Upper Gully
th
30
Anniversary
Premiership
Reunion
Dave Carroll and Neville Roberts after Senior Grand Final
Neville Roberts, Fat Harrop(Montrose) and Rod Ingwersen in Senior Grand Final
FOREWORD
Upper Gully 1979 Premiership Reunions
Welcome everyone to our 1979 Premiership reunions celebrations
today, Saturday 15th August 2009. One Premiership is an amazing
achievement let alone to win three in one year. Congratulations to the
Seniors, Reserves and Under 15’s on their success during 1979. The Under
17’s were unlucky losing the Preliminary Final, but still contributed to the
club record of only 6 losses in total between all four sides. (Under 15’s were
undefeated)
Many of the three sides continued to serve the club on and off the
field over the past 30 years including Dave Leathem, who this year has been
coaching the Reserves side and Dave Carroll, who you will see most home
games cooking up a storm in the caravan.
Those players that went on to achieve Life Membership of the club
include Dave Leathem, Robert Wilson, Craig Marson, Rod Ingwersen, Brett
Bray, Neville Roberts and Dave Carroll from the senior side. While from the
reserves side, Mick Nealon, Roger Chandler, Geoff Johns, Ricky Pfeiffer,
Paul Carroll and Gerry Wilson are all Life Members. Under 15’s Premiership
Coach Fred Chatfield, Reserves Premiership Coach Dennis Callahan, all
Team Managers, Rob Lampkin, Ron Baldock, and Darryl Burton are also
Life Members as well as the President Barry Arrowsmith, Don Barton, Garry
Lee and Ron Gracie. Under 17’s players Andy Neville and Terry Hopkins
also went on to become Life Members.
I would like to thank the Upper Gully committee and all those who
have contributed towards today. I would especially like to thank Neville
Roberts for taking on the task of chasing contact details, as well as other
information and providing enthusiastic help and support in making this day
possible. Thank you to Fred Chatfield, Wayne McIntyre, Craig Blythe, Paul
Carroll, Rod Ingwersen, Dave Carroll and Gerry Wilson for there
contributions to this booklet.
An amazing year was 1979 for the club and I hope you all enjoy
reliving the great times that I am sure you all had. I am sure the wonderful
friendships that were formed 30 years ago will continue well into the future
and hope you continue to support this great club of ours.
Andy Lee
Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club
1979 Committee
President – Barry Arrowsmith
Vice Presidents
Dennis Callahan, Bob Mathews, Ron Baldock
Hon. Secretary – Mrs Jenny Mathews
Hon. Treasurer – Alan Roberts
Committee
Roger Chandler, Daryl Knight, Greg Horwood, Chris Matson,
Garry Lee, Dave Olsen (Resigned), Robert Packer, Don Barton (Co-Opted)
Ladies Committee
J Cassidy (Secretary), V Matson (Treasurer), M Doolan, B Roberts,
H Whately, D Roberts, K Roberts, J Lampkin
1979 On Field Personnel
1st’s Captain Coach – Wayne McIntyre
Vice Captain – Neville Roberts
Deputy Vice Captain – John Winters
Team Manager – Rob Lampkin
2nd’s Captain – Max Roberts / Dennis Callahan
Vice Captain – Byron Dell
Team Manager – Ron Baldock
Under 17’s Coach – Neville Roberts
Captain – Kevin Dillon
Team Manager – Dennis Callahan
Under 15’s Coach – Fred Chatfield
Captain – Craig Blythe
Vice Captain – Robert Pallotta
Team Manager – Daryl Knight/Burton
Trainers
Vic Henshaw (1st's), A Henshaw (1st's), Ron Gracie (2nd's), Garry Lee
(U17), Barry Arrowsmith (U17 & U15)
1979 Senior Season
1979-2009 Boy time flies. It only seems like yesterday. I can still remember
everything about the year and the final series.
We had a very good side, but there were some worthy contenders. As it turned out
we ended up playing Montrose at Lilydale in shocking conditions, mud was ankle
deep. Montrose had a team of big names and very good footballers.
Let’s start at the beginning. I was lucky enough to get the coaching job at UFTG
after a short time playing with the club, a club that was proud of its tradition and
very proud of its long list of very good footballers. We recruited quite well, our main
recruits were Stuart Cook and Neville Roberts, back from Upwey and Geoff Brayne.
We had a great blend of some older players 27-30, middle bracket of 23-26 and some
great young guys 18-20. Some of the players that come to mind in our side were
Dennis Callahan, Ken Colbert, Dave Carroll, Phil Jackson, Bruce Utting, Warren and
Stu Cook, Kelly Stillman, Alan Roberts, Geoff Brayne, Rod Ingwerson, Brett Bray,
Dave Leathem and of course Neville Roberts. There were many more great players
but I have just mentioned some.
Neville and I were mates and he was so important to our structure, getting him back
from Upwey was a priority.
After finishing on top of the ladder with one loss we were ready to go all the way.
Getting through to the last day was a great effort by all concerned, all the work and
training was worth it.
Back to the game, Saturday Grand Final Day at Lilydale against Montrose was tight
until the second half. The depth of the mud made things very difficult for both sides,
our young guys were important with their young legs in the mud, Ingwerson,
Leathem, Bray and Stu Cook and Neville Roberts hurt Montrose after half time. As
the game went further on we became the better side. It was a great feeling for me as
coach and no doubt for all the players, supporters and our committee that we had
finished off the year with the ultimate prize. A senior, a reserves and a junior grand
Final. We had also won the Herald-Sun – Beryl Towns Sun Easterly Cup for the best
club in EDFL.
Looking back now 30 years on I would like to thank the UFTG Football Club for my
only Grand Final win. We had a great bunch of people around the club in 77-78 and
79 and they all deserved to share in the success.
Thank you UFTG
Wayne McIntyre
P.S. To the guys that are no longer with us my thoughts are with you.
Ed. Wayne was born in Benalla and worked in the Sate Bank with Neville Roberts.
He was recruited from Burwood F.C. in the South East Suburban Football League
and played 3 years from 1977-1979. He took over coaching after the club was
relegated from 2nd division and was a 2 times B & F winner who also tied for 2nd in
comp B & F. Wayne later went on to coach many football clubs.
1979 Senior Results
Round 1
7th April 1979
UFTG
32-20-212
def. Sandown
Neville Roberts – 10 goals
Sandown
15-15-105
Round 2
UFTG
14th April 1979
20-11-131
def. The Basin
Upper Gully
9-14-68
Round 3
Warrandyte
21st April 1979
14-17-101
def. UFTG
Warrandyte
11-18-84
Round 4
UFTG
28th April 1979
18-19-127
def. Rowville
Upper Gully
17-12-114
Round 5
5th May 1979
South Wantirna
UFTG
21-22-148
def. Sth Wantirna 12-15-87
Neville Roberts – 3 goals
Round 6
UFTG
12th May 1979
Upper Gully
25-17-167
def. Nunawading 13-18-96
Round 7
UFTG
19th May 1979
28-14-182
def. Coldstream
Round 8
UFTG
26th May 1979
Upper Gully
10-14-74
def. Mooroolbark 8-18-66
Round 9
UFTG
2nd June 1979
28-15-183
def. Montrose
Montrose
15-13-103
Round 10
UFTG
9th June 1979
16-16-112
def. Forest Hill
Forest Hill
13-15-93
Round 11
UFTG
16th June 1979
12-18-90
def. Norwood
Upper Gully
8-12-60
Round 12
23rd June 1979
Round 13
Yarra Glen
30th June 1979
13-7-85
def. UFTG
Coldstream
17-13-115
Bye
Upper Gully
11-15-81
Round 14
UFTG
7th July 1979
12-16-88
def. Sandown
Upper Gully
3-7-25
Round 15
UFTG
14th July 1979
20-16-136
def. The Basin
The Basin
12-13-85
Round 16
UFTG
21st July 1979
15-19-109
def. Warrandyte
Upper Gully
12-10-82
Round 17
UFTG
28th July 1979
21-16-142
def. Rowville
Rowville
21-14-140
Round 18
UFTG
4th August 1979
Upper Gully
24-25-169
def. Sth Wantirna 7-10-52
Seniors Final Ladder
Upper Gully
Nunawading
Yarra Glen
Montrose
Warrandyte
Norwood
Rowville
Mooroolbark
Forest Hill
Coldstream
South Wantirna
Sandown
The Basin
P
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
W
16
13
13
12
11
11
10
10
8
7
6
5
3
L
2
4
5
5
7
7
8
8
10
11
12
13
15
D
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pts
64
54
52
50
44
44
40
40
32
28
24
20
12
%
151
114
128
112
116
100
112
109
91
83
87
65
57
Note: Byes during season included as wins.
2nd Semi Final
18th August 1979
UFTG
6-10-46
def. Nunawading 5-14-44
Grand Final
UFTG
3-1
Montrose
2-4
1st September 1979
5-2
8-6
4-6
5-9
Lilydale
13-9-87
7-11-53
Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club
1st Eighteen Premiers 1979
Upper Ferntree Gully vs Montrose Played at Lilydale 1st Sept. 1979
UFTG 13-9-87 d. Montrose 7-11-53
Backs
Vin Nelson
Dave Leathem
Rod Ingwersen
John Winters
Dave Carroll
Kellie Stillman
Robert Wilson
Ian Parker
Craig Marson
Bruce Utting
Brett Bray
Neville Roberts (VC)
Gary McAllister
Peter White
Richie Andrae
Rucks
Interchange
Phil Jackson
Geoff Brayne
Stuart Cook
John O’Flaherty
Wayne McIntyre (CC)
1979 Senior Premiership
Back Row: A Henshaw (Trainer), V Henshaw (Trainer), Bruce Utiing, John (Joffa) O’Flaherty, Gary McAllister,
Robert (Bubba) Wilson, Phil Jackson, Vin Nelson, Stuart Cook, Barry Arrowsmith (President), Dave Carroll,
Kellie Stillman, Craig Marson, Peter Jensen (Runner)
Front Row: Geoff Brayne, Rod Ingwersen, Richie Andrea, John Winters, Wayne McIntyre (Coach), Neville Roberts,
Brett Bray, Dave Leathem
1979 Grand Final Record
1979 Senior Premiership Team
By Wayne McIntyre (Captain/Coach)
1 – Neville Roberts – Best player I have ever played with or against. All the
talent and ability in the world. Playing below his level, too good.
2 – Brett Bray – Young one, number of many. Cool, calm and talented.
3 – Geoff Brayne – Another great recruit. The Greg Williams of our side.
Talented, great thinker and excellent handballer.
4 - Dave Carroll – Very good player in own right, never gave an inch to the
opposition
5 – Robert (Bubba) Wilson – Strong mark overhead, good kick, very
important to forward line.
6 – John Winters – Great left foot kick. Strong build and could play footy
too. Lots of ability.
7 – Wayne McIntyre – Captain/Coach.
10 - Dave Leathem – One of the young guys we were lucky to have. Great
player, talented.
11 – John (Joffa) O’Flaherty – Another young one, always tried hard,
would develop in time.
13 - Craig Marson – Strong reliable Backman, never gave in.
15 - Kellie Stillman – Classy footballer, could play either end of ground,
good kick.
20 – Gary McAllister – Young ruckman, learnt very quickly, uncanny for
his age, valuable player.
28 – Vin Nelson – Tall athletic player, reliable, always keen to do his best.
33 - Stuart Cook – Great recruit, strong talented, great kick, lots of skill.
VFL-VFA Player.
35 – Richie Andrea – Quick, skilful and talented. He had no fear.
36 – Rod Ingwersen – Great pace, very talented footballer. Well above his
time. Important young link in a very good side.
37 – Ian Parker – Good solid contributor.
39 – Peter White – Classy reliable player, good thinker.
41 – Phil Jackson – Tall Ruckman, great recruit, lots of ability, never
beaten.
69 – Bruce Utting – Very talented player, lots of ability, super important
player, very easy going, always playing tricks.
Runner - Peter Jensen – Did not play, but very talented Ruckman.
1979 Reserves Results
Round 1
7th April 1979
Upper Gully
UFTG
27-20-182
def. Sandown
2-3-15
Best Players: Neilon, Bray
Round 2
14th April 1979
The Basin
UFTG
19-27-141
def. The Basin
10-8-68
Best Players: Gary McAllister, Craig Frederickson
Round 3
21st April 1979
Upper Gully
UFTG
19-19-133
def. Warrandyte 5-7-37
Best Players: Woods, Collert, Whatley
Round 4
UFTG
28th April 1979
Rowville
12-24-96
def. Rowville
3-13-31
Round 5
UFTG
5th May 1979
Upper Gully
22-19-151
def. Sth Wantirna 5-6-36
Round 6
UFTG
12th May 1979
Nunawading
19-20-134
def. Nunawading 15-11-101
Round 7
UFTG
19th May 1979
Upper Gully
21-20-146
def. Coldstream 4-3-27
Round 8
UFTG
26th May 1979
Mooroolbark
17-26-128
def. Mooroolbark 7-7-49
Round 9
UFTG
2nd June 1979
Upper Gully
16-14-110
def. Montrose
4-8-32
Round 10
UFTG
9th June 1979
Upper Gully
25-12-162
def. Forest Hill
15-6-96
Round 11
Norwood
16th June 1979
Norwood
18-5-113
def. UFTG
14-8-92
Round 12
Round 13
UFTG
23rd June 1979
Bye
30th June 1979
Yarra Glen
20-16-136
def. Yarra Glen
9-9-63
Round 14
UFTG
7th July 1979
Sandown
11-21-87
def. Sandown
7-4-46
Round 15
UFTG
14th July 1979
Upper Gully
37-37-259
def. The Basin
5-6-36
Round 16
Warrandyte
21st July 1979
Warrandyte
15-16-106
def. UFTG
12-14-86
Round 17
UFTG
28th July 1979
Upper Gully
25-17-167
def. Rowville
6-10-46
Round 18
UFTG
4th August 1979
South Wantirna
def. Sth Wantirna
Reserves Final Ladder
Upper Gully*
Warrandyte
Norwood
Montrose
Mooroolbark+
Rowville
Forest Hill
Nunawading+
Yarra Glen
South Wantirna*
The Basin
Sandown
Coldstream
P
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
W
16
15
14
13
13
11
10
10
8
5
5
4
2
L
2
3
4
5
5
7
8
8
10
13
13
14
16
D
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pts
64
60
56
52
52
44
40
40
32
20
20
16
8
%
247
128
169
134
120
103
126
111
76
55
51
58
59
Note: Scores of 2 games missing. Byes during season included as wins.
2nd Semi Final
18th August 1979
Lilydale
UFTG
13-8-86
def. Warrandyte 9-14-68
Grand Final
9th September1979 Blackburn
UFTG
18-23-131
def. Norwood
13-12-90
1979 Reserves Premiership
Back Row: Alan Roberts (Runner), Ron Baldock (Team Manager), Ricky Pfeiffer, Fred Chatfield, Craig Frederickson, Charlie
Daniels, Noel Comley, Dave Russell, Steve Wilson, Ron Gracie (Trainer)
Middle Row: Roger Chandler, Mick Nealon, Perry Isaacs, Dennis Callahan (Coach), Byron Dell (Captain), Phil Chatfield, Max
Roberts, Gerry Wilson
Front Row: Paul Carroll, Geoff Johns, Murray McAllister, Phil Irons, Vito Festini
Absent: Jamie Woods, Jeramy Collett, Gary Crawford, Dave Graffen
Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club
2nd Eighteen Premiers 1979
Upper Ferntree Gully vs Norwood Played at Blackburn 9th Sept. 1979
UFTG 18-23-131 d. Norwood 13-12-90
Backs
Phil Irons
Mick Nealon
Roger Chandler
Noel Comley
Perry Isaacs
Craig Frederickson Byron Dell (C)
Dave Graffen
Dave Russell
Murray McAllister Jeramy Collett
Kevin Hadley
Geoff Johns
Ricky Pfeiffer
Jamie Woods
Rucks
Interchange
Gary Crawford
Paul Carroll
Steve Wilson
Max Roberts
Gerry Wilson
Upper Gully Football Club Newsletter 1979
1979 Reserves Premiership Team
1 – Jamie Woods – Young tall who played forward. Difficult to get around.
3 – Perry Isaacs – Veteran and wily forward / on baller. Cool in a crisis and
voted controversial best player on the big day.
4 – Mick Nealon – Consistent and versatile could play both ends of the
ground and on ball if required. 17yr old.
7 – Kevin Hadley – CHF who played seniors and reserves throughout the
year. A major contributor on GF day.
8 – Max Roberts – Tough on baller who had a major influence through out
the year.
9 – Craig Frederickson – Strong fullback. Built like the proverbial brick
shithouse. Tough opponent. Rarely beaten.
11 – Murray McAllister – Talented onballer who was good both sides of his
body. Great ball delivery.
12 – Phil Irons – Honest backman who used this year to build a successful
senior career in years to come.
13 – Jeramy Collett – B& F winner this year. Played on the wing mostly
and was constructive in his delivery into the forward line.
17 – Gerry Wilson – Rover/ forward known for his consistency.
18 – Dave Russell – Young strong defender who matured over time.
19 – Ricky Pfeiffer – Experienced senior player who could fill key
position at either end of the ground.
20 – Gary Crawford – Tall lanky ruckman who most often gave first use of
the ball.
22 – Steve Wilson – Utility half forward. Good user of the ball.
24 – Geoff Johns – Enigmatic forward who on his day had uncanny goal
kicking ability.
37 – Noel Comley – Tough, reliable experienced defender. Rarely beaten.
39 – Byron Dell (Captain) – Tall defender who would match up on
opposition key forwards.
41 – Dave Graffen – Young tall who could play as a key position, wingman
or onballer. Versatile.
44 – Paul Carroll – Veteran opportunistic forward who new where the goals
were.
71 – Roger Chandler – Talented pacy wingman who had silky ball skills.
Dennis Callahan (Reserves Coach) – Dennis began his football at Upper
Gully in the U16’s at 12 years of age before going on to captain the U16’s
before starting his senior carer in 1964. In those days Upper Gully fielded
three senior teams, the firsts and two reserve teams. Dennis started with
second of the reserve teams and progressed over two years to play with the
senior team. Never blessed with pace, he based his game on strength, sticking
close and making things hard for his opponent. Nine times out of ten he came
out on top. Three incidents about Dennis that showed how committed he was
to the team include when he dislocated his shoulder early in a game but still
continued to chase the ball with his right arm hanging limply by his side.
After the defeat by South Croydon in the 1973 Grand Final Replay, like most
of that team, he was dedicated to winning the 1974 Grand Final. His father
Jack, who he worked for at the time said “All he can think about is football,
I’ll be glad when they win the Grand Final so we can get work done around
here”. In the 1974 Grand Final, in which he was Captain to club legend
Neville Roberts, he was playing on a speedy Coldstream half-forward
flanker. People heard a cracking sound in the second quarter and looked
around to see his opponent flat on his back. Dennis was voted best on the
ground in that Grand Final in a team that went through the year undefeated.
In summary he enjoyed life, involvement with his many mates and a great
social life. We are the poorer without his presence in our life.
Joe Marotti and Dave Russell
(Grand Final Day)
Rod Ingwersen
1979 Reserves Season
With a very strong firsts team which had very few injuries the reserves were
able to play also as a very strong unit with plenty of depth to call on.
Max Roberts was appointed playing coach and did so with success early into
the season until personnel reasons intervened. After a fruitless week of
searching for a new coach club stalwart Dennis Callahan put up his hand and
continued on to become the premiership playing/coach of the reserves.
Through out the season the team had some down moments losing games that
as with any team the young players can be inconsistent and the older players
just have a day off too.
But finals time brings the cream to the top. An excellent all round effort in
very wet muddy conditions (something modern day players would hardly
have experienced) at Lilydale saw the team overcome Norwood with Jamie
Woods having a good day at full forward.
Due to a draw in the preliminary final between Norwood and Warrandyte the
grand final was delayed a week for us and thankfully the game was
transferred to the Mitcham ground as Lilydale was virtually an unholy
quagmire.
Grand final day at Mitcham was a total contrast to the Lilydale finals –
warm, fast track and windy favouring one end. Although Norwood were
competitive the Gully always seem to be in control with Craig Fredrickson,
Dave Russell (no biffo was going to happen from Norwood with Dave in the
team) and Phil Irons controlling the backline, Murray McAllister, Jeremy
Collett, Roger Chandler (until he wrecked his knee) around the centre plus
Gerry Wilson, Mick Nealon, Jeff Johns having an influence all day. Best
forward was Perry Isaacs with five goals in a Best-on Ground performance
ably assisted by Noel Comley and Steve Wilson.
Final scores UFTG 18-23-131 defeated Norwood 13-12-90
On a final note it must be mentioned that Dennis as playing coach and
putting the team ahead of personnel ego relinquished his place in the team on
selection night as the game would be played in fine conditions. Dennis
thought he was better suited to wet conditions and so I was the lucky player
in the twenty who was able to participate in his final game in a premiership
team.
Paul Carroll
Back Row: Len Roberts, Tubby Newland, Fred Heaphy, Ralph Shaw, John Hall, Terry Shaw,
Monty Suffern (Vice Captain), Geoff Tozer
Standing: John Lord, Ken Ruddock
Seated: Ken Rogers, Ron Tooby, Ray Skelton (Captain), Ron Busbridge (Coach), Butch Jones, Mick Stone, Ian Briggs
Front: Rod Hayes, John Hayes, Brian Corcoran, Wally Shaw (Mascot), Gary Earle (Mascot), Trevor Tovey
1979 Under 17’s Results
Round 1
7th April 1979
Sandown
UFTG
14-16-100
def. Sandown
8-14-62
Best Players: Phil Beyers (10 goals), Shane Cross, Peter Faragher,
Darren Steghuis, Barry McGowan
Round 2
14th April 1979
Upper Gully
UFTG
17-12-114
def. The Basin
7-12-54
Best Players: Tony Porcaro, Andy Neville, Kevin Dillon, Greg
Jackson, Jay Bullen
Round 3
21st April 1979
Warrandyte
UFTG
21-11-137
def. Warrandyte 5-4-34
Best Players: Andy Neville, Greg Jobling, Phil Beyer (10 goals), John
Hanna, Terry Hopkins, A Sommerbecker
Round 4
UFTG
Round 5
UFTG
28th April 1979
Upper Gully
15-13-103
def. Rowville
3-8-26
5th May 1979
South Wantirna
def. Sth Wantirna forfeit
Round 6
UFTG
12th May 1979
Upper Gully
25-17-167
def. Nunawading 0-0-0
Round 7
UFTG
19th May 1979
Coldstream
20-15-135
def. Coldstream 1-1-7
Round 8
UFTG
26th May 1979
Upper Gully
8-12-60
def. Mooroolbark 3-6-24
Round 9
Montrose
2nd June 1979
Montrose
13-11-88
def. UFTG
11-10-76
Round 10
UFTG
9th June 1979
Forest Hill
7-6-48
def. Forest Hill
6-6-36
Round 11
UFTG
16th June 1979
Upper Gully
19-17-131
def. Norwood
2-2-14
Round 12
23rd June 1979
Bye
Round 13
UFTG
30th June 1979
Upper Gully
21-15-141
def.
Yarra Glen
1-1-7
Round 14
UFTG
7th July 1979
12-12-84
def.
Round 15
UFTG
14th July 1979
The Basin
10-16-76
def.
The Basin
10-7-67
21st July 1979
Upper Gully
def.
Warrandyte
w/o
Round 16
UFTG
Round 17
UFTG
Upper Gully
Sandown
1-6-12
28th July 1979
Rowville
12-5-77
def.
Rowville
7-5-47
Round 18
UFTG
4th August 1979
Upper Gully
def.
Sth Wantirna w/o
Under 17’s Final Ladder
Forest Hill
Montrose
Upper Gully
Mooroolbark
Rowville
The Basin
Norwood
Nunawading
Sandown
Coldstream
Yarra Glen
Warrandyte
South Wantirna
P
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
W
17
17
16
15
10
10
9
9
6
5
5
4
2
L
1
1
2
3
8
8
9
9
12
13
13
14
16
D
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pts
68
68
64
60
40
40
36
36
24
20
20
16
8
%
477
304
250
307
124
103
82
42
62
59
29
29
27
Note: Byes during season included as wins.
1st Semi Final
12th August 1979
Lilydale
UFTG
8-10-58
def. Mooroolbark 4-4-28
Preliminary Final 25th August 1979
Lilydale
Montrose
11-5-71
def. UFTG
7-11-53
1979 Under 15’s Season
By Fred Chatfield (Coach)
I was fortunate to coach the under 15 side that were premiers and champions in
1979. In fact no team got to within 10 goals of them all year. The second game of the
year against The Basin we started with 13 players and by 1/4/time had the 14th
player Tommy Hopkins to make it legal. We still won by 10 goals against a side that
won the premiership the previous year and unfurled their flag.
At that time we knew it was a special team. People like Daryl Knight, Barry
Arrowsmith, Alan Chatfield, Tony Pallotta and Phil Brown were of great assistance
off the field.
Craig Blythe was captain kicked over 100 goals and won the league best and fairest
from a forward flank. Robbie Bray (Brett’s Brother) kicked 100 goals as well.
There were lots of other talented players in the side with Paul Maguire, Robert
Pallotta, David Barnes, Geoff Palmer, Steven Whitby, Mick Bentley and Craig
Diamond who all probably should have gone to higher levels.
Every side has their characters and the likes of Eggy Davidson, Tony Felleppa,
Tommy Hopkins and Michael Cross made life very interesting and funny.
I still remember the celebratory trip away to Daylesford and I am sure there are
people in Daylesford that still do as well. I remember that it took me 5 days to get
over the grand final celebrations where cigars and champagne were consumed.
By Craig Blythe (Captain)
Fred had many great attributes to coach that side. He enjoyed doing it, encouraged
lots of fun and the key strength was Fred's ability to understand all of our
personalities and backgrounds. Every week Fred would travel to Narre Warren,
Wantirna and basically anywhere he could to pick up players like Mark Bentley, Rob
Palmer etc to complete the side. He had a great appreciation of everyone's
background and family situations and was a coach who treated everyone the same
irrespective of natural ability. These attributes came naturally so what you saw was
what you got.
Freddy loved footy and coaching during that time and we soon learnt not to stand too
close during his pre and during the game motivational speeches. You would cop a
spray!! I still see Fred from time to time via my brother Bruce. This side was a very
good football team with us all working hard to have players from various areas to
play with UFTG
The last thing you should note is that the highlight of Fred's year in 1979 was beating
me at Golf in Daylesford on our footy trip away. I am sure he will like this being
raised.
1979 Under 15’s Results
Round 1
7th April 1979
Upper Gully
UFTG
33-15-213
def. Sandown
3-3-21
Best Players: Craig Blythe, Robert Pallotta
Round 2
UFTG
14th April 1979
The Basin
21-10-136
def. The Basin
9-11-65
Round 3
UFTG
21st April 1979
Upper Gully
47-20-302
def. Warrandyte 0-2-2
Round 4
UFTG
28th April 1979
Rowville
def. Rowville
w/o
Round 5
UFTG
5th May 1979
Upper Gully
29-17-191
def. Sth Wantirna 1-2-8
Round 6
UFTG
12th May 1979
Nunawading
31-29-215
def. Nunawading 2-2-14
Round 7
UFTG
19th May 1979
Upper Gully
26-15-171
def. Coldstream 3-1-19
Round 8
UFTG
26th May 1979
Mooroolbark
22-4-136
def. Mooroolbark 8-4-52
Round 9
UFTG
2nd June 1979
Upper Gully
21-15-141
def. Montrose
2-6-18
Round 10
UFTG
9th June 1979
Upper Gully
15-11-101
def. Forest Hill
5-6-36
Round 11
UFTG
16th June 1979
Norwood
16-18-114
def. Norwood
2-6-18
Round 12
Round 13
UFTG
23rd June 1979
Bye
30th June 1979
Yarra Glen
39-20-254
def. Yarra Glen
0-0-0
Round 14
UFTG
7th July 1979
Sandown
18-13-121
def. Sandown
5-3-33
14th July 1979
Upper Gully
def. The Basin
w/o
Round 15
UFTG
Round 16
UFTG
21st July 1979
Warrandyte
26-15-171
def. Warrandyte 3-1-19
Round 17
UFTG
28th July 1979
Upper Gully
def. Rowville
w/o
Round 18
UFTG
4th August 1979
South Wantirna
def. Sth Wantirna
Under 15’s Final Ladder
Upper Gully
Forest Hill
Montrose
Mooroolbark
Sandown
Coldstream
Norwood
The Basin
South Wantirna
Nunawading
Warrandyte
Yarra Glen
P
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
W
18
17
14
14
13
11
9
7
7
6
5
3
L
0
1
3
3
5
7
9
11
11
12
13
15
D
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pts
72
68
58
58
52
44
36
28
28
24
20
12
Note: Byes during season included as wins.
2nd Semi Final
11th August 1979
Coldstream
UFTG
18-14-122
def. Forest Hill
2-10-22
Grand Final
25th August 1979
Coldstream
UFTG
19-15-129
def. Mooroolbark 7-7-49
Back Row: Daryl Knight (Team Manager), Robbie Bray, M (Ozzie) Orzechowski, Robert Tenbuuren, Fred Chatfield (Coach),
Sean Gillespie, Robert Palotta (Vice Captain), Paul Maguire, Barry Arrowsmith (Trainer), Alan Chatfield (Runner)
Middle Row: Peter Leighton, Tony Felleppa, Craig Diamond, David Barnes, Craig Blythe (Captain), Tim Jobling,
Craig Graham, Rick Peters
Front Row: George Archibald, Michael Davidson, Michael Cross, Neil Bibby, Tommy Hopkins, Geoff Palmer
Absent: Steven Whitby, Mick Bentley, Rob Brewster
1979 Under 15’s Premiership
Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club
Under 15’s Premiers 1979
Upper Ferntree Gully vs Mooroolbark 25th August 1979
UFTG 19-15-129 d. Mooroolbark 7-7-49
Backs
Michael Davidson
Sean Gillespie
Rick Peters
Craig Blythe (C)
Steven Whitby
Paul Maguire
Neil Bibby
Robert Tenbuuren Tommy Hopkins
Robert Pallotta (VC)
M Orzechowski
Robbie Bray
Rob Brewster
Peter Leighton
George Archibald
Rucks
Interchange
Craig Diamond
Michael Cross
David Barnes
Tim Jobling
Geoff Palmer
Craig Graham
Emergency
Missing
Tony Felleppa
Mick Bentley
1979 Under 15’s Premiership Team
By Fred Chatfield (Coach)
Craig Graham – Played wing, half back flank. Could have played on ball as
he had good skills
Craig Blythe (Captain) – Won best and Fairest in competition and kicked
over 100 goals. Played as a roving forward. Healthy ego and never short of a
word.
Craig Diamond – Played as a small ruckman could intimidate other players
by attack on ball and determination.
David Barnes – On baller with plenty of flair and ability had long blonde
hair that made him stand out.
George Archibald – Smallest in stature but one of the biggest characters.
You always remember the cheeky fellow. Loved kicking a goal
Geoff Palmer – An onballer who had the talent to be the best player in the
competition if he applied himself.
Mick Bentley – A lovable rogue who when he played was unbeatable at
centre half back. He decided to miss the grand final to go on holidays
Michael Cross – A kid that could be relied upon and usually played back
pocket. In grand final played on bench .Probably lived in shadow of elder
brother Shane and didn’t realise he had a lot of ability.
Michael (Eggy) Davidson – A determined back pocket, who played the
game and life hard. He and Robbie bray were always a worry as to what they
got up to or into the night before games
M (Ozzie) Orzechowski – A brilliant centre half forward, who had some
brilliant skills. A quiet achiever.
Neil Bibby – He was reluctantly dropped for the grand final but got a game
when Mick Bentley went on holidays. Got votes in grand final as one of best
on ground from half back flank. A very determined character and I was glad
he took his opportunity
Paul Maguire – An excellent full back in the mode of David Dench. A
delight to coach as always learning.
Peter Leighton – A creative winger half forward who set up many goals.
Robbie Bray – We were privileged to see him at his best as a full forward
who kicked on a hundred goals in the season. Laconic and casual on the
outside but always gave his best on the ground. A feral off the ground and a
worry.
Rob Brewster – A player with a lot of talent but had to play on flanks
because of the wealth of onballers.
Rick Peters – A dashing wingman half back that loved to run with ball.
Extremely fast and probably should have been a runner at Stawell gift
Robert Pollotta (Vice Captain) – Played centre and ran hard and kicked
long.Another who intimidated opposition with attack on ball. A delight to
coach
Robert Tenbuuren – Played down backline and played Centre half back in
Grand final. One of the tallest in side and was probably the most improved
player in the side for the season
Sean Gillespie – Wing or half back. Always tried hard and at times showed
he was on the way to being a very good footballer
Steven Whitby – A very talented footballer who could take screamers and
kick the difficult goal. A pity injury the following year hampered what could
have been an exciting career.
Tony Felleppa – One of my favourites and one of my biggest regrets in life
was to drop him for the grand final. Always tried hard and was the ultimate
team man. Also played a great guitar.
Tim Jobling – I always called him the Gary Cowton of the team as he had
the ability to do anything but even he was unsure of what he was going to do.
A funny kid to have around.
Tommy Hopkins – An essential character to have in any team. Tried his
hardest on the ground and often intimidated opposition. Loved a fight and
testing the coach. Also remembered as turning up as the 14th man at ¼ time
against The Basin to make the game legal. Up to then only 13 players were
beating a full strength The Basin. They won by 10 goals. We knew we had
something special.
Alan Chatfield and Phillip Brown – Asst. Coaches who opened rooms
every training night and got training started as I worked in Melbourne and
was always ½ hour late.
Tony Pallotta – Robbies dad was runner for most of the year but stepped
down at finals time because he allowed his Italian Blood to get too excitable
during games and he was prone to deliver the wrong messages.
Daryl Knight/Burton (Team Manager) – Made sure everything ticked like
clockwork. Very organised and kept everyone in line.
Barry Arrowsmith (Trainer) – A club legend who ensured everyone was fit
and well to play. I think he must have had some special concoctions for Eggy
and Robbie on some Saturday mornings to have them fit to play.
A privilege to have coached such a talented group and go on to be premiers
and champions.
1979 Best & Fairest Awards
Senior Best & Fairest – Neville Roberts
Reserves Best & Fairest – Jeramy Collett
Under 17’s Best & Fairest – Kevin Dillon
Under 15’s Best & Fairest – Craig Blythe
Best Playing Clubman – Phil Irons / Fred Chatfield
Services Rendered – Bill Langshaw, Hugh McAllister, Don Barton,
Jim Sheers
EDFL Senior Best & Fairest Runner Up – Neville Roberts
EDFL Under 15’s Best & Fairest – Craig Blythe
Left to Right: Dave Leathem, Gary McAllister, Dave Graffen, Rod Ingwersen,
Neville Roberts, Mick Nealon, Ian Parker, Brett Bray, Kellie Stillman (Hidden)
1979 Upper Gully Playing List
Dave Leatham
Garry Lee
Craig Marson
Gary McAllister
Murray McAllister
Wayne McIntyre
Mick Nealon
Vin Nelson
John O'Flaherty
Ian Parker
Rick Pfeiffer
Max Roberts
Neville Roberts
Dave Russell
Kellie Stillman
Dave Talbot
Bruce Utting
Jeff Whately
Peter White
Gerry Wilson
Robert Wilson
Steve Wilson
John Winters
Jamie Woods
Tony Wyzenbeek
Richie Andrea
Dale Barnard
Brett Bray
Geoff Brayne
Dennis Callahan
Dave Carroll
Paul Carroll
Roger Chandler
Fred Chatfield
Phillip Chatfield
Jeramy Collett
Noel Comley
Stuart Cook
Gary Crawford
Charlie Daniels
Forest Deane
Byron Dell
Vito Festini
Craig Freidrickson
Dave Graffen
Kevin Hadley
Rod Ingwerson
Phil Irons
Perry Isaacs
Phillip Jackson
Geoff Johns
RIP
Dennis Callahan (1948-1995)
Byron Dell (1954-2008)
Max Roberts (1954-1999)
Kellie Stillman (1957-2006)
Terry Hopkins (1962-2005)