RESERVES
Tom Brain
MEMORIES Where were you and what were you doing in early September 1972? E Reserve Section that year threw out many great games. At the end of the Home and Away season we saw AJAX on top, followed by the then State Savings Bank (my team), Old Ivanhoe and Marcellin. These were four very evenly matched sides, with each having had a victory over the others during the season. Old Ivanhoe accounted for Marcellin in the First Semi, and had the week off waiting for AJAX and SSB to fight out the Second Semi. Led by their big ruckman and coach Hiram Janover, the Jackers absolutely thrashed the Bankers, who went away with their tails between their legs having to regroup for the next week. Unbeknownst to us and the Hoers at the time, the Grand Final was set down for the Jewish Day of Atonement, which precluded the Jackers from playing. Despite repeated requests by AJAX to have the game moved to another date, the VAFA administration of the day denied this request. And so the 1972 E Section Reserves Prelim became the Grand Final. The day dawned bright and sunny and as I drove to the Brens Oval, I had a great feeling of anticipation and anxiety. No one had any idea what would transpire and in the SSB rooms, we were decidedly nervous. We had plenty of support from the senior players, who would have their day in the sun the next week in their own big dance. At the first break, it was the Bankers who led by a couple of twins. Old Ivanhoe, not to be denied, clawed their way back into it and led by a couple of points as we headed to the rooms for a rest. There were no such things as rotations in those days. SSB veteran coach Kevin Stafford implored us to stay composed and the breaks would come our 20
way, it was nip and tuck in the championship quarter with first one then the other taking control, but never fully, so much so that at the final break the scores were level. “Keep going, they will break eventually,” repeats Staffo and for a while it looked like happening. We controlled the play and opened up an 8 point lead with 10 minutes left. Both sides were desperate, diving on the ball and creating plenty of stoppages. The Hoes got one back and were points behind with about a minute left. That minute seemed like an eternity. The ball entered the Hoes’ goalsquare and a brown sock in a pair of then new Adidas boots touched the ball. As it dribbled towards the goal, three SSB defenders made a gallant but fruitless attempts to smother it. The Hoes were home by 4 points. There was in us a feeling of desolation and devastation when that final siren sounded. Chances to play in the ultimate game of the year and to win a flag with one’s mates doesn’t happen often (or often enough!) Although hurting, the Bankers were quick to shake hands and congratulate the victors. It was great to see the Field Umpire Ian Jenkin come into our rooms and commiserate and say how courageous he thought we had been. For the pundits, the better players for Old Ivanhoe were, Carroll, Gibbs, Gill, Dickson, Gurney and Wiltshire. And for SSB, Jeff Dawson (who would play in a premiership with the seniors a week later) Barnes, Dumbrell, Phillips, Brain (yes, me) and Hatfield. So any clubs, past players or officials out there who have vivid memories of special games in their careers send me an Email to brainco@ optusnet.com.au or an SMS or phone call to 0423 433 488 by 5pm Monday nights. THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2012