I read recently of the sad passing of former Collingwod player, Kevin Grose. He played 32 senior games, scoring 10 goals in his three seasons at senior level 1975-1977. Most of his senior football was played on the flanks: half back and half forward. He played under two coaches, Murray Weideman, then Tommy Hafey. Kevin Grose was a member of Collingwood’s playing group when they ‘won’ their first wooden spoon in 1976
My main recollection of him pertains to the fact he was one of the few players of that period who was tattooed. Tattooing in the 1970s was not the fad it is in contemporary society. There was a stigma attached to people with tattoos, and tattooed footballers were certainly noticed.
After his VFL career he established himself at North Heidelberg. In his first sesaon , 1978, he tied as the league’s leading goal kicker, with a season tally of 80 . What makes this even more meritorious is the fact he spent a lot of the season in a mid-field role. His contributions at North Hedielberg, saw him recognised as a forward pocket in their Team of the Century.
Vale Kevin Grose.
Glen!
Thanks Glen – sad news…
I knew Grossie when he coached Ardelthan in the Riverina league in the late 70s – he had such a good time – he came back again in the early 80s. Formidable looking bloke with those tattooes – he was a hard, but fair player on the paddock and a great bloke to have a drink with after the game. With his great mate, Les Pugh, a cheecky little rover – they were very popular throughout the league – often staying late at the opposition’s watering hole on a Sunday night.
Hi Rocket, Ardlethan hey !?! Drove through there a few years back. Some interesting footy links up there, and nearby. Ariah Park, home of the Quades, Ganmain, Frankie Gumbletons old stomping ground. I plan to go to Ardlethan for the picnic races in March.Might see you there .
Glen!
Ardelthan picnic races are a cracker Glen.
The Wagga boys fly over in a light plane and land in the middle of the course.
Will be plenty of Quades and Carrolls in attendance…
Like most blokes recruited to coach the Stars – Barry Connnolly, Barry Ough, et al – Kevin Grosse worked in the tin mine.
Alas no longer operational – and neither are the Stars – merged with Ariah Park-Mirrool in the mid 2000s – no called the Northern Jets – at one stage they were going to call themselves the Northern Power until they found out that was the name of the electricity company in Tamworth!