Almanac Footy History: Gordon Lane – A cut above the rest.

 

THE FINALS SPECIALIST OF VFL FOOTBALL

 

  

Gordon Lane played 178 games, kicked 350 goals and played in 16 VFL finals.

 

 

INTRODUCTION- A ‘CUT ABOVE THE REST.’

 

Gordon Lane’s name is rarely mentioned in discussions about power forwards in the history of Australian Rules football; but in the 1940s Gordon was said to be a ‘cut above the rest.’ Gordon was a blue-ribbon footballer;  and it is an enigma that such a talented forward has become another ‘forgotten champion’ of our national game.

 

Time is a devil in the way it causes humans to forget things; and this story has two main intentions:

 

• To highlight Gordon Lane’s impressive career at Essendon.
• To outline his resolve in lifting South Melbourne out of the doldrums.

 

 

GORDON LANE – A LOCAL LAD

 

Gordon Lane (born 1921) was recruited to the Bombers from Essendon United FC (affiliated with Essendon District FL) in 1940. The EDFL was formed in 1930; and the local Essendon clubs in that inaugural season were: Essendon High School Old Boys, West Essendon. Other foundation clubs included: Ascot Vale, Kensington Methodists, St Johns, Flemington/Kensington and a team named Woodlands.

 

It is a little confusing as one source said that Woodlands FC won the EDFL flag that season while, another stated that St Johns took out the title. Of all the players who graduated to AFL ranks from the EDFL, none is better known or admired than Dick Reynolds…

 

“…and many old timers still regard him (Dick Reynolds) as the greatest player the game has seen” ‘Holmesby & Main’ Page: 714 

 

Information regarding Gordon’s early performances in the Essendon District FL is sketchy; but he was noted by Percy Taylor (‘The Argus’) in the build-up to the 1940 VFL season…

 

“Dick Reynolds (coach) should again be one of the best rovers in the League and his relief may be provided by Exelby or Chris Lambert. Betson a tall and solid player from Culcairn seems destined to play shortly He marked superbly last night and looked the part. Already the support given the district league is bearing fruit, and selectors are much impressed with Gordon Lane who could take the place of Watts immediately), Lambert brothers, Spratling, and Joe Evans.” ‘The Argus’ April 23^rd 1940 Page: 11.

 

Note: Not a lot could be gleaned in research about Essendon United FC of those earlier times. However, there now exists a soccer club, of the same name, which is affiliated with the Football Federation of Victoria and plays in the Men’s State League Division: 2 North-West.

 

 

GORDON LANE SHOWS PROMISE

 

Gordon (187cm) was also mentioned in the pre-season trials in the ‘Sporting Globe’ in April 1940. His height, marking and superb kicking attracted the attention of scribes and talent scouts.

 

Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ April 20th 1940. Page: 5

 

GORDON KICKS  20 GOALS AGAINST NORTH MELBOURNE

 

Source: ‘The Sun’ July 12^th 1940. Page: 22

 

Gordon ‘Whopper’ Lane fought hard to ‘win his spurs’ at Windy Hill; and it appears that he was not an automatic selection despite his obvious flair. However, in the VFL Seconds match against North Melbourne, Gordon went on a rampage and kicked twenty goals from 24 kicks.

 

“…19-year-old “Whooper” Lane, playing for Essendon Seconds against North Melbourne, kicked his way to a record of 20 goals. No actual records are kept of the Seconds play, but Bill McDonnell, who has been secretary of the Second Eighteen League for the past 20 years, says he cannot recall a better effort. Lane kicked his 20 goals from 24 kicks. It is his first regular season with Essendon Seconds since graduating from the Essendon District League. A good mark and fine kick, he leads out well, and should be heard of in higher class In the future.”  Source: ‘Daily Mercury’ (Queensland) July 18^th 1940. Page: 5

 

 

GORDON MAKES HIS VFL SENIOR DEBUT

 

Twenty goals in one game was/is a spectacular individual performance which the EFC selectors could not deny; and, consequently, Gordon was chosen for his first senior VFL game the following week…

 

Gordon Lane was selected at full forward for his first game for Essendon. Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ July 20th 1940. Page: 5

 

Gordon made his VFL debut in Round12, in 1940, against Melbourne at the MCG. He was 19 years of age when he took the field that day and was one of three teenagers in the Essendon side.  The other ‘youngsters’ were Harold Lambert (ex- EDFL) and Fred Green (who later coached St Kilda in 1951).

 

‘Local Lad’s Chance’ …Gordon had his photo in the ‘Herald’ ( April 12^th 1940. Page: 12) On the left : The legendary Dick Reynolds-Essendon’s coach in 1940 ( Source: AFL website). 

 

Dick Reynolds was Essendon’s playing coach that season; and other members of the team included: Dick’s brother, Tom Reynolds, Hugh Torney (ex-Patchewollock/ Dering), George Bell (ex-Horsham), Ted Bryce (ex-South Melbourne DFL), Jack Cassin (ex-Seville), Murray Exelby (ex-East Brunswick), Stan Wilson (ex-East Brunswick) and Elton Plummer (ex-Preston).

 

 

GORDON LANE MEETS RON BARASSI (SENIOR)

 

Gordon’s VFL debut was a tough initiation in senior football as the Dons copped a drubbing at the hands of the strong and experienced Melbourne team that day. Melbourne won by 68 points; and Essendon struggled up forward and kicked only seven goals for the entire game.

 

Jack Mueller and Ron Barassi (Senior) kicked four for the Demons and Norm Smith chipped in with three majors. Essendon’s coach Dick Reynolds kicked one goal. It would have been an awe-inspiring experience for Gordon, as a ‘raw recruit’, to have ‘rubbed shoulders’ with so many illustrious VFL players that day such as: Allan La Fontaine, Norm Smith, Ron Baggott, Maurie Gibb, Jack Mueller, Syd Anderson and Ron Barassi (i.e. senior).

 

A scene from the match in which Gordon Lane made his VFL debut. Essendon’s Stan Wilson ( 14) and Fred Green ( 26 ) can be seen opposing Harold Ball  and Ron Baggott of Melbourne.  Source: ‘The Sun’ July 15^th 1940. Page: 12

 

Note: That match was to be one of Ron Barassi’s last outings with the Demons. Ron played in the Grand Final that season; and later left for military duty overseas. Sadly, Ron was killed in action at Tobruk (North Africa) on 31^st July 1941.

 

 

THE BOMBERS LAND AT WINDY HILL

 

Readers may be interested to know that in April 1940, the Essendon Football Club took on the sobriquet/nickname the ‘Bombers’. The idea sprang from the fact that the club’s facilities were not too far from the Essendon aerodrome; and ‘The Argus’ (April 10^th 1940) reported this small but long-lasting change at Windy Hill….

 

“For years known as the “Same Olds”   and the “Red and Blacks” Essendon footballers will now be known as the “Bombers”. The committee officially adopted that title last night. An attractive gilt aeroplane badge with the necessary inscription is being obtained and will be on sale shortly.” Page: 17.

 

The famous grandstand at Windy Hill  and the Bombers’  badge ( Source : Essndon FC)

 

 

GORDON BREAKS THE ICE WITH THREE GOALS

 

In the clash against Footscray the following week (i.e. Round 13) Gordon kicked three of the team’s thirteen goals. The Dons limped over the line by four points thanks to strong play of Ted Bryce who kicked four goals. The scores were:  Essendon 13.17 (95) defeated Footscray 13.13 (91).

 

Gordon received two laudatory comments in the ‘Sporting Globe’s review of the match, including his telling third goal, from a sharp (described as impossible) angle in the closing minutes of the last quarter…

 

“…through that wing. Essendon hung doggedly, and Lane scored from an impossible angle.”  July 29^th 1940 Page: 3

 

Despite his imposing display, Gordon was not included in the best players for Essendon that day.

 

 

GORDON IS OMITTED FROM THE LINE- UP

Gordon kicked two goals against South Melbourne at the Lake Oval (Round 14) and then followed up with another goal against the Maroons.

 

It seems that Gordon may have laboured to find his way in the ‘big time’ as he was not included in the line-up for the game against Hawthorn in Round: 16. However, perhaps (i.e. without any real proof) Essendon may have been ‘turning over’ players in a ‘seasonal stock-take’ to see what was ‘on the shelf’ for the future.

 

Gordon Lane, Jack Cassin and Norm Betson were dropped from the Essendon line-up for the Round: 17 clash against Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval. Norm Betson is shown on the right. Norm was almost 26 years of age when he made his debut at Windy Hill in 1940 and he went on to play 78 games and kick 41 goals for the Bombers. Source: ‘The Sun’ August 16^th 1940. Page: 24. Norm’s photo was found on the Glenelg FC (i.e. SANFL) website.

 

The VFL archives show that, during the 1940 season, of the 35 players who were selected for senior games with Essendon, nine played less than five senior games. Dick Reynolds was a most astute coach; and perhaps he was sorting out his third-tier players to see who possessed the potential and the spirit to go the ‘next level’.

 

Furthermore, there would be no doubt that Dick Reynolds was turning to his experienced and hardened core group of players so as to be fully prepared for the approaching 1940 VFL final series.

 

The Essendon Senior XVIII won its way through to the Preliminary Final that season; and was unlucky not to steal the match from Melbourne. The Dons were beaten by five points, but Dick Reynolds’ spirited and skilled team sent had out an unequivocal warning to ‘all and sundry’ on that day.

 

Source: The Age September 23^rd 1940. Page: 12

 

It is known that Gordon Lane played for Essendon Second XVIII during the finals in 1940; and Collingwood defeated Carlton in the Seconds Grand Final in 1940 to win the flag.

 

 

1941 GORDON COMES TO GRIPS WITH VFL FOOTBALL

 

Gordon cemented his place in the Essendon line-up during the 1941 season and he was a consistent performer during the season. He had several stand-out performances in the home and away series including a bag of seven goals against Hawthorn (Round 5).

 

The ‘Sporting Globe’ reporter described Gordon as ‘spectacular’; and also stated that Gordon could have smashed a club record if he had kicked more accurately that day. He booted seven goals but was ‘off target’ across four quarters…

 

“Gordon Lane Essendon’s spectacular young full forward, could have easily broken the Dons’ goal kicking record had kicked more accurately. In the first quarter he scored two goals from nine shots, and throughout the day many of his kicks continued to land well off the target. Strangely enough it was the easiest shots that Lane (failed with most consistently. Several of his seven goals were scored from almost impossible angles….” June 4^th 1941.  Page: 10

 

It was clear to most football fans that Gordon Lane was a player of unlimited potential. As if to show ‘would-be doubters’ that his seven-goal haul was not just a ‘flash in the pan’, Gordon ‘repeated the dose’ against Geelong in Round 9 at Windy Hill. On that day,  Essendon kicked 18 goals. Gordon kicked seven, Jack Cassin (4) and Tom Reynolds (Dick’s brother-see below) kicked three.

 

 

THE GREAT DEBATE DIVIDES THE NATION AND FOOTBALL

 

As mentioned in previous stories for ‘Footy Almanac’, the outbreak of the Second World War had a significant effect on VFL football. Playing lists were depleted, crowds ‘dropped away’ and some clubs could not field Second XVIII’s.  By 1942, Geelong FC was forced to withdraw from the VFL competition because of petrol rationing and other factors created by the Government’s austerity drives.

 

A recruiting poster from World War:2. Playing football or enlisting for military service was a question that often created bitter debate. Source: The original source of this poster is not known but was probably the Australian Government.

 

As occurred during the years of the Great War, heated arguments raged regarding the morality of young men playing games (e.g. football and cricket) while others were fighting for their lives in ‘far-flung fields. Opinion regarding the ‘right or wrong’ of football continuing in those years was sharply divided. However, after a degree of soul-searching and stormy debate, the VFL officials and clubs decided to carry on but not without some changes (i.e. wartime operations).

 

 

WARM PRAISE IS HEAPED UPON GORDON LANE

 

Following the Round 1 clash against Carlton at Princes Park, Gordon received glowing praise in the ‘Sporting Globe’. Gordon, who kicked four goals on the Blues’ key defender Frank Gill, was commended for his fast leading, strong marking and courage.

 

Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ April 39^th 1941. Page: 10

 

Only part of the paper’s article is published below but it offers some insight into Gordon’s rapid emergence as a key forward in the VFL…

 

“Although he struck Frank Gill, Carlton’s veteran fullback, at his brilliant best, Gordon Lane, Essendon’s 20-year-old full-forward, showed plenty of promise and gave his best game to date. He should hold the position. LANE, who is 6ft. 1in, has improved on last season’s form. He is kicking and marking better and seems much more sure of himself…Lane proved his courage and determination also. He was in the hands of the trainers several times, but came back fighting on each occasion. Lane led out well in fact too well at times… After seasons of forwards who have stood rooted to the ground waiting for the ball to miraculously drop into their hands, young Lane’s dash and enthusiasm is the answer to their most fervent prayers…” April 30^th 1941 Page: 10.

 

 

1941 GORDON SHOWS SPIRIT IN THE FINALS

 

Essendon won its way through to the Grand Final that season with an impressive win against Richmond (54 points); and then had a crushing victory over Carlton by five goals.

 

A scene from the Essendon v Richmond clash in the VFL First Semi -Final in 1941. Although the image is indistinct, it shows Hugh Torney of Essendon in a boundary throw-in contest against Bob Bawden (Richmond).  Number: 25 is Gordon Abbott of Essendon. In that game, Gordon Lane kicked five goals. Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ September 10^th 1941. Page: 10

 

Gordon Lane was named at full forward for the 1941 Preliminary Final against Carlton. On that day, Essendon won by 25 points and Gordon booted three goals. Jack Cassin (shown above) was the star of the game with six goals.  Sources: ‘Sporting Globe’ September 20^th 1941. Page: 3 and Essendon FC website.

 

 

THE 1941 GRAND FINAL

 

The Football Record as published for the 1941 Grand Final Source: State Library of Victoria.

 

The Grand Final against Melbourne was somewhat of an anti-climax as the Dons struggled up forward; and could only manage six goals to three quarter time. However, the last term saw the Bombers finish ‘full of running’; and, although Gordon Lane was held to one goal (across four quarters), he was,  nevertheless,  singled out for his part in the Don’s spirited fight back that day

 

“… however, with Lane providing plenty of drive at centre half forward, Essendon got further goals….’Courage Book of Finals’ Page:131`.

 

The final scores were Melbourne: 19.13 (127) defeated Essendon 13.20 (98) Essendon’s best players were listed as:  Ernie Coward, Wally Buttsworth Gordon Abbott, Dick Reynolds and Harold Lambert.

 

Ernie Coward who played such a sterling game on the wing in the 1941 Grand Final. Ernie crossed from West Perth and went onto play 118 games for the Bombers. He also played for Victoria in 1945. Source: Essendon Past Players’ website.

 

 

1941 IN SUMMARY -A SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR YOUNG GORDON

 

Gordon had a highly successful final series that season. In total, he had kicked eight goals and was mentioned in the best players in the First Semi-Final. Gordon was just twenty years of age; and had held ‘his own’ against Melbourne’s brilliant defender Ted Cordner in the Grand Final. More than that, Gordon had maintained his nerve in front of nearly 80,000 spectators; and that alone said a great deal about his composure ‘under fire.’

 

Overall, Gordon had played 16 games and kicked 50 goals in 1941; and only Tom Reynolds (65 goals-see below) kicked more goals while Tom’s brother Dick managed 36 goals. 1941 had been a ‘breakout season’ in Gordon’s football career but the best was yet to come.

 

 

A TRIBUTE TO TOM REYNOLDS-LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS BROTHER

 

Tom Reynolds ‘lived in the shadow’ of his legendary brother Dick yet he was a fine forward who deserved greater recognition for his achievements in VFL football. Tom played 109 games with Essendon between 1937 and 1944; and, in that period, won Essendon’s goal kicking award on five occasions with his best return being 71 goals in 1939. He was a member of the Dons’ 1942 premiership team.

 

This image is part of a larger photograph of the 1942 Essendon premiership team and shows from the left:  Tom Reynolds, Elton Plummer, Ernie Cowand and Dick Reynolds. Source: Essendon Football Club Past Players’ website.  

 

Tom kicked 363 goals for Essendon and, while he kicked double figures against Hawthorn in 1939, his seven goals, in a losing team in the 1943 Grand Final against Richmond, was probably his most meritorious effort. Tom was cleared to St Kilda in 1945 and played four games before stepping down from VFL football at the age 28 years.

 

While Dick Reynolds’ name dominated the media for the next few decades, Tom quietly ‘left the big stage’ and, in later years, was hardly mentioned in football conversations. As occurs so often in sport, Tom Reynolds took a ‘back seat’ behind his famous brother for most of his life; and it is hoped that this story may alert readers to Tom’s undeniable talents.

 

 

1942   KING RICHARD AND THE CRUSADING DONS

 

Writing in the book entitled The Clubs, well-known Melbourne journalist Rohan Connolly stated that …

 

“With triple Brownlow Medallist Dick Reynolds still the game’s foremost little man and now captain-coach, Essendon emerged as a power again…Already fielding stars like Wally Buttsworth and forwards Gordon Lane and Ted Leehane, when the Bombers added 18-year-old little-man Billy Hutchison to the blend in 1942 it had the right ingredients.” Page:110.

 

And what a potent combination the Bombers were that season!

 

It should be remembered that at the start of the 1942 season, Dick Reynolds was 26 years of age; and was only in his third season as coach after taking over from Jack Baggott (ex-Richmond) who had stepped down after Round 6 in the 1939 season).

 

Dick was a superlative player and an exceptional coach and things fell in place in an orderly manner.  The Dons lost only three games for the season and finished on top of the VFL Ladder at the end of the home and away series.

 

Gordon Lane had performed solidly throughout the season and was regarded by opposing coaches as a potential match-winner. Gordon had kicked 5 bags of four goals during 1942; and was growing in stature as a key forward in VFL football….

 

“If Essendon had a star, it was Gordon Lane. He was ably assisted by Dick Reynolds with whatever opportunities Reynolds had. Although the Essendon rovers were badly eclipsed on the day there were occasions when Dick gathered the ball cleverly on the run and placed it accurately with either Lane or young Leehane. Lane’s kicking with the sodden ball was magnificent. The gem was his goal from the boundary line when Gneil, Carlton full-back, had kicked off and put the ball out of bounds Lane took the free-kick some 50 yards out and on the angle.” ‘Sporting Globe’ August 12^th 1942. Page:12.

 

FOR YOUNGER READERS- CAMP MURPHY (AKA MCG)

 

The 1942 final series was played at Princes Oval (i.e. Carlton) due to the wartime arrangements (i.e. the MCG was unavailable because it had been occupied as a base by the US Air Force).  According to one reference, the MCG became known as ‘Camp Murphy.’ …

 

Camp Murphy-Tents encircle the MCG in 1942. Quote: “USAAF units established a camp in the Melbourne Cricket Grounds in 1942. It was the home of the USAAF’s 11th Replacement Control Depot (APO 510) from 3 April 1942 to late 1942. The camp was named Camp Murphy after Colonel William Herbert Murphy (0-6835), Signal Corps, US Army… Source: Alf Batchelor via ‘Oz at War’ website.

 

DICK REYNOLDS GUIDES ESSENDON TO A FLAG IN 1942

 

Dick Reynolds’ plans for a premiership received a severe setback when Richmond surprised the Dons in the Second Semi-Final. Richmond’s brilliant rover, Dick Harris, starred up forward and lead the way to a 22-point win.  Gordon Lane kicked two goals for the Dons and was named in the team’s best players.

 

Essendon defeated South Melbourne in the Preliminary final on September 12^th.  A third quarter blitz of seven goals secured victory for the Bombers despite a sensational display by the Lindsay White’s (nine goals) for South Melbourne. Gordon kicked four goals that day and was again listed among Essendon’s best players.

 

 

GORDON LANE DOMINATES IN THE GRAND FINAL

 

On Grand Final day 49,000 squeezed in to Princes Oval to watch the highly anticipated clash between Essendon and Jack Dyer’s ferocious Tigers.

 

The VFL Grand Final at Princes Park Carlton. Caption text:  Smeaton (R.) has come from behind to take a mark in the grand final, but just missed. The umpire ordered “play on.” Guinane (R.) and T. Reynolds (E.) are also in the air, while Leehane (E.) and Exelby (E.) are farther afield. Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ September 19^th 1942 Page:3

 

The 1942 Grand Final turned out to be a spiteful affair;  and the hostilities that erupted detracted from Essendon’s dominant display of teamwork and fine use of the ball….

 

“The third quarter was marred by running brawls, with several players reported…The brawling did little to help Richmond’s cause as Essendon piled on goal after goal to lead by 60 points at the final break…Essendon continued to dominate and, with key forward Gordon ‘Woppa’( sic)  Lane in brilliant marking touch ( he finished with six goals and six behinds )…” ‘Grand Finals’ by Jim Main Page : 97.

 

By the time of the final bell rang, there were six players reported and, despite its unwarranted and unfair tactics, Richmond had capitulated by 53 points.

 

Dick Reynolds had coached Essendon to a well-deserved flag; and it is believed that the celebrations at a city hotel and later back at Windy Hill were something to behold. The final scores were:

 

Essendon: 2.6    8.14    14.16.  19.18. (132

Richmond: 2.4   4.4         5.10.  11.13. (79)

 

• Goals for Essendon: Lane 6 R. Reynolds 4 Cassin 3 Dearle 2 Exelby 2 Abbott T. Reynolds.
• Goals for Richmond: Harris 3 Dyer 2 Titus 2 May Martin Merrett Rantall
• Best for Essendon: Reynolds Dearle Coward Abbott Buttsworth Flanagan Torney and Lane.
• Best for Richmond: Merrett Steele Guinane Edwards Morris Hay Scott

 

Essendon’s 1942 premiership team. Gordon Lane is third from the right in the back row. Source: Essendon FC Past Players’ website.

 

Gordon Lane had been an outstanding contributor to Essendon’s finals campaign that year. In finals football, the role of a centre half forwards is paramount to the team’s plan for success; and Gordon had not disappointed the Essendon faithful as his twelve goals (in three matches) were instrumental in the ultimate triumph that season. In 1942, Gordon won Essendon’s Best Utility player trophy.

 

 

PATRIOTIC FUNDS MATCH

 

The following Saturday, Essendon ‘saddled up’ again to play a Combined Services team to raise funds for the war effort. A sizeable crowd of 10,000 paid £550.0.0 (pounds) to watch Essendon win by 27 points in a high scoring affair.

 

Gordon Lane played in the above game at the Carlton Ground in September 1942 to raise funds for the Hostel s For Women’s Fund. Source: ‘VFL Record’ Vol: 29 No: 22.

 

The team representing the Combined Services team included such famous football names as:  Pannam, Pratt, Mueller, Hillard, Loxton, Morris, Nash and Todd. The game was played at Princes Park Oval; and the final scores were: Essendon 24.18. (162) defeated Combined Services 20.15.  (135).

 

The ‘Sporting Globe’ carried an all-encompassing report of the game which had been penned by the well-known Carlton centre man of that era Rod McGregor. Gordon Lane was selected at centre-half forward that day and was mentioned several times in Rod’s match report.

 

 

GORDON LANE- AN EMERGING STAR FOR THE BOMBERS

 

During the next three seasons, Gordon Lane developed into one of the best forwards in the VFL competition. His big frame and strong hands made him a focal point in attack; and his ability to ‘find the goals’ enhanced his reputation as a ‘deadly marksman’ in the competition.

 

In the period 1943-45, Gordon played a further 47 games (82 goals); and was a member of Essendon team in four final matches including the 1943 Grand Final.

 

By 1943, Gordon Lane had established himself as a mainstay in the Essendon line-up; and in 36 games had garnered a reputation as a lively and ‘lethal’ forward. His accurate goal kicking was exemplified by the fact that he had brought up 100 goals in just 36 games.

 

In researching his career, it appears as though Gordon’s accurate kicking was one of his finest attributes; and during his VFL career he kicked a ‘bag of six or more goals’ on seven occasions. Early in 1943, Gordon was labelled, by Percy Taylor, as a ‘brilliant half-forward’ and his prowess as cricketer was also alluded to…

 

“Essendon’s brilliant half-forward, Lane, had his first run last night, and was in excellent condition after a season of cricket.”  ‘The Argus’ April 2^nd 1943 Page: 9

 

 

1943 CAPTAIN BLOOD OUTPOINTS KING RICHARD

 

In 1943 Richmond turned the tables on the Dons and won the premiership by five points. Tom Reynolds kicked seven for Essendon that day; but at the other end of the ground Dick Harris squared the ledger with seven majors for the Tigers.

 

According to historian Graeme Atkinson, Gordon Lane was named as the best Essendon player in that match. Gordon Lane played his 50th Senior VFL game during the 1943 finals which was another feather in his  cap!

 

An interesting aspect of the Essendon line-up in the 1943 Grand Final was the naming of Gil Langley as the team’s nineteenth man. Gil, recruited from Sturt to EFC, was later to win acclaim for his selection in the Australian Test XI as wicketkeeper. Gil played twenty-six Test matches. He was also a member of the South Australian Parliament from 1962 until 1982. Gil served as Speaker of the House for several years.

 

Gilbert Roche Andrews Langley-Australian wicketkeeper and Essendon/ Sturt footballer. Gil played 26 Test Matches for Australia, four games for Essendon ( including a VFL Grand Final)   and 163 games for Sturt. If that wasn’t enough,  Gil was also a Member  of the South Australian House of Assembly. In 1984 , he was awarded AM ( Order of Austaralia).  Sources:  Coles Cricket Card series and Sturt FC.

 

 

1943-SAD NEWS FROM BURMA

 

In July 1943, Gordon Lane and his team-mates at Windy Hill were deeply saddened when the news of Flight Sergeant George (aka Ted) Regan broke. Ted Regan had played from Melbourne in 1939 before crossing to Essendon. He was the 19^th man in the 1941 Grand Final against Melbourne; and it is recorded that he kicked a goal in what was to be his very last VFL appearance.

 

Ted Regan Source: National Library of Australai

 

Sadly, Ted was killed in an air skirmish over Burma on July 9^th 1943. The fact that the former ‘Bomber’ had died in an aeroplane may have crossed the minds of some of his team-mates as they lamented his passing.

 

Ted Regan was one of three Essendon footballers to die in action during the conflagration of those dreadful years. The other men were: Sergeant Jack Keddie, who played one game in 1941; and Private Godfrey Goldin (8 games and six goals).

 

 

1944 ESSENDON THREATENS BUT FALL SHORT

 

In 1944, Essendon stumbled at the Preliminary Final against the Tigers again; and the following week Fitzroy overcame a tough encounter in the heat (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and a debilitating north wind to win the Premiership. It was the last premiership that Fitzroy would ever win in the VFL/AFL competition (i.e. as the club known as Fitzroy).

 

An interesting historical fact in 1944 was that Essendon played in two tied games. The first draw was against St Kilda in Round 6; and in Round 9, at the Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy 12.11.83 drew with Essendon 11.17.83.

 

In 1945, Essendon finished a most disappointing eighth on the VFL and missed the final series for the first time since 1940. It may have appeared to some observers that the club was on a downward spiral but as time would show, it was foolhardy to write off any team coached by ‘King Richard.’

 

 

A SPIRITED REVIVAL AT WINDY HILL

 

1946 was an unforgettable season in the history of Essendon FC and Gordon Lane. Following a defeat at the hands of Footscray at the Western Oval in Round 1, Essendon took the football world by storm and won the next eight games. The streak ended at Kardinia Park when Geelong kicked eight goals in the first term to set up a 39-point win….

 

“Essendon scored a run of eight wins early in the 1946 season and headed the ladder …with its fast-flowing brand of football revolving around small-men Reynolds, Hutchison and Cassin.” Source:  ‘The Clubs’ Page: 110.

 

Essendon’s skilled forwards Gordon Lane and Bill Brittingham, were ‘leading the dance’ and in 1946, Bill kicked 66 goals, Gordon (32), Jack Cassin (28), Harry Equid (35), Bill Hutchison (46) and the Bombers’ inspiring leader, Dick Reynolds (33), formed a forward line of unequalled efficacy that season.

 

As an indication of the Don’s firepower in 1946 was,  that by the end of the season, Essendon sat on top of the ladder with a percentage of 140.7%; Essendon had kicked a total of 1980 points that season which averaged out at more than 100 points each game.

 

 

GORDON PLAYS AGAINST WEST PERTH

 

In August 1946, West Perth travelled to play a match against a combined Essendon-Richmond team at the Punt Road Oval.   Although the ‘Sporting Globe’ carried advance publicity about the clash there was no explanation actually given as to why West Perth FC was ‘in town’; and it appears to have been a trip away and /or goodwill tour of the Eastern states…

 

“There’s a big game at Richmond this afternoon-somewhat of a novelty in Melbourne to have a mid-week football match now. West Perth will meet a combined team from Richmond-Essendon. There is an interstate flavour about the clash. The Essendon-Richmond team will include Jack Dyer, Gordon Abbott, Gordon Lane, Wally Buttsworth, Percy Bushby, Keith Rawle, Leo Merrett, Bill Morris, Albie Pannam, Jack Broadstock and Don Fraser. The ball will be bounced at 3.0. Admission is 11d; children, 6d.”  ‘Sporting Globe’ August 7^th 1946 Page: 13.

 

The Age’ August 8^th 1946 Page: 8 reported that   a crowd of 10,000 witnessed the Richmond-Essendon Combine win in style. The final scores were Richmond-Essendon 14.17 (101) defeated West Perth 10.16 (76). Gordon Lane kicked 2 goals.

 

 

GORDON LANE BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN

 

1946 was arguably Gordon Lane’s finest year in VFL football. In the home and away series, he played eighteen (of a possible nineteen games) and became one of the finest forwards in Essendon’s rich history…

 

“…a high mark centre half forward who could sink goals from any angle… A real big game performer.” ‘Holmesby and Main’ Page:326.

 

Gordon chalked up his 100^th Senior VFL game against St Kilda at the Junction Oval on the 24^thAugust 1946. He was twenty-five years of age and was probably at the peak of his career. A week later, Gordon kicked his 200^th goal in a thrilling one-point victory over the Tigers at Windy Hill.

 

 As the record books show, Gordon was the pre-eminent player in the 1946 final series that season. In that campaign, Gordon kicked a total of 14 goals. He kicked four goals in the Second-Semi Final against Collingwood. That match was a stirring game of football and a tie resulted. The following week, in the replay, Gordon kicked three and aided the Don’s impressive nineteen-point win.

 

Melbourne won its way through to the Grand Final with a 13-point win over a weary but gallant Collingwood team. The Grand Final was played at the MCG (the first time since 1941) and 73,743 spectators watched as Gordon Lane wrote his name into Essendon folklore that day. At half time the game was in the balance. However, Essendon kicked eleven goals to Melbourne’s solitary one in the third quarter to break the shackles and go on to win by more than ten goals.

 

Caption text: Well-Judged Hit-Out: Rawle (Essendon) punches the ball away from Noonan (Collingwood) during a stirring incident on the half-forward flank during the big League game at Essendon today. Gordon Lane (Essendon) is the player with his back to the ‘ball. Sources: ‘The Sporting Globe’ June 15^th 1946. Page 1, Right hand side: ‘The Argus’

 

 

PRESS COMMENTS ABOUT GORDON’S GRAND FINAL DOMINATION

 

There was no argument from the members of the press gallery on that occasion; Gordon Lane, with seven goals, was named as BOG (Best on the Ground). He was simply superb in that final;  and the following excerpts from ‘The Argus’(7^th 0ctober) help to illustrate his superb exhibition  in that Grand Final…

 

• “Lane, taking the first of many remarkable marks, kicked another…”
• “…Lane, proving a real problem, kicked the ninth goal, and Essendon were on top, doing every- thing nicely, playing well to position…”
• “Good leads from the pack, smart roving, superlative marking, and spectacular kicking by Lane were features. There was spontaneous applause when he took a spectacular mark, and dashed round for a towering left foot snap goal. Everything was going right…”
• “Stars of the Match…Gordon Lane for his superlative marking, remarkable kicking with either foot and smart ground play was the best player on the ground….” Page:13.

 

The final scores that day were:

 

Essendon:    7.2      9.7   20.15   22.18 (150)

Melbourne: 8.3    10.4   11.5     13.9   (87)

 

• Goals for Essendon: Lane 7 Brittingham 4 Hutchison 3 Reynolds 3 McLure 2 Equid Rawle Cassin
• Goals for Melbourne: Mueller 6 Dullard 3 Fanning Rodda O’Rourke Bowman.
• Best for Essendon: Lane (BOG) Hutchison Buttsworth Ruddell Bushby H. Lambert Reynolds Pearson
• Best for Melbourne: Mueller Rodda McGrath Bickford Mitchell Dullard

To ‘top off’ a memorable season in VFL football, Gordon Lane was runner up in the club’s Best and Fairest award; Bill Hutchison won the first of his seven club awards that season. ‘Holmseby and Main’ described Bill Hutchison as…

 

 “…one of the best rovers in VFL history and achieved every honour possible in football. His greatness is evident by his remarkable record in the Brownlow Medal.” Page: 273.

 

 

1947 ESSENDON VISITS WEST AUSTRALIA

 

‘The Sporting Globe’ (July 9^th 1947) reported that Gordon, Don Cordner, Bill Twomey and Wally Lock were among a group of top liners who were not selected for the ANFC Carnival which was held in Hobart that year. Not long after the Hobart Championships, Essendon FC travelled across the Nullarbor and, in an interview with ‘Pivot’ in the ‘Daily News’ (August 7^th 1947), Dick Reynolds explained why Gordon was unlucky not to have been chosen for Victoria during his VFL career…

 

“On Saturday and again on Tuesday at Subiaco oval the West Australian public will have a chance to see typical representatives of the Victorian game; men with that dash of excellence and confidence that speaks of natural talent. If they reproduce the sort of football that has made them famous, we will see a balanced 18 combining exceptional marking ability, impeccable kicking and a mastery of tactics. ‘Watch Gordon Lane; he is the best centre half-forward in Victoria,’ said Reynolds when asked who he considered the outstanding: members of his team. ‘A superb mark and one of the finest snapshots we have seen, Lane would have been at the carnival had injuries not handicapped him earlier this season. So would four or five others had the selection not been limited to two from each club.” Page:10.

 

 

THE ‘SPORTING LIFE’ MAGAZINE TEAM OF THE YEAR

 

Gordon was selected in the 1947 ‘Sporting Life’ Team of the Year. Gordon’s team mates Percy Bushby, Wally Buttsworth and Bill Hutchison were also selected in the line-up. The other chosen players, from other states, were Merv McIntosh (Perth), Bob Quinn (Port Adelaide), Sam Gallagher (Norwood) and the West Torrens FC champion Bob Hank. The line-up as published in the popular magazine was: –

 

BACKS	MAX OPPY RICHMOND	SHANE MCGRATH MELBOURNE	PERCY BUSHBY ESSENDON
HALF  BACKS	WALLY LOCK MELBOURNE	WALLY BUTTSWORTH ESSENDON	BERT DEACON CARLTON
CENTRE	SAM GALLAGHER NORWOOD	ERN HENFRY CARLTON	BILLY KING STH MELB
HALF FORWARDS	BILL HUTCHISON ESSENDON	GORDON LANE ESSENDON	BOB HANK WEST TORRENS
FORWARDS	JACK HOWELL CARLTON	FRED FANNING MELBOURNE	LOU RICHARDS COLLINGWOOD
RUCK	MERV MCINTOSH PERTH	DON CORDNER MELBOURNE	BOB QUINN PORT ADELAIDE

 

The fact that Gordon was chosen as centre-half forward, in such a dazzling group of Australian footballers, further underlined his outstanding performances in the VFL that season.

 

 

BROKEN RIBS

 

In 1947 Essendon ‘maintained the rage’ and, in a nineteen-round season, won fourteen games to finish second to Carlton (15 wins). The other teams comprising the Final Four were Fitzroy and Richmond.

 

In the Second Semi-Final, late goals to the Blues’ big men Ken Hands and Jack ‘Chooka’ Howell kept the Dons at bay and Carlton hung onto win by sixteen points. Gordon kicked one goal for Essendon;  and it was suggested in one text that Essendon’s forwards were ‘hopelessly inaccurate.’

 

The following week against Fitzroy, Gordon Lane set the scene early for Essendon and was the star of the first quarter until tragedy struck…

 

“Lane suffered two or three heavy falls before he was carried off by two trainers, who found him so heavy that they had to call on another man to help them. Lane must have suffered severely in the process, and it was obvious that a stretcher should have been provided.” Source: ‘The Argus’ 22^nd September 1947. Page: 30

 

Source: ‘The Sun’ September 22nd 1947. Page: 31

 

In a strange twist of fate, Gordon’s replacement, Jack Jones (ex-Ascot Vale CYMS) ,  was a major factor in Essendon’s  last term resurgence which saw the  Bombers get across the line by just 10 points. Dick Reynolds kicked four important goals and thus led his team into his fifth Grand Final as coach. Jack Jones became a very important ruckman/forward at Essendon and went on to play 175 games and boot 156 goals.

 

Essendon’s versatile utility, Jack Jones (24), in action against Geelong…The Geelong player is Bernie Smith (11) who won the Brownlow Medal in 1951. Source: Essendon FC website

 

 

INJURIES STRIKE THE BOMBERS

 

Essendon was severely hampered in the selection of its Grand Final team because of serious injuries to Ted Leehane* (shoulder) and Gordon Lane; and the selectors were forced to turn to veteran Jack Cassin as a replacement…

 

“JACK CASSIN, seconds’ captain and coach, has been chosen to replace Lane (injured) in Essendon’s team for the VFL grand final tomorrow.” ‘The Argus.’ September 26^th   Page: 20.

 

Dick Reynolds was frank about the fact that injuries had become a major concern and, after a long gruelling and punishing season, the fitness of his players was uppermost in his mind that week at training….

 

“We have had our worries with the loss of Leehane (broken collarbone) and Lane (bruised ribs), and it has been a great blow to us. Bushby carried an injury in the last game against Carlton, but his game last week, and his work on the track, have removed all doubts of his fitness. Hassell, too, has been under a cloud with his injury…” Source; ‘The Argus’. September 27^th 1947 Page:  42.

 

As history shows, Carlton won the 1947 Grand Final by the lowest possible margin. Perhaps the loss of Gordon Lane may have been the difference?

 

Note: It is important not to confuse Ted Leehane with his brother Tom (Carlton /Essendon) when researching the EFC in that era.

 

 

1948 GORDON’S HORROR SEASON

 

It seemed that the ribcage injury, in the previous year, was a bad omen for Gordon. In the Round 4 match in 1948, against South Melbourne, he was running amok, and had booted five goals, when he went down with serious knee injury.

 

Research indicates that Gordon damaged his cartilage; and, in those days, such an injury damaged /hobbled the best of footballers; and often meant the end of their football careers…

 

“NO OPERATION FOR LANE…  Contrary to expectations, Gordon Lane, Essendon’s full forward, will not have to undergo an operation for a cartilage removal. His leg is recovering, and he may resume training shortly. ‘The Argus’ July 14^th 1948. Page: 16.

 

 

Despite the fact that he appeared to escape the surgeon’s scalpel, Gordon did not return to the playing field that season; and was forced to sit out the remainder of the 1948 season. Up until that point in time, he had kicked ten goals in his three appearances; and he was sorely missed in the Dons’ attack particularly in the final series that season.

 

In the Grand Final Replay (the first in VFL/AFL history), Essendon struggled up forward without the presence of Gordon and Ted  Leehane and the Bombers could only scrape together seven goals.  Melbourne, with the mercurial Jack Mueller (6 goals) providing a focal point in attack, won the premiership by 39 points.

 

 

JOHN COLEMAN ARRIVES AT WINDY HILL

 

John Coleman: Source: the original source is unknown (via Wikipedia)

 

The arrival of John Coleman at Windy Hill was a high point in VFL and EFC history. John was a ‘wonder boy’; and would prove to be one of the finest forwards of the millennium. While John’s brilliance boosted Essendon’s attack and the morale of the fans, his dominance, against all-comers, may have (but cannot proved) hastened the demise of Gordon Lane at Windy Hill.

 

Gordon, struggled to find his lost form after a season on the sidelines and played only a couple of games in 1949. Talk of his departure from Essendon, which began as a whisper, hit the headlines In June. Percy Beames of ‘The Age’ wrote…

 

“Gordon Lane, Essendon forward is seeking a clearance to Richmond. It is believed that he cannot find a regular place with the Dons and feels he would get better opportunities with Richmond. However, it is unlikely Essendon selectors will view his application favourably.” June 10^th 1949 Page: 12.

 

Gordon’s brave comeback was thwarted by the depth of talent at Essendon that season; and he played in Rounds 2 and 3; and then was not selected for another senior match until the Round 16 fixture against Richmond on August 6^th.

 

 Note: It is hard to prove but a lone source  suggested  that Gordon received only 12/- (shillings) a match playing in the Essendon Second XVIII during that season. If that was actually the case, Gordon may have felt ‘hard done by’ after his years of sterling service to the club (i.e. prior to John Coleman’s arrival).

 

 

GORDON LANE CONSIDERS RESIGNATION

 

In July, ‘The Age’ newspaper’s Percy Beames explored Gordon’s plight…

 

“Claiming that he had been unfairly treated by the club, Gordon Lane has tendered his second resignation to the Committee of the Essendon Football Club. This closely follows on his first resignation, which the club refused last Tuesday. The committee considered that Lane’s services were still required by the club…”

 

Further, Percy’s report suggests that Gordon believed …

 

“…this was only an excuse to hold him as a back stop in the event of Leehane or Coleman being injured.” ‘The Age’ July 21^st 1948 Page:12.

 

Essendon officials must have some taken notice of Gordon’s plight as he was chosen in the team for the last three rounds of the 1949 season. The forward line against Footscray included Ted Leehane, Gordon Lane, John Coleman and Bill Brittingham; and they were indeed ‘big guns’ in the Don’s arsenal in the lead up to the finals campaign that season.

 

1949 was a problematic season for Essendon. While John Coleman dominated the scene (including the radio and newspaper coverage), the Bombers struggled to find consistency. Essendon lost six matches in 1949 and finished in fourth position on the VFL Ladder.  The other teams that played finals were: North Melbourne, Carlton and Collingwood.

 

Essendon disposed of Collingwood with comparative ease in the First Semi-Final by 82 points and then won a tight contest against North Melbourne in the Preliminary Final (which meant the Bombers and the Blues would fight for the title on the following weekend).

 

 

 

JOHN COLEMAN KICKS A TON

 

The Essendon selectors named Gordon Lane and George Hassell on the reserve bench for the Grand Final while Bill Brittingham started at full back that day. Although the Grand Final was a physical and bone-jarring affair, the strategies and collective skill of Essendon eventually told; and in the second half Essendon kicked eleven goals to Carlton’s three.

 

 In spite of the huge margin separating the two teams in the last quarter, interest was ‘sky- high’ as the record crowd (90,453) watched and waited for John Coleman to boot his 100^th goal for the season.

 

Although coming on to the ground as a replacement in the last term, Gordon Lane played his part in assisting John Coleman reach his 100^th goal that day. In a book, published in 1983, entitled ‘Great Australian Football Stories’ edited by Gary Hutchinson it is stated…

 

“…Gordon Lane, who was the 19^th man chased the ball into the goal square and got it just near the line. He almost broke his back twisting around so he could kick the ball back into play to give Coleman a chance of getting it.” Page: 230. 

 

The crowd’s shared patience was repaid because late in the last quarter, John marked a skimming ‘worm burner’ from Dick Reynolds then went back, lined-up and kicked truly to bring up his ‘ton.’

 

“DEADSHOT JOHN COLEMAN received as big an ovation as was ever accorded Don Bradman when he kicked his 100th goal for the season on Saturday. …” Source: ‘The Argus’ 26th September 1949 Page: 26.

 

The final scores that day were Essendon 18.17 (125) defeated Carlton 6.16. (52).

 

 A famous photograph of John Coleman kicking his 100^th goal in the 1949 VFL Grand Final. Source: ‘The Argus’ September 26^th 1949. Page: 1. The photographer was Len Drummond.

 

 

GORDON LANE’S LAST GAME FOR ESSENDON

 

As mentioned above, Gordon Lane was on the ground during the last quarter of that Grand Final; and the match statistics, as published in ‘The Argus’ on the 26^th September, indicated that he collected one mark and one kick. Bill Hutchison picked up 20 possessions while Dick Reynolds is credited with 19 kicks in that resounding victory over the Blues.

 

Perhaps in the excitement of the victory celebrations that followed, the fact that Gordon Lane had probably played his last game with EFC seemed to be lost by many in the ‘revelry of conquest.’

 

VFL records show that after 131 senior games and 256 goals for Essendon, Gordon had decided to ‘move on’ in life and football. He was 28 years of age when he played his last game for the Bombers.

 

Gordon’s performances in finals were outstanding; he had played in 16 matches and kicked 39 goals.

 

“Lane was a reserve in the 1949 premiership team. He played in 16 finals games and only Matthew Lloyd and Dick Reynolds have kicked more goals for Essendon in finals.“  Source: EFC Website 2015

 

A statistic that has been overlooked with the passage of time is that, in the period 1940-49, Gordon played in five VFL Grand Finals, including three winning teams (1942-46-49) and kicked two ‘bags’ of six or more goals in a Grand Final.

 

 

1950-GORDON HEADS TO LAKESIDE OVAL

 

It is safe to assume that other clubs, across all leagues, would have taken an interest in the intentions of Gordon Lane in 1950.  However, any footballer who had suffered cartridge trouble was regarded as an ‘unknown proposition’ ; but by January Gordon was in the mix for ‘vacant’ coaching positions at VFA and VFL clubs…

 

“Two leading Essendon players, Gordon Lane and Keith Rawle may leave the club for coaching positions this year. …Essendon last night granted permission to South Melbourne and Camberwell to interview Lane and to Redan to approach Rawle.”  ‘The Age’ January 18^th 1950 Page: 22.

 

 Two big news stories on one page… (1) Gordon Lane was appointed South Melbourne’s coach; and (2) The future of Jock McHale, the legendary coach of Collingwood, had been thrown into question.  Source: ‘The Sun’ February 22^nd 1950.Page: 28

 

As the headline above indicates, South Melbourne won the race for Gordon’s signature; and he was appointed the playing-coach of South Melbourne on the 21^st February 1950.  Gordon immediately began an intensive ‘rebuild’ of the Swans.

 

South Melbourne had finished runners-up in 1945; but by the end of the 1949 had plummeted to tenth on the VFL Ladder. Jack Hale had coached SMFC in 1949 had taken up the position of non-playing coach of Hawthorn seconds. It was clear that Gordon had some work to do in the reconstruction of a struggling club. It was no exaggeration that it was an onerous task for any new and inexperienced coach.

 

However, Gordon started the year in magnificent style when he led the Bloods to twenty-point victory over Collingwood at the Lake Oval in Round1.

 

 Gordon kicked two goals while veteran Ron Bywater (shown below) kicked five goals in one of his best performances for the club.

 

Caption text: FORMER ESSENDON PLAYER Gordon Lane, now coaching South Melbourne, greets West Australian Don Scott, and other players at training yesterday. Left to right: Gordon Lane, Don Scott, George Caris, Arthur Fox, Ron Clegg, Ron Bywater and Tom Ryan. Source: ‘The Age’ March17th 1950.  Page: 16.  On the right is South’s dependable and big-hearted utility Ron Bywater (see below) Source: ‘The Age’ June 17^th 1949. Page: 12

 

 

RON BYWATER A FORGOTTEN MAN OF VFL

 

One of the major objectives of this article for ‘Footy Almanac’ is to keep alive the achievements of past footballers. Ron Bywater is another name that has faded, from VFL history; and   it seems unfair, that Ron who was ‘in the race’ to win the 1947 Brownlow Medal, is never mentioned in football discussions these days.

 

Ron Bywater first played with the Bloods in 1942 but unfortunately his football career was ‘put on hold’ by military duties from 1943 until 1946. Ron served as a Sapper (i.e. engineer/soldier) in 4^th Australian Troops Company.

 

Ron finished equal third in the 1947 Brownlow Medal. That year Bert Deacon (23 votes) won the award and Ron polled 18 votes. In the period 1942 to 1950, Ron played VFL 58 games and kicked 39 goals.

 

‘Holmesby and Main’ state that Ron was

 

“…credited with keeping the legendary Ron Todd goal-less in a game.”  Page: 69.

 

Ron Bywater was nearly 32 years of age when he played his last senior VFL game against Melbourne in Round 9; and it was reported by ‘The Argus’ that he departed SMFC to play with Corowa (NSW) the following week.

 

 

A HEAVY LIFT AT SOUTH MELBOURNE FOR GORDON LANE

 

Gordon Lane was like the man with the barrow…i.e. he had the ‘job ahead’ of him; and South Melbourne finished with only 5 wins in 1950.  Gordon had played a lone hand up forward and finished the season with 47 goals. Allan Miller kicked sixteen goals but no other player kicked more than twelve goals. Without Gordon, South Melbourne’s forward line would have been defunct and ‘easy pickings’ for any defence.

 

Gordon had also shown great courage in playing on with a ‘dicky knee’ and took the field on 16 occasions. In the games against North Melbourne (Round 5) and later against St Kilda at the Junction Oval, Gordon had two hauls of six goals. The Emerald Hill ‘Record’ carried the following story about Gordon’s return to Windy Hill in 1950. What a bitter-sweet moment for Gordon in life; and it again underlines the chances, coincidences and events that life throws up…

 

“Gordon Lane, South’s captain coach, will make history at Essendon to-day, when he will again become an Essendon player for a few minutes. When Essendon won the grand final last year, Lane, as nineteenth man, was brought on to the field during the last quarter. That made him a member of Essendon’s premiership team. To-day, prior to the start of the Essendon v. South match at Essendon, the 1949 V.F.L. premiership flag will be un furled, and Lane, who will lead South on to the arena, will cross over to the enemy camp and fall into line with his old team-mates as the flag is released. No doubt cheers will quickly change to jeers if South’s new skipper early recaptures the form which brought about Collingwood’s downfall near the end of last week’s match…”  April 29^th 1950 Page: 4.

 

 

BRIGHTER DAYS WITH THE SWANS.

 

South Melbourne finished eighth in 1951. Ron Clegg, who had won the Brownlow in 1949, was runner-up to Bernie Smith (Geelong) in the medal that year. Ron was a tower of strength and along with Gordon, Frank Brew and Bill Williams gave direction and confidence to the young Swans.

 

Gordon Lane with teammates at South Melbourne FC at pre-season training. Source: ‘The Herald’ March 6^th 1951. Page: 16.

 

As a measure of Gordon’s success in reshaping the side, South Melbourne defeated Essendon by thirteen points in Round 3.  Such a victory must have given Gordon quiet satisfaction to have toppled his ‘old’ team. On that day, Gordon kicked three goals and Billy Williams booted six in match-winning performance. John Coleman could only manage three goals. What twists and turns there are in football!

 

That win may have been Gordon Lane’s greatest moment as a coach in VFL football.  The scores were:  South Melbourne 14.20. 104 defeated Essendon 14.7.91.

 

Note: Readers may be interested to know that Gordon was not related to the star South Melbourne rover Eddie Lane (1951-56). Eddie, who was coached by Gordon in 1951-52, was recruited from South Districts FC and went onto play 86 games (130 goals) and represented the VFL in 1955.

 

 

The SMFC team in 1951. Gordon Lane is centre in the middle row. Eddie Lane is second from the right in the middle row. Source: ‘Emerald Hill Record’ June 23^rd 1951. Page:  3.

 

 

GORDON TAKES THE SWANS TO NEW HEIGHTS

 

Left: Gordon Lane at South Melbourne.  Source: Sydney Swans website. On the right/ caption text: “At training last night South Melbourne defender Reg Harley (centre) received congratulations on the arrival of a son-his first child- from captain and coach Gordon Lane (right) and centre halfback Ron Clegg.”  Source: ‘The Herald’ April 23^rd 1952. Page: 16 Note: Reg’s son, Gary, played two games with South Melbourne in 1973. 

 

One of many things, discovered in researching this story, was that Gordon Lane was a most effective and insightful coach. In his third year at the helm, he lifted the Swans into the four that season.

 

Following the win against Collingwood in Round 2, South Melbourne sat in fourth position on the ladder, rose to second after Round 8 (defeated North Melbourne by 22 points); and remained in the top four until a tied match against Carlton in Round 14.

 

The Swans ‘hung on’ to fourth position until the last round of the season when Footscray won by 5 goals. The VFL Ladder below shows that South Melbourne had missed the 1952 finals by one game; and Gordon had failed by ‘a whisker’ to write his name into the archives of SMFC. So close but yet so far!

 

The position of the Swans on the ladder was a measure of Gordon efforts make SMFC a more competitive outfit in VFL football. Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ September 1952. Page: 12.

 

Gordon Lane had steered the club ‘off the rocks’ and to ‘safe waters.’  It was an utmost disappointment that South Melbourne had stumbled at the ‘last hurdle’; and it is a pity that more hasn’t been written about Gordon’s stint at South Melbourne.  What Gordon achieved at the Lake Oval is well worth re-visiting by devotees of Australian Rules football. Furthermore, Gordon won South Melbourne’s goal kicking trophy for the second time with 33 goals in 1952.

 

Heading to Albury to play North Melbourne : As part of a bold decision by the VFL to promote football, Round: 8 in 1952, was branded as the National Round. All VFL clubs played at provincial and interstate venues for match points. South Melbourne was drawn to play North Melbourne at Albury on June 14^th.As shown below in the photograph. From left: Captain-coach Gordon Lane, Ian Gillett, Jack Garrick, Jim Taylor, Erwin Dornau and Don Scott. Source: ‘The Herald’ June 11^th 1952. Page: 16

 

 

GORDON LANE RETIRES FROM VFL FOOTBALL

 

Gordon Lane stepped down from VFL following the last round of the 1952 season; and his announcement was page one news in ‘The Argus’…

 

“Gordon Lane, South Melbourne captain coach, announced his retirement from League football after the match at Footscray on Saturday. Lane told South players and officials that he wanted to stay in football, but recurring injuries to his legs had forced his retirement.” Source; ‘The Argus’ September 1^st 1952.

 

Source: ‘Emerald Hill Record’ September 5^th 1952. Page: 3

 

Gordon had played in a total of VFL 178 games for Essendon (131) and South Melbourne (47) from 1940-52; and had kicked 350 goals in VFL football. Gordon’s records in finals footballs, as mentioned above, puts him an elite group of ‘finals specialists.’

 

As a coach Gordon coached South Melbourne in 55 games for a win-loss ratio of 45% (which is notable considering South’s dire situation in 1950 when Gordon was first appointed as coach). It would be informative to know more about the stratagems and tactics that Gordon employed in lifting South Melbourne in such a short time.

 

 

A WARM TRIBUTE TO GORDON LANE

 

The following extract, from a lengthy article about Gordon, was published in the Emerald Hill ‘Record’ shortly after his decision to retire from VFL football. It suggests that Gordon was no ordinary coach and a man of principle and character…

 

“COLOURFUL CAREER During his three years at South, following, his colourful career with Essendon, Lane enjoyed tremendous popularity with officials, players and members, while team mates affectionately dubbed him ‘Daddy.’ He proved a 100 per cent. ‘South man’ during his association with the club, and did much in helping to promote enthusiasm amongst the junior boys. To honour a promise he had made to the Y.C.W. football team to bounce the ball for their grand final on Sunday, Lane limped on to the field to carry out the job….” 5^th September 1952.Page: 3.

 

Although it was plain to see that Gordon was highly regarded, by certain sections of the faithful at Lakeside, the club appointed former champion Laurie Nash as non-playing coach of SMFC…. but that is another colourful story in football.

 

 

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL- A FIREMAN AT WINDSOR

 

Gordon was 31 years of age when he stepped down from VFL football. Further research is required to unearth whether Gordon ever played football after 1952. There is no evidence of him playing minor grade, country or suburban football. Perhaps, by that time, his ‘gammy’ knee was ‘shot’ beyond repair.

 

It is known that Gordon had been a fireman all his working life; and from the available information he was known to be a member of the Windsor Brigade.  Four of Gordon’s team mates at Essendon (Wally Buttersworth, Percy Bushby, Elton Plummer and Hugh Torney) were also  members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in that era.

 

The most famous fireman-footballer is probably Fred Goldsmith, who won a Brownlow Medal in 1955. Fred was actually coached by Gordon Lane in 1951 and 52.

 

Note: During World War: II, the occupation of ‘fireman’ was listed as a ‘reserve occupation’ (or essential service). Consequently, full time firemen were exempt from military duties while part time members of brigades were exempt if aged over thirty years.

 

 

A FINAL TRIBUTE TO GORDON LANE

 

 

Gordon Lane died on 21 July 1973 at the age of 52 years.

 

In conclusion, one of the most glowing tributes ever paid to Gordon came from the legendary Jack Dyer. Captain Blood once declared that …

 

“…’Whopper’ Lane is the one (opposition) player I would want at Richmond, first because he’s the best centre half forward in the game, and next, because he has all the qualities I demand of a league top-liner. Two seasons ago, Lane did not count. You brushed him out of the way and left him there. But in the last two seasons he has developed seventy per cent. He has built up physically. Try to push him aside today – he’ll come back full of fire and bite, and he’ll be willing to go on with the business. He’s a brilliant mark and a ‘Dead-eye Dick’ with either foot”. From: ‘Australian Football’ website.

 

According to the EFC website, Gordon was named at number 51 in the ‘Champions of Essendon’ which was compiled in 2002.

 

Researched and written for ‘Footy Almanac’ by Roger Spaull in November 2024.

 

More historical footy research by Roger Spaull can be read Here.

 

 

 

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