2014 Round 11, Half Time.

22nd May Birthdays.

 

Stan Alves 1946, Steven Baker 1980, Luke Ottens 1976.

 PLAYER OF THE DAY. Daryn Cresswell, born 22nd May 1971.

As a hard at it mid fielder Daryn played 244 games for Sydney from 1992 to 2003 and kicked 208 goals.

No doubt many people remember the game where he dislocated a knee cap and knocked it back into place while sitting on the ground. 

He was the clubs Best and Fairest in 1994 and an All Australian in 1997.  His form dropped off in 2001 but he had good years in 2002 and 2003 and retired whilst still a valuable member of the team.

Source: The Encyclopaedia of  AFL Footballers.

A Bunch Of Galahs.

This was the term used to describe the first Australian International Rules touring side in 1967.  It wasn’t the official name for the team but was used by someone when he saw their ‘garish’ blazers, slouch hats and plumes, and the name stuck.

The tour was put together by Harry Beitzel who was a media person and ex umpire. Playing games in Ireland, England and America, the only game the team lost was the one in America.

Consisting only of VFL players some notable members of the team were, Ron Barassi, Bob Skilton, Royce Hart, Neville Crowe, Alex Jesaulenko and John Nicholls.

Another team toured in 1968 and again played in Ireland, England and America, but this time they did not lose a match.

This team was made up of players from the VFL, VFA, SANFL, WAFL and some minor leagues and played some Australian Rules exhibition matches, as well as the International Rules games, including 1 in Romania.

Source: Wikipedia.
 

Bob Davis – Coach and Player.

Bob Davis was known in the press as the ‘Geelong flyer’ as he used his pace around the half-forward line to kick 149 goals in his 189 games for Geelong from 1948 to 1958.

Playing in the clubs 1951 and 1952 premiership sides, he was the Best and fairest in 1957 and Captain from 1955 to 1958.  He was in the Victorian team 13 times and was Victorian and All Australian Captain in 1958.

After leaving football he entered the media, but when his old club needed a coach in 1960 he answered the call.  Leading the club in 116 games for 72 wins, 5 draws and 39 losses from 1960 to 1965 he was at the helm for their 1963 flag win.

Source: The Encyclopaedia Of AFL Footballers and Wikipedia.

 

Patrick Cash.

When you mention the name Pat Cash most people would think of Australia’s Wimbledon singles champion of 1987. But there was another Pat Cash, father of the tennis ace.

Pat Cash senior played football for Hawthorn from 1951 to 1955.  He was the gun forward of his era at the club and kicked 75 goals from his 58 games. He was Hawthorn’s top goal scorer in his debut year with 26.

Source: The Encyclopaedia Of AFL Footballers and Wikipedia.