Almanac Footy: Tony Francis – Never Take a Backward Step

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Francis

 

Norwood 1988-1989: 47 games, 53 goals
Collingwood 1990-1998: 142 games, 103 goals
St Kilda 1999: 19 games, 5 goals

 

 

 

Tony Francis, fiercely competitive, very good on both sides of the body, Norwood player, Copeland Trophy winner, member of Collingwood’s drought breaking 1990 premiership side, All Australian and a fantastic contributor during South Australia’s golden run in state footy. As always there is a story to be told, let’s start at the beginning.

 

Tony is the youngest son of Karen and Lawrie. He attended Stradbroke Primary School and was a member of the victorious SA State Primary School side in 1981 that won the football carnival in Canberra. Coach Barrie Robran notes ‘Tony was quite small in comparison to all the other boys even back then. He was very quick and “football smart” would be my best observation of him in that one only series that I did coach him. He did have a very good football brain for one so young and seemed to thrive on his running game. His disposal skills at that level were also very good. David Pittman played on a half back flank and also hadn’t had his growth spurt yet.’

 

 

 

Francis attended Campbelltown High School and played his junior football at Norwood. Tony was also a talented high order bat and played for East Torrens A Grade at 17. He was named captain of the U17 Shell Shield team in 1986 with Darren Lehmann named vice captain.

 

Tony played in Norwood’s Under 17 Premiership team in 1986, for 20 games and 34 goals, then in the Under 19s in 1987, playing 20 games and more than productive/dangerous up forward, he kicked 40 goals. He was a participant in the Nissan Scholarship – the elite squad of juniors from all SANFL clubs and involved additional coaching, testing and some equipment – in 1987 along with Simon Tregenza and Rod Jameson. Tony blossomed under the coaching of Frank Leonard when at Norwood’s U19s and said he was a considerable influence and helped to believe he could play. A league debut in 1988 was the natural progression, and Francis handled the step up with ease; 25 games and  the McCallum Trophy as the best first year player. Another solid year in 1989 followed and Tony was drafted to Collingwood in 1988. Tony greatly appreciated the support and help he received from Justin Scanlon and he had a significant influence at The Parade. I admit it surprised me that Tony had fallen to Pick 95 (a similar occurrence to James Hird in a subsequent draft), it can be revealed now that Tony would certainly have been chosen at a far higher pick but Norwood was enforcing Tony’s three-year contract and he would not be released. This scared clubs off, the SANFL certainly wasn’t regarded as the feeder competition like it is now and SANFL clubs were very protective of what they considered was their property and wanted to get what they considered return on their investment. Let’s also remember that the Victorian clubs had to negotiate with the Norwood guru administrator in Wally Miller at the time. There is much truth that Tony may well have been chosen at Pick 1 by St Kilda, a touch of irony that Tony ended up finishing his career at the Saints.

 

Tony very much enjoyed and developed further playing under Neil Balme at The Parade. He responded well to Neil’s approachability and coaching style. Senior rovers in Stephen Rowe and David Payne weren’t afraid to pull rank and Tony found it difficult having ‘time on ball’ (again an indication of the strength of the SANFL competition in general), which frustrated him often.

 

 

Tony was surprised that the move to Collingwood occurred at the conclusion of the 1989 season. Wow, what an introduction to the AFL; reported following a ‘toe touch’ of Murray Rance from West Coast and a six game suspension on debut! Tony admits the incident didn’t look great but he was retaliating from an earlier incident (as usual the retaliator gets caught).

 

It is a huge achievement and compliment to Tony that he was incredibly focussed and diligent with his preparation and returned promptly to the seniors. He was influential, tying with Scott Russell for the Pies best first year player, having a very good finals series and being an important member of the Pies drought breaking premiership side (first flag in 32 years), making the point the draw with West Coast in the finals in those days then playing the replay (no extra time) helped Collingwood and probably hurt Essendon in the end. Collingwood handled the brawl at quarter time in the Grand Final far better than Essendon with Leigh Matthews insisting that his players play the ball at quarter time, and not to worry about retribution. This mindset and application proved the difference between the sides.

 

While I have mentioned this story in other articles, Tony laughed that I had told the guy on the door at Victoria Park that I was Rodney Maynard and had signed for Collingwood for season 1991 and was taken straight through to the players only function. I walked up to Craig Kelly with a couple of beers (Ned said ‘biggest night of my life and I’m bloody drinking with you!’). I only stayed for a couple, didn’t want to overstay my welcome, Craig also laughs about that now. I didn’t know Tony at that stage.

 

Tony says it was unbelievable back at Victoria Park that night, the electric atmosphere and masses of people who were there was mind blowing and yes it did feel like they were massive rockstars in the summer of 1990.

 

Tony had a sensational 1991 season – Copeland Trophy as the Pies best and fairest, the most improved award and also All Australian selection. Tony recalls he played the 1991 season in respect and admiration of his father Lawrie. Lawrie had passed away totally unexpected in March due to a ruptured aneurysm on his abdominal aorta. Lawrie had been the biggest influence on his career, always a sounding board who was never afraid to be brutally honest and critical when he felt it was necessary. This was combined with praise at times. Tony said losing his father left a huge hole and he felt he was never able to recapture his passion at any stage of his career quite as strongly again.

 

The end of the 1991 season also ended tragically with the loss of the Pies’ loveable rogue in Darren Millane. While Tony hadn’t been as close to Darren as other senior players, Darren was a spiritual leader in so many ways, especially socially let alone being one of the most influential players in the competition. It’s impossible to truly measure the effect of his death and how much it effected the club overall emotionally, we all handle grief differently.

 

Tony is proud of the his achievement winning the ‘Wrecker Award’ in seasons 1992 and 1993 for the most one percenters over the season. This involved stats such as tackling, hard ball gets, smothers, blocks. The award has been subsequently been renamed the ‘Darren Millane Memorial Award.’

 

Tony finished third in the 1993 Copeland behind winner Mick McGuane. Remarkably the 1990 flag turned out to be the last finals win Tony played in for the Pies with their two point loss in the qualifying final in 1994 against West Coast in Perth the closest he came to another.

 

Tony unfortunately suffered several significant lower leg injuries throughout his career that affected his running ability. He managed only eight games in 1995 and ten in 1997 and 1998. Because of this, he was not offered a contract for 1999.

 

Tony felt that Neil Balme was the best and most natural communicator he had played under, he appreciated Collingwood teammate Shane Morwood’s care and guidance, with his input being very similar to Justin Scanlon’s mentoring when at Norwood. Leigh Matthews commanded instant respect from his standing within the football world. Leigh was Leigh and because of who he was and what he had done in football you listened and learned; the training intensity was also a huge step up. Leigh described Tony’s football attack as ‘Kamikaze’, he may have had a longer career if he had been more of an outside player but he couldn’t help himself, he never took a backward step, he had extreme pace and skill but still with a slender build he bored in and was very much an in and under player.

 

Tony Shaw, while he had been a fantastic captain and player, he may have been better to leave the Pies and coach elsewhere, as he found it hard to coach so many players he had played with. Eddie McGuire, while he could be polarising to non Collingwood people, had been fantastic for the Collingwood Football Club…there was no doubt he LOVED the past players and supported them to the hilt.

 

In 1999 Tony found himself at St Kilda via the Preseson Draft and played under Tim Watson. Tony rated Tim extremely highly as he had genuine care for the individual. Tony had a consistent season in 1999 but nearing the end his body again let him down and it was time to retire. He had to have numerous operations throughout his career and at the end of 1999. If he was to list every surgery it would basically be another book. The only part of his body which is fine and had no problems (apart from a green stick fracture as a child) is his left shoulder!

 

Tony was a fantastic contributor for South Australia. He enjoyed playing under Graham Cornes in a successful era for SA just think of the other South Aussie rovers he was competing for a spot – John Platten, Tony Antrobus, Mark Naley and Tony McGuinness for starters it was bloody hard to get a game, with the highlight being Australian champions in 1993 defeating WA at Football Park and then the jewel in the crown beating Victoria at the MCG. Tony played six State of Origin games.

 

Tony had huge respect and admiration for Garry McIntosh and believes he would have been sensational in the VFL/AFL, especially on the muddy grounds in Melbourne in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Tony rates Garry as at the very least the equal of Greg Williams (shows how highly Tony thought of Macca). Tony would love to have watched these two great players ‘go at it.’ Tony considers Peter Daicos to be unique and a dead set freak skills wise, his kicking for goal was second to none, Nicky Winmar was a brilliant player and great to watch, and he was in awe of the unmatched brilliance of Gary Ablett senior. He rates these three players the best players to have played the game during his time as a player.

 

Tony has had considerable involvement in footy since retiring being either a senior coach, assistant coach or midfield coach. He has coached at at Ivanhoe Old Grammarians in 2000, Immanuel College First XVIII, Kilburn Football Club, PHOS Camden Football Club, Brighton Football Club, and Westminster School First XVIII.

 

Tony has never finished lower than third in his coaching career but frustratingly no cigar with any flags! Personally, I think Tony has got plenty to offer.

 

Tony has massively appreciated the support of his wife Rachel and loves his children dearly.

 

Work wise, Tony is a Physiotherapist. Treating his own injuries would be a full time job. He manages a team of allied health professionals.

 

Very good for the ‘Legs the Croweaters and a drought breaker at the Pies, it has been one hell of a journey for the tough, courageous, skilful two sided rover!

 

 

(Unless noted otherwise, photos are courtesy of Roger Woodcock and the Norwood History Committee)

 

 

 

 

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