Almanac Footy History: Len Thomas, South Melbourne: ‘A chip off the old block’

 

 

LEN THOMAS – SOUTH MELBOURNE

‘A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK’

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

“Fathers should know that sons follow their example, not advice.”

 

Australian football has produced numerous noted ‘Father-Son’ footballers over the years. Some of the AFL/VFL’s most famous father-son combinations include Peter and Paul Hudson, Charlie and Alby Pannam, Ted Cordner and his talented sons, the Kennedys of Hawthorn, Teddy and Ted (Jnr) Whitten of the Western Oval, the  Rowe and Strang families of Richmond and, the focus of this article, Bill and Len Thomas.

 

There are two main parts of this story. The first, outlines the career of Bill Thomas; the second part of the story deals with Len’s career as a VFL footballer and his sad demise in World War II .

 

This article has been written for The Footy Almanac to help to commemorate ANZAC Day 2022 as Len died in action at Salamaua in New Guinea in 1943.

 

 

PART: 1 WILLIAM ‘BILL’ THOMAS

 

William ‘Bill’ (aka ‘Sonna’) David Thomas (born 1886) made his debut for South Melbourne at the age of 18 years. He was recruited from Rose FC (Northcote) and, in time, developed into a superb defender who played a crucial role in the rise of South Melbourne in VFL football.

 

Bill played his first senior game for South Melbourne in Round 12 of the 1905 season against Collingwood at the Lake Oval.

 

Bill was the youngest player to take the field and, in a low scoring affair, the Magpies, coached by Dick Condon, won by eight points that day.

 

Over the next two seasons, Bill worked doggedly to consolidate his position in the senior team and he was only selected for four games in 1907 and was not selected for the Grand Final team that was defeated by Carlton.

 

However, 1908 was a better season for Bill as he played 15 games and finally cemented his place as a regular member of the Bloods’ backline. Another important event in Bill’s life that year was the birth of his son (Len) on July 8.

 

 

 

 

BILL THOMAS PLAYS IN A PREMIERSHIP

 

Under the astute leadership of Charlie Ricketts, the Southerners won the right to play in the 1909 season finals having finished on top of the VFL Ladder with 14 wins. South Melbourne played three matches in that finals series and Bill Thomas was listed in the best players in all games.

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand Final, which was played between South Melbourne and Carlton, was a real thriller. The scores were ‘all tied-up’ at half-time but the South Melbourne defence led by Jack Scobie at fullback and Bill Thomas (centre-half back)  held firm and South Melbourne hung on to win by two points.

 

Respected football historian John Devaney highlighted Bill Thomas’ brilliant interception at the tipping point in that last desperate quarter of the match…

 

“Carlton then retaliated with a swift attacking foray only for ‘Sonna’ Thomas to repel the danger after taking a last gasp, saving mark. Play thereafter was scrappy, fevered and frenetic, but neither team was able to mount a decisive attack, and the bell went with no addition to the scores.”

 

Former rugged West Australian Albert Franks was regarded by some scribes as South’s best player that day.  Bill Thomas won plaudits for his resolute defence and was named in ‘The Australasian’ newspaper as one of the best afield.

 

 

 

 

Bill Thomas won his spurs and wrote his name into VFL history with his commanding and skilled performances across half-back for the Blood-Stained Angels that season…

 

 “He commenced in the VFL in 1905 with South Melbourne, and after taking some time to establish himself developed into a mainstay of the team that went on to win its first premiership in nineteen years in 1909. During that year’s final series he held down centre half back with great conviction and authority, and his contribution to the flag win was unsurpassed.”: John Devaney. 

 

 

 

 

 

A TRIP TO ADELAIDE

 

The wild scenes of rapture that followed South Melbourne’s narrow victory that day was captured on film and vividly showed…

 

 “The euphoria of the victory with South fans throwing hats in the air as they paraded their champions around the MCG”: Grand Finals Volume: 1 (Slattery Media Group)

 

The celebrations which followed the game that night went well beyond ‘hat throwing’. The civic reception at the South Melbourne Town Hall included a fine meal and beverages to suit the occasion. It is known that every player received a medallion as a memento of the triumph and each member of the team received a specially made cap. (It is a little unclear if these presentations were made on the night of the victory or at a later date).

 

There were probably a few sore heads prevailing when South played Hamilton FC in an exhibition game soon after. The team then travelled on to play another match against West Adelaide FC (that season’s South Australian league premiers). The Colac Herald published the results of the clash on October 11…

 

“…The principal attraction of the day was the meeting of the West Adelaide team-premiers of South Australia – and South Melbourne, who beat Carlton last Saturday, and so secured the Victorian premiership. The scores were: South Melbourne: 11 goals 8 behinds West Adelaide: 6 goals 14 behinds.”

 

Bill Thomas was named South Melbourne’s best player while Jack Scobie, Alf Gough, Alan Pentland, Bert Franks and Vic Belcher were noted for their solid performances for the victors that day in Adelaide.

 

 

BILL THOMAS COACHES SOUTH MELBOURNE IN 1910-1911

 

 

 

In amazing turn of events Charlie Ricketts, the club’s first-ever coach and the man who had taken the team to 1909 VFL flag, stood down from the position at the start of the 1910 season. There is divided opinion as to the cause of Charlie’s departure.  One text said that Charlie was sacked but Jim Main wrote that Charlie was actually suffering from a serious illness.

 

“Charlie’s absence at the helm was a real set back after the highs of 1909; and the club quickly turned to one of its own to assume the mantle of coach”: Bill Thomas.

 

Bill must have been a mature character as well as being an adept footballer as he was just 23 years of age when he took on the challenge to lead the club.  Judging by the available records, Bill can be deemed a ‘successful coach’ as in his 39 games, as coach in 1910-11, he recorded a total of 26 victories with a win-loss ratio of 67%. In those two seasons South Melbourne also played in final series.

 

Charlie Ricketts was re-appointed captain-coach of SMFC in 1912 and Bill Thomas continued to play on with the club. It is known that Charlie also coached Richmond (see below) and St Kilda in later years. Charlie Ricketts retired from coaching in 1921 but should be remembered as an influential figure in the development of coaching in VFL football.

 

 

CAPTAIN OF VICTORIA

Such was Bill’s dominance in that era of VFL football that he was selected to skipper the Victorian team against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval in June 1912. The other South Melbourne players selected for the trip were the brilliant on-baller Bruce Sloss and strong ruckman Les Charge.

 

The match was played in front of 12,000 spectators and it was described in The Argus as…

 

                            “A splendid exhibition of fast and strenuous open play.”

 

The final scores were: Victoria 10.9 (69) defeated South Australia 7.15 (57).

 

Victoria’s best players were listed as: Wilson, Marsham, Brake, Jackson, Park, Cooper, Haughton, McLennan, Sloss* and Thomas.

 

The Victorian goal kickers were: Park 4 , Martini 2, Haughton, Marsham, Sloss and Schmidt. Note:  *A story about Bruce Sloss can be found HERE.

 

 

 

 

It is documented in several texts that Bill represented the VFL on four occasions.

 

Note: Little did the fans, who watched that memorable fixture realise that the battlefields of the Western Front in Europe would soon claim the lives Bruce Sloss and the team’s vice-captain Jack Cooper.

 

 

BILL LEAVES FOR RICHMOND

 

Bill Thomas brought up his 100^th VFL game against Melbourne in Round 3 of 1912 and then went onto play a further 35 games with the Bloods until he sought a clearance to cross to Richmond at the end of the 1913 season.

 

A motivating reason for Bill crossing to Richmond that season may have been that Charlie Ricketts had succeeded Ern Jenkins as coach of Richmond FC.

 

In summary, Bill had played 135 games for SMFC between 1905 and 1913, played in one premiership team and represented South in nine finals matches.

 

Bill spent the next four seasons at Richmond FV and, in that time, played a further 62 senior games with the Tigers.

 

 

 

 

As a guide to Bill’s standing and reputation in VFL football, he was elected as captain of Richmond on his arrival at Punt Road. For the next three seasons he and Charlie (coach) took charge of affairs at RFC and their attention to detail and collective hard work were rewarded as in 1916 and the Tigers played off in the Second  Semi-Final  against Carlton.

 

 

 

 

Carlton won by a narrow margin (four points) but Bill Thomas was named in the better players that day for Richmond.

 

According to the VFL records, Bill did not play for Richmond in 1917 and it is hard to find any documented explanation for his absence from the club that year.

 

While the name of ‘William Thomas’ appears on three pages on the World War 1 Nominal Roll ‘it was hard to determine whether ‘our’ Bill registered for duty. It was suggested that perhaps he undertook civilian duties that year.

 

Bill’s ‘missing season’ from football appears to have become a puzzle with the passage of time. Perhaps it is best to leave the mystery there!

 

 

A CRUEL END TO A FINE CAREER

Bill played his last VFL game for Richmond against Carlton in Round 9 of 1919. On that day against he suffered a career ending injury…

 

“In 1919 he was playing brilliantly for Richmond when he flew for a mark with one of his own men and broke his leg in two places above the knee. There was no stretcher available and he had to lie on the ground seriously injured until a makeshift stretcher arrived. It was the end of his career.”: Holmesby & Main, Page 577.

 

 

 

 

It is interesting to note that in his last game, prior to sustaining the shocking injury, Bill had kicked one of his total five career goals. The unlucky ‘break’ (in the true sense of the word) brought the curtain down on Bill’s magnificent VFL career.

 

After 197 games Bill said goodbye to Richmond and the game of VFL football which he had cherished since he was a teenager. Bill was 32 years of age when he left the ‘big stage.’

 

In his article for AustralianFootball.com, John Devaney described Bill in the following manner…

 

“Regarded as one of the best and most consistent defenders of his era, William ‘Sonna’ Thomas gave sterling service to two league clubs over the course of career that lasted the better part of fifteen seasons, and saw him play in excess of 200* top level games.”

 

*Note: The figure of 200 games includes Bill’s four matches at interstate level.

 

Part 2 of this story reveals how Bill Thomas, who died in 1974, outlived his son Len by more than 30 years.

 

 

PART: 2   LEN THOMAS – ‘SON OF A GUN’

 

Bill Thomas had two sons, Will and Leonard and, as youngsters, they were spirited, energetic and highly talented children in a wide range of ball games.

 

It would be no surprise to the reader that football was a major talking point in family life and the influence of their father was apparent. It is recorded that Bill coached the young boys when they were members of a local football team known as the Albert Park Stars.

 

Len (born 1908) quickly progressed through the suburban ranks and then crossed to the Lake Oval and played with South Melbourne Seconds…

 

“South Melbourne born, Len was a typical sport loving native, and from his earliest years was wrapped up in the fortunes of the League club. His father, Mr. W. (‘Sonner’) Thomas, was one of South‘s greatest half-backs in the pre-Great War era. Lencommenced his football career with Albert Park Stars, and after a couple of seasons transferred to South Seconds in 1925. A year or so later he became a senior player…”: Record (Emerald Hill) September 4^th 1943.

 

While Charlie Pannam (ex-Collingwood) was the senior coach, Len’s Second XVIII Grade coach that year was Chris (aka Charlie) Laird and his time under the leadership of Laird was an important learning period of Len’s development as a footballer.

 

 

 

Being the son of a VFL champion could have provided Len with a ‘fast-tracked’ pathway into senior ranks, but it appears that he was made to earn his ‘stripes’ in the VFL Seconds competition. However, his endeavors were finally rewarded in 1927 when he was selected for his first senior appearance.

 

There is an old proverb which says ‘hunger is the best sauce’ and by the time Len was selected for senior football he had acquired quite an ‘appetite for leather.’

 

Note: Chris Laird, recruited from Paddington (NSW) played for South Melbourne from 1918 until 1922. In his 59 games he kicked 100 goals but none was more important that his last-minute winning goal in the 1918 Grand Final against Collingwood.

 

It is known the Frank Laird (Chris’ brother) also played for the Southerners in that era.

 

 

LEN THOMAS MAKES HIS VFL DEBUT IN 1927

 

Len was 18 years of age when he made his senior debut at the Lake Oval in Round 6 against North Melbourne. He was the youngest player in the South Melbourne team that day while Roy Cazaly was the oldest (34 years).

 

Other notable players included:  Peter Reville, Bill Condon, Alby Pannam (coach), Joe Scanlan and ex-Essendon defender Les Woodfield. Another teenager who played with Len that day was Austin Robertson…

 

“South gave seven players VFL debuts, with three of them- Cecil Pettiona, Austin Robertson and Len Thomas having significant careers at Lake Oval.”: In the Blood by Jim Main Page 94.

 

 

 

 

 

South Melbourne defeated North Melbourne by 34 points and Len was selected for the match against Richmond on the following Saturday.

 

Len went on to play 12 senior games in 1927 and it appeared that he had well and truly consolidated his position in the team by the end of the season. That year,  South Melbourne finished sixth on the VFL Ladder and Hec McKay, who was in his second season of senior football, won the club’s Best & Fairest trophy.

 

 

THE INVASION FROM THE WEST

 

Len Thomas took to VFL football like a ‘duck to water’ and steadily won accolades for his bold style of play. He had all the attributes required to become a top liner in the competition and he was described by Holmesby and Main as…

 

 “…an accurate pass and fine centreman who was said to be the fastest off the mark in football. A top centreman who was an excellent mark, he inherited all his father Bill’s great talents.” Page: 843.

 

During the next few seasons, South Melbourne struggled to find consistency on the field and stability off field. In the period 1927-1931, the Bloods had three coaches(Charlie Pannam Fred Fleiter and Paddy Scanlan). Despite some aggressive recruiting and the acquisition of players such as Bob Pratt (ex-Mitcham), the club couldn’t convert its chances to play finals.

 

1931 was a season when the club looked westwards in the hope of finding success. Under the leadership of officials Jack Rohan and Archie Crofts, South Melbourne undertook a ‘desert campaign’ and crossed the Nullarbor to find talent.

 

In that season, Johnny Leonard (Subiaco), Brighton Diggins (Subiaco),  Bill Faul (Subiaco),  Gilbert Beard (South Fremantle) and Jim O’Meara (East Perth) (and not forgetting several other interstate recruits)… consequently the club was dubbed as the ‘Foreign Legion.’

 

 

 

 

According to the VFL’s Football Record it was during this period of the club’s history that South Melbourne became known as the Swans. Contrary to some theories on the matter, the ‘new’ moniker had little to do with the club playing at the Lake Oval but was due to the arrival of the above mentioned West Australians footballers to South Melbourne.

 

 

A PAT ON THE BACK FOR LEN THOMAS

 

On May 6, 1931 the Sporting Globe published a summary of players who had played well on the preceding Saturday. The article was entitled the ‘The Honour Roll – A Pat on the Back For’…and praised the preceding Saturday’s performances of Gordon Strang (Richmond), Cyril Gambetta (St Kilda), Jack Collins (Geelong), Harry Long (Melbourne), Roy McKay (Footscray) and Len Thomas…

 

“In the South Melbourne v North Melbourne engagement no men were so prominent as Len Thomas in the centre and Pratt half-forward. They were hard to separate, but Thomas, who is a son of ‘ Son’ Thomas, the old Richmond skipper, is placed first.  When a centre man plays well; he is always conspicuous. On Saturday young Thomashandled the ball cleverly all through, and repeatedly shot the leather to forwards who had made position. Of solid build, he infuses any amount of vigour into his play. . But it is in the open work that he excels.”

 

 

 

 

 

LEN WINS THE CROFT’S CUP

 

South finished seventh on the ladder that season but looked threatening and the climax of a ‘season of promise’ culminated with Len Thomas winning the club’s Best & Fairest award…

 

“S.M.F.C. Best and Fairest…Cr. A. Crofts’ Cup Won by Len Thomas…The cup donated by Cr. A. Crofts for the best and fairest player in South Melbourne League team has been won by Len Thomas the consistent midfielder, who experienced one of his best seasons since joining the club five years ago.  Mr. J. M. Rohan’s cup (for second best and fairest player) was won by ‘Terry’ Brain, who fully deserves the honour… The trophies will be presented at the annual meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday; 1st December.”  Source: Record (Emerald Hill) November 14^th 1931.

 

At that point of his VFL career, Len Thomas was 24 years of age and he had played 96 senior games with South Melbourne. It is not documented in any texts but Len may have been an ‘old-fashioned’ ‘stay-at-home’ midfielder because up until that point in time he had kicked only two goals.

 

 

THE FOREIGN LEGION MAKES THE FOUR

 

Johnny Leonard took over as coach in 1932 and South Melbourne realized its potential and won thirteen games and grabbed fourth spot on the VFL Ladder. SMFC met Collingwood in the First Semi-Final but it was a disappointing foray in September that year. The Magpies, coached by Jock McHale, blew the ‘Foreign Legion’ off the park in the first quarter and despite a courageous fight back in the second half the Bloods were defeated by 26 points.

 

The Mail (Adelaide, September 10, 1932) provided a concise and informative summary of the battle and, as can be seen from the match details, Collingwood’s champion full-forward Gordon Coventry booted five majors and, in so doing, brought his career tally to 860 goals…

 

“MELBOURNE, Saturday – Before 51,209 spectators, in perfect football conditions, Collingwood, by defeating South Melbourne, on the Melbourne ground this afternoon, won the right to meet the loser of the Carlton-Richmond match. Opening with a burst of accurate marking and passing, reminiscent of the Collingwood of old, the magpies smashed South Melbourne’s premiership hopes in the first term. A seven-goal lead was too big a handicap for South, whose forwards, over eager crowded the play throughout the game, and missed ridiculous opportunities. Collingwood kicked goals with mechanical accuracy, while South fought for each point. Collingwood were always ahead, and once again stamped that club’s team as a side that is never beaten until the numbers go up. The takings were £2,531.

 

COLLINGWOOD 17—12 SOUTH 12-16
Goal kickers- Collingwood: Coventry (5) , Collier and Edmonds (each 3) Libbis L. Murphy, and Clayden (each 2)
South Melbourne: Leonard and Pratt each 3, Robertson (2), Hearn, Brain, Thomas, and Meitzcke.

 

 

1933 – LEN THOMAS STARS IN SOUTH’S PREMIERSHIP

 

When Johnny Leonard left Victoria and headed back to Perth, the Bloods appointed former Richmond ruck Jack Bissett as playing-coach. No doubt, Jack would have been in impressed with the playing list on his arrival at the Lake Oval. The South Melbourne team was ‘galaxy of stars’ and when Laurie Nash, better known as an Australian Test cricketer at that stage, signed on the dotted line it looked like an unassailable ‘football fortress.’

 

 

 

The 1933 SMFC list that year included Terry Brain, Austin Robertson, Harry Clarke, Peter Reville, Jim O’Meara, Hec. McKay, Bill Faul, Jack Wade, Herbie Matthews,  Ossie Bertram, Cecil Pettiona, Bob Pratt, Jack Bissett, Brighton Diggins, Laurie Nash and Len Thomas. What a line-up!

 

 

 

 

Despite a sluggish start to the season, it was no surprise that South won its way through to the VFL Grand Final that year. In 1933 the Bloods set new records for ‘points scored in a season’; and with Bob Pratt kicking 109 goals and an amazing array of talent across each line, South was a powerful and explosive combination.

 

More than 75,000 people (a VFL record) packed the MCG to watch the Foreign Legion take on Richmond (coached by Billy Schmidt) on the last day of September 1933.

 

 

 

 

As history shows, Richmond could only manage two goals in the first half of the match and with Laurie Nash’s brilliant exhibition at centre-half back in the third term the Tigers stalled and eventually ‘ran out of steam.’ South Melbourne proved to be comfortable winners that day and claimed its first flag since 1918.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Len kicked an early goal in the match and set things in the right direction and played a superb game on Richmond‘s brilliant centreman Eric Zschech that day…

 

“It was a battle of the back lines….and goals were hard to get. Thomas, out-pointing Richmond’s star centreman Zschech was giving South a ton of drive…”  Source: Courage Book of VFL Finals, Page 104.

 

A measure of Len’s dominance across the midfield that day can be found in the statistics, as printed in The Sporting Globe. Len gathered 32 possessions including 10 marks during the game.

 

The scores were:

 

South Melbourne: 3.5      6.7    8.12    9.17 ( 71)
Richmond             : 0.2     2.3     3.3      4.5.  ( 29)

 

Goals for South Melbourne: Pratt 3 Diggins 2  Brian 2 Reville Thomas
Goals for Richmond:  Farmer 2 G. Strang.

 

Best for South Melbourne:  Nash Diggins Austin Matthews Thomas Bowe Reville Clarke and Bissett.
Best for Richmond: O’Neill Martin Zschech Murdoch Dyer Geddes McCormack

 

That premiership, the club’s first since the First World War (1918) and at the height of the Great Depression, must have been a sweet victory for the loyal South Melbourne fans.

 

 

 

 

 

1934 RUNNERS UP

 

Following the magnificent performance of the Bloods in 1933, supporters were rightly optimistic that there was every chance of winning back-to back flags in 1934. Under the leadership of Jack Bissett again, South had another fine season and won 14 matches.

 

The Bloods defeated Collingwood in the First Semi-Final by three points and then outclassed the Cats to win a berth in the Grand Final against Richmond. Hopes were high but a third quarter fade-out saw the Swans fail to score and the desperate Tigers took merciless revenge on the hapless Swans that day.

 

It is said that elephants don’t forget and it appears that Tigers don’t either. They certainly remembered to settle a few old scores to win in emphatic style by 39 points.

 

Laurie Nash played a lone hand up forward and Bob Pratt, who had kicked more than 100 goals for SMFC that season, struggled to find the ball against the tight checking of Maurie Sheahan.

 

Richmond 19.14 (128) defeated South Melbourne 12.17(89)

 

Sports reporter, Alec Chisholm, mentioned Len Thomas in his match review…

 

“South Melbourne was a more uneven side, probably, than at any time during the season. Some stalwarts of the team, notably Pratt, Reville, and Austin, had a bad day. It was regrettable that the vice-captain (Reville), whose retirement has been announced, should have ended his career by playing poorly and being reported on three charges. Perhaps the most consistent useful man on the side was McLaughlin at half-back. McKenzie was rarely under notice this time, but McKay, Paul, and Richards worked very hard. Brain roved with his usual clever- ness, and at one stage seemed to be the only South man at his top. Matthews marked and dashed finely, Diggins played a solid game, and Thomas, Clarke, and Nash were the best of the others.” : The Argus, October 15^th 1934.

 

 

LEN IS SELECTED IN OLD BOY’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

 

‘Old Boy’ was the penname of an influential football scribe (Reg Wilmott) of that era. Reg (1869-1949) was a former amateur footballer and worked as a journalist for more than forty years. He loved football with a rare passion and seemed to have an opinion on ‘anything and everything’ to do with football.

 

Old Boy’s columns were thoughtful, very well written and carried some clout within the football fraternity. At the end of the 1934 season, Old Boy selected his best players of the year and he named Len Thomas among the litany of stars of that ‘between-the wars’ period of VFL football.

 

The list of the best midfielders also contained such stars as Alan LaFontaine, Eric Zschech and Marcus Whelan.

 

BACKS: J. Regan (Collingwood), M. Sheahan, M. Bolger (Richmond), J. Austin (South Melbourne).

HALF-BACKS: W. Faul (South Melbourne), L. Murphy (Collingwood), G. Strang, J. Baggott, B. McCormack (Richmond), R. Hickey (Geelong), H. Long (Melbourne).

CENTRES: E. Zschech (Richmond),  A. La Fontaine (Melbourne), L. Thomas (South Melbourne), M. Whelan (Collingwood), R. Green (Carlton).

WINGS: H. Matthews (South Melbourne), A. Geddes (Richmond), J. Carney, K. Muller (Geelong), W. Smallhorn (Fitzroy),

HALF-FORWARDS: L. Nash (South   Melbourne), J. Collins (Geelong), J. Mueller (Melbourne), C. Crisp (Carlton), A. E. Kyne (Collingwood).

FORWARDS: R. Pratt (South Melbourne), G. Coventry (Collingwood), J. Titus (Richmond), J. Green (Hawthorn).

FOLLOWERS: P. Bentley, T. O’Halloran (Richmond), C. Davey (Carlton, until injured), A. Collier (Collingwood).

ROVERS: R. Martin (Richmond), T. Blain (South Melbourne), H. Bunton (Fitzroy), R. Reynolds, K. Forbes (Essendon), R. Cooper (Carlton).

 

 

RESPITE IN WORSENING STORM OF DEPRESSION

 

The role of sport in the lives of people during those years of the Great Depression cannot be understated. Football gave pleasure and a modicum of hope to thousands of men, women and children who lived from ‘hand to mouth’ in those desperate years. Football was not only a cheap form of weekend entertainment but it was exciting and lifted hearts and morale.

 

While 1934 was a tough year for many, the standard of VFL football was simply magnificent. In that year Dick Reynolds won the Brownlow Medal and the Fitzroy champion Hayden Bunton was runner’s-up. It was a most memorable for forwards as Bob Pratt (150 goals) and Gordon Coventry (105 goals) broke through the ‘magic’ century barrier while Jack Titus (Richmond) and Jack Green (Hawthorn) each booted 80 goals.

 

At the end of the 1934, Len Thomas received a warm compliment from Sid Coventry who wrote the following in a column in the Sporting Globe in September that year…

 

“I pick Len Thomas, Eric Zschech and Jack Beverldge as the best centre men of recent years, and consider Jack Collins of Geelong as one of the most effective players in the League.”

 

Sid had no idea that when he penned those words about Len Thomas that Len and his wife Edith were making ready to leave the city lights behind and settle in the bush.

 

 

1935 LEN PLAYS WITH HORSHAM

 

 

 

 

Several texts related to the history of South Melbourne FC gloss over the fact that Len was cleared to coach Horsham in the Ballarat-Wimmera FL in 1935…

 

 

 

 

 

“LEN THOMAS WILL HAVE CHARGE… (By ‘Half-back.’) The appointment of Len Thomas the new coach will cause added interest at the Recreation Reserve this afternoon when training for the football season commences. With less than a month to go before the big Wimmera–Ballarat League season be will sent on its way players need to settle down right away to serious training…”

 

Jim Main was an inquisitive football historian who rightly investigated Len’s non-appearance at Lake Oval in that season and discovered that…

 

“Thomas who had won the South Best and Fairest in 1931, decided in 1935 to move to Wimmera club Horsham as captain-coach to capitalize on his football ability as country clubs paid better than their VFL counterparts. Thomas had a wife, Edith, to consider. Edith later had two children, John and Lynette.”: Fallen Page 340.

 

The arrival of Len Thomas in Horsham received wide coverage in newspapers of the period and it was not only for his prowess in football as Len is credited with scoring 120 not out for Horsham Cricket Club in that summer.

 

Len was a brilliant baseballer in earlier days and it was said that he never took cricket seriously until his stint in the bush. His performances indicated that he was quite a talent with ‘waving the willow’.

 

During his term as coach of Horsham, Len’s son (John) was born. Len’s stint as the coach of Horsham FC was quite productive as the club finished in the Final Four. It is documented that Ballarat Imperials defeated Golden Point to win the flag.   South Ballarat was the other finalist that season.

 

Note: Readers may be interested to know that the BWFL was comprised of eight teams. The clubs were Ballarat, Golden Point, Ballarat Imperials, North Ballarat, Horsham, Warracknabeal , Ararat and Stawell.

 

In that period of such economic hardship, the costs incurred by clubs and supporters in travelling such long distances, for some ‘away’ fixtures, must have proven prohibitive and it was probably a major reason why the Ballarat-Wimmera FL existed for only three seasons (1934-36).

 

 

1936 LEN RETURNS TO SOUTH MELBOURNE

 

Len’s stint at Horsham gave him some insight into the world of football coaching and, although he returned to South Melbourne as a player in 1936, the ‘taste’ of coaching would linger.

 

“South Melbourne Is looking forward to the encounter with Melbourne on Saturday …Len Thomas who has returned from Horsham should be a tower of strength in the centre this year.”: The Argus, April 29^th 1936.

 

 

 

 

‘Nothing stays the same forever’…and South Melbourne was a different club to when Len had last played in 1934. Changes caused by the passage of time, injuries and retirements are all part of club life but research shows that further tension existed on several fronts, including the matter of the re-appointment of Jack Bissett as coach. It is known that Johnny Leonard, Roy Cazaly and Brighton Diggins had all been ‘sounded out’ to take the job however…

 

“…when it was obvious Bissett again would lead the side, Diggins decided against putting his name forward. Bisset, despite leading South to the 1933 flag, was in the twilight of his playing career and regarded as a poor tactician.”: Jim Main.

 

There appears to be some truth in the above quote because, although South had a star-studded list, the team often failed to meet expectations. Who knows what a greater tactician may have achieved with such a powerful combination of players?

 

 

THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY CLOSES

 

The Swans finished on top of the VFL Ladder at the end of the home and way series but fell short again in the Grand Final. The Magpies with Alby Pannana (five goals) and Ron Todd (a focal point up forward) outclassed the Swans to win by eleven points.

 

Len Thomas lowered his colours to Collingwood’s centreman Marcus Whelan that day. Former Fitzroy Brownlow Medallist Dinny Ryan reported in The Argus…

 

“The nimble Ross was every bit as clever as Nash in the ground play and held the dashing Southerner in check. Whelan was too tricky and elusive for Thomas in the centre and the diminutive and dashing Morgan managed to quieten Matthews. Thus Collingwood effectively smothered three weaknesses.”

 

In the same edition of newspaper,  Ivor Warne Smith acknowledged Len’s second half performance in his efforts to lift the Swans…

 

“In the first half Robertson was South’s best player. In the second half Evans, Nash, Matthews, and Thomas all improved but most of the South players could not find their best form against their clever opponents.”

 

It is not an easy matter to win a premiership and, for South Melbourne, the ‘window of opportunity’ for another premiership had slammed shut after going down to Collingwood that day.  South had been VFL Runners-up in 1934, 1935 and 1936 and would have to wait another 70 years until Paul Roos led the club (Sydney Swans) out of the wilderness.

 

 

ROY CAZALY RETURNS TO SOUTH MELBOURNE

 

In 1937, the Swans appointed former champion Roy Cazaly in the hope that he would be able to take the club that ‘extra step’ but things went pear-shaped.

 

SMFC was beset with problems that put the club on the back foot from the very start of the season. Carlton thrashed South in the opening game by 70 points and, with Bob Pratt sidelined in the next round, Collingwood added to the team’s woes.

 

At the half way mark of the season, the Swans had won only three games and drawn one match against Richmond in Round 3.

 

The Swans finished with just six wins that season and sat on the ninth rung of the ladder. Len Thomas played as a follower that season and was somewhat of a success as, in 18 games, he kicked 18 goals and polled 10 votes in the Brownlow Medal.

 

Dick Reynolds won the coveted award with 18 votes and Stan Spinks (Hawthorn) ran second with 17 votes. South Melbourne’s champion ruckman Jack Graham (ex-Red Cliffs) polled 11 votes.

 

 

 

With Bob Pratt missing from the line-up for most of the season, Laurie Nash won the club’s goal kicking with 37 goals while Herbie Mathews scored his second club Best & Fairest trophy. Herb won the award five times in his career of 191 games at the Lake Oval.

 

 

1938 – LEN’S LAST SEASON WITH THE SWANS

 

If 1937 was a tough year for Roy Cazaly then the 1938 season turned into a nightmare as the Swans fell like a lead Zeppelin to the bottom of the ladder. The club only won two games (Round 1 v Footscray and Round 16 v Essendon) and, after reaching such dizzy heights in 1933,  the ‘fall from grace’ flabbergasted the club’s loyal band of supporters.

 

The Cazaly experiment was a disappointing failure and it was a case of ‘back to the drawing board’ for the club’s brains trust.

 

Len Thomas was one bright light in the dark pall that hung over Lake Oval that year. He played 18 games, took over as captain when Herbie Matthews went down with injury early in the year, and again proved his worth as an on-baller.

 

As The Record reported, Len was rewarded for or his sterling efforts when he won the club’s Best & Fairest trophy…

 

“As indicated in The Record’s independent vote, Len Thomas, the veteran of the South Melbourne team, has been awarded the president’s trophy for best and fairest player during the year…”: The Record September 24th 1938.

 

 

1939: IN CHARGE AT HAWTHORN

 

The urge to coach again spurred Len to apply for a clearance to Hawthorn in 1939. The extract from The Argus again refers to Len playing as a follower.

 

Football lovers may find it of some interest that Len was 179cm in height which, according to VFL records, was precisely the same height as Melbourne’s most famous and dynamic ruck-rover Ron Barassi. Perhaps Len was the prototype of things to come in football…

 

“Hawthorn officials were delighted last night when informed that South Melbourne had granted a clearance to Len Thomas as coach of Hawthorn for the coming season. They paid a warm tribute to South Melbourne for its sporting action. Thomas will make his first appearance at the ground to-night at the community singing arranged by the social committee. He will also attend the dance in the pavilion on Saturday night.

 

Going to South Melbourne in 1927 from the seconds, Thomas has played 175 games for South Melbourne. He missed the 1935 season, when he was coach of Horsham. He was one of the finest centre men in the League, but in the last season or two has been excelling as a follower.” : The Argus 8^th February 1939.

 

Hawthorn had a handful of experienced and match hardened players such as Bert Mills, Stan Spinks, Bert Deague, George Dower, Alec Albiston and Bob Williams but the Mayblooms (as HFC was then known) lacked depth and struggled to break clear of the bottom bracket on the ladder.

 

 

 

 

 

Under Len’s leadership, Hawthorn won five games that season including a surprise victory over Carlton in Round 5 at Glenferrie Oval. Carlton, which had won the flag the previous season, struggled against the determined Mayblooms and, with Len Thomas booting three goals, Hawthorn (13.8. 86) overcame the Blues (11.17.83) to notch a victory that shocked the pundits.

 

The highlight of Len’s season was when he played his 200^th VFL game in Round 15 against Fitzroy at the Glenferrie Oval. In a cliffhanger, Hawthorn won by a point.

 

 

REPRESENTING VICTORIA

 

During his distinguished career in VFL football, Len played at least seven games for Victoria. It is believed that he represented the VFL in a match against Bendigo FL in 1928. He also represented Victoria against NSW (1932) and was again chosen in 1934 to play against the VFA.

 

The Daily News (Perth) published the following article related to interstate football in May 1939. It is a lengthy extract but gives readers an insight into the depth of talent that existed in VFL football in that era…

 

VICTORIA HAS CLASS TEAM ….Side chosen by Victorian selectors to play against W.A. in Perth on June 24 and 26 includes a large number who were here for the 1937 carnival. Among the newcomers are outstanding players in Melbourne football today…

 

Fourteen men will be appearing in Perth for the first time. They are Todd, of Collingwood; C. Crisp, centreman, of Carlton, who captained the Victorians last year; H. Torney, Essendon ruck, who is about 6ft. 4in.; B. Treweek and A. Hall, who play back and half-back for Fitzroy; Norman Ware (Footscray) considered about the best of Victoria’s present-day followers; Joe Ryan, clever rover of Footscray; Jack Grant, of Geelong and Stawell Gift fame, who plays centre half-back;  A. Muller, Geelong half -forward; Len Thomas, mainstay of Hawthorn ruck; Spinks, centre line-player of Hawthorn; Ron Baggott, clever Melbourne Club centre half -forward; Jack Cordner, centre for North Melbourne; R. Adamson, North Melbourne goal keeper. J. Kelly and S. Lloyd, who have been chosen from St. Kilda, visited Perth last year with that side. Lloyd plays at centre half-back and Kelly is a wingman. May 25^th 1939

 

Perhaps the peak in Len’s career was when he was selected to be the vice-captain to the legendary Dick Reynolds in the 1939 clash against South Australia at the Adelaide.  Jim Main is on the record in saying that Len also played against Western Australia in 1939.

 

 

 

 

1940: NORTH MELBOURNE

 

In 1938 and 1939 North Melbourne had been coached by former Essendon rover Keith Forbes. When he stepped down and crossed to Fitzroy, Len Thomas was appointed NMFC coach. Details are sketchy regarding the background to Len’s appointment after just one season at Glenferrie Oval but The Argus gave some further insight on the matter…

 

“Len Thomas former South Melbourne centre man who was captain and coach of Hawthorn last year was granted a clearance by the VFL permit committee last night to North Melbourne where he has been appointed captain and coach.”:  The Argus April 4^th1940

 

 

 

 

THE HEAVY TOLL OF WAR

 

By 1940, Australia had become well and truly embroiled in supporting England in the war in Europe and the nationwide calls for young men to enlist had impacted on many aspects of Australian life including on the sporting fields of the nation. Little did Len know, when he accepted the coaching job at Arden Street, that the events on the other side of the world would change his life so dramatically.

 

Football took a ‘backseat’ to the war effort and it is recorded that 15 North Melbourne footballers enlisted for military duties in 1940.  The Northeners were hit hard by the departure of such capable players as Ted Morcom, Sel Murray, Ossie Parks, Bill Wells, Jack Ryan and Dave Burke.

 

VFL records show that NMFC thrashed Fitzroy by 55 points in Round 2 and Len again starred and kicked four goals. The Shinboners then played a great brand of football to defeat Collinwood in Round 4 but trouble struck the club when Len was forced to resign as coach in June…

 

‘When captain and coach for 1940, Len Thomas had to resign due to his service commitments veteran players Jim Adamson and Wally Carter stepped in to the breach.” The North Story Gerard Dowling.

 

 

 

 

Text above: LEN THOMAS, captain and coach of North Melbourne, and formerly South Melbourne and Hawthorn star today expressed his intention of enlisting, probably going into the artillery. Thomas began with South Melbourne In 1927 and played with them until 1938. Last season he went to Hawthorn as playing coach. His business affairs will require a few weeks adjustment, and in that time he expects to be able to carry on with North…

 

 

LEN THOMAS PLAYS HIS LAST VFL GAME

 

 

 

 

Len played his last game of VFL football against Geelong at the Arden Street Oval on the June 15 1940. Only 5,000 people attended the match and Geelong won by 35 points. When he made his announcement to retire, Len was nearly 32 years of age and he had played 209 games of VFL football and kicked 78 goals. Len’s list of awards and honors were extensive and his reputation as a gentleman and sportsman was ‘second to none.’

 

While Len was reported in 1938 (Round 15) on a charge of striking he was found not guilty at the consequent hearing of the VFL’s independent tribunal, and thus he left the game with a ‘clean slate ’ and with his reputation intact.

 

 

 

 

 

It is not widely known that Len did not coach North on the day of his last game. Club veterans Jimmy Adamson and Wally Carter are listed on the VFL records as co-coaches.

 

One of the stand-in coaches that day (Wally Carter) would later write his name into history as the coach who took the NMFC to its first-ever VFL Grand Final in 1950. Wally played 137 games with the Club between 1929-1940 and won the club’s Best & fairest trophy in 1937.

 

The Sporting Globe described Wally as a ‘speedy player with keen anticipation’ when he was selected for Victoria in the clash against South Australia in Adelaide in 1937.

 

Wally coached the club in several stints between 1940 and 1962. In all, he coached the NMFC in 219 games and recorded a win-loss ratio of 45% and was successful in leading the club into VFL finals in 1949, 50 and 1958. R. ‘Jimmy’ Adamson, originally from Penshurst FC, played 180 games for the Shinboners, represented Victoria and won the Syd Barker Memorial trophy in 1940. Jimmy was later awarded Life Membership for his long  and dedicated service to NMFC.

 

 

LEN THOMAS WAS THE FIRST VFL CAPTAIN TO ENLIST FOR WAR SERVICE

 

 

 

 

Text above:  LEN THOMAS  Len Thomas, captain and coach of North Melbourne, is the first League captain to enlist. Thomas passed the medical tests this week and will enter camp as soon as business adjustments will allow. Len Thomas is a family man and in the spirit that always seems to be uppermost in our minds—single men without dependents first — I asked him if he had any special reasons for enlistment. “Well, a man just can’t be out of a thing like this,” he replied.

 

 

THE 1940 PATRIOTIC CARNIVAL AT THE MCG

Len did ‘pull on the boots’ for one more time to play in the VFL’s Patriotic Carnival which was held at the MCG in August 1940. Len was undertaking military training at that time and Percy Taylor’s preview of the ‘festival of football’ made special mention of Len Thomas for his involvement in the game…

 

 “After weeks of strenuous endeavour the Victorian Football League needs only fine weather to-morrow to make its unique  patriotic carnival on the Melbourne Ground a marked success. All 12 clubs will compete in a series of lightning games for the “patriotic premiership.

 

The programme will begin at 11.30 a.m. with a match between North  and South Melbourne. Each match will last for 20 minutes, and another 10 minutes will be taken in bringing the next two teams on to the field…..Len Thomas who resigned as captain coach of North Melbourne to enlist will return from camp to play in the centre tomorrow. Lately he has been a follower but he first came under notice in the centre for South Melbourne.”: August 2^nd 1940.

 

 

 

 

THE DEATH OF LEN THOMAS

 

According to the World War 2 Nominal Roll, Len Thomas enlisted in the Australian Army on the June 17 1940 at Caulfield. Len (VX 12564) fought in two theatres of war in Europe and later in New Guinea.

 

As his service record indicates, Len died at the hands of the invading Japanese forces at Salamaua on August 17 1943.

 

An account of Len’s military service was written by Jim Main and David Allen and published in their truly remarkable book entitled Fallen: The Ultimate Heroes.

 

In their homage to Len Thomas, Jim and David included the article that was printed in The Record on September 4 1943.  It is a moving tribute to Len Thomas and underscores what an honourable and esteemed person Len was throughout his life.

 

It is hoped, by this writer, that emerging footballers will read Jim and David’s book to appreciate those footballers who ‘played on a higher plain’ and fully understood the essence of giving their all.

 

 

 

 

A LETTER HOME

 

It is probably superfluous to re-write that moving article published in from The Record, regarding Len’s sad demise, as it is so readily available in other accounts about his death on active service.

 

However, a lengthy but fruitful search turned-up another extract of some importance.  It is a ‘rare find’ that should not be lost in the history of the Thomas family.  Sadly, it was one of the last letters that Len would ever write and it made mention of Len’s reunion with former team mate Peter Reville when he was laid up in a military hospital in New Guinea in April 1943…

 

“MEET IN HOSPITAL:  Len Thomas and Peter Reville noted mid-fielder in South’s 1933 premier football team, Cpl. Len. Thomas writes to the secretary of South Melbourne Patriotic Fund (Mr. H. Alexander) of meeting with other Southerners in New Guinea. ‘Since I last wrote I have been in action against Tojo. I must be getting a bit old and slow, as I can’t dodge as well as I could. I landed a grenade splinter in the shoulder. Luckily it’s not very serious, and is just about healed up. I have been in hospital just on a month, and look like getting my walking ticket any time now. There are two other South boys in the ward with me – Pte. Moysey and Cpl. Hooper. They both received their copies of ‘The Giggle Sheet.’ I had old Peter Reville as a mate in here (hospital), but he was sent home. I also had a visit from (Lieut.) Reg Benett. Hadn’t seen him for years. He brought over a couple of copies of ‘The Record,’ which were very acceptable. ‘Thanking you once again for your good wishes, and give my regards to all at South.’ Source: The VFL Record April 3^rd 1943.

 

The above letter is particularly poignant because Len was killed in battle some five months later. Metropolitan papers carried the sad news and one of the most fitting tributes to Len was published in The Horsham Times.

 

 

A COMMANDO IN FOOTBALL AND WAR

 

 

 

The following extract regarding Len Thomas’ death was taken from the Sporting Globe (15th August 1945). The article summarised the lives and achievements of VFL footballers who had fallen in battle in the Second World War.

 

The tribute to Len was written by a well-known scribe of that era, Hec de Lacy, and it is an apt way to highlight the substantial achievements of a brilliant footballer who gave his heart and soul to the game he loved.

 

LAUGHING happy Len Thomas, popular wherever he went — a man’s man. He defended and exploited the centre for those great South Melbourne teams of the middle thirties. His last appearance at headquarters would be in the Lightning Premiership games won by St. Kilda.

 

He had  a great brush with Jack Dyer. They crashed and big Jack went down. Lenshirked no issue. He came in to see me when he enlisted. He was a family man. Weren’t there others before him? “No,” he replied, “I just had to do it.” and he campaigned in the Middle East. Len was killed somewhere in the battle for the ridges in New Guinea – a Commando in football and war.”

 

 

A SUMMARY – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HIS FATHER

 

As stated at the start of this story, the father and son combination of Bill and Len Thomas is one of the most famous in VFL/AFL history. As is often the case in life, the pathways of a son can often mirror the footsteps taken by his father. Bill and Len Thomas deserve very special places in the history of Australian Rules football…

 

Both played 100 games for South Melbourne;
Both played in premiership teams with South Melbourne;
Both captained South Melbourne and other VFL clubs;
Both coached at VFL senior grade level;
Both represented Victoria in interstate football.

 

 

 ‘How well dost thou now appear to be a chip of the old block.’ John Milton (1642).

 

This story was written for The Footy Almanac by Roger Spaull to help observe the ANZAC Day commemoration in April 2022.

 

 

 

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