Demonland

I too can vouch for the AFL subscription. I was away for 3 weeks in June and took out a month subscription. Watched the Dees beat the Bombers at 2am in New York. Had to watch the last quarter in the toilet so as not to wake up the wife with my yelling at the iPad. Quality was great too. Here is the last 2 minutes of that game just because. http://www.afl.com.au/video?guid=654572

Except that his IQ is about triple that of Col and his value to the club he plays for even greater than that.

1975 - A RETROSPECTIVE by Whispering Jack At the start of every year, we go back in time four decades. 1975 was a year of improvement ... After a disastrous 1974 season for the Melbourne Football Club, the rebuilding began in 1975 and the end result was a pleasing improvement in terms of wins. The team started brightly with wins over Footscray and eventual premiers North Melbourne but three consecutive losses saw them back down to earth. The Demons struggled for consistency and were hurt by some narrow losses, none more costly than the 2 goal loss at the hands of ladder leaders Hawthorn in round 16 after they led at three quarter time. They then made a surge towards the finals with three consecutive wins before going down unexpectedly to lowly Fitzroy and losing their last two games narrowly to Geelong (6 points) and Collingwood (1 point) to slump to tenth place. SEASON DETAILS (from demonwiki.org) Coach: Bob Skilton Captain: Stan Alves Finishing Position: 10th Best and Fairest: Laurie Fowler Leading Goalkicker: Greg Wells (32) Best First Year Player: Marty Lyons The club lost $27,827 for the year. Practice Matches South Melbourne WIN Richmond WIN Premiership Season 1 Footscray WIN 2 North Melbourne WIN 3 Essendon LOSS 4 St. Kilda LOSS 5 Hawthorn LOSS 6 South Melbourne WIN 7 Richmond LOSS 8 Carlton LOSS 9 Fitzroy WIN 10 Geelong LOSS 11 Collingwood WIN 12 Footscray LOSS 13 North Melbourne LOSS 14 St. Kilda LOSS 15 Essendon WIN 16 Hawthorn LOSS 17 South Melbourne WIN 18 Richmond WIN 19 Carlton WIN 20 Fitzroy LOSS 21 Geelong LOSS 22 Collingwood LOSS Ladder W D L % P Hawthorn 17 0 5 137.3 68 Carlton 16 0 6 129.2 64 North Melbourne 14 0 8 115.1 56 Richmond 13 0 9 113.5 52 Collingwood 13 0 9 93.9 52 St. Kilda 11 0 11 101.4 44 Footscray 11 0 11 94.8 44 Essendon 10 0 12 90.7 40 Fitzroy 9 0 13 97.1 36 Melbourne 9 0 13 93.6 36 Geelong 7 0 15 78.2 28 South Melbourne 2 0 20 75.0 8 Playing List Number Player Games Goals 1 Garry Baker 16 15 2 Robert Flower 20 14 4 Tony Sullivan 15 0 5 Des Campbell 18 6 6 Ross Brewer 14 28 7 Graham Osborne 10 1 8 Peter Keenan 19 21 9 Laurie Fowler 22 0 10 Carl Ditterich 12 18 11 Greg Wells 21 32 12 Marty Lyons 19 12 13 Henry Coles 9 9 14 Neil Chamberlain 1 0 15 Stan Alves 20 26 16 Peter Keays 10 0 17 Denis Clark 16 3 18 John Tilbrook 2 0 19 Ray Biffin 19 7 20 Paul Hurst 16 5 21 Graham Molloy 2 0 22 Frank Giampaolo 12 17 23 Shane Fitzsimmons 10 7 24 Wayne Delmenico 14 0 25 Barry Ough 1 0 26 Gary Guy 15 5 28 Tony Dullard 19 4 31 Billy Barham 3 2 32 Kim Smith 4 3 33 Gary Hardeman 21 31 34 Mal Owens 1 0 35 Steven Smith 22 24 36 David Kelly 1 0 37 Ted Carroll 7 2 38 Terry Wilkins 11 1 40 John Sparks 4 4 43 Ray Smith 10 1 46 Glenn Walley 1 1 50 Colin Graham 2 0 52 Greg Hutchison 1 0 Best and Fairest 1st Laurie Fowler 2nd Stan Alves 3rd Ray Biffin 4th Greg Wells 5th Gary Hardeman Redlegs Trophy - Steven Smith Tribunal Round Player Charge Sanction Round 3 Carl Ditterich Striking 4 matches Round 8 Tony Dullard Striking 2 matches Round 11 Des Campbell Striking 2 matches Reserves Best and Fairest - Neil Chamberlain Second Best and Fairest - David Murray Outstanding Service Award - Barry Ough, Ted Carrolland Graham Molloy W D L % P Richmond 18 0 4 153.1 72 Geelong 15 0 7 122.0 60 Essendon 13 1 8 102.5 54 Hawthorn 12 0 10 104.9 48 Melbourne 12 0 10 92.9 48 Collingwood 10 0 12 101.8 40 South Melbourne 10 0 12 96.6 40 Footscray 10 0 12 92.8 40 North Melbourne 9 2 11 109.5 36 Carlton 8 0 14 85.8 32 Fitzroy 7 1 14 82.0 30 St Kilda 7 0 15 75.0 28 Finals EF Hawthorn LOSS Under 19's Captain - Chris Munday Under 19's Best and Fairest - Mark Davidson Second Best and Fairest - Geoff Delaney Outstanding Service Awards - Geoff Campbell and Stephen Ellingworth Best Finals Player - Shane Young Best in Grand Final - Peter Hamilton W D L % P Richmond 20 1 1 177.2 82 North Melbourne 19 2 1 158.1 78 * Collingwood 14 0 8 121.1 76 Melbourne 12 0 10 110.0 48 Fitzroy 11 0 11 103.8 44 St Kilda 11 0 11 89.7 44 Essendon 10 0 12 93.4 40 Hawthorn 10 0 12 91.8 40 Footscray 7 1 14 88.7 30 Geelong 7 0 15 75.3 28 Carlton 6 1 15 83.2 26 South Melbourne 3 0 19 58.2 12 * North Melbourne lost points from 16 matches for fielding an ineligible player. Finals QF Collingwood WIN SF Richmond WIN GF Richmond LOSS Fourths Best and Fairest - Andrew McKaige Second Best and Fairest - Craig Derrick Outstanding Service Awards - David Keane and Ian McCormack Best Clubman - Jeff Mackie ANNUAL REPORT 1975 In presenting the Annual Report for 1975 we have a situation infinitely more pleasing than that which prevailed in Season 1974. Although we have risen only a few places in the V.F.L. Ladder our greatest gain has been in the number of matches the team has won. In 1974 we were successful on only three occasions and in 1975 a much healthier total of nine. An improvement of 300% is certainly an improvement but it does not end with this mere statistical gain. Those of us who are close to the Club are very confident indeed that this improvement is real and enduring. Our improvement was not confined solely to our Senior eighteen but to our Reserve and Under 19 teams who were also lifted from most lowly positions in their respective grades to occupying a place in the Final Five. Our Reserves, throughout the season, always performed creditably, and it was pleasing indeed to see them competing in the Finals. The performance of the Under 19 side was even more satisfying as we had the pleasure of seeing this team participate in a stirring Grand Final against Richmond in which either side could have won the Premiership flag. Our Under 17's kept up the good work by again figuring in the Grand Final of its competition and so our supporters can have reason to feel pleased with the overall improved Club performance and justifiably look forward to an even better year in 1976. Our Coach Bob Skilton has been very forthright since the season concluded in his predictions as to 1976. Bob is very confident in the future performance of his team. Roy Simmonds again acted as Reserve XVIII Coach and assistant to Bob Skilton. Roy's true ability is better illustrated in the manner in which he handled the new talent at his disposal and his success was well earned. A new face on the coaching scene for Melbourne was former player Neil Crompton, and Neil proved himself to be a very excellent under 19 Coach. The Under 17's were again successfully coached by Gordon Duff who has enjoyed great success with this team and in 1975, similarly to Neil Crompton, brought his team to the Grand Final. This year saw an influx of new players worthy to represent the Club for many years to come and it also saw a more determined effort from many of our Senior players. It saw also a more determined effort from our Committee, a more determined effort from our associated groups, our Redlegs. our Coterie, our Social Committee, an atmosphere of endeavour led by a new Chairman with determination firing others surrounding him, that promises much in the future. Since the season began there has been a great effort on the part of these associated groups, and if one is to succeed in football today then it is imperative that this altitude be maintained. Whether one applauds or deplores the competition for players between V.F.L. Clubs if we are to succeed then compete we must, and since finance is as important as the skill and ability of players we obtain, then our efforts must be directed towards solving this financial situation, in order that we can continue to acquire players of the necessary skill and ability to lift us to Premiership standard. The determination to achieve this is within our Club at the moment and is shown in one instance in the re-organisation of the Redlegs. This association now permits the admittance of M.F.C. Members and they have established the Tavern Bar as their meeting place before, during and after the "home" games at the M.C.G. We are indeed indebted to the Melbourne Cricket Club for the wonderful assistance in making this area available to the Redlegs and the generous manner in which they helped to have the room refurbished. A new appointment this year was that of Team Manager. This position calls for close liaison between the players, coaches and committee and in this capacity Noel McMahen has worked tirelessly. His drive and determination contributed greatly to the smooth operation at the Club. Another important appointment made by our Committee during the year was that of Mr. Peter Yeo to the position of Fund Raising Officer. Peter, who is a former Melbourne player brought to us a new and exciting approach to fund raising and we believe that with the continual assistance of all areas associated with the Club he will generate the necessary finance for us to carry out our important plans for the future. Our Club was extremely fortunate in having the support of the Austcom Inter City Group who manufacture the Monbulk range of fruits and jams as well as the Parsons range of rolled oats and dessert products. This progressive Group is led by Executive Director, Mr. Doug Shears. Evidence of another poor year financially is given later in this report. The committee is gravely concerned over the future financial health of all senior and junior Australian Rules Clubs as they wrestle with exploding costs caused by inflation. It would not be an exaggeration to state that the administration of a League Club is now almost beyond the capacity and time capability of honorary officials. Further it would not be unfair to comment that the millions spent on the development of V.F.L. Park have largely been generated as a result of the unselfish and time-consuming efforts of the dedicated unpaid administrators of the twelve League Clubs. Melbourne believes the time has arrived for a high level review of the resources of the Victorian Football League. Recent events in the commercial world have forced large and small companies to examine their operations. Why not the Victorian Football League? Perhaps a new and more innovative attitude towards these resources may improve the ailing financial health of the majority of Clubs. Our Best and Fairest Awards were again publicly conducted at the M.C.G. and we had an extremely popular win by first year player Laurie Fowler. Laurie scored a convincing success and the announcement of the award was greeted with great enthusiasm by his fellow players for not only has he proved himself an excellent player, but he has also displayed a keenness and enthusiasm coupled with a tremendous drive to obtain peak physical fitness that his enthusiasm became infectious to those who trained with him. We are most fortunate to obtain such an excellent player and Clubman. Last year's Best and Fairest winner Stan Alves was runner-up to Laurie Fowler in our award and Stan displayed his great sportsmanship in accepting the position of runner-up once again. We point with pride to the fact that Stan earlier had been runner-up to Gary Dempsey in the Brownlow Medal count after leading to the very last vote, and on this occasion Stan demonstrated to all football supporters his greatness as a player and as a leader. Third Best and Fairest Trophy was won by Ray Biffin. Originally recruited from North Launceston in 1968, he has developed into one of the outstanding full-backs in the V.F.L. More particularly, in our Club, he has emerged as a great example on and off the field. Football each year produces its characters within the rooms who by their desire to involve the younger players around them create the good will and harmony that Clubs are continually striving to obtain, and in this category Ray has no peers. Fourth and fifth in our Best and Fairest Awards were two great Melbourne players who, in recent years have become, along wilh a few other players, the backbone of our team. Greg Wells and Gary Hardeman are two local products who have each risen through the ranks of our Junior eighteens to occupy the forefront of our team. Both Victorian representatives, they bring honour to us continually by the excellence of their play and behaviour. CAPTAIN AND VICE-CAPTAIN Reference has been made earlier in this report to the wonderful work carried out by Stan Alves and Gary Hardeman who were our leaders on the field. Their example to their players could not be expressed better. Not only are they great players but they are line Clubmen and tremendous ambassadors for our Club. JIM HANNAN MEMORIAL REDLEGS TROPHY Mrs. Shirley Hannan, widow of the late Jim Hannan, has generously offered to donate an annual trophy to the Club. Jim Hannan was a very keen supporter of the Club who was tragically drowned while scuba diving off Fiji in 1973. He was a Member of Coterie, a foundation Member of the Redlegs and served on the Committee of the Redlegs until his death. He was a keen amateur footballer playing over 300 games with Old Melburnians and represented Victoria in amateur football on three occasions. It is proposed to name the trophy: "Jim Hannan Memorial Redlegs Trophy" (for outstanding initiative and service to the Club on and off the field). The Committee will choose the winner of this trophy each year from the following guidelines: (1) The player should be aged approximately 24 years or less. (2) To have character traits, potential for success in public life apart from football. (3) To be prepared to forfeit some leisure time to assist in developing junior football. (4) To have a high standard of personal behaviour. (5) To possess unselfish loyalty to the Club. The Club would like to thank Shirley Hannan for the kind thought in making this Award available. OUR COMMITTEE After twelve years as Chairman of our Club, Dr. D. G. Duffy resigned from the position. He was succeeded by Mr. John Mitchell and John immediately set about his task in a manner which indicated a tremendous determination for the Club to improve. John Mitchell, who is a former Captain of Melbourne Grammar team and a most successful coach in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, coaching Old Melburnians to an "A" Grade Premiership, has spared no effort in his endeavours to develop our team. He introduced a reorganisation of the Club which streamlined many activities, created new Sub-Committees to deal with vital problems, and generally set a standard which he demanded his fellow Committeemen follow. It is quite evident that this new outlook produced a changed attitude within the team and we are certain that the benefits will be shown even more clearly in the years ahead. He has the full confidence and cooperation of every member of Committee. Since the last Annual Report several changes have occurred in Committee. Mr. Don Ferguson retired from the Executive Committee of the Football Club during the year. Because of Don's position as Treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club and his wide experience in financial matters his contribution to the Football Club's deliberations since 1972 have greatly benefited the Club. The Melbourne Football Club wishes to record its appreciation for his years of service. Mr. Colin McLean retired from the Committee at the end of Season 1974. A former player who represented Victoria in 1948 Col brought a wealth of football experience to the Committee Table. On his retirement from the playing field he initially was involved with the Social Committee later he served as Assistant Secretary and when appointed a Committeeman served as Chairman of the Selection Committee. The Club wishes to express its thanks for his untiring efforts as a player and Committeeman. Mr. George Lenne ceased being a Member of Committee at the end of 1974. A player in the early war years he returned to the Club in 1955 and for the past 20 years has filled the roles of Secretary and later Chairman of the Reserve XVIII Committee, and in 1970 was appointed as a Melbourne Football Club Committeeman. George's record of service has been outstanding and the Club has been extremely grateful to have a former player who has served the Club so loyally. Finally, Mr. Bob Miller also ceased being a Member at the end of Season 1974. Bob's contribution to the overall work of the Committee was all too short. His assistance in legal problems in the early years of contracts did not go unnoticed by fellow Committeemen. SCHOLARSHIP SQUAD A major move taken by our Club during 1975 was to introduce the Melbourne Football Club Scholarship Squad. This scheme, developed by our Recruiting Sub-Committee, brought 17 selected young players from our metropolitan area to the M.C.G. for specialised training on Sunday mornings during the latter part of the year. Under the excellent management of Mr. Frank Fidge these players each week were taught the basic and advanced skills of our game by the Senior Coach, Bob Skilton, assisted by present-day players Stan Alves, Ray Biffin, Carl Ditterich, Robert Flower, Laurie Fowler. Gary Hardeman. Paul Hurst. Marty Lyons. Steve Smith and Greg Wells and former players in Barry Bourke, Noel McMahen. Phil Rhoden and Ian Ridley. At an evening to conclude the scheme presentations were made to the squad members by the Club Chairman, Mr. John Mitchell. It is our Club's firm belief thai with this continual development and fostering of Junior players from within our areas we shall be ensured of a steady flow of promising recruits into our various teams. We wish to acknowledge the financial assistance given to the scheme by way of donations from the M.F.C. Former Players and Officials Association. Adidas Sporting Footwear and Mr. Alan McKay. The squad consisted of the following players; Chris Brady - Romsey Damien Caddaye - Glenhuntly Geoff Clarke - Ormond Craig Derrick - M.F.C. Under 17's Andrew Fraser -Oakleigh Dean Furnell - St. Peter's Michael Giulieri - Murrumbeena District Matthew Hope -Mentone Andrew McKaige - M.F.C. Under 17's Brett Marchant - Mentone Jim Mercaulio - Bentleigh Wayne Miller - Edithvale/Aspendale Luke de Munk - Chelsea Kelvin Richards - Bentleigh Tigers Peter Salter - Bon Beach Peter Thorne - Bentleigh Tigers Greg Walker - Edithvale/Aspendale PROMOTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT In June this year the Melbourne Football Club were pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Flower to the full-time position of Promotions Officer. Previous to Robert's appointment, this area of the Club's operation was under the control of Mr. Barry Bourke, who acted for us in an honorary capacity. Both Robert and Barry have ensured during the year that numerous clinics and allied functions have been conducted at schools and junior clubs throughout our area. During the May term holidays, our Club conducted two matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, comprising four teams of especially selected Secondary schoolboys from within both our zones and interstate. Arising from these matches a squad of 50 schoolboys was then invited back to our ground during the September term holidays, where they were involved in a three day specialised clinic under the control of our Captain Stan Alves and other Senior players. Three very successful evenings were also held during the year, two in Melbourne and one at Seymour, at which personnel from schools, clubs and district leagues were invited to discuss with us, in a social atmosphere, the various problems associated with Australian Rules football today. RECRUITING Throughout the year, under the direction of the Chairman of Recruiting, Ian Ridley, and Senior Committeemen Ken Carlon and Barry Bourke, our Recruiting Officers have been very active in seeking the new players needed by our Club to rise up the V.F.L. ladder. No area or information has been ignored and we would like to express our appreciation to the League and Club officials in both our Metropolitan and Country Zones for the courtesy they have shown to our representatives at the matches that they have attended in their respective areas. Listed below are some of the players who we anticipate will be participating in our 1976 pre-season matches. Mark Czarnecki - Centre Carrum Michael Graham - Half Forward Sturt Peter Johnston - Ruckman St. Virgil's, Hobart Neville Mills - Forward Euroa Phillip Seaton - Centre Tongala Robert Walters - Forward Romsey Morris Wingate - Centre Kyabram RETIREMENT OF JIM CARDWELL Prior to the start of the 1976 season James Hector Cardwell will retire as Secretary of the Melbourne Football Club, a position in which he has loyally and diligently served our Club since 1950 and from which he assisted in building the M.F.C. into a team which became almost invincible in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Jim, as he prefers to be known has been associated with our Club through 11 successive final appearances from 1954, six Premierships and seven successive Grand Finals, a feat that may never be equalled. He joined Melbourne as a player in 1939, being recruited from the North Brunswick Amateur Team. Five years of war service from 1940-1945 saw Jim return to us to play further games with our Reserve eighteen and to then accept a position on the Reserve Grade Committee shortly afterwards becoming its Secretary and delegate to the V.F.L. Reserve Grade League. In 1950 he accepted the position of Secretary to the Senior Committee on a part-time basis, and in 1958 was appointed as the Club's first full-time Secretary. In these 25 years from 1950-1975 Jim has always maintained his cool, quiet and efficient manner. One could speak to Jim for many hours on the subject of his recruiting prior to the introduction of zoning and names which readily come to mind include: Ralph Lane, Noel Clarke, Ken Christie, John Beckwith, Frank Adams, Ron Barassi, Geoff Case, Terry Gleeson, Peter Marquis, Ken Melville, Don Williams, Brian Dixon, Bob Johnson, Clyde Laidlaw, Ian Ridley, Laurie Mithen, Athol Webb, Trevor Johnson, "Tassie" Johnson, Denis Jones, "Hassa" Mann, Jim Sandral, Ian Thorogood, Geoff Tunbridge and Dick Fenton-Smith. Jim has been affectionately referred to over his career as "The Prince of Secretaries", "The Patriarch of Secretaries", and "The Doyen of Secretaries", all titles which he wears proudly and deserves. Upon his retirement our Club trusts that we shall not lose contact with Jim and his charming wife Mavis, for football in general and the Melbourne Club in particular need the wisdom and experience of people such as them. FIVE YEAR CERTIFICATES The Committee this year has great pleasure in awarding a Five Year Certificate to John Tilbrook who joined our Club in 1971 from Sturt (South Australia). RESERVE GRADE Under the control of Chairman Noel Parkhill and Secretary Bill Rodriquez, our Reserve Grade Committee continued their good work associated with the administration of the Reserve, Under 19 and Under 17 teams. As mentioned earlier in the report our Reserve team had a successful year in that they moved from last place in 1974 (three wins) to participating in the 1975 Finals (12 wins). In addition many young players from the Reserves were given the opportunity of playing in the Senior team. Manager Noel Parkhill and his Officials, along with their Coach Roy Simmonds can be justly proud of the performance of the Reserves. Improvement was also obvious in our Under 19 team. Coach Neil Crompton, Manager Bernie Massey and Assistant Manager Rod Shepherd moulded together a team that moved from 9th position in 1974 (seven wins) to the 1975 Grand Final where they were narrowly defeated. Many Under 19 players were chosen in our Reserves team during the year and we are also pleased to report that five of their players also graduated to the Senior team. These were Colin Graham, Greg Hutchison, Barry Ough, John Sparks and Glen Walley. Our Under 17 team managed by "Steve" Stevens and his assistant Ken Scott continued their excellent work of previous years and Coach Gordon Duff again had his charges in the Grand Final. This team over the years has been a steady source of supply of players to the Under 19 Grade and in this regard our Club is indeed grateful to Gordon for his coaching results. DONORS Sir Albert Chadwick Mr. S. A. Edwards Mrs. E. Hunter Mr. A. E. Langley Mr. D. H. Knight Melbourne Football Club Mr. D. Ferguson Mr. F. V. Hughes Mr. T. Taylor Melbourne Cricket Club Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. Melbourne Football Club Former Social Committee Sir Frank Richardson Mr. C. S. McCutcheon Mr. R. J. Seddon Mr. G. R. Sheppard Taylor Ferguson Pty. Ltd. Mayne Nickless Ltd. Mr. H. I. Ebeling Players & Officials Association Mr. A. McKay Mr. B. Stanton Mr. I. Jones Mr. S. A. Willmott Mr. K. A. Taylor Mr. A. Norris Mr. G. Burns APPRECIATION OF ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES RENDERED The Club wishes to record its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following, who in numerous ways have assisted us during the past season. Melbourne Cricket Club Sir Albert Chadwick, C.M.G., M.S.M. (President), Mr. Ian Johnson (Secretary), Mr. Maurice Gibb (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Hugh Wilson (Accountant), Committee, office and ground staff. Victorian Football League Messrs. E. O. McCutcheon, J. C. Hamilton, R. Lane, A. McKenzie, G. J. Clayton, and administration staff. Coterie Mr. M. Meehan (Chairman), Mr. A. L. V. King (Secretary), and all their members. Redlegs Mr Bruce Church (Chairman), Mr. Jim Considine (Secretary), Mr. Tom Jackett (Immediate Past Chairman), and all their members. Former Players and Officials Association Mr. Ken McKaige (Chairman), Mr. R. Mollison (Secretary), and all their members. S.S.B, Little League Mr. Brian Donnegan (Manager), and all other personnel from the Bentleigh/McKinnon Y.C.F.L. who assisted each week. Melbourne Catering Company Mr. M. Belle, Mr. Bert Andrews, and all members of the M.C.G. catering staff. Melbourne Football Club Cheer Squad, to all members of this band of young and active supporters who have helped in many ways during 1975. Press, Radio, Television - to each and every member of the media who are associated with this important contribution to Australian Rules football. Social Committee - to all members of this Sub-Committee who make a very large contribution to our financial and social welfare. Sponsor - Mr. Doug Shears of Austcom Pty. Ltd. CONGRATULATIONS The Chairman, Committee, staff, players and members extend to the following, our sincere congratulations on their various achievements as detailed: North Melbourne Football Club and Coach Ron Barassi on winning their first V.F.L. Premiership. All other League Clubs who participated in the Final Series. Gary Dempsey on winning the 1975 Brownlow Medal and our Captain Stan Alves on being runner-up to Gary in this award. Neil Chamberlain on winning the Gardiner Medal for Best and Fairest in the V.F.L. Reserve Grade Competition. Stan Alves, Gary Hardeman and Greg Wells on being selected to represent Victoria during the year. Mr. Arthur King on being awarded the National Football League Merit Award. The following senior clubs from our zoned areas who won their respective premierships: Kyabram Football Club (Goulburn Valley F.L.), Seymour Football Club (Waranga North-East F.L.), Nagambie Football Club (Kyabram D.F.L.). Gisborne Football Club (Riddell D.F.L. First Division). Romsey Football Club (Riddell D.F.L. Second Division), Springvale Football Club (Federal F.L.). Carnegie Football Club (South-East Suburban F.L.). Judy and Stan Alves (son). Julie and Gary Hardeman (daughter), Rosemary and Phil Rhoden (son), Joanne and Tony Sullivan (daughter), Mavis and Greg Wells (daughter) on their family additions. The following players who reached the respective milestone of their careers as shown: 200 club games Stan Alves; 100 club games - Peter Keenan; 50 club games Carl Ditterich, Robert Flower. Our number two ticket holder Cr. Ronald Walker, J.P. on his election as Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. ACCOMMODATION Prior to the commencement of each season our Club is faced with the problem of finding suitable private accommodation for our country and interstate recruits. If any member or supporter of the Club is interested in providing board for the players, further details are available from Ivan Moore at the M.F.C. Office, telephone 63 3594. LIFE MEMBERSHIP It is recommended that Life Membership be conferred upon two members of our team in Stan Alves and Graeme Osborne. They are both truly deserving of this great honour, having played ten years with the Club. OBITUARY The Melbourne Football Club records with regret the passing of the following members. To their relations and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. H. S. (Dave) Stanley, Life Member; Jack Bennett, former player; Bob Wynd, former trainer; Mrs. Joan Black, member of Social Sub- Committee. CHAIRMAN'S ADDENDUM I would like to express my appreciation of the outstanding service given to the Club by my predecessor, Dr. Don Duffy. Don was first associated with the Club in 1951, when he acted as Hon. Medical Officer, a position he held until 1962. He was elected to the Committee in 1952, and was appointed Chairman in 1963, and occupied this position with great distinction until he decided to step down at the end of last season. In all he has worked tirelessly for the Club over a period of 25 years. Indeed a great achievement. I would like to endorse the tribute paid in this report to the Secretary. Jim Cardwell. After 25 years' service as Club Executive Officer, Jim retires prior to the commencement of next season. His service to the Club over this period has been outstanding, and he has played a significant part in the Club winning six Premierships. He and his wife Mavis, will be travelling overseas next year, and we wish them "bon voyage". We hope we can take advantage of his vast experience upon his return. I would also like to thank the Administration Manager, Ivan Moore, for his co-operation and untiring efforts in handling the demanding day to day affairs of the Club throughout the season. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Committee who have worked extremely well throughout the year in an effort to lift the Club, and their loyalty and support have been most appreciated.

1975 - A RETROSPECTIVE by Whispering Jack At the start of every year, we go back in time four decades. 1975 was a year of improvement ... After a disastrous 1974 season for the Melbourne Football Club, the rebuilding began in 1975 and the end result was a pleasing improvement in terms of wins. The team started brightly with wins over Footscray and eventual premiers North Melbourne but three consecutive losses saw them back down to earth. The Demons struggled for consistency and were hurt by some narrow losses, none more costly than the 2 goal loss at the hands of ladder leaders Hawthorn in round 16 after they led at three quarter time. They then made a surge towards the finals with three consecutive wins before going down unexpectedly to lowly Fitzroy and losing their last two games narrowly to Geelong (6 points) and Collingwood (1 point) to slump to tenth place. SEASON DETAILS (from demonwiki.org) Coach: Bob Skilton Captain: Stan Alves Finishing Position: 10th Best and Fairest: Laurie Fowler Leading Goalkicker: Greg Wells (32) Best First Year Player: Marty Lyons The club lost $27,827 for the year. Practice Matches South Melbourne WIN Richmond WIN Premiership Season 1 Footscray WIN 2 North Melbourne WIN 3 Essendon LOSS 4 St. Kilda LOSS 5 Hawthorn LOSS 6 South Melbourne WIN 7 Richmond LOSS 8 Carlton LOSS 9 Fitzroy WIN 10 Geelong LOSS 11 Collingwood WIN 12 Footscray LOSS 13 North Melbourne LOSS 14 St. Kilda LOSS 15 Essendon WIN 16 Hawthorn LOSS 17 South Melbourne WIN 18 Richmond WIN 19 Carlton WIN 20 Fitzroy LOSS 21 Geelong LOSS 22 Collingwood LOSS Ladder W D L % P Hawthorn 17 0 5 137.3 68 Carlton 16 0 6 129.2 64 North Melbourne 14 0 8 115.1 56 Richmond 13 0 9 113.5 52 Collingwood 13 0 9 93.9 52 St. Kilda 11 0 11 101.4 44 Footscray 11 0 11 94.8 44 Essendon 10 0 12 90.7 40 Fitzroy 9 0 13 97.1 36 Melbourne 9 0 13 93.6 36 Geelong 7 0 15 78.2 28 South Melbourne 2 0 20 75.0 8 Playing List Number Player Games Goals 1 Garry Baker 16 15 2 Robert Flower 20 14 4 Tony Sullivan 15 0 5 Des Campbell 18 6 6 Ross Brewer 14 28 7 Graham Osborne 10 1 8 Peter Keenan 19 21 9 Laurie Fowler 22 0 10 Carl Ditterich 12 18 11 Greg Wells 21 32 12 Marty Lyons 19 12 13 Henry Coles 9 9 14 Neil Chamberlain 1 0 15 Stan Alves 20 26 16 Peter Keays 10 0 17 Denis Clark 16 3 18 John Tilbrook 2 0 19 Ray Biffin 19 7 20 Paul Hurst 16 5 21 Graham Molloy 2 0 22 Frank Giampaolo 12 17 23 Shane Fitzsimmons 10 7 24 Wayne Delmenico 14 0 25 Barry Ough 1 0 26 Gary Guy 15 5 28 Tony Dullard 19 4 31 Billy Barham 3 2 32 Kim Smith 4 3 33 Gary Hardeman 21 31 34 Mal Owens 1 0 35 Steven Smith 22 24 36 David Kelly 1 0 37 Ted Carroll 7 2 38 Terry Wilkins 11 1 40 John Sparks 4 4 43 Ray Smith 10 1 46 Glenn Walley 1 1 50 Colin Graham 2 0 52 Greg Hutchison 1 0 Best and Fairest 1st Laurie Fowler 2nd Stan Alves 3rd Ray Biffin 4th Greg Wells 5th Gary Hardeman Redlegs Trophy - Steven Smith Tribunal Round Player Charge Sanction Round 3 Carl Ditterich Striking 4 matches Round 8 Tony Dullard Striking 2 matches Round 11 Des Campbell Striking 2 matches Reserves Best and Fairest - Neil Chamberlain Second Best and Fairest - David Murray Outstanding Service Award - Barry Ough, Ted Carrolland Graham Molloy W D L % P Richmond 18 0 4 153.1 72 Geelong 15 0 7 122.0 60 Essendon 13 1 8 102.5 54 Hawthorn 12 0 10 104.9 48 Melbourne 12 0 10 92.9 48 Collingwood 10 0 12 101.8 40 South Melbourne 10 0 12 96.6 40 Footscray 10 0 12 92.8 40 North Melbourne 9 2 11 109.5 36 Carlton 8 0 14 85.8 32 Fitzroy 7 1 14 82.0 30 St Kilda 7 0 15 75.0 28 Finals EF Hawthorn LOSS Under 19's Captain - Chris Munday Under 19's Best and Fairest - Mark Davidson Second Best and Fairest - Geoff Delaney Outstanding Service Awards - Geoff Campbell and Stephen Ellingworth Best Finals Player - Shane Young Best in Grand Final - Peter Hamilton W D L % P Richmond 20 1 1 177.2 82 North Melbourne 19 2 1 158.1 78 * Collingwood 14 0 8 121.1 76 Melbourne 12 0 10 110.0 48 Fitzroy 11 0 11 103.8 44 St Kilda 11 0 11 89.7 44 Essendon 10 0 12 93.4 40 Hawthorn 10 0 12 91.8 40 Footscray 7 1 14 88.7 30 Geelong 7 0 15 75.3 28 Carlton 6 1 15 83.2 26 South Melbourne 3 0 19 58.2 12 * North Melbourne lost points from 16 matches for fielding an ineligible player. Finals QF Collingwood WIN SF Richmond WIN GF Richmond LOSS Fourths Best and Fairest - Andrew McKaige Second Best and Fairest - Craig Derrick Outstanding Service Awards - David Keane and Ian McCormack Best Clubman - Jeff Mackie ANNUAL REPORT 1975 In presenting the Annual Report for 1975 we have a situation infinitely more pleasing than that which prevailed in Season 1974. Although we have risen only a few places in the V.F.L. Ladder our greatest gain has been in the number of matches the team has won. In 1974 we were successful on only three occasions and in 1975 a much healthier total of nine. An improvement of 300% is certainly an improvement but it does not end with this mere statistical gain. Those of us who are close to the Club are very confident indeed that this improvement is real and enduring. Our improvement was not confined solely to our Senior eighteen but to our Reserve and Under 19 teams who were also lifted from most lowly positions in their respective grades to occupying a place in the Final Five. Our Reserves, throughout the season, always performed creditably, and it was pleasing indeed to see them competing in the Finals. The performance of the Under 19 side was even more satisfying as we had the pleasure of seeing this team participate in a stirring Grand Final against Richmond in which either side could have won the Premiership flag. Our Under 17's kept up the good work by again figuring in the Grand Final of its competition and so our supporters can have reason to feel pleased with the overall improved Club performance and justifiably look forward to an even better year in 1976. Our Coach Bob Skilton has been very forthright since the season concluded in his predictions as to 1976. Bob is very confident in the future performance of his team. Roy Simmonds again acted as Reserve XVIII Coach and assistant to Bob Skilton. Roy's true ability is better illustrated in the manner in which he handled the new talent at his disposal and his success was well earned. A new face on the coaching scene for Melbourne was former player Neil Crompton, and Neil proved himself to be a very excellent under 19 Coach. The Under 17's were again successfully coached by Gordon Duff who has enjoyed great success with this team and in 1975, similarly to Neil Crompton, brought his team to the Grand Final. This year saw an influx of new players worthy to represent the Club for many years to come and it also saw a more determined effort from many of our Senior players. It saw also a more determined effort from our Committee, a more determined effort from our associated groups, our Redlegs. our Coterie, our Social Committee, an atmosphere of endeavour led by a new Chairman with determination firing others surrounding him, that promises much in the future. Since the season began there has been a great effort on the part of these associated groups, and if one is to succeed in football today then it is imperative that this altitude be maintained. Whether one applauds or deplores the competition for players between V.F.L. Clubs if we are to succeed then compete we must, and since finance is as important as the skill and ability of players we obtain, then our efforts must be directed towards solving this financial situation, in order that we can continue to acquire players of the necessary skill and ability to lift us to Premiership standard. The determination to achieve this is within our Club at the moment and is shown in one instance in the re-organisation of the Redlegs. This association now permits the admittance of M.F.C. Members and they have established the Tavern Bar as their meeting place before, during and after the "home" games at the M.C.G. We are indeed indebted to the Melbourne Cricket Club for the wonderful assistance in making this area available to the Redlegs and the generous manner in which they helped to have the room refurbished. A new appointment this year was that of Team Manager. This position calls for close liaison between the players, coaches and committee and in this capacity Noel McMahen has worked tirelessly. His drive and determination contributed greatly to the smooth operation at the Club. Another important appointment made by our Committee during the year was that of Mr. Peter Yeo to the position of Fund Raising Officer. Peter, who is a former Melbourne player brought to us a new and exciting approach to fund raising and we believe that with the continual assistance of all areas associated with the Club he will generate the necessary finance for us to carry out our important plans for the future. Our Club was extremely fortunate in having the support of the Austcom Inter City Group who manufacture the Monbulk range of fruits and jams as well as the Parsons range of rolled oats and dessert products. This progressive Group is led by Executive Director, Mr. Doug Shears. Evidence of another poor year financially is given later in this report. The committee is gravely concerned over the future financial health of all senior and junior Australian Rules Clubs as they wrestle with exploding costs caused by inflation. It would not be an exaggeration to state that the administration of a League Club is now almost beyond the capacity and time capability of honorary officials. Further it would not be unfair to comment that the millions spent on the development of V.F.L. Park have largely been generated as a result of the unselfish and time-consuming efforts of the dedicated unpaid administrators of the twelve League Clubs. Melbourne believes the time has arrived for a high level review of the resources of the Victorian Football League. Recent events in the commercial world have forced large and small companies to examine their operations. Why not the Victorian Football League? Perhaps a new and more innovative attitude towards these resources may improve the ailing financial health of the majority of Clubs. Our Best and Fairest Awards were again publicly conducted at the M.C.G. and we had an extremely popular win by first year player Laurie Fowler. Laurie scored a convincing success and the announcement of the award was greeted with great enthusiasm by his fellow players for not only has he proved himself an excellent player, but he has also displayed a keenness and enthusiasm coupled with a tremendous drive to obtain peak physical fitness that his enthusiasm became infectious to those who trained with him. We are most fortunate to obtain such an excellent player and Clubman. Last year's Best and Fairest winner Stan Alves was runner-up to Laurie Fowler in our award and Stan displayed his great sportsmanship in accepting the position of runner-up once again. We point with pride to the fact that Stan earlier had been runner-up to Gary Dempsey in the Brownlow Medal count after leading to the very last vote, and on this occasion Stan demonstrated to all football supporters his greatness as a player and as a leader. Third Best and Fairest Trophy was won by Ray Biffin. Originally recruited from North Launceston in 1968, he has developed into one of the outstanding full-backs in the V.F.L. More particularly, in our Club, he has emerged as a great example on and off the field. Football each year produces its characters within the rooms who by their desire to involve the younger players around them create the good will and harmony that Clubs are continually striving to obtain, and in this category Ray has no peers. Fourth and fifth in our Best and Fairest Awards were two great Melbourne players who, in recent years have become, along wilh a few other players, the backbone of our team. Greg Wells and Gary Hardeman are two local products who have each risen through the ranks of our Junior eighteens to occupy the forefront of our team. Both Victorian representatives, they bring honour to us continually by the excellence of their play and behaviour. CAPTAIN AND VICE-CAPTAIN Reference has been made earlier in this report to the wonderful work carried out by Stan Alves and Gary Hardeman who were our leaders on the field. Their example to their players could not be expressed better. Not only are they great players but they are line Clubmen and tremendous ambassadors for our Club. JIM HANNAN MEMORIAL REDLEGS TROPHY Mrs. Shirley Hannan, widow of the late Jim Hannan, has generously offered to donate an annual trophy to the Club. Jim Hannan was a very keen supporter of the Club who was tragically drowned while scuba diving off Fiji in 1973. He was a Member of Coterie, a foundation Member of the Redlegs and served on the Committee of the Redlegs until his death. He was a keen amateur footballer playing over 300 games with Old Melburnians and represented Victoria in amateur football on three occasions. It is proposed to name the trophy: "Jim Hannan Memorial Redlegs Trophy" (for outstanding initiative and service to the Club on and off the field). The Committee will choose the winner of this trophy each year from the following guidelines: (1) The player should be aged approximately 24 years or less. (2) To have character traits, potential for success in public life apart from football. (3) To be prepared to forfeit some leisure time to assist in developing junior football. (4) To have a high standard of personal behaviour. (5) To possess unselfish loyalty to the Club. The Club would like to thank Shirley Hannan for the kind thought in making this Award available. OUR COMMITTEE After twelve years as Chairman of our Club, Dr. D. G. Duffy resigned from the position. He was succeeded by Mr. John Mitchell and John immediately set about his task in a manner which indicated a tremendous determination for the Club to improve. John Mitchell, who is a former Captain of Melbourne Grammar team and a most successful coach in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, coaching Old Melburnians to an "A" Grade Premiership, has spared no effort in his endeavours to develop our team. He introduced a reorganisation of the Club which streamlined many activities, created new Sub-Committees to deal with vital problems, and generally set a standard which he demanded his fellow Committeemen follow. It is quite evident that this new outlook produced a changed attitude within the team and we are certain that the benefits will be shown even more clearly in the years ahead. He has the full confidence and cooperation of every member of Committee. Since the last Annual Report several changes have occurred in Committee. Mr. Don Ferguson retired from the Executive Committee of the Football Club during the year. Because of Don's position as Treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club and his wide experience in financial matters his contribution to the Football Club's deliberations since 1972 have greatly benefited the Club. The Melbourne Football Club wishes to record its appreciation for his years of service. Mr. Colin McLean retired from the Committee at the end of Season 1974. A former player who represented Victoria in 1948 Col brought a wealth of football experience to the Committee Table. On his retirement from the playing field he initially was involved with the Social Committee later he served as Assistant Secretary and when appointed a Committeeman served as Chairman of the Selection Committee. The Club wishes to express its thanks for his untiring efforts as a player and Committeeman. Mr. George Lenne ceased being a Member of Committee at the end of 1974. A player in the early war years he returned to the Club in 1955 and for the past 20 years has filled the roles of Secretary and later Chairman of the Reserve XVIII Committee, and in 1970 was appointed as a Melbourne Football Club Committeeman. George's record of service has been outstanding and the Club has been extremely grateful to have a former player who has served the Club so loyally. Finally, Mr. Bob Miller also ceased being a Member at the end of Season 1974. Bob's contribution to the overall work of the Committee was all too short. His assistance in legal problems in the early years of contracts did not go unnoticed by fellow Committeemen. SCHOLARSHIP SQUAD A major move taken by our Club during 1975 was to introduce the Melbourne Football Club Scholarship Squad. This scheme, developed by our Recruiting Sub-Committee, brought 17 selected young players from our metropolitan area to the M.C.G. for specialised training on Sunday mornings during the latter part of the year. Under the excellent management of Mr. Frank Fidge these players each week were taught the basic and advanced skills of our game by the Senior Coach, Bob Skilton, assisted by present-day players Stan Alves, Ray Biffin, Carl Ditterich, Robert Flower, Laurie Fowler. Gary Hardeman. Paul Hurst. Marty Lyons. Steve Smith and Greg Wells and former players in Barry Bourke, Noel McMahen. Phil Rhoden and Ian Ridley. At an evening to conclude the scheme presentations were made to the squad members by the Club Chairman, Mr. John Mitchell. It is our Club's firm belief thai with this continual development and fostering of Junior players from within our areas we shall be ensured of a steady flow of promising recruits into our various teams. We wish to acknowledge the financial assistance given to the scheme by way of donations from the M.F.C. Former Players and Officials Association. Adidas Sporting Footwear and Mr. Alan McKay. The squad consisted of the following players; Chris Brady - Romsey Damien Caddaye - Glenhuntly Geoff Clarke - Ormond Craig Derrick - M.F.C. Under 17's Andrew Fraser -Oakleigh Dean Furnell - St. Peter's Michael Giulieri - Murrumbeena District Matthew Hope -Mentone Andrew McKaige - M.F.C. Under 17's Brett Marchant - Mentone Jim Mercaulio - Bentleigh Wayne Miller - Edithvale/Aspendale Luke de Munk - Chelsea Kelvin Richards - Bentleigh Tigers Peter Salter - Bon Beach Peter Thorne - Bentleigh Tigers Greg Walker - Edithvale/Aspendale PROMOTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT In June this year the Melbourne Football Club were pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Flower to the full-time position of Promotions Officer. Previous to Robert's appointment, this area of the Club's operation was under the control of Mr. Barry Bourke, who acted for us in an honorary capacity. Both Robert and Barry have ensured during the year that numerous clinics and allied functions have been conducted at schools and junior clubs throughout our area. During the May term holidays, our Club conducted two matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, comprising four teams of especially selected Secondary schoolboys from within both our zones and interstate. Arising from these matches a squad of 50 schoolboys was then invited back to our ground during the September term holidays, where they were involved in a three day specialised clinic under the control of our Captain Stan Alves and other Senior players. Three very successful evenings were also held during the year, two in Melbourne and one at Seymour, at which personnel from schools, clubs and district leagues were invited to discuss with us, in a social atmosphere, the various problems associated with Australian Rules football today. RECRUITING Throughout the year, under the direction of the Chairman of Recruiting, Ian Ridley, and Senior Committeemen Ken Carlon and Barry Bourke, our Recruiting Officers have been very active in seeking the new players needed by our Club to rise up the V.F.L. ladder. No area or information has been ignored and we would like to express our appreciation to the League and Club officials in both our Metropolitan and Country Zones for the courtesy they have shown to our representatives at the matches that they have attended in their respective areas. Listed below are some of the players who we anticipate will be participating in our 1976 pre-season matches. Mark Czarnecki - Centre Carrum Michael Graham - Half Forward Sturt Peter Johnston - Ruckman St. Virgil's, Hobart Neville Mills - Forward Euroa Phillip Seaton - Centre Tongala Robert Walters - Forward Romsey Morris Wingate - Centre Kyabram RETIREMENT OF JIM CARDWELL Prior to the start of the 1976 season James Hector Cardwell will retire as Secretary of the Melbourne Football Club, a position in which he has loyally and diligently served our Club since 1950 and from which he assisted in building the M.F.C. into a team which became almost invincible in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Jim, as he prefers to be known has been associated with our Club through 11 successive final appearances from 1954, six Premierships and seven successive Grand Finals, a feat that may never be equalled. He joined Melbourne as a player in 1939, being recruited from the North Brunswick Amateur Team. Five years of war service from 1940-1945 saw Jim return to us to play further games with our Reserve eighteen and to then accept a position on the Reserve Grade Committee shortly afterwards becoming its Secretary and delegate to the V.F.L. Reserve Grade League. In 1950 he accepted the position of Secretary to the Senior Committee on a part-time basis, and in 1958 was appointed as the Club's first full-time Secretary. In these 25 years from 1950-1975 Jim has always maintained his cool, quiet and efficient manner. One could speak to Jim for many hours on the subject of his recruiting prior to the introduction of zoning and names which readily come to mind include: Ralph Lane, Noel Clarke, Ken Christie, John Beckwith, Frank Adams, Ron Barassi, Geoff Case, Terry Gleeson, Peter Marquis, Ken Melville, Don Williams, Brian Dixon, Bob Johnson, Clyde Laidlaw, Ian Ridley, Laurie Mithen, Athol Webb, Trevor Johnson, "Tassie" Johnson, Denis Jones, "Hassa" Mann, Jim Sandral, Ian Thorogood, Geoff Tunbridge and Dick Fenton-Smith. Jim has been affectionately referred to over his career as "The Prince of Secretaries", "The Patriarch of Secretaries", and "The Doyen of Secretaries", all titles which he wears proudly and deserves. Upon his retirement our Club trusts that we shall not lose contact with Jim and his charming wife Mavis, for football in general and the Melbourne Club in particular need the wisdom and experience of people such as them. FIVE YEAR CERTIFICATES The Committee this year has great pleasure in awarding a Five Year Certificate to John Tilbrook who joined our Club in 1971 from Sturt (South Australia). RESERVE GRADE Under the control of Chairman Noel Parkhill and Secretary Bill Rodriquez, our Reserve Grade Committee continued their good work associated with the administration of the Reserve, Under 19 and Under 17 teams. As mentioned earlier in the report our Reserve team had a successful year in that they moved from last place in 1974 (three wins) to participating in the 1975 Finals (12 wins). In addition many young players from the Reserves were given the opportunity of playing in the Senior team. Manager Noel Parkhill and his Officials, along with their Coach Roy Simmonds can be justly proud of the performance of the Reserves. Improvement was also obvious in our Under 19 team. Coach Neil Crompton, Manager Bernie Massey and Assistant Manager Rod Shepherd moulded together a team that moved from 9th position in 1974 (seven wins) to the 1975 Grand Final where they were narrowly defeated. Many Under 19 players were chosen in our Reserves team during the year and we are also pleased to report that five of their players also graduated to the Senior team. These were Colin Graham, Greg Hutchison, Barry Ough, John Sparks and Glen Walley. Our Under 17 team managed by "Steve" Stevens and his assistant Ken Scott continued their excellent work of previous years and Coach Gordon Duff again had his charges in the Grand Final. This team over the years has been a steady source of supply of players to the Under 19 Grade and in this regard our Club is indeed grateful to Gordon for his coaching results. DONORS Sir Albert Chadwick Mr. S. A. Edwards Mrs. E. Hunter Mr. A. E. Langley Mr. D. H. Knight Melbourne Football Club Mr. D. Ferguson Mr. F. V. Hughes Mr. T. Taylor Melbourne Cricket Club Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. Melbourne Football Club Former Social Committee Sir Frank Richardson Mr. C. S. McCutcheon Mr. R. J. Seddon Mr. G. R. Sheppard Taylor Ferguson Pty. Ltd. Mayne Nickless Ltd. Mr. H. I. Ebeling Players & Officials Association Mr. A. McKay Mr. B. Stanton Mr. I. Jones Mr. S. A. Willmott Mr. K. A. Taylor Mr. A. Norris Mr. G. Burns APPRECIATION OF ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES RENDERED The Club wishes to record its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following, who in numerous ways have assisted us during the past season. Melbourne Cricket Club Sir Albert Chadwick, C.M.G., M.S.M. (President), Mr. Ian Johnson (Secretary), Mr. Maurice Gibb (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Hugh Wilson (Accountant), Committee, office and ground staff. Victorian Football League Messrs. E. O. McCutcheon, J. C. Hamilton, R. Lane, A. McKenzie, G. J. Clayton, and administration staff. Coterie Mr. M. Meehan (Chairman), Mr. A. L. V. King (Secretary), and all their members. Redlegs Mr Bruce Church (Chairman), Mr. Jim Considine (Secretary), Mr. Tom Jackett (Immediate Past Chairman), and all their members. Former Players and Officials Association Mr. Ken McKaige (Chairman), Mr. R. Mollison (Secretary), and all their members. S.S.B, Little League Mr. Brian Donnegan (Manager), and all other personnel from the Bentleigh/McKinnon Y.C.F.L. who assisted each week. Melbourne Catering Company Mr. M. Belle, Mr. Bert Andrews, and all members of the M.C.G. catering staff. Melbourne Football Club Cheer Squad, to all members of this band of young and active supporters who have helped in many ways during 1975. Press, Radio, Television - to each and every member of the media who are associated with this important contribution to Australian Rules football. Social Committee - to all members of this Sub-Committee who make a very large contribution to our financial and social welfare. Sponsor - Mr. Doug Shears of Austcom Pty. Ltd. CONGRATULATIONS The Chairman, Committee, staff, players and members extend to the following, our sincere congratulations on their various achievements as detailed: North Melbourne Football Club and Coach Ron Barassi on winning their first V.F.L. Premiership. All other League Clubs who participated in the Final Series. Gary Dempsey on winning the 1975 Brownlow Medal and our Captain Stan Alves on being runner-up to Gary in this award. Neil Chamberlain on winning the Gardiner Medal for Best and Fairest in the V.F.L. Reserve Grade Competition. Stan Alves, Gary Hardeman and Greg Wells on being selected to represent Victoria during the year. Mr. Arthur King on being awarded the National Football League Merit Award. The following senior clubs from our zoned areas who won their respective premierships: Kyabram Football Club (Goulburn Valley F.L.), Seymour Football Club (Waranga North-East F.L.), Nagambie Football Club (Kyabram D.F.L.). Gisborne Football Club (Riddell D.F.L. First Division). Romsey Football Club (Riddell D.F.L. Second Division), Springvale Football Club (Federal F.L.). Carnegie Football Club (South-East Suburban F.L.). Judy and Stan Alves (son). Julie and Gary Hardeman (daughter), Rosemary and Phil Rhoden (son), Joanne and Tony Sullivan (daughter), Mavis and Greg Wells (daughter) on their family additions. The following players who reached the respective milestone of their careers as shown: 200 club games Stan Alves; 100 club games - Peter Keenan; 50 club games Carl Ditterich, Robert Flower. Our number two ticket holder Cr. Ronald Walker, J.P. on his election as Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. ACCOMMODATION Prior to the commencement of each season our Club is faced with the problem of finding suitable private accommodation for our country and interstate recruits. If any member or supporter of the Club is interested in providing board for the players, further details are available from Ivan Moore at the M.F.C. Office, telephone 63 3594. LIFE MEMBERSHIP It is recommended that Life Membership be conferred upon two members of our team in Stan Alves and Graeme Osborne. They are both truly deserving of this great honour, having played ten years with the Club. OBITUARY The Melbourne Football Club records with regret the passing of the following members. To their relations and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. H. S. (Dave) Stanley, Life Member; Jack Bennett, former player; Bob Wynd, former trainer; Mrs. Joan Black, member of Social Sub- Committee. CHAIRMAN'S ADDENDUM I would like to express my appreciation of the outstanding service given to the Club by my predecessor, Dr. Don Duffy. Don was first associated with the Club in 1951, when he acted as Hon. Medical Officer, a position he held until 1962. He was elected to the Committee in 1952, and was appointed Chairman in 1963, and occupied this position with great distinction until he decided to step down at the end of last season. In all he has worked tirelessly for the Club over a period of 25 years. Indeed a great achievement. I would like to endorse the tribute paid in this report to the Secretary. Jim Cardwell. After 25 years' service as Club Executive Officer, Jim retires prior to the commencement of next season. His service to the Club over this period has been outstanding, and he has played a significant part in the Club winning six Premierships. He and his wife Mavis, will be travelling overseas next year, and we wish them "bon voyage". We hope we can take advantage of his vast experience upon his return. I would also like to thank the Administration Manager, Ivan Moore, for his co-operation and untiring efforts in handling the demanding day to day affairs of the Club throughout the season. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Committee who have worked extremely well throughout the year in an effort to lift the Club, and their loyalty and support have been most appreciated.

2014: THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS by Whispering Jack They say that in biblical times, the worst droughts lasted seven years. The droughts brought with them famine and pestilence and in some cases the desperation was so great that the people turned on each other and devoured their own. Fast forward to the present and I search for answers to the question: what did Melbourne do to deserve its current winning season drought and why, when the magical seven year period of disaster upon disaster came up at the end of 2013, did it not end there and then? After all, according to American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "into each life some rain must fall". Surely, now was the time for at least a shower or two if not a deluge? Melbourne had a new, highly paid and well credentialed coach in Paul Roos, had recruited well in the midfield with Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson and Daniel Cross coming on board and there was stability off the field with new blood at the top and a well-credentialled administrator in CEO Peter Jackson coming into his first full season at the helm. But with a record of only four wins, a slightly improved percentage and a poor finish that saw the team lose its last ten games on end, it could hardly be said that the drought was broken in 2014. By any measure, the final result has to be looked upon as more than a little disappointing and even if we did see an end to multiple defeats of the magnitude of in excess of 100 points, we are kidding ourselves if we place our faith on an improvement from the low base of 2013 when the club was in such turmoil. So what really happened to the drought breaking rain? There were ominous signs already when, early in the new year, so many important players were off the track and involved in some form of rehab. The club seemed to be hit hardest in the big man department where the bulk of its rucks and key position forwards were forced into limited preseason preparation. We saw little during this vital period of ruckmen Mark Jamar and Max Gawn while the three projected key players making up the attack Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes and Jesse Hogan were all sidelined. Clark and Hogan were destined not to play any AFL games in 2014 (Hogan was restricted to one late season VFL game) while Dawes played his first game for the season in round 4. Defender Colin Garland also missed a large slab of the pre season and made a late start to the season proper. The adverse effect of this on the club was felt at the beginning of the year by the absence of so much tall timber from a team whose depth was stretched from the outset as well as at the end when those players ran out of steam due to the lack of proper preparation. It wasn't all doom and gloom early with the Demons winning their opening NAB Challenge game against Richmond at Etihad Stadium on a night when the midfield performance was encouraging thanks to the newcomers led by Bernie Vince and a strong performance from Jack Trengove, now relieved of the mantle of captaincy. The next outing to Alice Springs against Geelong (a narrow loss) was also promising but Jesse Hogan's back injury put a dampener on things. The last of the practice matches was a thrashing by the reigning premier in the heat at Casey Fields with a much weakened side so little store was placed on that outcome. A pall was cast over the season in March with the passing at the age of 47 of former coach Dean Bailey of cancer marking the death of another from the club who departed all too young. Bailey's passing came not long after it was revealed that another former coach in Neale Daniher was battling Motor Neurone Disease. The season opened with a winnable game against St. Kilda. Melbourne dominated the early minutes before kicking itself out of the game with 10 consecutive behinds. It didn't help matters that a team so bereft of big men lost Jack Fitzpatrick and Tom McDonald (who had kept a tight rein on Nick Riewoldt early) by half time. Despite having less scoring shots, the Saints won by 17 points in the end and their skipper, left without a true match up, kicking a match winning three goals to be best on the ground. The Demons had a bad day for their first home game against the Eagles who demolished them by 93 points. With no attack to speak of the hosts were limited to four goals making it a total of 10 in two weeks. The troubles continued into round three at Spotless Stadium when they stayed in touch with the Giants until early in the last quarter. So desperate was the team for marking forwards that James Frawley was moved into attack but all to no avail. The Demons finally broke the ice in round 4 when they stunned the Blues by 23 points with Dawes starring in his return game. He kicked 2 goals as did Frawley, Bail and Watts. The team continued to show improvement but went down in consecutive games to Gold Coast and Sydney at the MCG. Much of the better form was being generated by a midfield in which Nathan Jones was relishing the captaincy and no longer having to play a lone hand with important contributions coming from from Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson and Daniel Cross. The loss of Jake Spencer to injury was offset by the return of Mark Jamar who was starting to show glimpses of his form from 2010. Jack Trengove was also missing from the side from this time on after being diagnosed with a fractured foot. Meanwhile, it was announced that Mitch Clark, who had been unable to shake off the effects of soft tissue injuries in the aftermath of foot injury had retired due to depression while it was becoming less likely that Jesse Hogan's much awaited debut would come in 2014, such was the severity of his back troubles. Despite all that, the Demons really clicked at Adelaide Oval when they upset the Crows to record a win in the City of Churches for the first time in a decade. Jack Viney was involved in a week of off field drama as he successfully fought a MRP suspension for a supposed high bump at the AFL Tribunal. On the following Saturday, the Dees fell at the last hurdle against the Bulldogs but returned to the winning list beating Richmond by 17 points. Melbourne started slowly against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs after the week's bye but recovered to give their opponents a fright, taking the lead in the final term but lacked the composure to pull off an unexpected victory against one of the ladder leaders. Melbourne was becoming known for its ability to apply defensive pressure but still struggled to penetrate opposition defences and that was certainly the story of the traditional Queens Birthday game against Collingwood. In a low scoring game, the team was well in the game but a disallowed goal to Bernie Vince after Neville Jetta played on, followed by a goal given away by an errant kick in defence late in the third term let the Pies off the hook. The Demons had such a defensive mindset that after kicking their first goal within 30 seconds, they managed just two more for the entire day. A week later, the boot was on the other foot when Melbourne wrested the initiative from Essendon late in the game. A brilliant chain of attacking football resulted in Christian Salem's match winner but it also left many wondering for the rest of the year, where the attacking flair had been hidden and where it went after that game. The excitement of the last gasp win over the Bombers who had tormented them early in the previous season should have signalled further steps forward but instead, the Demons went into a shell. They lost convincingly against North Melbourne who broke their defensive spirit with six unanswered goals in the third term and then gave away a big lead to the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium before regaining the lead late in the third term and losing with some poor defence in the last. Two thrashings followed at the hands of Fremantle and Geelong. The team's second venture to the Adelaide Oval could easily have resulted in a boil over with a Jay Schulz goal two minutes before the final siren securing a three point win for the home side. After the bye, Melbourne again threw away a winning opportunity, this time against the Brisbane Lions with some wayward kicking for goal in front of a home crowd. Leading by 14 points into the final term, the Demons were far too defensive and some poor skills allowed the visitors to storm home. By now, even Paul Roos was feeling the strain, somehow blaming the defeat on the tanking saga of 2009. Given that five years had elapsed and the team make up was substantially changed, he wasn't particularly convincing. From there, the side lurched home without much passion or interest and, on the way it put in a disgraceful display at home to the Giants kicking 3.16.34 to 15.8.98. The writing was on the wall for a number of players and a large list of delistings at the end of the season was a foregone conclusion. In the final game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, the shackles were off and the team managed to record its highest score for the season but still lost by five goals to bring its losing streak at the ground to 20 matches. To add insult to injury (Max Gawn's knee), Chris Dawes got himself needlessly suspended for a week to be served in round 1 of 2015. Over at Casey, the Scorpions experienced their worst season since the start of their alignment with Melbourne, resulting in the appointment of new coach Justin Plapp and a recruiting campaign to improve the depth of their VFL listed playing group. The entire football world was shocked on 2 October to learn of the passing of Demon great Robert Flower at the age of 59. To a generation of Melbourne fans after the Norm Smith era, Robbie was regarded as the Demons' only champion; one of the game's true gentlemen, a man loved by all and one who personified extreme loyalty to the club. Off the field, stability was restored at board level under club president Glen Bartlett although some felt he was being a trifle ambitious when he stated he wanted the Melbourne Football Club to be like the New York Yankees. The club recorded a modest profit and located the 1948 premiership flag through EBay even though it didn't know it was missing. Nathan Jones stamped himself as one of the club's greats with his third consecutive Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy, a worthy club champion and potentially outstanding club leader going forward. Newcomers Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince and Daniel Cross all finished in the top five in club voting with a mature and much improved Lynden Dunn finishing fourth after an excellent season in defence. Other improvers in defence were Neville Jetta and high flyer Jeremy Howe who adapted well when moved there early in the season. There was still much work to do after a year in which the club finished next to last, failed to win a "home" game or reach 100 points all year and recorded its lowest average score since 1920. The club had no Rising Star nominees and not a single player in the 40 man All-Australian short list (having produced All Australian players only once in the duration of its now eight year drought). The trade and draft period saw a number of changes to the primary and rookie lists with the majority of the departures being players whose performances were not considered up to scratch or whose careers were marred by injuries and a couple of retirements. James Frawley was the best of those to leave but his best was from four years ago and although he finished in the top ten in the club best and fairest this year, many were disappointed with his contribution as a leading player and most were happy for the club to receive the AFL's compensation for his loss to Hawthorn as a free agent. We still can't be certain as to when the drought will be over but with most pundits expressing approval of the club's off season recruiting and most players getting through the end of year training period safely, we can look forward with a little more optimism at the silver lining behind the clouds that will hopefully bring us some drought breaking rain and a more positive outlook for 2015.