Resource The NMFC History thread

[kangaroo7]

1969 (Cont.)

Round 11 Footscray

Former Richmond rover Frank Dimattina came in for his first match for North, along with Kekovich, Steward, Pagan and Dwyer. Allison (injured), Redenbach, Dowdle, Hopgood and Bryant made way. Although the scores were close until three-quarter-time, Footscray were clearly the better side, and only their inaccuracy kept North in it until the last quarter. Most North players showed little spirit or determination, a notable exception being Dimattina, who kicked five goals in his first game for North. Other better players were Kekovich, Dwyer, Goodingham, Johnston, Pretty and McCarthy
Footscray 20.23-143 d North Melbourne 15.7-97


Round 12 South Melbourne

North swung the axe after last week’s disappointment, relegating Wood and O’Brien to the bench and dropping D Farrant, Fincher and Benton. Montgomery and Thompson came in for their first games of the season, along with Hopgood, Bryant and Chisnall. Kekovich failed a fitness test on Saturday morning, forcing the team to be reshuffled. O’Brien (19th man) came into the side and Scholes became 20th man. This unsettled North, and although they were well in the match and had chances to win, they lacked purpose and confidence. Even in the dying seconds, they had a chance to win, but a shot 20 yards out by the notoriously unreliable McCarthy resulted in only a behind. Best for North were Bryant, Dugdale, Thompson (7 goals) Chisnall and Taylor.

South Melbourne 12.11-83 d North Melbourne 11.14-80

The season was slipping away for North as they sat eighth on the ladder with six wins and six losses.


Round 13 Melbourne

North dropped two big men --Hopgood (to the bench) and Howell-- and brought in two big men (Kekovich and Haywood). In a match that had a wind advantage, Melbourne had first use of it and led well at quarter time, but North reduced their lead to 12 points at half time. Melbourne wasted the wind in the third quarter and led by only two points at three quarter time. However, they kicked away early in the last term to establish a 26 point lead 11 minutes before the end. But North suddenly came to life, with players almost unsighted during the match coming to the fore. Goals to McCarthy, Taylor and Kekovich (2) brought North within six points. After three behinds were added Taylor, inconspicuous for most of the game, marked on the half forward line and kicked the winning goal. Kekovich was everywhere in the second half and was North’s best with six goals. Other good players were Dimattina, Steward, McCarthy, Dugdale and Pagan.

North Melbourne 19.16-130 d Melbourne 19.13-127


Round 14 Richmond

Allison, D Farrant and Redenbach returned to the team at the expense of Dugdale (ill), Thompson and Pretty (injured). Coach Keith McKenzie took his players for a run before the match and they ran onto the ground in track suits—most unusual then. But it did little good. After the first quarter, Richmond dominated the match to win by 69 points. North’s centre line of Bryant, O’Brien and Dwyer were its best players—and they were beaten. Others who tried hard were Steward, Dimattina and Dowdle.

Richmond 17.15-117 d North Melbourne 6.12-48



Round 15 Fitzroy

The Farrant brothers, O’Brien and Redenbach were all omitted. Kekovich had aggravated his old ankle injury and could not be considered. In came Dugdale, Wood, Scholes and two debutants—David Dench (a future champion) and Dick Ivey for his one and only VFL game. Fitzroy, eleventh on the ladder, got off to a good start with the wind and led all day. It was only their fourth win and put them two games clear of bottom team Melbourne. Best for North were Dimattina, Dwyer, Goodingham, Pagan, Steward and Dowdle.

Fitzroy 20.6-126 d North Melbourne 14.12-96

 

[Groucho]

Love these K7. Growing up in Canning st.flats and my footy interest really taking off ( aged 8 ) my favourite players were Dowdle and Redenbach as l got their autographs at training in one of those little booklets that were common back then. Not household names and probably not known by many here. Steward an all time favourite too. What coudda been ☹

Ah the two Micks,Dowdle and Redenbach,favourites of mine too H. A goal kicking rover who could take a surprisingly strong mark and a half forward who loved a goal. I was a member of a North Facebook group where Dowdle's son sometimes posted. He was always tickled pink when his dad was mentioned

 

[Hojuman]

Ah the two Micks,Dowdle and Redenbach,favourites of mine too H. A goal kicking rover who could take a surprisingly strong mark and a half forward who loved a goal. I was a member of a North Facebook group where Dowdle's son sometimes posted. He was always tickled pink when his dad was mentioned

Dowdle always " Mickey " and Redenbach " Michael " iirc

Be great to see where they went after North and where life took them.

 

[kangaroo7]

Ah the two Micks,Dowdle and Redenbach,favourites of mine too H. A goal kicking rover who could take a surprisingly strong mark and a half forward who loved a goal. I was a member of a North Facebook group where Dowdle's son sometimes posted. He was always tickled pink when his dad was mentioned

Dowdle, I believe ended up at Preston. Redenbach was one of the players traded to Perth in 1973 for Cable's return.

 

[Bertie22]

Dowdle, I believe ended up at Preston. Redenbach was one of the players traded to Perth in 1973 for Cable's return.

Mickey Dowdle played pretty well at Preston. I think he might have copped a bad eye injury that brought his career to an end. I also loved him at North. Very underrated. To me he was not unlike Matty Larkin but perhaps not as skilled as Matty. Mick Redenbach was a good player but was in and out of the side a lot. I think he won the Gardiner Medal ( Reserves Brownlow) indicating that he was no slouch. Many years later I learnt from a trainer at that time at North that Redenbach had virtually no sight in one eye when he played!!

kangaroo7, I really enjoy your historical contributions. Like others, I recall the 69 season well...a sign of age I guess. Early in the season some guys were in great form, but it wasn't sustained. That said, the win over Richmond in R3 and a few weeks later over Geelong at Kardinia Park still stand out. Some great North names in those summaries, sadly some of them at the end of their time and/or crippled by injury (Dugdale, McCarthy, Allison, Steward, O'Brien, Dwyer, Benton) However, some future mainstays were emerging...Dench, Kekovich, Chisnall, Goodingham.

 

[kangaroo7]

1969 (Concluded)

Round 16 Essendon

The Farrants, Kekovich and Fincher came back into the side. Allison, Haywood, Scholes and Ivey made way. North put a dent in Essendon’s finals hopes with a great performance. Early in the second quarter Goodingham received a backhander to the mouth from Essendon’s Don McKenzie and lost two teeth. But this galvanised him and North to run riot. Goodingham was patched up at half time by club dentist Allen Aylett and played on with a bleeding mouth to be best on the ground. But it was a brilliant team effort from North as they recorded a 27 point win. Positional changes prior to the match by Keith McKenzie all worked with McCarthy dominant at centre-half-forward, Dowdle winning in the centre and Dugdale giving great drive as ruck-rover. Kekovich, although being tagged by Barry Davis, also played well with three telling goals.

North Melbourne 13.16-94 d Essendon 9.13-67


Round 17 Hawthorn

Haywood came back in to replace the injured Howell. In a close, high scoring match, North stayed in touch with Hawthorn for most of it, but fell down on the forward line. Both sides made errors, with the Hawthorn ruckmen Beck and Scott constantly palming the ball down to the North rovers. Keddie of Hawthorn was the difference between the sides and their full-forward Peter Hudson managed to score his 100th goal for the season despite being well held for most of the game by Steward, who was well supported by Johnston and Pagan. Kekovich tried hard for North with six goals. D Farrant (5 goals), Dugdale, Chisnall, Wood and Dimattina also played well.

Hawthorn 22.12-144 d North Melbourne 18.18-126


Round 18 Geelong

Howell came back into the team and Haywood was relegated to the bench. North had every chance to win this one, especially in the last quarter when Geelong appeared done, but bad kicking and easy misses let them down again. The final blow came when Geelong full forward Wade was awarded a controversial free in front and kicked his seventh goal to seal the result. Four different players were tried at full forward with little success. Kekovich was their main goal scorer with four and he also missed easy shots. The match was marred by several clashes, Kekovich having his jumper ripped off in one of them. Steward was struck by a Geelong supporter with a “flogger” in the last quarter as he went to take a kick from the goal square. This incident was one reason that floggers and streamers were banned soon after. Dimattina lost a contact lens. Out of it all only one player—Wood of North-- was reported for swearing at the umpire.

Geelong 14.14-98 d North Melbourne 13.11-89



Round 19 St Kilda

Bryant came in for the suspended Wood and Fincher replaced Redenbach on the bench. Probably disheartened from their last two narrow losses, North put in their worst performance of the season, going down by 86 points. Former North players Bob and Barry Pascoe were among St Kilda’s best. Doug Farrant got four of North’s eight goals.

St Kilda 21.18-144 d North Melbourne 8.10-58


Round 20 Collingwood

North faced up to the top team without Goodingham, Montgomery (both injured), and Dowdle and Dwyer (both ill). Redenbach, O’Brien, Pretty and debutant Brian Neal came in. After giving Collingwood a six goal start in the first quarter, North outscored them in the next two quarters 11.5 to 2.4 to lead by 18 points at the last change. They almost hung on, but Collingwood hit the front in time-on and snatched victory by seven points. Steward had the better of Collingwood’s full forward Peter McKenna and Haywood took Collingwood ruckman Len Thompson right out of the game, although he tired at the end. Fincher, Johnston, McCarthy and O’Brien also played well.

Collingwood 14.12-96 d North Melbourne 13.11-89



It was disappointing for the club, having opened so promisingly with six wins from their first eight matches, then winning only two more for the season to finish eighth on the ladder with eight wins and twelve losses. Still, North was awarded the W.D. & H.O. Wills “Most Improved Team” award, having risen from last to eighth. Several of the club’s performances and players showed promise of better things to come, and at times they showed that they could match it with the top sides. Unfortunately, the improvement would not be sustained and the club would win only ten matches over the subsequent three seasons, collecting two more wooden spoons. But things began to change for the better in 1973.

 

[kangaroo7]

1969 The season in pictures.



After the Round 2 victory over Melbourne.


Kekovich in action against Richmond Round 3



Redenbach (front) and Hopgood Round 3



Dugdale chaired off the ground after Richmond win Round 3.



Duthie (number 33) Fitzroy Round 4







Pagan.



Kekovich Round 5



Laurie Dwyer Round 6 Hawthorn.



Ray Johnston reported Round 6 Hawthorn.



Scholes & Kekovich at training during week before Round 7 Geelong match.


Kekovich chaired off the ground after R8 StKilda match.


Pagan. Steward in background. R8 StKilda.

 

[kangaroo7]

1969 More pictures



Kekovich & Scholes (white shorts) R9 Collingwood.




Tom Allison (100th game) R10 Carlton




Fincher & O'Brien R10 Carlton.




Pagan with some fans training night before R14 match Richmond.


Frank Dimattina marking. Mike Howell (no.13) looking on. R16 Essendon.


McCarthy. R16 Essendon. Note figure of North player on stand behind. Who remembers these?



Peter Steward at training night before Hawthorn R17 match.



R18 Geelong. Dimattina loses his contact lens.

 

[kangaroo7]

1869 HUMBLE BEGINNINGS.


It would be nice to be able to say that one day a group of men sat down and resolved to form a football club based in North Melbourne. Unfortunately, no proof of such a meeting exists. The club’s origins are vague and lack detail. Any information is sketchy. But the consensus of opinion is that it was formed sometime in 1869.

Prior to this, another football club in the same vicinity—Royal Park—was formed in 1862. Then, in 1864 the Carlton club was formed, although they did not play any matches until the following year. Carlton took many players from the Royal Park team over the next few years, causing great animosity between the two teams. In the mid to late 1860s, Carlton was considered a suburb of North Melbourne. This may have contributed to the resentment. By 1867, Royal Park had gone into recess, or disbanded, a good percentage of its players being absorbed by Carlton. Two years would elapse before another team in the nearby area of North Melbourne would appear. As with most early football clubs, the North Melbourne team was likely formed for the sake of the local cricketers--something for them to do in the off season to keep fit. The new club, although sometimes referred to as Royal Park, had no connection with the defunct team but held the same resentment towards Carlton.

The first captain of the new club is listed as W. Marshall. But there is no record of him playing or holding any office. Most of the club’s early office bearers also played cricket and football for the club—McIndoe, Alcock, Cook, Crockett, McGibbon and Hastings—all office-bearers in the early years-- all played in the first two years. Famous founding father James Henry Gardiner, who served as Secretary and Treasurer for most years between 1869 and 1881, first appeared as a player in 1873.

The new game did not command as much attention as it does now, and announcements and results of matches were, if reported at all, quite brief. Only the more established teams like Melbourne, Geelong, Albert Park and Carlton got any real coverage. But there are seven matches mentioned involving North Melbourne. There may have also been others not mentioned. There was no organised body to arrange matches and North was a new team with no status as yet that earlier established teams possibly had with each other. Here are the matches that are mentioned:

31 July—North played the employees of Messrs. Walker, May & Co. at Royal Park, which would be their home ground until 1878. In squally conditions, North managed to win with a goal scored by C. Percy.

14 August--- The same company challenged North to a return match at the Military Reserve, near Princes Bridge. However, on the Friday night before the match, they sent a note to North saying they could not meet them, but gave no reason. We have the names of the North players who were chosen to make up the team that day: Alcock, Cook, T. Crockett, Dargie, Fuhrhop (captain), Gillman, A. Johnson, Knowles, McInnes, McGibbon, McIndoe, Percy, Raper, Ryemill, Robertson, Rothwell, Saunders, Voake, Whitelaw & C. Young.
On the same day a match between the North Melbourne 2nd twenty and Parkside at Royal Park was postponed.

21 August---A match was played at Royal Park against Northcote, who won by scoring the only goal. Best for North were Robertson, Adamson, Alcock and Percy. The postponed match between the 2nd twenty and Parkside was also re-scheduled for this day, but it is unknown if it was played.

4 September-- A match against Carlton United at Royal Park was scheduled. Either not played or result not published.

11 September—A match against Northcote at Northcote was played with North avenging their earlier loss, a goal being scored by C.Percy.

18 September---A match against the Surrey club at Royal Park was played, but the match came to an abrupt end when the Surrey team walked off the ground after North disputed a decision by the umpire. North claimed the match.

25 September—North played their last match of the season. Again the venue was Royal Park and for the third time their opponent was Northcote. North won, with a goal being scored by D.Cook.

Note that both the Cricket and Football clubs started life under the name North Melbourne, not Hotham, as some think. Both clubs were formed before the area changed its name to Hotham. The football club would reform as Hotham in 1877 after a year’s amalgamation with Albert Park, but would revert to North Melbourne once more in 1888. There were at various times other teams with the name Hotham, Hotham Hill and Hotham United that had no connection to North, but may have had players that played for more than one of these clubs.

 

[Twinkletoes]

You're an absolute marvel kangaroo7

 

[giantroo]

https://www.gannawarratimes.com.au/leitchville-man-96-is-the-elder-roo

 

[HELLSBELLS]

Maybe a strange request but are there any photos around of the inside of Kanga Kasino ?

 

[gokangas]

Maybe a strange request but are there any photos around of the inside of Kanga Kasino ?

My wedding photos.

 

[Gumble Frankieton]

Len Thomas was briefly captain-coach at North in 1940 before going to the war.

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

www.footyalmanac.com.au

 

[Luke72]

Len Thomas was briefly captain-coach at North in 1940 before going to the war.

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

www.footyalmanac.com.au

Thanks Gumble, that was an interesting read. I am glad there’s people out there putting the effort in to getting things like this together.

 

[CURVE]

1869 HUMBLE BEGINNINGS.


It would be nice to be able to say that one day a group of men sat down and resolved to form a football club based in North Melbourne. Unfortunately, no proof of such a meeting exists. The club’s origins are vague and lack detail. Any information is sketchy. But the consensus of opinion is that it was formed sometime in 1869.

Prior to this, another football club in the same vicinity—Royal Park—was formed in 1862. Then, in 1864 the Carlton club was formed, although they did not play any matches until the following year. Carlton took many players from the Royal Park team over the next few years, causing great animosity between the two teams. In the mid to late 1860s, Carlton was considered a suburb of North Melbourne. This may have contributed to the resentment. By 1867, Royal Park had gone into recess, or disbanded, a good percentage of its players being absorbed by Carlton. Two years would elapse before another team in the nearby area of North Melbourne would appear. As with most early football clubs, the North Melbourne team was likely formed for the sake of the local cricketers--something for them to do in the off season to keep fit. The new club, although sometimes referred to as Royal Park, had no connection with the defunct team but held the same resentment towards Carlton.

The first captain of the new club is listed as W. Marshall. But there is no record of him playing or holding any office. Most of the club’s early office bearers also played cricket and football for the club—McIndoe, Alcock, Cook, Crockett, McGibbon and Hastings—all office-bearers in the early years-- all played in the first two years. Famous founding father James Henry Gardiner, who served as Secretary and Treasurer for most years between 1869 and 1881, first appeared as a player in 1873.

The new game did not command as much attention as it does now, and announcements and results of matches were, if reported at all, quite brief. Only the more established teams like Melbourne, Geelong, Albert Park and Carlton got any real coverage. But there are seven matches mentioned involving North Melbourne. There may have also been others not mentioned. There was no organised body to arrange matches and North was a new team with no status as yet that earlier established teams possibly had with each other. Here are the matches that are mentioned:

31 July—North played the employees of Messrs. Walker, May & Co. at Royal Park, which would be their home ground until 1878. In squally conditions, North managed to win with a goal scored by C. Percy.

14 August--- The same company challenged North to a return match at the Military Reserve, near Princes Bridge. However, on the Friday night before the match, they sent a note to North saying they could not meet them, but gave no reason. We have the names of the North players who were chosen to make up the team that day: Alcock, Cook, T. Crockett, Dargie, Fuhrhop (captain), Gillman, A. Johnson, Knowles, McInnes, McGibbon, McIndoe, Percy, Raper, Ryemill, Robertson, Rothwell, Saunders, Voake, Whitelaw & C. Young.
On the same day a match between the North Melbourne 2nd twenty and Parkside at Royal Park was postponed.

21 August---A match was played at Royal Park against Northcote, who won by scoring the only goal. Best for North were Robertson, Adamson, Alcock and Percy. The postponed match between the 2nd twenty and Parkside was also re-scheduled for this day, but it is unknown if it was played.

4 September-- A match against Carlton United at Royal Park was scheduled. Either not played or result not published.

11 September—A match against Northcote at Northcote was played with North avenging their earlier loss, a goal being scored by C.Percy.

18 September---A match against the Surrey club at Royal Park was played, but the match came to an abrupt end when the Surrey team walked off the ground after North disputed a decision by the umpire. North claimed the match.

25 September—North played their last match of the season. Again the venue was Royal Park and for the third time their opponent was Northcote. North won, with a goal being scored by D.Cook.

Note that both the Cricket and Football clubs started life under the name North Melbourne, not Hotham, as some think. Both clubs were formed before the area changed its name to Hotham. The football club would reform as Hotham in 1877 after a year’s amalgamation with Albert Park, but would revert to North Melbourne once more in 1888. There were at various times other teams with the name Hotham, Hotham Hill and Hotham United that had no connection to North, but may have had players that played for more than one of these clubs.

About 8 or 9 seasons ago the date February 11 1869 appeared in the AFL season guide as the date NMFC was formed, but it disappeared a couple of seasons later. There must have been a reason that date appeared in an official book, but I haven't been able to find out anything further.

See page 45 of this thread.

 

[Roogal]

Not sure if anybody has posted this previously:

 

[NMFC49]

1969 The season in pictures.

View attachment 1314128View attachment 1314129

After the Round 2 victory over Melbourne.

View attachment 1314130
Kekovich in action against Richmond Round 3


View attachment 1314131
Redenbach (front) and Hopgood Round 3


View attachment 1314132
Dugdale chaired off the ground after Richmond win Round 3.


View attachment 1314134
Duthie (number 33) Fitzroy Round 4


View attachment 1314138



View attachment 1314140
Pagan.


View attachment 1314141
Kekovich Round 5

View attachment 1314142

Laurie Dwyer Round 6 Hawthorn.


View attachment 1314143
Ray Johnston reported Round 6 Hawthorn.

View attachment 1314145

Scholes & Kekovich at training during week before Round 7 Geelong match.

View attachment 1314147
Kekovich chaired off the ground after R8 StKilda match.

View attachment 1314152
Pagan. Steward in background. R8 StKilda.

Thanks for putting up these great photos from the sixties. Brings back many memories from a tough era for North.

 

[kangaroo7]

Some player autographs from the 60s:


John Dugdale Barry Goodingham


Tom Allison Noel Teasdale

Rodney Dell Ray Davies & Arthur Karanicolas

 

[Bertie22]

Some player autographs from the 60s:


John Dugdale Barry Goodingham


Tom Allison Noel Teasdale

Rodney Dell Ray Davies & Arthur Karanicolas





View attachment 1457320

Mate I have shed the odd tear or two since your post. Barry Goodingham's autograph. I saw him play his first game for us in 1967 against Melbourne

 

[Bertie22]

Mate I have shed the odd tear or two since your post. Barry Goodingham's autograph. I saw him play his first game for us in 1967 against Melbourne

Sorry, hit the wrong button...at school the next week ( I am 12) teacher suggests we write to our favourite sportsmen (sexist in those days.) I decide to write to Lurch wishing him well and saying how much I enjoyed him taking pack marks, etc. Anyway, about a week later I come home from school to find a parcel for me from BG, containing an autograph book with a personal message from him and autographs of all the players. What a champion bloke. Two regrets...the autograph book was passed on to younger siblings and subsequently lost...and despite lots of involvement in the club (membership, coteries, etc) I never met BG to thank him personally. Hopefully he lurks on this site. Thanks Lurch. As adults we never know what impact we have on young kids. In his case....lots!!!!

 

[Iva Bigun]

Hi Roos fans

As a one time north supporter myself I have a reasonable collection of memorabilia that I am looking to move on to someone who would appreciate it more than I do these days. I wasn’t sure where else to put this so I thought the history thread would be the best spot for it. Below you’ll see some pictures of what I have and some descriptions if you’re interested in purchasing anything feel free to PM me

First up is a poster from the club to members ( about A3 size) fully signed by the 1975 (first ever) premiership team

 

[Iva Bigun]

Next

A 1974 Grandfinal record

 

[Iva Bigun]

A set on mini approx 21cm premiership cups ( 96 and 99) a little of the gold has come off the gold name plate

Plus a set of 2 “centenary premiership” pins and a kangaroos pin

 

[Iva Bigun]

And finally

Some 1970’s social club membership pins and a 1998 premiers club key ring