Ken Piesse remembers one of the first stories he ever wrote, when just a whipper-snapper. Check out his latest book ‘Living the Dream’.
KEN PIESSE: FAVOURITE SONS FROM THE MID MURRAY
Sharrock, Bos, Wallis, Raines, Frèe, O’Bree, Guerra… the Central Murray region has been a goldmine for the big city clubs, some of the VFL’s very best hailing from the townships of Tooleybuc, Jerilderie, Wandella and the like. As much as I admired the prodigious punting of Sharrock and the pepper-and-salt arrogance of Raines, as smooth [Read more]
Ken Piesse: Favourites sons of the GOULBURN VALLEY
KEN PIESSE: FAVOURITE SONS FROM THE GOULBURN VALLEY Years ago I was interviewing an old Australian cricketer, one-Test wonder George Thoms, when he stopped in mid-sentence and said: ‘Ken… you’re a good listener.’ ‘George,’ I said, ‘I just love hearing all your stories.’ Footy or cricket, I have been a sucker for a good yarn [Read more]
KEN PIESSE FAVOURITE SON’S FROM THE WIMMERA
McKenzie Creek is a near-forgotten whistlestop outside Jeparit, but for footy fans, especially down Geelong way, it will always be notable for being the childhood home of iconic Cat’s goalkicker Doug Wade, a true 1960s and 1970s goalkicking great. Doug may have been recruited direct from Horsham, but he played his first senior footy as [Read more]
Ken Piesse: Favourite Son’s of the Bush- MORNINGTON PENINSULA
The legend of spring-heeled goalkicking great John Coleman from sleepy country village Hastings is part of Mornington Peninsula sporting folk-lore. Coleman was one of the most sensational players of his, or any era, and along with Collingwood’s Gordon Coventry, the only forward to head the VFL goalkicking four or more times.
KEN PIESSE’S FAVORITES… from the BENDIGO LEAGUE
I love hearing stories about Laurie Nash, the champion’s champion of the ‘30s and ‘40s. He’d take a mark 50 out and ask the bloke on the mark which foot he’d like him to kick it with… his left or his right? Invariably they’d soar through. Post-high. Laurie was a hero even for the great [Read more]
Ken Piesse’s favorite 10 footballers from… THE LA TROBE VALLEY
Throughout season 2010, respected sports writer Ken Piesse is writing of his favourite players from the regions of the VCFL. This week he looks at the Latrobe Valley. In the days before zoning, League clubs had their own spheres of influence. St Kilda’s stronghold was the La Trobe Valley and so many players were recruited [Read more]
KEN PIESSE’S 10 FAVORITE FOOTBALLERS FROM … BALLARAT
How can you have 35 goals kicked against you, in one game and yet be a Hall of Famer at both the Redan and the North Melbourne Football Clubs? Fun-loving extrovert Barry Cheatley has never been one to allow the facts to spoil a good story so yes… he did have the misfortune to run [Read more]
KEN PIESSE’S 10 FAVORITE FOOTBALLERS FROM … THE OVENS & MURRAY
Each week prominent football author and commentator Ken Piesse will feature 10 of his personal favorites from the major country Leagues. Buffalo Creek has surely not had a more famous drifter. The tiny Myrtleford township was home for Gary Ablett snr. during his devastating six month assault on Ovens and Murray football, the launching pad [Read more]
Local Footy: Great recruiting coups of the bush
Rarely have there ever been any secrets in football and when the recruiters from the Big Smoke came to town, it was always big news. Brendan Edwards, best afield in Hawthorn’s first-ever premiership in 1961, was creating a stir in Sandhurst in the mid-50s, North Melbourne and Hawthorn among his many suitors. In those days [Read more]
Ken Piesse’s Favourites of the Bush: City slickers who loved the bush
by Ken Piesse City reputations mean nothing in the bush. Ask charismatic ex-Brownlow Medallist Neil Roberts (pictured). ‘Coco’, as he is known to all and sundry, had been talked into playing a game or two up at Echuca in the early ‘60s by ex-Woodsman Bill Serong. A wealthy local had guaranteed the star St Kilda [Read more]
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