Jump to content

A HISTORY OF THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB

Demonland

By Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

 Share

Recommended Posts

Demonland Legend

Demonland   70,237

Posted
Posted

A HISTORY OF THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB:

PART SIX: A NEW DEALby The Professor

The rigours of the Great Depression caused enormous pain and suffering in a world which had experienced a decade of prosperity after the First World War. Football was one pastime that was still within the reach of many but the Melbourne fans were clamouring for changes. Ironically, the changes came as a result of the introduction of two Richmond stalwarts. History was about to repeat itself in 1933.

Melbourne's fortunes had been turned around years earlier with the appointment of former Tiger Andrew Manzie as club secretary. The club hierarchy was able to repeat this by convincing Percy Page to transfer from Richmond to take the secretarial post. Page brought with him F.V. Checker Hughes who was appointed coach for the 1933 season. Checker had played in two premierships at Richmond and later coached them after a stint in Tasmania. Together Page and Hughes set about changing Melbourne's lilywhite image from "Fuschias" to "Demons".

In 1934 the club showed significant improvement to finish in sixth position as some famous Melbourne names such as Alan La Fontaine, Jack Mueller and Maurie Gibb made their V.F.L. debut. The further inclusion of Norm Smith, Ron Baggott, Ray Wartman and Wally Lock allowed the club to move back into the finals for third placings in 1936 and 1937 and after being strong contenders for a few seasons, Melbourne finally won their third flag in 1939. In that year, Alby Rodda, Roy Dowsing, Adrian Dullard, Shane McGrath, Harold Ball and Syd Anderson all made outstanding debuts for the club. The latter two were killed in the Second World War, as was

Keith "Bluey" Truscott, who made a brief return to the club as its captain shortly prior to his death in an accident off the West Australian coast. The Grand Final win was a sweet one. The stars of the day Percy Beames and Alby Rodda who booted four goals each as the Demons drew away from arch rivals Collingwood after an even first half to win by 53 points.

RESULTS - GRAND FINAL 1939

Melbourne 3.5.23 10.10.70 15.14.104 21.22.148

Collingwood 6.5.41 10.6.66 13.9.87 14.11.95

Goals Beames Rodda 4 L Jones Ball Mueller Truscott 2 Baggott La Fontaine Smith Wartman

Best Roberts Beames Anderson Wartman Truscott Smith

THE TEAM

B Emselle Mueller Fischer

HB Hingston G Jones Roberts

C Wartman La Fontaine Anderson

HF L Jones Baggott Truscott

F Ball Smith Rodda

R Furness Kimberley Beames

19 O'Keffe

Melbourne recorded its second successive premiership with a 49 point victory over Richmond despite losing players to injury before the grand final. One of the team's heroes was ruckman O'Keefe who shadowed Richmond captain Jack Dyer all day and somewhat limited his effectiveness. Norm Smith booted a record goal tally of seven for a grand final in a dominant performance at full forward. The 19th man in the 1940 premiership team was Ron Barassi - yet another football to be later killed in action. Barassi's son Ron Barassi Jr. was to become "Mr. Football" in the 1950's and 60's and was selected captain of the Demon's team of the 20th Century.

RESULTS - GRAND FINAL 1940

Melbourne 4.8.32 10.11.71 13.15.93 15.17.107

Richmond 6.5.41 10.6.66 5.4.34 10.8.68

Goals Smith 7 Baggott Beames O'Keefe Fanning Truscott

Best Baggott Beames La Fontaine Mueller Ball Smith

THE TEAM

B Emselle Roberts Ball

HB Hingston G Jones McLean

C Wartman La Fontaine Anderson

HF Gibb Baggott Truscott

F Fanning Smith Rodda

R Mueller O'Keefe Beames

19 Barassi

Melbourne's domination of the competition continued in 1941 as the team made it a hat trick of grand old flags with a comfortable 29 point win over Essendon. Despite fielding a depleted side the Demons overcame hot weather and a blustery north wind as they bade farewell to coach Checker Hughes with an emphatic premiership victory. The team opened up with all guns blazing as they blitzed the Bombers to lead by 57 points at half time and then coasted to victory. Hughes' full forward Norm Smith, who was later to take over the coaching reins at the club in an even more successful era, topped the goal kicking for the year with 89 goals. Hughes was to return as coach twice again. Ironically, his last appearance in the role came many years later in 1965 when he replaced Smith who was sacked for one week in mid-season.

RESULTS - GRAND FINAL 1941

Melbourne 6.6.42 11.9.75 14.11.95 19.13.127

Essendon 1.1.7 2.6.18 6.12.48 13.20.98

Goals Beames 6 Mueller Smith 3 Wartman 2 Anderson Daly Dullard Gibb O'Keefe

Best Lock Heal Mueller Beames Dullard La Fontaine

THE TEAM

B Emselle, McGrath O'Keefe

HB Lock E Cordner McLean

C Heal La Fontaine Anderson

HF Gibb Baggott Wartman

F Dullard Smith Daly

R Don Cordner Mueller Beames

19 Lewis

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MO FINE Demon

MO FINE   159

Posted
Posted
I should read this to my 2 girls at bed time as a reminder that there were once grand times for our club and there will soon be again

I hope young Tom Scully reads it as well. The part about Ron Barassi Snr playing in the 1940 premiership was of interest to me. Fast forward a decade and a half and all of a sudden his son's playing in a Melbourne premiership side. Both wore the number 31 that Tom's now inherited!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Grand New Flag Redleg

Grand New Flag   3,227

Posted
Posted (edited)

Brings a tear to my eye.

I listened to my grandfathers stories of the GRAND old flag in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. I still listen to my fathers GRAND stories from the late 50s and 60s........ This is what it is all about.

I have never seen a premiership myself as a 37yo. I am not a greedy man..... (not yet at least in football terms)... I just want to see one premiership so as I am able to forward these wonderful stories, these detailed emotions, the euphoria, to my kids (first due March 3..... male) and grand kids (........... if I am as lucky...... so help me god).

Today, I have hope again for the MFC.

I genuinely feel our new team can bring the premiership back to the MFC and MCC in coming years. I feel we are on the right track.

However, I will not lie........... this is far from the first time I have felt this way................. only to be left in despair.

So come our new demon soldiers, reclaim our glory, put your names in our history books for all us MFC/MCC lovers to adore and love forever.

GOD BLESS THE MFC, AND ALL THOSE WHO PLAY OR SUPPORT IT.

ITS A GRAND, GRAND OLD FLAG

Edited by Grand New Flag
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sir Why You Little Legend

Sir Why You Little   36,587

Posted
Posted
Brings a tear to my eye.

I listened to my grandfathers stories of the GRAND old flag in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. I still listen to my fathers GRAND stories from the late 50s and 60s........ This is what it is all about.

I have never seen a premiership myself as a 37yo. I am not a greedy man..... (not yet at least in football terms)... I just want to see one premiership so as I am able to forward these wonderful stories, these detailed emotions, the euphoria, to my kids (first due March 3..... male) and grand kids (........... if I am as lucky...... so help me god).

Today, I have hope again for the MFC.

I genuinely feel our new team can bring the premiership back to the MFC and MCC in coming years. I feel we are on the right track.

However, I will not lie........... this is far from the first time I have felt this way................. only to be left in despair.

So come our new demon soldiers, reclaim our glory, put your names in our history books for all us MFC/MCC lovers to adore and love forever.

GOD BLESS THE MFC, AND ALL THOSE WHO PLAY OR SUPPORT IT.

ITS A GRAND, GRAND OLD FLAG

Nice one- I am 46 and have heard all the stories from my Dad, & yes i want to pass on my love of the Demons as well.

It's going to happen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Deeoldfart Trident

Deeoldfart   7,992

Posted
Posted
Brings a tear to my eye.

.................................. I still listen to my fathers GRAND stories from the late 50s and 60s........ This is what it is all about.

I have never seen a premiership myself as a 37yo. I am not a greedy man..... (not yet at least in football terms)... I just want to see one premiership so as I am able to forward these wonderful stories, these detailed emotions, the euphoria, to my kids (first due March 3..... male) and grand kids (........... if I am as lucky...... so help me god).

Today, I have hope again for the MFC.

I genuinely feel our new team can bring the premiership back to the MFC and MCC in coming years. I feel we are on the right track.

However, I will not lie........... this is far from the first time I have felt this way................. only to be left in despair.

So come our new demon soldiers, reclaim our glory, put your names in our history books for all us MFC/MCC lovers to adore and love forever.

GOD BLESS THE MFC, AND ALL THOSE WHO PLAY OR SUPPORT IT.

ITS A GRAND, GRAND OLD FLAG

Seems like I am around your father's vintage GNF, and I can re-live those marvellous memories of the 50s and 60s as if they were yesterday. I have kids around your age, who like you, are passionate Demons fans, and have never seen a premiership, but your / their day will come in the next 5 or 6 years, as sure as our colours remain red & blue!

Again like you, I have periodically felt that we were headed for glory in the last 40 odd years, only to have my hopes dashed like waves on a rocky shore ......... but this time is different, this time the feeling is palpable. We are approaching the dawn of a new era at the Melbourne Football Club.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    GETAWAY by Meggs

    Calling all fit players. Expect every available Melbourne player to board the Virgin cross-continent flight to Perth for this Round 4 clash on Saturday afternoon at Fremantle Oval. It promises to be keenly contested, though Fremantle is the bookies clear favourite.  If we lose, finals could be remoter than Rottnest Island especially following on from the Dees 50-point dismantlement by North Melbourne last Sunday.  There are 8 remaining matches, over the next 7 weeks.  To Meggs’

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    DRUBBING by Meggs

    With Casey Fields basking in sunshine, an enthusiastic throng of young Demons fans formed a guard of honour for the evergreen and much admired 75-gamer Paxy Paxman. As the home team ran out to play, Paxy’s banner promised that the Demons would bounce back from last week’s loss to Brisbane and reign supreme.   Disappointingly, the Kangaroos dominated the match to win by 50 points, but our Paxy certainly did her bit.  She was clearly our best player, sweeping well in defence.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 4

    GARNER STRENGTH by Meggs

    In keeping with our tough draw theme, Week 3 sees Melbourne take on flag favourites, North Melbourne, at Casey Fields this Sunday at 1:05pm.  The weather forecast looks dry, a coolish 14 degrees and will be characteristically gusty.  Remember when Casey Fields was considered our fortress?  The Demons have lost two of their past three matches at the Field of Dreams, so opposition teams commute down the Princes Highway with more optimism these days.  The Dees held the highe

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    ALLY’S FIELDS by Meggs

    It was a sunny morning at Casey Fields, as Demon supporters young and old formed a guard of honour for fan favourite and 50-gamer Alyssa Bannan.  Banno’s banner stated the speedster was the ‘fastest 50 games’ by an AFLW player ever.   For Dees supporters, today was not our day and unfortunately not for Banno either. A couple of opportunities emerged for our number 6 but alas there was no sizzle.   Brisbane atoned for last week’s record loss to North Melbourne, comprehensively out

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    GOOD MORNING by Meggs

    If you are driving or training it to Cranbourne on Saturday, don’t forget to set your alarm clock. The Melbourne Demons play the reigning premiers Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields this Saturday, with the bounce of the ball at 11:05am.  Yes, that’s AM.   The AFLW fixture shows deference to the AFL men’s finals games.  So, for the men it’s good afternoon and good evening and for the women it’s good morning.     The Lions were wounded last week by 44 points, their highest ever los

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    HORE ON FIRE by Meggs

    The 40,000 seat $319 million redeveloped Kardinia Park Stadium was nowhere near capacity last night but the strong, noisy contingent of Melbourne supporters led by the DeeArmy journeyed to Geelong to witness a high-quality battle between two of the best teams in AFLW.   The Cats entered the arena to the blasting sounds of Zombie Nation and made a hot start kicking the first 2 goals. They brought tremendous forward half pressure, and our newly renovated defensive unit looked shaky.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 11

    REMATCH by Meggs

    The Mighty Demons take on the confident Cats this Saturday night at the recently completed $319 million redeveloped GMHBA Stadium, with the bounce of the ball at 7:15pm. Our last game of 2023 was an agonisingly close 5-point semi-final loss to Geelong, and we look forward to Melbourne turning the tables this week. Practice match form was scratchy for both teams with the Demons losing practice matches to Carlton and Port Adelaide, while the Cats beat Collingwood but then lost to Essendo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    WELCOME 2024 by Meggs

    It’s been hard to miss the seismic global momentum happening in Women’s sport of late. The Matildas have been playing to record sell-out crowds across Australia and ‘Mary Fowler is God’ is chalked onto footpaths everywhere. WNBA basketball rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has almost single-handedly elevated her Indiana Fever team to unprecedented viewership, attendances and playoffs in the USA.   Our female Aussie Paris 2024 Olympians won 13 out of Australia’s all-time record 18 gol

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    EPILOGUE by Whispering Jack

    I sit huddled in near darkness, the only light coming through flickering embers in a damp fireplace, the room in total silence after the thunderstorm died. I wonder if they bothered to restart the game.  No point really. It was over before it started. The team’s five star generals in defence and midfield ruled out of the fray, a few others missing in action against superior enemy firepower and too few left to fly the flag for the field marshal defiantly leading his outnumbered army int

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 6

  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...