A Season in the Country: 1975 in the Wimmera and Farrer Leagues – Episode 20

 

 

Lockhart Football Ground

 

 

The 1975 finals begin

 

Farrer League

 

Saturday 30th August 1975

First Semi-final: The Rock-Yerong Creek v Henty

at  Yerong Creek

 

 

   Magpies    v    Swans       

 

The small village of Yerong Creek is the oldest settlement in the Lockhart Shire. It owes its existence to the construction of the Main Southern railway line south of Wagga in the 1870s. The village once boasted a racecourse, two banks, a pub, three service stations, a post office and several other businesses. The district around the settlement is devoted to mixed farming and grazing. Motorists travelling between Wagga and Albury on the Olympic Way fly past, but a brief rest stop reveals Yerong Creek’s contribution to the Australian Silo Art Trail with murals painted on the old water tower. The theme of the murals is: “Through their eyes” – the children and future of Yerong Creek. The six main elements of the artwork are agriculture, education, indigenous culture, military, sport and transport. Like the silo art at Wimmera town Rupanyup, images of young sportsmen and sportswomen feature prominently. 

 

The history of football at Yerong Creek can be traced back to 1914. The club played in various leagues for almost 50 years before merging with the nearby village of The Rock. Its heydays were in the late forties and early 1950s when it played in four Central Riverina League grand finals, finally taking the premiership cup home in 1954. 

 

For many years Yerong Creek served as the September hub of the Farrer League, with all finals matches in the league played there (from 1966-81). The man largely responsible for Yerong Creek’s important place in the Farrer League landscape is football administrator John Yates. Yates was a sheep farmer from Yerong Creek who had a passion for Australian Football and matched that with dedicated service to football in the league and the state of NSW. John, a former Yerong Creek player (1949-64), was a driving force behind the merger of The Rock and the Yerong Creek football clubs in 1962, serving the club in various roles for many years after. He was awarded the honour of being No. 1 ticket holder of the club. John was president of the Farrer League from 1981-87 and was a leader in the affiliation of the Farrer League with the NSW Country AFL after the VCFL’s restructure of the leagues in the Wagga area in 1982. This was a momentous and appropriate step because it aligned Riverina football with its home state. The Farrer League premiership cup bears John Yates’ name. 

 

 John Yates
(source: Riverina Football Record Vol. 4 No. 1, 1986; NSW Australian Football History Society)

 

Yates joined the NSW AFL Commission in 1987 and served as Chief Commissioner from 1991-99. In that role he was instrumental in the establishment of the AFL NSW/ACT Commission which placed all leagues in NSW and the ACT under one banner. John also contributed greatly as a director on the Sydney Swans board (1993-2004) with an extensive knowledge of the game and his will to reform the club. 

 

John never lost sight of the development of grass roots football and the promotion of the game in the Riverina. His contributions to Australian Football in NSW were recognised with the award of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and life membership of AFL NSW/ACT. John Yates was a man of wisdom and foresight who possessed a strong will and a great community spirit.

 

Team lists

 

The Crier vol. 17 no. 19

(source: NSW Australian Football History Society)

 

Preview

 

Daily Advertiser football reporter Peter Baker tipped The Rock-Yerong Creek to win the First Semi Final, but he was not alone in making the prediction. Spokesmen from the Wagga and North Wagga football clubs, together with Baz Medallist Jeff Nimmo, strongly favoured the Magpies in the local press on the eve of the game. 

 

Henty’s form has been patchy in the second half of the season. Sparkling displays of premiership-style football were interspersed with frequent lapses, which downgraded their chances of success in the heat of finals football. Both teams possess powerful forward lines, so the outcome of the match should rest in the battle of the opposing centre lines and around the ruck contests. Peter Baker saw the match as “Henty’s great hurdle”, but did not expect a one horse race.

 

The match

 

Action from the Farrer League First Semi-Final at Yerong Creek

(source: Daily Advertiser 1 September 1975)

 

Underdogs Henty proved the tipsters wrong in downing red hot favourites The Rock-Yerong Creek by 31 points. The first quarter was tight, with TR-YC failing to take advantage of the favouring wind. Henty appeared destined to copy the Magpies’ error but eventually got their kicking boots on thanks to veteran Bruce Spencer, easing away to a handy 23 point lead at the main break. The Swans streaked ahead in the opening 10 minutes of the third quarter with goals to Doug Wheaton, Garry Mickan, Jimmy Creek and Evan Klemke. The game was effectively over at that stage and while the Magpies rallied to narrow the gap, Henty ran out very comfortable winners. 

 

Match winners for Henty included: ruckman Neville Habermann, centreman Max Sanbrook, forward Bruce Spencer, rovers and small forwards Jimmy Creek and Doug Wheaton, half forward Graham Scholz, in company with full forward Garry Mickan. TR-YC were best served by rover Shane Maddox, follower Peter Miotti, defenders Peter Angel and John Klimpsch, plus Lloyd Curtis across the centreline.  

 

TR-YC might have experienced stage fright early in the game but their stars were never allowed to shine. The absence of ruckman Greg Verdon (injured) was a telling factor as Neville Habermann dominated in the big man department. Henty captain Max Sanbrook was ebullient after the win, declaring that his side had come good at the right time and could go on and win the flag. 

 

Finals score: Henty 16.14 (110) defeated The Rock-Yerong Creek 11.13 (79)

Goal kickers: Henty – G.Mickan 6, B. Spencer 5, D. Wheaton 3, E. Klemke , J. Creek

TR-YC – L. Driscoll 3, S. Maddox 3, M. McFarlane 2, R. Driscoll 2, R. McFarlane

 

Gate: $1700 Umpire: L. Pritchard (VFL)

 

Reserves: MCU 8.11 (59) defeated Culcairn  7.9 (51)

 

Next week in the Farrer League: Second Semi-Final – North Wagga v Wagga at Yerong Creek

 

 

Wimmera League

 

Qualifying Final: Ararat v Dimboola

Saturday 30th August 1975

at City Oval, Horsham 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rats    v    Roos      

 

The teams

 

Ararat

 

B: P. Dohnt, I. Clark, D. Stephens

HB: I. Boyd, L. Dunn, I. Leslie

C: G. Homburg, W. Dickerson (c), T. Harrison

HF: T. Mooney, L. Mooney, G. Harry

F: R. Walker, G. Todd, B. Olver

Foll: B. Holz, T. Davis

Rov: G. Kent

Res: P. Gemmola, M. Robinson

 

Dimboola

 

B: G. Watson, G. Bond, B. Noonan

HB: R. McRae, M. Watson, P. Avery

C: M. Neagle, G. Exell, H. Baker

HF: P. Taylor, P. King, I. Rauert

F: T. Emmerson, R. Kalms, G. Schneider

Foll: K. Ryan (c), J. Ferry

Rov: W. Lynch

Res: M. Skeen

 

Preview

 

Wimmera Mail-Times football reporter Bill Goodier tipped Dimboola to “climb one more step” in defeating Ararat in the qualifying final at Horsham. Goodier went one more step himself in declaring 1974 wooden-spooners Dimboola a grand final prospect. Ironically, Dimboola’s coach in their disappointing ‘74 season, Wilf Dickerson, will be leading the opposition side in the match.

 

With young players like Merv Neagle burning and Richie Kalms in scintillating form, the ‘Roos will be hard to beat. Coach Kevin Ryan has them firing at the right time. Ararat’s strength lies in its experience, with Dickerson in the centre, Terry Davis in the ruck, rover Gary Kent and Gary Todd at full forward, keys to their success. Dickerson is returning from a hamstring injury and his match fitness will be tested, but his biggest contribution might be his inside knowledge of the Dimboola players and their weaknesses.

 

The match

 

Action from the Qualifying Final: Dimboola’s Kevin Ryan clears the ball from the pack

(source: Wimmera Mail-Times 1 September 1975)

 

Ararat came out all guns blazing in the first quarter and had seven goals on the board by the first change. From that point on they were never seriously challenged on the scoreboard. The ‘Rats classy forwards found a way through Dimboola’s tight defence and despite Richie Kalm’s huge nine goal effort, came out on top. It was a case of good but not good enough for long enough for Dimboola. Kalms was becalmed in the second half by the spoiling defensive pressure of David Stephens and Ian Clark who tamed his effectiveness in the air. 

 

The ‘Rats showed the ‘Roos that finals football is about giving your best for 100 minutes. By the final siren the ‘Rats had shaken off some of the doubts about their finals prospects and had earned a tilt at Stawell next week. 

 

Final score Ararat 16. 13 (109) defeated Dimboola 13.14 (92)

 

Goal kickers: Ararat – G. Todd 6, B. Olver 3, G. Kent 2, R. Walker, T. Davis, G. Harry, L. Mooney, M. Robinson 

Dimboola – R. Kalms 9, K. Ryan, P. Taylor, G. Exell, L. Rauert

 

Best: Ararat –  T. Davis, G. Kent, G. Todd, R. Walker, T. Harrison, H. Holz, B. Olver

Dimboola – G. Bond, B. Noonan, M. Watson, K. Ryan, P. King, R. Kalms

 

Gate: $1548 Umpire: Bunce

 

Reserves: Dimboola 12.16 (88) defeated Stawell 10.11 (71)

 

Elimination Final: Horsham v Jeparit

Sunday 31 August 1975

at Davis Park, Nhill

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demons    v    Redbacks     

 

The teams

 

Horsham

 

To be selected from:

K. Cramer, D. Parker, G. Campbell, W. Richardson (c), G. Stenhouse, G. Young, N.Brown, M. Hickmott, B. Carr, B. Bourke, I. Giles, Mills, C. Trewin, P. Glare, M. Toll, G. Creek, Brian Thomson, R. Wood,Holmes, G. Chequer, P. Wood, P. Richmond, K. Hill, D. Farr

 

Jeparit

 

B: K. Weidermann, K. Starick, R. McLennan

HB: T. Robson, I. Jones, G. Grigg

C: G. Jochinke, B. Morrison, G. Werner

HF: R. Barber, L. Hoffmann, I. Dedini

F: K. Stronach, D. Schumann, N. Dettman

Foll: P. Chilton (c), M. Chilton

Rov: B. Robson

Res: (from) C. Weir, G. Gould, J. Schulze, M. Pritchard, G. Smith

 

Preview

 

The Horsham press discounted Jeparit’s chances of defeating their old rivals Horsham in the elimination final at Nhill. “Horsham will win because it has too much experience in the big occasion games” (Wimmera Mail-Times, 29 August 1975). Jeparit were labelled young, small and unknown on paper. In a show of extra confidence, the Mail-Times gave the Demons a better than even chance of taking out the flag for a second season running. Big game experienced players, veteran Wes Richardson, Gary Chequer, Peter Wood and Denis Farr are expected to make the difference.

 

Jeparit will have other ideas. Despite a high injury toll and a loss of form in the second half of the season, Jeparit have match-winners in Doug Schumann, Peter Chilton, Ken Stronach and Lox Hoffman who together are capable of getting the job done. Add to that the Redbacks’ renowned resilience and toughness, and you have the ingredients for a mouth-watering clash.

 

“Built like mallee roots, those Jeparit blokes!” said former Wimmera Mail-Times football reporter Gary Trotter when interviewed for this series.

 

 

The match

 

Jeparit won a heart-stopper elimination final, just managing to hold off Horsham’s trademark last quarter comeback. Both sides played premiership football climaxing in the last quarter with a thrilling action packed finish to the match.  The Redbacks effectively ‘won’ the match in the third quarter when they added five goals to two and opened up a 22 point lead at the last change. The powerful ruckwork of big and bullocky Mick Chilton, combined with the constant drive out of the middle by coach Peter Chilton, set up the Jeparit forwards. It was Ken Stronach who took full advantage up forward on this occasion. While full forward Doug Schumann contributed, he was below his best and showed signs of being hampered by a leg injury. Peter Chilton also finished the game under an injury cloud, aggravating a troublesome knee. But Jeparit were through to the First Semi against rivals Dimboola and the dream of winning their first Wimmera League flag was alive.

 

It was the end of the road for Horsham who could look now forward to getting St Kilda champion Daryl Griffiths in 1976.

 

Final score: Jeparit 16.18 (114) defeated Horsham 16.10 (106)

Goal kickers: Jeparit – K. Stronach 6, I. Dedini 3, D. Schumann 2, B. Morrison, B. Robson, N. Dettman, R. Barber, P. Chilton

Horsham – W. Richardson 4, P. Wood 3, R. Wood 2, G. Stenhouse 2, B. Carr 2, G. Campbell, B. Thomson, S. Holmes

 

Best: Jeparit – P. Chilton, K. Stronach, B. Robson, B. Morrison, R. Barber, G. Werner, M. Chilton

Horsham – G. Chequer, S. Holmes, G. Campbell, W. Richardson, G. Young, P. Wood

 

Gate: $1800 Umpire: Dargaville

 

Reserves: Nhill 11.10 (76) defeated Murtoa 8.5 (53)

 

Next week in the Wimmera League: 

First Semi-Final: Dimboola v Jeparit

Second Semi-Final: Stawell v Ararat

 

This episode’s featured player: Wes Richardson from Horsham

 

 

Champion centre half forward Wes Richardson played for and coached two Wimmera League clubs, Nhill and Horsham, in his long career in the wheatbelt. He captain coached Nhill in their premiership years, 1964 and ‘65, and was vice captain when they won their next flag in 1969. He previously played in Darley’s (Melton and Bacchus Marsh Football League) 1959 premiership team and later led Horsham in 1970 when they won the flag. Richardson was a dynamic player noted for his brilliant overhead marking and great judgement. He was one of those talented and enduring country footballers who was beautiful to watch. Even at the age of 36 in 1975 the wily Wes was still a great ball winner in the key forward position for Horsham.

 

Reflecting the esteem in which he is held at Nhill, Richardson was selected as captain coach of the Nhill Tigers Team of the Century.

 

Wes Richardson coached the Wimmera League in an interleague match against  the Riverina Football League at Narrandera in 1982. It was the first time the Wimmera League had played a country championships match outside Victoria. The coach of the victorious Riverina team was Doug Priest from Wagga.

 

In the VFL

 

Hawthorn put the shutters down at the long break but it was far from closing time, which allowed Essendon back into the game. The Hawks had top spot on the ladder sewn up but their form of recent weeks was a concern. Collingwood pipped Melbourne at the post after a six goal burst in the final quarter. With the win, and St Kilda’s loss to Richmond, the Magpies held on to fifth place. The Tigers revved up for September with a 48 point win over the Saints at the MCG. At the Western Oval, Carlton easily accounted for Footscray. With five losses in their last eight games, the Blues had plenty to think about going into the finals. Geelong finished the season on a positive note, defeating Fitzroy at VFL Park in what was ‘Polly’ Farmer’s last match as coach of the Cats. North Melbourne defeated bottom side South Melbourne by 22 points, but the naysayers remained unconvinced of the Shinboner’s premiership chances in ‘75. 

 

The VFL final five for 1975

 

1. HAWTHORN
2. CARLTON
3. NORTH MELBOURNE
4. RICHMOND
5. COLLINGWOOD

 

Next week in the VFL: the first week of the finals

Qualifying Final – Carlton v North Melbourne at the MCG

Elimination Final – Richmond v Collingwood at VFL Park

 

The VFL leading goal kicker (Retrospective Coleman Medallist) for season 1975 was Leigh Matthews with 67.

 

Footscray’s Gary Dempsey won the Brownlow Medal. Stan Alves of Melbourne was the runner up. 

 

 

Meanwhile …

The fourth and final test match at The Oval resulted in a draw. Australia posted a big first innings total thanks to centuries by Rick McCosker (127) and Ian Chappell (192) and had England on the ropes, all out for 191 (Jeff Thomson 4/50, Max Walker (4/63). Following on, England saved the game by scoring 538 in 886 minutes of patient batting. Bob Woolmer scored his maiden test century (149) in a marathon innings on the slow Kennington pitch, which did not deteriorate. Australia were left without time to score the 198 runs required for victory. Rain and interruptions for bad light (187 minutes) during the match did not help Australia’s chances of a win. The series ended 1-0 in favour of Australia. 

 

 

 

Read more episodes of A Season in the Country – 1975 in the Wimmera and Farrer Leagues HERE 

To read about Geelong’s Record Run, click HERE.

Peter also wrote about St. Kilda’s premiership season in his 1966 and All That series. You can read that HERE.

 

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.