Almanac Footy: Sel Murray – North Melbourne’s super boot

 

SEL MURRAY

 

NORTH  MELBOURNE’S SUPER BOOT

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION – RON TODD OR SEL MURRAY ?

 

 

In the wash-up of Victoria’s 71-point victory over South Australia at the MCG in July 1939, the above headline appeared in the ‘Sporting Globe’ (29^th July; page: 4). A well-regarded football scribe of that era, Hec de Lacy, had posed the question (i.e. who was the better forward Sel Murray or Ron Todd?)  because in that interstate clash, Sel (North Melbourne) had given a superlative forward display with six goals.

 

Sel’s exciting performance, in front of 23,000 spectators, created such an impression that he was compared to Collingwood’s celebrated spearhead, Ron Todd. It was a flattering compliment but unquestionably fair and warranted.

 

As North Melbourne FC presently celebrates its entry into the VFL in 1925, this story, for ‘The Footy Almanac’, attempts to bring into sharper focus the illustrious career of Sel Murray one of the Kangaroo’s greatest forwards.

 

SEL MURRAY KICKS 123 GOALS FOR WEST MELBOURNE FC.

Norman Selwyn Murray (better known as Sel) was born at Carlton on the 23^rd November 1917. Although one lone source said that his father, Alex, had been a prominent cricketer in Ballarat, little information could be unearthed about Sel’s family and his early years.

 

Sel attended the *West Melbourne Technical School and later gained employment with the Melbourne City Council and, at some stage, at the docks. His other interests, as noted in ‘The Sporting Globe’ were listed as dancing, snooker, golf and singing. There is some evidence that Sel ‘warmly embraced’ the ‘Sport of Kings’ (i.e. horse racing) in later years

 

*Note: The West Melbourne Technical School later amalgamated with the Working Men’s College,

 

Sel was an accomplished young footballer and he carved a name for himself with West Melbourne Football Club. West Melbourne FC is a story in itself; and its history included successful stints in the VFA. One of West’s most famous players was Les Minto (who also played with Melbourne and Essendon).

 

 

West Melbourne Football Club which won the VFA premiership in 1906. It is thought that this photograph was originally published in ‘Punch.’

 

In 1936, West Melbourne FC was affiliated with the Sub-District competition; and other clubs included: Kew, Fairfield, Alphington, Pascoe Vale, Elwood, Eltham, Prahran City and Abbotsford.

 

Sel Murray was a teenage-star for West Melbourne; and he made the news when he booted 123 goals in 1936; and followed up with 51 goals in his eight games before crossing to North Melbourne. He was said to have had a ‘trusted’ left foot and strong hands in overhead marking contests-the very ‘components’ to create ‘headaches or the best of back men.

 

Sel Murray booted 123 goals for West Melbourne in the League Sub-District competition in 1936. Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ August 17^th 1938. Page 8.

 

SEL MURRAY ARRIVES AT NORTH MELBOURNE

When Sel Murray crossed to Arden Street sometime in June 1937, North’s ‘stocks were at a low ebb.’ Despite the best efforts of Paddy Scanlan to lift North Melbourne out of ‘the mire’, the club was bogged down and shared the bottom rungs of the VFL Ladder with Hawthorn and Footscray (incidentally, the three club has entered the league together in 1925). North Melbourne was struggling to make headway and things were just ‘plain dismal’ in 1937.

 

 

                                                        

 

Above, North Melbourne’s coach in 1937 Paddy Scanlan. The photograph was taken when Paddy was playing with Footscray and is shown with the club’s first Bulldog mascot in 1928. The photograph is part of the NLA collection. Below is the North Melbourne team that met Collingwood in Round: 14 1937. Sel Murray was named as the 19^th man that day. Source: ‘The Argus’ July 23^rd 1937. Page: 17.

 

Sel played in the club’s Second XVIII for some time; and it is known that he kicked five of the team’s nine goals against Geelong Seconds on Saturday 27^th June; and the following week he was listed in the best players in the match against Essendon at Windy Hill. It was difficult to unearth if Sel had actually been cleared to North Melbourne or had played games under the then-existing rules of   the VFL permit system.

 

Sel must have worked assiduously to win the confidence of the selectors because he was named to make his VFL debut against Collingwood at Victoria Park in Round: 14 on July 24^th1937. As can be seen above, Sel Murray was listed at 19^th man that day; and Frank Penney (not ‘Penny’ as printed above) was the emergency. Frank had been recruited from the Ballarat FC that season.

 

SEL MURRAY MEETS RON TODD AT VICTORIA PARK

  The North Melbourne players that welcomed Sel to senior ranks that day included such well-known names as Jim Adamson, Wally Carter, Jack Smith (ex-St Kilda), Jock Cordner (ex-Footscray and Fitzroy), Alan Crawford (ex-Carlton), and Charlie Skinner. (Note: The original source of the photos of Wally and Jim may have been the 1934 MacRobertson’s (i.e. chocolate company) swap card series.

 

                                                

 

 

There were three teenagers in the North Melbourne line-up that day:  Sel (19 years), Ron ‘Snowy’ McLeod (18 years) and a promising seventeen-year-old recruit from Fawkner, Frank Stubbs.

 

Collingwood was a star-studded outfit with some of the most famous names in VFL history e.g. Gordon Coventry, the Collier brothers, Des Fothergill, Albert Pannam, Harold Rumney, Marcus Whelan, Bervin Woods and Ron Todd. Only 9000 spectators watched on as Collingwood tore the Northerners apart by 113 points. The final scores were Collingwood:24.20 (164) defeated North Melbourne:  7.9 (51). Gordon Coventry kicked nine goals and Ron Todd booted seven from centre half forward.

 

Sel Murray was not mentioned in the two available match reports; and there is no indication that he took the field that day. Who could have thought that, within two years, Sel Murray would be regarded as ‘an equal’ of the dynamic Ron Todd? Things can change quickly in life and football.

 

 

                                                           

   

Those who watched the Collingwood v North Melbourne clash in Round: 14 in 1937, could not have guessed that, within a short space of time, that Sel Murray would be ranked with Ron Todd as an elite player in VFL football. Source: ‘Allen Football Cards.’ Note: In the above image, Sel is wearing a knee brace/ bandage which will be explained later in this article.

 

SEL MURRAY HITS THE SCOREBOARD

Sel Murray kicked his first goal in VFL football in Round:15 (v Carlton) and then booted two bags of five goals against Footscray and St Kilda.  Readers may be interested to know that only 4,500** spectators attended the match at Arden Street which Melbourne won by 39 points. Sel kicked three goals and received praise in the match for his marking.

 

**Note: The crowd was the smallest to watch any North Melbourne game that season;  and underlined the tale of woe for the Shinboners in those desperate years.

 

In his five VFL games, Sel Murray had booted 14 goals to finish third on North’s goal kicking table in 1937. Stuart Anderson kicked 19 goals from eleven games while Bill Findlay amassed sixteen goals.

 

Sel did not play in a winning team; and in the period Round 14 to Round 18, the average margin of defeat of North was 56 points. In the eighteen round Home & Away season, the Northerners lost 15 games and finished the year with a paltry percentage of just 64.2%.

 

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ September 18^th 1937. Page:16

 

While 1937 had been a dreadful year for injuries, Paddy Scanlan probably felt there were ‘no excuses’ and took a responsibility for club’s poor performances and nobly resigned (this a guess/ conjecture because who really knows?)

 

Perhaps Paddy was simply exhausted?  Possibly, the unrewarding work load had taken a severe toll because Paddy never again coached at VFL level. Coaching is gruelling and can drain the physical and mental strength/wellbeing of many (men and women).  Wally Carter won the club’s Best & Fairest trophy that year and John Lewis was Runner-up in the award.

 

SEL IS AN EMERGING STAR IN VFL FOOTBALL.

In September 1937, Sel Murray was named   in the ‘The Argus’ newspaper as one of the recruits of the year; and was selected as the best emerging full forward in VFL ranks. After just five games, Sel’s potential had been noted!

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ September 7^th 1937. Page: 14

 

Of the 114 new players that entered VFL football in 1937, ‘The Argus ‘selected a team based upon the performances of the recruits from the twelve clubs. The team included such players as:  Des Fothergill (Collingwood), Reg Garvin (St Kilda), Bernie Treweek (Fitzroy), Ted Buckley (Melbourne), Gordon Waters (Hawthorn) and Reg Henderson (Richmond) . The Shinboners’ nominees were Ed Morcom and Sel.

 

A NEW COACH AND AN EXCITING CHAPTER IN SEL MURRAY’S STORY

North Melbourne moved decisively in finding a new coach following Paddy Scanlan’s departure; and by late September, Keith Forbes had been ‘sounded out’, interviewed and appointed to the role for the 1938 VFL season.

 

     

On the left: Keith Forbes is appointed coach of North Melbourne. Source: ‘The Sun’ September 24^th1937 Page 61. Source for Keith’s photograph:  Australian Sports Museum

 

Keith had extensive experience and had played 152 games with Essendon and had won the club’s best & fairest award twice. He was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal in 1930 and 1935. John Devaney, of the Australian Football website, provides a concise summary of Keith Forbes’ career…

 

“In ten seasons and 152 games with Essendon, Forbes won the club’s top individual player award twice as well as twice finishing runner-up in the Brownlow Medal. In 1932 he became the first Essendon player to kick 200 league goals, and he ended up with a total of 415 at the incredible average, for a rover, of 2.7 goals per game. He topped the Dons’ goal kicking list in four of his ten league seasons. A regular interstate player, Forbes played carnival football in 1930 at Adelaide, and 1937 at Perth.”

 

Season 1938 started quite well for Keith; and things looked a little more promising after North’s unexpected win in Round: 2 against South Melbourne. Sel Murray booted four of North’s nine goals and was applauded for his towering marks that day.

 

The ‘winning feeling’ soon dissipated at Arden Street as the Shinboners lost the next eight games; and, by Round: 10, the club was back on the bottom rung of the VFL ladder. However, in a late surge, by the end of the season North had ‘broken through’ to win six games and finished in 9^th position.

 

Sel Murray had performed well in attack that year and kicked 57 * (see below) goals including a ‘bag of nine’ against Collingwood in Round: 17. Ron Todd booted a ton that season; and Norm Smith, of Melbourne notched 80 goals.

 

As can be seen below, young Sel’s name was listed among some of the greatest forwards of that decade. It was a sign of ‘things to come’ for Sel Murray.

 

 

     

North’s stout-hearted utility player Ted Ellis won the Best and Fairest and Sel took out this first of his five goal kicking trophies at Arden Street. On the left: Source: ‘The Argus’ August 29^th 1938. Page: 14 On the right: An extract about Ted Ellis.  Source: ‘The Sun’ September 1^st 1938. Page 53. See the footnotes below regarding Ted’s trophy that season.

 

Note: 1. According to the official AFL records, Sel Murray was credited with 56 goals in 1938.

 

Note: 2. Sel polled two votes in the Brownlow Medal that season. Guess work only…probably for his nine-goal haul in Round:17 against Collingwood.

 

Note: 3. In the NMFC records, Jock Cordner is listed as winning the Best and Fairest player award in 1938. An intriguing fact that deserves some research.

 

 

This photograph was found on a Facebook page but was originally published in ‘The Leader’ newspaper and was again re-published in ‘The Age’ on July 11^th 1938 on page: 16. Sel Murray can be seen fourth from the left in the back row.

 

The photograph below of the North Melbourne team was taken in June1938 when the club travelled to Tasmania to play an exhibition match against Launceston at York Park. Sel Murray can be seen on the extreme right of the back row. Keith Forbes is seated in the centre of group.

 

 

Source: ‘The Examiner’ June 10^th 1938. Page: 38.

 

A METEORIC RISE IN VFL FOOTBALL

Sel Murray took all before him in 1939 and became a genuine drawcard for local fans to ‘click’ through the turnstiles. He brought up his 100^th goal in Senior ranks against Geelong at the Corio Oval. He had reached 100 goals in just 28 games i.e. average of 3.5 goals per game.

 

In eighteen games in 1939, Sel kicked 78 goals i.e. an average of 4.3 goals per game. On 14 occasions, Sel kicked four or more goals in a game, with his best returns being: –

 

• 9 goals v Footscray in Round:10.
• 8 goals v St Kilda v in Round: 8.
• 6 goals on three occasions in Rounds: 5, 13 & 14.
• 5 goals on two occasions in Rounds: 2 &16.

 

 

The photograph below shows Sel Murray marking despite the best efforts of the Footscray defenders. Sel kicked 9 goals of the team’s 15  in that match. The game was played on the 24^th June 1939 at Arden Street and North Melbourne defeated  Footscray by 26 points.

 

A little known but interesting fact from the match was that the umpire was George Murphy. George would later serve for three years with the RAAF in World War:2 George officiated in 55 VFL games from 1936-39.

 

George apperars to have been  a  highly respected  umpire  and he received  plaudits for his fine exhibition of umpiring in the Tasmanian FL Grand Final between Lefroy and North J Hobart in 1936.

 

Source: ‘The Age’ June 26^th 1939. Page: 15

 

SEL MURRAY STARS FOR VICTORIA IN 1939

Considering Sel’s form that season, it was no real surprise that he was selected to represent Victoria in the clash against South Australia in July 1939.

 

As can be seen below, it was a powerful combination. The squad included such household names as Dick Reynolds, Norman Ware, Jack Regan, Wilfred ‘Chicken’  Smallhorn  and Creswell ‘Mickey’ Crisp.

 

Sel was named at full forward and Clyde Helmer from Geelong was selected as the team’s centre half forward. Len Thomas, who would later coach North Melbourne before enlisting for military duty, was also included in the line-up. Sadly, both Clyde and Len died on active duty (both in New Guinea).

 

 Source: ‘The Herald’ July 27^th 1939. Page 48

 

The introduction to this article (as above) will be fully appreciated when readers study the results of the match that day. Sel Murray received praise for his scintillating exhibition in attack. While his kicking was astray (i.e. 6 goals 5 behinds), Sel’s aerial acrobatics and high marking were thrilling to watch.

 

In one report it was stated that Sel astounded South Australians with his great leaps; and his performance at Adelaide created some noisy chatter, as reported by Percy Taylor of ‘The Argus’, regarding an attractive offer for Sel to play in the WAFL in 1940.

 

The scores were:  Victoria 27. 18 (180) defeated South Australia 15.19(109)

 

• Goal kickers for Victoria: Murray 6 Harris 6 Glenister 5 Reynolds 3 Crisp 2 Kennedy 2 Thomas Helmer and T. Reynolds 1
• Victoria’s best players were listed as: Graham Cordner Smallhorn Reynolds Roberts Helmer Glenister and Harris.

 

Sel Murray in action against South Australia. The caption text: ‘S. Murray (Vic), full forward marking high in front of Green (SA) to kick his fifth goal.’ Source: ‘The Referee’ August 3^rd 1939. Page: 16.

 

 

THE LENGTHENING SHADOW OF WORLD WAR

North Melbourne finished ninth in 1939 but promising ‘green shoots’ had surfaced at Arden Street; and ‘hope’ was not just a word but a growing feeling that the club was on the brink of something exciting.

 

Statistically, 1939 was the first time in six years that the club had kicked more than 200 goals in a season. Furthermore, the team’s percentage of 91.3% was an indication that the team was competitive and could ‘match it’ with the top sides in the league.

 

Syd Dyer won the Best and Fairest in 1939 with 19 votes while Jock Cordner was runner-up with 14 votes. Others to poll were: Eddie Morcom (10 votes), George Kennedy, Bill Findlay and Wally Carter each received 9 votes. Sel Murray recorded eight votes in the club count; and also registered three votes in the Brownlow Medal. Sel won the goal kicking with 78 goals with Syd Dyer (33), George Kennedy (32), Bill Findlay (24) and Keith Forbes booted 21 goals that season

 

It was anticipated that brighter times were on the way at Arden Street but the news from Europe was perturbing as Adolf Hitler’s troops had marched across the Polish border on September 1^s (i.e. was the weekend of Round 18 in VFL football).

 

 

Source: ‘The Kalgoorlie Miner’ September 2^nd 1939. Page: 4.

 

 

KEITH FORBES RESIGNS AS COACH IN 1939.

More bad news broke at the end of the 1939 season as Keith Forbes, who had received a heavy suspension for an incident against Richmond in Round:16, appeared reluctant to take the helm again in 1940.

 

In life and sport, the word ‘quit’ should be used with great care as it has unforgiving connotations but, although there is no proof, Keith may have had other offers (e.g. Fitzroy) to contemplate. Coaching North Melbourne in that era was ‘no walk in the park’; and perhaps one will never really know why Keith ‘humped his swag’ and joined Fitzroy in 1940.

 

Once again, the Northerners were scrambling to fill the most important leadership position of the club; and to cut the story short, the North Melbourne committee made a wise choice in appointing Len Thomas (who had coached Hawthorn in 1939) to the role. Len was a leader of principle and as time would show a soldier of unflinching courage.

 

 

         

Source: ‘The Sun’ November 6^th 1939. Page: 27

 

Len Thomas had hardly arrived at Arden Street when his profound sense of national duty called him to a far greater obligation. After coaching North Melbourne for just seven rounds, Len reported for military duties; and consequently, the coaching role fell upon the broad shoulders of North’s stalwarts, Jim Adamson and Wally Carter. Both Jim and Wally had played in excess of 100 games for the Shinboners and virtuously agreed to share the coaching duties.

 

SEL MURRAY KICKS ON AND JOINS THE ARMY IN 1940

Football took a back seat to the war effort but at North Melbourne, Len Thomas’ departure was another heavy hit; and despite Wally and Jim’s dedication and resolve, the club dropped  to the bottom of the ladder with four wins.

 

Research shows that North Melbourne lost the last six games; and, additionally, in its nine home games averaged only 7,611 spectators per game – the lowest of any VFL clubs. Empty stands (with no barrackers) are demoralizing to any sporting team. Crowds really matter when the ‘chips are down.’

 

Sel Murray made a late appearance at pre-season training at Arden Street in 1940. The full story of his ‘delayed start’ is not known but it appears that he had been approached by more than one VFA club to ‘ditch’ the Shinboners . The extract below describes the warm reception received when he trained with the Northerners in early April that season.

 

 

Source: The Argus April 8^th . Page:10

 

Sel Murray played 14 games in 1940 and kicked 58 goals at an average of 4.14 goals per game. He finished third on the league table that year. Only Jack Titus (Richmond-100 goals) and Norm Smith (Melbourne-86 goals) performed better that season.

 

Sel polled six votes in the Brownlow Medal; and he also brought up his 50^th game milestone In Round: 11 against Essendon at Windy Hill. In a powerful display, Sel kicked eight goals that day.

 

Source: ‘The Weekly Times’ July 20^th 1940. Page:  40

 

Sel registered for military service at the Caulfield Recruitment Depot on July 2^nd. Sel’s (Service number VX 28135) time in khaki was brief and for reasons not  explained was discharged on August 29^th 1940.

 

WARRANT OFFICER BOB MCCASKILL TAKES CHARGE AT ARDEN STREET

 

Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ April 26^th 1941. Page: 6

 

One of the common wrongs and or injustices in sport is to underrate, disregard or minimize the endeavours of coaches and players who fail to win major premierships, awards and media attention. The old saying: “Who came second?”  is true enough but it is a pity that teams in the bottom bracket of the VFL Ladder, are summarily dismissed in discussions.

 

There are plenty of examples in Australian Rules football where competent and astute coaches have been virtually whitewashed from any conversation and consideration. e.g. Charlie Ricketts (South Melbourne, Richmond and St Kilda), Bill Stephen (Fitzroy and Essendon), Jack Hale (South Melbourne and Hawthorn) Arthur Olliver (Footscray), Alan MacDonald (Richmond) and Jim Francis (Hawthorn and Carlton). All were fine VFL coaches but are rarely (if ever) mentioned in modernity. Bob McCaskill is another who deserves greater recognitions for his dedicated role in leading North Melbourne in tough times.

 

Bob McCaskill (born 1895) was one of a group of Australians soldiers who served in two World Wars; and his record in coaching in country and VFL football is praiseworthy. Bob, who had played at Richmond in 1923-25, later carved a reputation as a champion and coach in the Bendigo FL. Among his many achievements was that he had coached Sandhurst to five consecutive premierships.

 

When Bob was appointed to take the reins at NMFC, he was serving in the army, and it was widely agreed that his arrival was a ‘shot in the arm’ for the ailing club…

 

“Circumstances in 1941 gave Bob McCaskill the coaching mantle and under his tutelage the side regained much of their poise, increased their wins and decreased their losses…” Source:  ‘The North Story.’ Page: 90

 

SEL STARS IN ADELAIDE IN 1941.

Sel Murray started the 1941 season in fine style by kicking 40 goals in the first seven games (including eight against Essendon at Windy Hill in Round: 2).

 

By late June, Sel was the leading goalkicker ahead of such proven and experienced forwards as Jack Titus (Richmond) and Norm Smith (Melbourne). Sel Murray was named in the team to play South Australia in Adelaide in July.

 

Source: ‘The Age’ June 30^th 1941. Page:  10.

 

Sel was North Melbourne’s only representative. Jack Dyer was named the captain and the squad included such notables as: Dick Reynolds (Essendon), Marcus Whelan (Collingwood ), Norman Ware (Footscray) and Norm Smith from Melbourne.

 

The game was watched by 23, 870 patrons; and all gate receipts were donated to the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund and the Australian Red Cross.

 

Source: ‘The Mail’ July 12th 1941.Page: 15.

 

The game was of a high standard and Dick Harris (Richmond) and Sel Murray dominated proceedings; and their 14 goals helped Victoria over the line by 10 points. The details of the entertaining match were:

 

Victoria:                7.1  11.4   14.7       22.9 (141)

South Australia:  3.6    8.8    11.15    19.17(131)

 

• Goalkickers for Victoria: Harris 8 Murray 6 Pannam 3 Smith 2 Schmidt Reynolds and Helmer
• Best players for Victoria: Harris Garvin Roberts Pannam Dyer Cleary and Murray

 

SEL MURRAY CREATES VFL HISTORY

Sel Murray created history at NMFC in 1941 when he became the first Shinboner to win the VFL goalkicking trophy with 88 goals. The trophy is now called the John Coleman Medal and only three other Northerners have won the prestigious award. They are:

 

• Doug Wade-103 goals in 1972.
• Malcolm Blight-103 goals in 1983.
• John Longmire-98 goals in 1990.

 

Over the years, North Melbourne have had a handful of top-notch forwards such as:  Doug Wade, Malcolm Blight, John Longmire, Jock Spencer, John Dugdale, and Frank Goode.  Norman Selwyn Murray sits with best of them.

 

NOTE: It is not always documented that Sel won the VFL award that year because Norm Smith booted eight goals in the VFL finals to take his season tally to 89 goals. The current official AFL records list Sel as the winner in 1941; and perhaps that settles any controversy that existed in earlier reference books.

 

WARTIME FOOTBALL

 

            
Source: Daily Mirror February 16^th 1942 Page:1

 

With the fall of Singapore (in early February 1942) to the invading Japanese army, the war suddenly seemed a lot closer, more perilous and disturbing for all Australians. Thousands of ‘Diggers’ were involved in the European and Pacific theatres of war; and, with the rising casualty lists, football became a less important priority in the lives of all families.

 

Younger readers may not be aware how severely the fall of Singapore impacted upon Australian communities. It is documented that 1,789 soldiers died, 1,300 were wounded/injured and approximately 15,000 soldiers were taken prisoner of war (i.e. POW).

 

There will be people reading this article who know/ knew friends or family involved in the Battle of Singapore. It was a calamitous defeat (and consequent surrender) which shook the foundations of the British Empire.

 

To add to the dread and horror, Japanese bombers raided Darwin on the 19^th February. War had come to Australia’s backdoor step in no uncertain way. As the list of victims of the conflagration grew each week, emotions across the land ran high; and the debate, as to whether football should be played during wartime, raged on unabated.

 

The VFL was in an ethical/moral bind; and consequently, changes to the wartime season (e.g. conditions and fixtures) were necessary to placate angry souls. The national game ‘limped on’ but lost swathes of support and goodwill.

 

 

MEANWHILE BACK AT ARDEN STREET IN  1942

Bob McCaskill and the hard-working North Melbourne administrators did their collective best to shore-up the club and put the best possible combination on the field each week. However, another unwanted and unexpected hitch threatened stability when Bob McCaskill was transferred,  in his military duties, in June (i.e. following the game against Footscray in Round: 9).

 

North had more than its fair share of coaching problems; and, once again, the club acted promptly and appointed the loyal, stout-hearted and popular Bill Findlay to steer the club through the remainder of the season.

 

 In a truncated season, North finished 9^th on the VFL ladder with four wins and a percentage of 78.2%.  Sel Murray booted 52 goals in his 13 games that season while Bill Findlay booted 30 goals. Jack Allister (ex-Essendon) had his best season in VFL football and kicked 29 goals and won the club’s Best & Fairest award.

 

Bill Findlay a key figure in North Melbourne’s history. Source: ‘Full Points Footy Net.’

 

NOTE: It is known that George Brock, Fred Goonan, Len Johnson, Otto Peters Beresford Reilly, Morris Shaper and Len Thomas were former Shinboners who made the ultimate sacrifice in performing their duty for their country in war.

 

A MYSTERY REGARDING SEL MURRAY IN 1944

Bill Findlay (ex-Footscray) who was in his ninth year at Arden Street coached the club in 1943 but, once again, the Shinboners struggled to make in-roads.   The team won five of its fifteen games and finished ninth. Don Kemp claimed the Best and Fairest award and Sel Murray took out his fifth club goalkicking (41 goals).

 

 It was to be the last time Sel would head the list in Senior XVIII football. (Sel would later win another goal kicking in the VFL Seconds see below).

 

Bob McCaskill returned to coach North in 1944 and his guile and experience took immediate effect. North won ten games and climbed the ladder to sixth place. It is fair to say that Bob turned ‘things around’; and, at long last, a genuine rebuild was under way.

 

As for Sel Murray, he managed only seven games in 1944 and kicked 25 goals. In the written history of North Melbourne, little if any mention is made of Sel’s absence but, for some reason, he did not play the first seven rounds of the season. No doubt the workers at the local abattoirs, mills and factories would have chatted about Sel’s being ‘AWOL /missing in’ action up until June.

 

 

Sel eventually returned to ‘the track’ on June 6^th as shown in the extract below (‘The Argus’ on June 7^th).  Sel’s comeback was big news and hit the headlines that day.

 

Sel brought up his 100^th game for North Melbourne in Round: 12 at Victoria Park; and he booted two goals to bring his career tally to 396 goals.

 

The North Melbourne team in July 1944. Sel Murray can be seen second from the left in the back row. Source: ‘The Australasian’ July 8^th 1944. Page:  21.

 

SEL MURRAY PACKS HIS BAG AND GOES TO PUNT ROAD

It appeared that North Melbourne was ‘on the runway and about to take off ‘in early 1945; but the ‘shock news’ of Sel Murray’s clearance application to cross to Richmond would have been disheartening for the faithful fans at Arden Street.

 

According to a solitary newspaper report, as at March 25th Sel had not appeared at any training sessions; and once again his whereabouts was a major topic of conversation ‘around the traps’ ‘The Sun’ newspaper hinted that Sel was seeking a clearance but no other details were known. However, five days later Percy Taylor of ‘The Argus’ broke the news that Sel wanted to cross to Richmond for the 1945 season.

 

Percy Taylor’s scoop regarding Sel Murray.  Source: ‘The Argus’ April 9^th 1945 Page: 12

 

It is hard to discover why Sel Murray wanted ‘out’ from North Melbourne as there are always reasons unknown to the public. This is only guesswork and without any documented proof but perhaps Sel had struck-up friendships with Jack Dyer and/or Dick Harris when they had played for Victora in Adelaide in 1941.

 

Jack Dyer was, among many things, a persuasive character and his role in coaxing Sel to Punt Road would be well worth investigation. Jack was one of the most influential characters in football in the era and would have seen Sel’s unbridled talent on display in Adelaide.

 

After a prolonged and most public clearance wrangle, NMFC eventually relented and cleared Sel to Richmond. As seen below, he took his place at full forward in the Tigers’ line-up in Round:4 against Melbourne at Punt Road.

 

                        
Sel Murray plays for Richmond. Source: ‘The Argus’ May 11^th 1945.  Page:  13

 

Among his new team mates were Bob Bawden, the Cook twins, Don Fraser, Bill Perkins and Max Oppy. Richmond downed the Demons and Sel played his part with four goals in his debut that was described in ‘The Herald’ as ‘sensational’

 

Sel played 12 games for Richmond in 1945 and kicked 49 goals (i.e. average of 4. 08) and finished second in the club award behind Fred Burge who had booted 55 goals in 17 games. Sel performed very well at his new club and he kicked four or more goals on seven occasions including 10 goals against Carlton in Round:7.

 

Sel Murrray in action for Richmond. Notice the heavy bandage/ brace on his knee. The South Melbourne player in the photograph is Jim Cleary. On that day, Sel kicked only one goal and, according to one report, was well beaten by Jim.   Source: ‘The Herald’ July 21   1945: 12.

 

Note:  For younger readers, the hostilities against Japan ceased when the Japanese High Command surrendered on September 2^nd.

 

   Peace at last.  World War 2 ended in 1945. Source: National War Museum collection

 

PEACE COMES BUT SEL MURRAY IS UNSETTLED 

Perhaps Sel Murray was in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ because North Melbourne, spurred on by Bob McCaskill, made the finals that season (for the first time ever) while Jack Dyer’s Tigers’ finished on the seventh rung of the VFL ladder.

 

The Semi-final against Essendon was the high point in North’s history (i.e to that juncture); and despite being decisively beaten by Dick Reynold’s well-drilled outfit, Bob McCaskill had taken his club to new heights and ‘rarified air.’

 

It is documented that Sel Murray wanted to return to Arden Street in 1946 but the Tigers refused to budge in negotiations and would not sign Sel’s clearance papers. It was a stalemate that failed to benefit either party.

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ June 5^th 1946. Page 9

 

It seems that Richmond and Sel parted ways sometime in 1946 as Sel played only one Senior XVIII match against Melbourne in Round: 10. Jack Dyer was Sel’s coach that day and it would be interesting to know if Jack and Sel spoke to each other after that game. Little is known about what Sel did for the remaining months of the year but it is safe to say that Sel Murray had ‘done his dash’ at Punt Road.

 

SEL MEETS LES FOOTE

‘Home is where the heart is’ …and it would be nice to believe that was why Sel Murray returned to Arden Street in 1947. His presence would have been welcomed; and although getting on in age (i.e. 29 years) he would have been seen by Bob McCaskill as an important addition to complement the playing list.

 

North’s stocks were impressive in 1947 and included such wonderful footballers as Syd Dyer, Daly O’Brien, Keith Dynon,  Jack Harrison, Keith McKenzie,  Alf Crump, Don Condon and one of the most gifted players to ever play VFL, Les Foote. The old term ‘silky skills’ was appropriate when describing Les Foote; and he was once described in the ‘Wayback Machine Hall of Fame’ as follows:

 

“Although he had many fine players around him, he (Les ) became a stand out player in the side and on many occasions was credited with turning the tide of a game and winning the game off his own boot. This was achieved not only through his remarkable skills but also by his inspiring leadership qualities. A fine kick with either foot he was also known to be able to take a spectacular high mark, but it will be for his classic ball handling and evasive skills that he is most remembered.”

 

One of the most gifted and polished Shinboners to play VFL football. Les Foote played 134 games with North Melbourne and won three Best & Fairest awards (1945-49-50) Les also played with and coached St Kilda. People used to rave about Les’ skills; and he was said to be ‘poetry in motion’ on a football field. Source: ‘Herald Sun’ website- the original source of Les’ image was probably NMFC archives.

 

SEL MURRAY DOMINATES THE VFL SECONDS COMPETITION

Sel Murray did not play Senior Grade football at North Melbourne in 1947 but played in attack for the Second XVIII.  The team was coached by club stalwart Wally Carter. It is not clear why Sel was never selected for the seniors.

 

There are a host of reasons why Sel may have opted to play Seconds (e.g. age, nagging injuries and he did have a serious knee problem). Whatever the reason, Sel certainly made a huge impression; and according to the ‘Tigerland’ website (i.e. Richmond FC) website, Sel booted 123 goals for the North Seconds in 1947.

 

NOTE: Despite a lengthy search, very little comment could be found regarding Sel kicking the ‘ton’ for NMFC Seconds in 1947.

 

Sel Murray made the news when he kicked eight goals for North Melbourne Seconds against Collingwood In June 1947. Source: ‘The Sun’ June 30^th 1947. Page: 31.

 

Sel’s 123 goals in 1947 was even more meritorious as he was missed three matches as he was suspended by the VFL Seconds Tribunal on a charge of abusive language in the clash against Footscray in August that year.

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ August 13^th 1947 Page 30

 

Sel not only won the competition’s goal kicking trophy that season but played an instrumental role in steering the Shinboners to their first ever premiership. Sel’s contribution was highly significant in the final series. He was ‘back to his best’ and kicked four goals against Richmond in the Semi Final; and then booted eight in the Preliminary Final against Essendon.

 

That victory carried North into the Grand Final against Richmond; and in a surprise (i.e.  ‘shock’ as described in the extract below), North Melbourne prevailed to carry off the flag. It was indeed a famous triumph aided by Sel Murray’s four goals. The details of that momentous day in North Melbourne history were:

 

 North Melbourne:    5.1    8.5     12.13   16.13 (109)

 Richmond:                 1.4    7.6    10.19     14.10 (94)

 

• Goalkickers for North Melbourne: Murray 4 Carroll 3 Jeeves 3 Bourke 2 Kennedy Kuhl McVeigh Steene
• Best Players for North Melbourne: Jeeves Kennedy Ryan Jones, Norris Marchesi Ryan and Somerville

 

Wally Carter received warm praise and certainly ‘earned his stripes’ that day; and, as the annals at NMFC show, the following season Wally took over Senior coaching role from Bob McCaskill. The time was right for the changing of the guard!

 

North Melbourne shocked Richmond in the 1947 VFL Seconds Grand Final. Sel Murray booted for goals on that historic day. Source: ‘The Sun’ September 21^st 1947. Page: 38

 

SEL MURRAY’S LAST GAME OF VFL FOOTBALL

Wally Carter proved to an astute coach and, within a season or two, would guide North to its first-ever VFL Grand Final. Wally will always be remembered for that achievement. It was a day which the fans would never forget; and a story worth reading in order to gauge its full meaning to the small and patient band of loyal followers.

 

Sel Murray had one more season at Arden Street before ‘calling time’ on his fine career. Sel played six Senior XVIII games in 1948.  His last appearance in VFL football was against Geelong in Round: 13 at Arden Street. It was his 108^th game for the Northerners and he kicked two goals. Geelong won an exciting contest by seven points.

 

 

 

It is interesting to study the Northerners team that day as young Jock Spencer was playing his 12^th game. As is well known, Jock would develop into one of the most exciting aerialists to ever VFL football. Like Sel Murray, Jock thrilled the crowds with his spectacular leaps and vice-like hands.

 

Note: In researching this period of Sel’s career, there was one reference that stated that Sel also played football with the Kensington Socials.

 

 

Source: ‘The Sporting Globe’ March 13^th 1948. Page: 6

 

 

THE PASSING OF SEL MURRAY

 

 

Source: Fawkner Memorial Park website.

 

Sel Murray died in 1992. He was aged 72 and now rests at the Fawkner Memorial Park. It was difficult to find any press releases about Sel’s passing but as the plaque above he will be ‘loved and remembered always.’

 

THE FIGURES TELL QUITE A STORY ABOUT SEL MURRAY

It may be best to let the figures to tell the story of Sel’s remarkable years as a key forward in VFL football.

 

The official AFL statistical table below, was collated up until December 2024; and will illustrate, better than any words, the brilliance of one of the most talented and interesting Shinboners of all time.

 

 

As the above table shows, Sel Murray sits with the giants of AFL football. Sel’s 3.8 average of goals per game places him in an illustrious/ famous group of full forwards. Sel was, by any measure, a spearhead who deserves greater recognition and consideration in the future conversations of great AFL footballers.

 

It seems odd that such gifted players as Sel, Bill Mohr. Lindsay White and Jack Moriarty have been forgotten by modern-day commentators. It is though their contribution to VFL-AFL history was inconsequential.

 

British musician and songwriter, Benny Bellamacina once said …” The important thing to remember is not to forget.” How true but easier said than done in football history.

 

A FINAL WORD ABOUT SEL MURRAY BY ‘KING RICHARD’ (DICK REYNOLDS).

The finest compliment ever paid to Sel Murray came in 1947 when Essendon’s hero and undisputed VFL champion, Dick Reynolds, wrote that Sel Murray was the best left footed full forwards he had ever seen.

 

 

Dick Reynolds has the last word on Sel Murray. Source: ‘The Argus’ July 19^th 1947. Page: 11

 

In his article for ‘The Argus’, Dick listed Bob Pratt, Ron Todd, Gordon Coventry, Jack Titus, Harry Vallence and Bill Mohr; and, then under the sub heading (as shown above): Sel Murray (best left-footer). High praise indeed from a true giant of the game. For younger readers, Dick Reynolds is regarded as Essendon’s best ever player (Source:  AFL website in August 2024)

 

So, our story is back to where it started on page one …Murray or Todd, that is the question?

 

Never to be forgotten

Norman Selwyn ‘Sel’ Murray 1917-1992.

 

Written for ‘Footy Almanac’ by Roger Spaull in July 2025.

 

 

More from Roger Spaull can be read Here

 

To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au  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 keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE