The Rise and Fall of VFL Park

[Sir Why You Little 37,034]

20 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

My best memory of VFL Park is my first. It was in 1971 when John “Diamond Jim” Tilbrook made his debut on a wintry day against South Melbourne. 

He was a big man - 184cm and, dare I disclose this in these nanny days, he weighed a massive 94kg. When he ran out onto the ground in the gloomy conditions, he looked like Superman. He was wearing his Melbourne colours but he might well have worn a cape and had an S on his chest. When he took his first kick, he was on the wing and went bang unleashing a monster 70 plus metres kick that almost sailed right through the big sticks. The Dees won easily and I thought we had a new messiah. Sadly, it didn’t turn out that way.

I think that was my first visit to VFL Park

Diamond Jim had been a big talking point in the household the week before 

[Kick_It_To_Pickett 3,293]

First Australian stadium to have a Pizza Hut. That was a real highlight for me

[Fork 'em 6,983]

Saw plenty of games from the members at Waverly.
Only lived 10-15 mins away and had a relo living across the road so would park there till the traffic died down.
Best ground away from the MCG.
Everywhere else felt like I was slumming it.

Also caught some nice redfin in the dam near the freeway.
Good little spot. 

Edited March 22 by Fork 'em

[Demonised 1,354]

Wasn't it built in what turned out to be a rain belt? That is, one of the rainiest parts of Melbourne? 

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,823]

Was there in 88 when we comprehensively beat Carlton to make the GF.  The atmosphere and mood in the outer with 5 - 10mins to go when we all realised we had it in the bag and were into a GF for the first time in 20 something odd years was close to the most emotional I've ever experienced with our supporter group.  Can only imagine that's a small taste of what it would be like winning a premership at the G and actually being there.

[Bates Mate 4,486]

On 21/03/2024 at 09:48, leave it to deever said:

Fond memories of seeing Simon and Garfunkel there.

Bad memories of Simon Eishold there