matthew Armstrong, captain Darren Seccull, president Ken Allison, coach Simon Meehan, selector David Young, Andrew Baxter and David Connell.

The 1990 reserves made the finals but bowed out in the first week. Back row: Physiotherapist Tracey Jukes, Peter Merrett, Jeremy Rae, Will Cox, Mark Orton, Darren Ray, Anton Sher, David Merrett and Tony Gilchrist. Centre row: Matt Colston, Ross Lavender, Jeff Wood, Robert Parton, Darren Cotton, Greg Lasscock, Craig Farr, Blair Main and Peter Wigg. Front row: Chris Lane, Gary March, Peter Noske, coach Greg Meadows, captain Jeff Robertson, Neville Schmidt and Al Mytton.

The 3rd XVIII 1990. Rear: Ross Dobson, Grant Tanner, Scott Whitehead, Paul Della Bosca, Rob Wilson, Michael Krause, Malcolm Steele, Andrew McGorlick. Centre: Roger Gerny, Heath Broadbent, Bernie Ladds, Dean Craig, Grant Seamer, Richard Kingston, Steve Baker, Andrew Tinkler. Front: Mark Newton, Ward Caspers, Peter Flockart, Chris Ladds, Ned de Raad, Dave McCrimmin, Ash Byrns.

Nick Tonkin's Under-19s captained by Brendan Herbert could not repeat his success of a decade earlier.

Simon Meehan (Senior) and Robert Plecher (U19) made VAFA debuts in 1990

Glenn Tanner won the Bloods' Best and Fairest in the premiership year while Garry Phillips made his AFL debit with Geelong

Club leaders in 1990 included President Ken Allison, General Manager Tony Gilchrist and Chairman of Selectors John Caspers

Given his later career as a top advertising executive, perhaps it was no surprise that Andrew "Billy" Baxter featured in a 1990 promotion for wool football jumpers

1991

In 1991 Mark Orton, the giant ruckman with the giant heart, won the Best and Fairest while Glenn Tanner was selected in the Senior VAFA representative team

New President Peter Bowring at the unfurling of the 1990 premiership flag at the Bloods' first home game in 1991, Round 3 v Therry

Unfurling of the 1990 premiership flag

The 1990 premiership flag unfurled

Ken Allison, President from 1988-1990, with his successor Peter Bowring

Matthew Armstrong on the bend, Andrew Baxter in the background, Round 3 v Therry

Peter Noske reached the 200 game milestone against Ormond in Round 11, 1991. Nick Tonkin attends to an injured hand.

A muddied Reserves team in one of the breaks at Ormond's EE Gunn Reserve

Robert Parton Peter Merrett Peter Noske Wayne Phillips

Plenty of mud out at Marcellin in Round 16 and on the faces of Robert Parton, Peter Merrett, Peter Noske and Wayne Phillips

Recruit Anthony Phillips in action in the Round 17 match against University Blues at McKinnon

Big Benny Armitage and Simon Meehan in the pack, Danny Seow (3) crumbing

Ben Armitage flies for a mark, Mark Orton (8) awaits

Matthew Armstrong feels the weight of the pack

Matthew Armstrong gets his kick away, doing his best to avoid the McKinnon mud

Matthew Armstrong's attempt to mark is spoiled, Mark Orton (8) in support

Matthew Armstrong Danny Seow Andrew Baxter

Matthew Armstrong contests, Danny Seow on the ground, Andrew Baxter (1) in the foreground

Mark Orton (8) and Andrew Baxter in the pack

Mark Orton upright, Andrew Baxter on the ground

Brett Carty clearing, Richard Home (34) in support

Michael Constable in trouble in the goal square, Cameron Dunn (27) ready to lend a hand, Mark Orton (8) in the foreground

Michael Constable kicks through the McKinnon slush

Michael Constable on his knees

Cameron Dunn

Plenty of Old Haileyburians and University Blues

Another pack in the mud

Fraser Main juggling watched by Wayne Phillips and Michael Constable

David Merrett stretches to tackle

David Merrett punching the ball clear

David Merrett on the bend

David Merrett and Wayne Phillips (15) watch over the pack

Defenders David Merrett (7) and Andrew Baxter

A flying tackle from David Merrett, Simon Meehan backing up

Mark Orton

Mark Orton in ruck, Fraser Main (5) and Wayne Phillips (15) await

Mark Orton punches the ball in the direction of Danny Seow (3) and Fraser Main (5)

Mark Orton

Robert Pletcher

Jeremy Rae takes one of his favourite classic chest marks against University Blues at McKinnon in 1991

Jeremy Rae (11) under siege from his Uni Blues opponent

Danny Seow (3) kicks away, Mark Orton (8) behind him

Danny Seow tackling

Glenn Tanner ready to pounce, Mark Orton can only watch

Glenn Tanner will get to the ball ahead of Danny Seow (3) and Mark Orton

Glenn Tanner kicks towards goal

Wayne Phillips lays another tackle

The reserves at their quarter time break against Uni Blues - Peter Merrett, Wayne Smith, Peter Noske and Blair Main

The reserves at their quarter time break against Uni Blues

Tim Chegwin in ruck

Tim Chegwin lying down on the job back in his playing days in 1991, well before he became President when the Bloods took out their first A Grade flag

Tim Chegwin's shot at goal looks good

Mark Fisher on the run

Brendan Herbert in the ruck

Nick Irvine in the goal square

Nick Irvine contests

Nick Irvine and Mark Fisher

Adam Kirkwood-Scott (44) takes a safe chest mark

Blair Main takes his kick

Peter Noske clears from the backline

Wayne Smith with a big grab

The 1991 Reserves. Rear: Matthew Brotheridge (trainer), Peter Thiessen, David Kretchmer, Brendan Herbert, Tim Chegwin, Anton Sher, Peter Merrett, Wayne Smith, Nigel Rose (physiotherapist). Centre: Robert Plecher, Tim Doran, Blair Main, Brett Steenholdt, Mark Fisher, Darren Cotton, Peter Noske, Andrew McGorlick, Wayne Foenander (trainer), Scott Doran (runner). Front: Peter Robinson, Nick Irvine, Darren Ray, Roger Gerny (captain-coach), Robert Parton, Adam Kirkwood-Scott, Ross Lavender.

The 1991 Under 19s. Rear: Paul Dow, Gary Dewar, David Naisbitt, Eddie Bingham, Ashley Fothergill, Andrew Whitelaw, John Panetta, Brett Canobie, Vanessa Calvert (physiotherapist). Centre: Peter Thiessen, Matthew Phillips, David Kelly, Tony Gilchrist (coach), Dale Andersen (captain), Scott O'Brien, John Delalande, Simon Healey. Front: Daniel Hoare, Naushad Mistry, Scott Harrop, Jason Parton, Shannon Lyons, Andrew Henderson, Matthew Allen.

1992

In 1992 the Bloods defeated Collegians at the Harry Trott Oval in a run of victories that saw them make the A Grade finals for the first time. Here Glenn Tanner kicks on his left foot and Wayne Phillips soars to take a great mark despite team mate David Connell. The pack underneath includes former Richmond premiership defender Stephen Mount and Bloods' ruckman Mark Orton.

Wayne Phillips on the way down

Garry Phillips marks on the lead and Chris McKenzie pressures his Collegians opponent in the Round 14 match at the Harry Trott Oval

A large squad for the 1992 First Eighteen greets the camera at McKinnon. Back row: Brett Canobie, Cameron Dunn, Matt DeMattia, David Connell, Ian Kidgell, Mark Orton, Tim Chegwin, Michael Constable and Greg Anderson. Centre row: Reserves coach Dennis McGrory, David Lappage, Wayne Smith, Brett Carty, team manager Peter Seccull, Brett Steenholdt, Chris McKenzie, Gary Dewar,
Josh Hayter, Garry Phillips, Jeremy Rae, Rob Makinson, Fraser Main, Chris Kraus, Peter Thiessen, Glenn Borg, Wes Byrns and runner Matt Colston. Front row: physiotherapist Nigel Rose, selector Roger Gerny, Andrew Walden, Glenn Tanner, captain Darren Seccull, president Peter Bowring, coach Simon Meehan, Andrew Baxter, Matthew Armstrong, Wayne Phillips and Daniel Hoare.

Dennis McGrory coached the 1992 reserves team before taking over the senior position the following year. Back row: Michael Krause, Peter Merrett, Cameron Dunn, Eddie Bingham, Tony Whelan, Robert Parton and Tony Gilchrist. Centre row: Team manager Heath Broadbent, selector Roger Gerny, Scott Spiers, Wayne Smith, Peter Eyers, Tim Chegwin, David Kretschmer, Matthew Baxter, Dale Andersen and physiotherapist Michelle Hade. Front row: Jason Parton, president Peter Bowring, captain Darren Ray, coach Dennis McGrory, Ross Lavender and Blair Main. On the ground: Daniel Hoare.

Tony Gilchrist's 1992 Under-19 team. Rear: Paul Kerr, Brad Nicholls, Al Pound, Mark Harrison, Cameron Rice, Greg Stack, Ash Hilton, Ash Fothergill, James Raby, Cameron Baxter, John Panetta, Trent Evans. Front: Brett Metherall, Matthew Kelly, Ryan Weber, Sean Richardson, Jason Shulman, Scott O'Brien (Vice-Captain), Tony Gilchrist (Coach), Paul Dow (Deputy Vice-Captain), Randolf Bartholemeusz, Shannon Lyons, Peter Jenner, Tony Percoco.

Wayne Phillips was Best and Fairest in 1992

Peter Thiessen made his VAFA debut in 1992 and played a number of representative games over the next few years

Andrew Walden played for the VAFA in 1989; this photo was taken in 1992

1993

Lunch with Collo. OHAFC President Ken Phillips (left) with a protagonist from his playing days in Ian Collins, who by the time of this photo at a club luncheon in 1993 had risen to Operations Manager for the AFL.

Laurie Bingham and Sean Ralphsmith were both pursuing their AFL careers in 1993, but made time to do the honours at OHAFC's 1993 Jumper Presentation Night

Jumper Presentation Night 1993 - at rear include Reserves Coach Mick Carty, Peter Thiessen, Brett Carty, Laurie Bingham and Blair Main and in front are Andrew Baxter, Garry Phillips and Sean Rlphsmith

Dennis McGrory coached the Bloods for a single season in 1993

Former South Melbourne wingman and father of Garry and Wayne, Ken Phillips took over the OHAFC presidency in 1993

Guest speaker Ian Collins is flanked by Ken and Jill Phillips

David Connell makes his way onto the ground for the VAFA

David Connell takes a breather while representing the VAFA

Bernie Ladds played his 150th game in 1993

Future President Michael Constable is presented with the Barry Berggy award for Outstanding Service in 1993 by Ken Phillips

Coach Dennis McGrory with award winner Wayne Phillips

Blair Main Wayne Smith Mick Carty Eddie Bingham

Blair Main, Wayne Smith, Mick Carty and Eddie Bingham at Presentation Night 1993

1994

The 1994 team was unlucky to be relegated from A Grade. Rear: Chris Kraus, Andrew Baxter, Eddie Bingham, Mark Seccull, Mark Orton, Rohan Phillips, Michael Constable, Greg Anderson, Richard George. Centre: Ken Phillips (President), Fraser Bayne, Brett Canobie, Brett Curty, Jeremy Rae, Darren Cotton, Robert Plecher, Peter Thiessen, Grant Rowlands, Wes Byrns. Seated: Garry Phillips (Vice-captain), David Connell (Vice-captain), Peter Carlson (Coach), Chris McKenzie (Captain), Matthew Armstrong (Vice-captain).

Pre-season training at Red Hill

Round 12 v Old Melburnians at McKinnon

Greg Anderson (9) and Mark Seccull (23) compete in the pack with Matthew Armstrong (19) and Robert Pletcher watching

Greg Anderson beaten in a marking contest

Matthew Armstrong (19) takes a mark

Andrew Baxter, by 1994 a veteran

Fraser Bayne stretches for a mark

David Connell spoils, Andrew Baxter (1) watching

Darren Cotton competes for the ball

Eddie Bingham is surrounded by Old Melburnians opponents in this 1994 match, watched by Garry Phillips and Dave Connell (2).

Garry Phillips takes a soaring mark against OM’s in front of the McKinnon Reserve pavilion in 1994 watched by defender Greg Anderson (9), ever in long sleeves

Defender Rob Plecher gets his kick away with a posse of team mates in support including Andrew Baxter (1), Matthew Armstrong (19), Mark Seccull, Rohan Phillips (27) and Dave Connell.

Vote count day at McKinnon

Frank Northcott presents his eponymous trophy for the Runner-up Best and Fairest to Wes Byrns, watched by coach Peter Carlson

In 1994 David Connell won the first of his two Best and Fairest trophies

Andrew Baxter reached the 150 game milestone in 1994

The 1994 Reserves. Rear: Robert Pettett, Ned De Raad, Greg King, Andrew Mclaughlin, Ashley Hilton, Bernie Ladds, Hayden Trim, Brett Steenholdt, Ward Caspers. Centre: Brendan Mitchell, Paul Bennett, Daryl Strudwick, Chris Ladds, Steven Baker, Cameron Brown, Tim Johnston, Ben Langford-Jones, Chris Lane. Front: Terry Winnell (Trainer), Peter Wigg, Ross Lavender, Ken Phillips (President), Michael Cafiy (Coach), Tim Bennett, Chris Allen (Physiotherapist).

The 1992 Under-19s. Rear: Ben Godkin, Cameron Mclntyre, Shane Kitts, Mark Faulkner, Brett O'Farrell, Mick Arfi, Rob Bruce, Matt Rowe. Centre: Steve Williams, Andrew Pike, Jason Mackay, Richard Parker, Matthew Anastasious, Grant Rechter, Sean Payne, Matthew Drakeford, atrick Thomas, Richard Buchanan. Front: Craig Mitchell, Ken Phillips (President), Ray McTaggart (Vice-captain), Carmelo D'Angelo (Coach), Andrew Dowsing (Captain), Shane Walden.

1995

Matthew Armstrong David Connell Nik Morey Sean Ralphsmith Garry Phillips

Team leaders in the premiership year of 1995 (from left) Matthew Armstrong, David Connell, Nik Morey, Sean Ralphsmith and Garry Phillips

Glum surroundings at McKinnon for Mark Orton's 150th game. President Ken Phillips had passed away the previous weekend and McKinnon turned on rain and a quagmire. The reserves line up to await the senior team.

The Bloods take to the field

McKinnon mud

Mark Orton leads the Bloods off, having restricted visitors Banyule to 0.4 (4), the lowest score ever conceded by an OHAFC senior team

A great win but a sad day

In 1995 a remarkable six Old Haileyburians were selected in the VAFA representative squad. They were Nik Morey (back row, far left), Garry Phillips (back row, third from right), Wes Byrns (back row, far right), David Connell (centre row, third from left), captain Sean Ralphsmith (front row, fourth from right) and Matthew Armstrong (front row, far right).

Nik Morey made his VAFA debut in 1995

The Blood Bath Ball became a major social function in the 1990s. Here Wes Byrns and coach Neville Taylor enjoy the event.

The Marvellous Mums. For once they are relaxing rather than working! From left are Pam Lappage, Dawn Carty, Jill Phillips, Sue Connell, Wendy Steenholdt and Felicity Wigg.

Legendary Haileybury Vice-Principal and the OHAFC's third ever Life Member, long term supporter Frank Northcott

Captain Chris McKenzie with the spoils of Ken Phillips Day and Jill Phillips

Jeremy Rae played in the premiership team and also played his 150th game

Swoop to Conquer, Strive for Glory

The Bloods look like they mean business in their warm-up prior to the 1995 Grand Final at Elsternwick Park

1995 Grand Final warmup

Wes Byrnes shoots for goal in the 1995 Grand Final against Mazenod but does not appear in the goal-kickers!

Andrew Walden, Darren Seccull and Nik Morey all in a large pack against Mazenod; Wes Byrns (3), Sean Ralphsmith (7) and Chris McKenzie (4) await the outcome

The ever-reliable Nik Morey kicks another goal

Mark Orton dominates a ruck dual with support from Rob Pletcher, Nik Morey (15), Chris McKenzie and David Lappage (35)

The crowd shelters from the weather at Elsternwick Park, 1995 Grand Final

Former OHAFC coaches Max Lyon and Andrew Langford-Jones in the foreground, Wes Byrns (3) in embrace behind

David Connell and friends

Darren Seccull celebrates the win

On an emotional day for the Phillips family, brothers Wayne (40) and Garry join former coach and VAFA General Manager Phil Stevens on the podium after the 1995 Grand Final.

Chris McKenzie and Neville Taylor with the premiership cup

Coach Neville Taylor (right) raises the 1995 premiership cup with his captain Chris McKenzie, watched by VAFA General Manager Phil Stevens and President David Burnes.

Lap of honour

Jill Phillips Wayne Phillips Garry Phillips

Jill Phillips with premiership winning sons Wayne and Garry

Premiership celebrations at McKinnon

The 1995 B Grade premiership team. Back row: Nik Morey, Adam Forsyth, Jason Kurta, Greg Anderson, Michael Constable, Andrew Walden, Wayne Phillips, Wayne Smith, Jeremy Rae, Grant Rowlands, Nevada Hill and General Manger Frank Interrigi. Standing: Vice-president John Connell, physiotherapist Josh Hayter, Eddie Bingham, Peter O’Donnell, Ash Hilton, Mark Seccull, Mark Orton, Darren Seccull, Tim Chegwin, Sean Ralphsmith, Matt DeMattia, Wes Byrns and committeeman Keith Schilling. Seated: Ross Lavender, Adam Kirkwood-Scott, Rob Plecher, David Connell, coach Neville Taylor, captain Chris McKenzie, assistant coach Gary March, Matthew Armstrong, Travis Boothman and Jason Dann. On ground: Sean O’Grady, Trent Evans, Shaun Richardson, Scott Duxbury, Matthew Drakeford, David Lappage, Dean Fossey and Jason Mackay.

"The Burner", Wes Byrns, had a great season in 1995 and won the Best and Fairest in a premiership year

1996

Nik Morey (15) and Ash Hilton (17) on duty in the McKinnon goal square against Ormond in 1996's opening round at McKinnon

Action from the opening round match against Ormond as Wayne Smith tries to shovel the ball out to Adam Hilton with Chris McKenzie in the background

Impossible to tell who is kicking the ball but Wayne Smith (6), Matthew Armstrong (19) and Adam Hilton are nearby

David Lappage boots the ball forward, Nik Morey (15) in the foreground

Andrew Walden (21) looms over a fallen Ormond opponent

Wayne Smith and Matthew Armstrong are closest to laying a tackle but the Ormond player is clear

A Mark Orton knock towards Adam Forsyth (14) and Nik Morey (15)

Skipper Chris McKenzie oversees a team mate lay a tackle

More Mark Orton ruckwork, this time over the head of David Connell (2), with Chris McKenzie (4) and Chris Ready (34) nearby

Adam Hilton and Adam Forsyth in pursuit

Wrapped up in an Ormond tackle

Scott Rowlands (9) not quite there with the smother

Andrew Walden (21) slips in front of team mates Chris Reidy (34) and Nik Morey (15)

Adam Hilton (7) in the rucl and David Connell under pressure

Adam Hilton stands, Grant Rowlands (25) kneels

Adam Hilton (7) and Chris McKenzie (4) in the pack

Matthew Armstrong piles on the pack

David Connell competes for the mark, Richard Buchannan (5) and Chris Reidy (34) await the crumbs

David Lappage (35) and Chris McKenzie (4) in pursuit

Mark Seccull spoils

Adam Hilton and Chris McKenzie watch the play unfold with the Bloods holding a narrow lead

Chris McKenzie takes his kick ahead of David Connell

Chris McKenzie and David Connell watch their team mate take a kick

Nik Morey clears while Chris McKenzie is tackled

Nik Morey and Mark Orton are blocked by their Ormond opponents

Mark Orton wins another tap in front of Grant Rowlands (25)

Mark Orton rucking, Nik Morey (15) crumbing

Wayne Smith clears with Chris McKenzie (4), Cameron Dunn (27) and David Lappage (35) nearby

OHAFC General Manager Tom Brain prepares for Presentation Night

1997

Well and truly in the veteran category, Andrew Baxter at Elsternwick Park playing against St Bernard's in 1997

Andrew Dowsing tackles, Round 16 v St Bernard's at Elsternwick Park

Andrew Dowsing wheels on to his left foot

Chris Kraus eludes a tackle

Adam Hilton lays a tackle

Chris Kraus at the back of the pack, Andrew Dowsing just visible at right

Matthew Armstrong (19) and Adam Hilton watch the contest while back in the goal square looms the imposing figure of Chris Efstathiou

Nik Morey unable to do anything about his team mate at the bottom of the pack

Adam Hilton spoils his St Bernard's opponent

Adam Hilton over-runs the ball, Garry Phillips backs up

A strong chest mark by Adam Hilton (7)

Adam Hilton and Garry Phillips

David Connell (2) tackling

Beanpole ruckman Craig Hucker kicks forward

Craig Hucker's arms are too long for the St Bernard's defender

Craig Hucker palms the ball away but not in Andrew Walden's direction

Garry Phillips won a second Best and Fairest, ten years after his first

Blair Main played his 150th game in 1997

Mark Seccull (seated, third from right) and Wes Byrns (back row, second from right) made the VAFA team coached by Neville Taylor. Two other former OHAFC coaches in the photo are Phil Stevens (seated, second from left) and Max Lyon (second back row, second from left).

1998

Shane Walden and Brett Carson (29) were some of the younger brigade to make the senior team in 1998, here playing against Old Xaverians at Toorak Park.

Brett Carson in just his second senior game, the Round 11 clash against Old Xaverians at Toorak Park

Adam Hilton brought to ground in front of Matthew Armstrong (19)

Mark Seccull (23) and Cameron Home (9) unable to prevent a Xavs mark

Nik Morey shoots out a sitting handball

Paul Dimond

Adam Hilton sinks the boot in

Mark Seccull caught up in a tackle, Adam Hilton grounded

Adam Hilton contests with Old Xavs giant Michael Blood

Adam Hilton

Brendan Lay (36) on the ground, Adam Hilton awaits

Andrew Baxter on the spoil, Brett Carson (29) in the foreground

Brett Carson (29) in contest

David Connell stands firm to mark

Garry Phillips (26) not quite able to spoil

The back of Mark Seccull (23)

Mark Seccull

Mark Seccull (23)

Nik Morey

Adam Hilton, Brendan Lay and Angus Ross (24)

Shane Walden attempts to break out of the pack

Ben Melin (41) watches play unfold in the Reserves' Round 16 match against De La Salle at Elsternwick Park

Happy warriors!

Action from the Reserves Round 16 match against De La Salle

Brendan Lay in pursuit for the Reserves

Action from the Reserves Round 16 match against De La Salle

Mark Orton in action for the Reserves

Mark Orton (8) and Lukas Byrns (55) move in to help their team mates

Mark Orton (8) and Darren Webb (56) lay a tackle

Action from the Reserves Round 16 match against De La Salle

Wayne Smith (6), Lukas Byrns (55) and Brendan Lay (36) in action for the Reserves

Adam Forsyth on the turn in the Seniors' Round 16 match against De La Salle at Elsternwick Park

Ash Hilton kicks forward

Craig Hucker (11) watches Andrew Walden contest a mark

Adam Hilton escapes the De La Salle clutches

Ash Hilton caught out of position in a marking duel

Defender Brett Carson playing in front

Brett Carson lays a tackle

Brett Carty lays a tackle

Brett Carty (13) lays another tackle

Andrew Walden gets hands on his De La Salle opponent ahead of Brett Carty

Veteran Darren Seccull in pursuit

Veteran Darren Seccull clears in his last regular season in the Seniors

Adam Floyd (33) and Wayne Phillips (40) in the middle of the pack against De La Salle at Elsternwick Park in 1998

Adam Floyd tackling

Craig Hucker and Nik Morey

Craig Hucker stretches, Shane Walden (28) watches

David Lappage and Craig Hucker about to pounce

David Lappage was an accompished player with over 200 games and 400 goals to his credit. Here he chases his De La Salle opponent at Elsternwick Park in 1998.

Mark Seccull playing against De La Salle in 1998, and not yet at the halfway point of his lengthy career

Nik Morey tackling Cameron Home chasing

Tony Papotto (18) playing in 1998; the following year he became the Bloods' Senior Coach

Mehul Somaia sinks to the ground as he kicks on his left foot

Wayne Phillips on the bend, Nik Morey (15) watching

Daniel Warden (3) outmarked despite being in front

Daniel Warden (3) and Adam Hilton close in on the pack

Matthew Armstrong in the Round 18 match against Old Scotch

Wayne Phillips at the back of the pack in what was his last game for the club, as it was also for brother Garry

Best and Fairest winner Nik Morey (R) and runner-up Shane Walden (L) at Presentation Night 1998

Veteran Mark Orton is presented with Life Membership by Darren Seccull at Presentation Night 1998

1999

In 1999 Mark Seccull captained the VAFA Senior team, but here he and Cameron Home (1) are eluded by their De La Salle opponent before a big crowd at McKinnon in Round 11

Action in the Round 11 match against De La Salle

Darren Lay late on the scene

For once Cameron Home seems to have missed everything in this 1999 photo against De La Salle at McKinnon

Ryan Kejna (20) at the side of the pack

Michael Lambert tackles his De La Salle opponent

Mark Seccull competing in the ruck and lining up the goals

Mark Seccull about to break clear

Mark Seccull towers over his De La Salle opponent, Andrew Walden in the background

In 1999 Mark Seccull (holding the ball) captained the VAFA team against South Australia. On his right in the photo is VAFA Chairman and former OHAFC identity Andrew Langford-Jones.