In February 1972 a public meeting was held in the Bayswater Football Club Pavilion, the purpose being to form a Junior Football Club.
The meeting conducted jointly by the President and Secretary of the Bayswater Football Club, Messrs. K. Northwood and F. Margetts resulted in the formation of a Junior Club and election of a Committee of Management. The Junior Club was to be a separate entity responsible for it's own management including fund raising. It was agreed that a representative of the Bayswater Football Club attend meetings to offer any guidance and advice required. At an early date the representative was replaced due to non attendance at meetings.
The minutes of the first meeting held on the 28th March 1972 record that the Club was to be called the Bayswater Knox Junior Football Club and, although the minutes do not record the reason for the insertion of the word Knox in the Club's name, it is known that the majority of the Committee felt it was a way of ensuring that the Senior Club could not lay claim to the finances of the Junior Club.
The Club never rescinded the motion inserting Knox in the title despite operating as the Bayswater Junior Football Club until the Club became incorporated in 1985.
Initially the Club entered a team in each of the Under 10 and Under 13 grades in the newly formed Knox Junior Football Association. However, it was soon found that in addition to Bayswater, a number of other Clubs had an abundance of boys in the Under 10 age group and an Under 10B competition was formed which began after the season commenced for the other two grades.
Despite having three teams competing in the K.J.F.A. there was still sufficient players for the Club to form a second Under 13 and a third Under 10 team both of which played social matches with other Clubs in the district. Matches were played on Sunday afternoons with home games at the Bayswater Football Ground, the first of many homes for the Junior Club.
Council By-Laws at the time prevented matches from commencing prior to 12.00 noon on Sundays although Soccer Clubs were permitted to do so thus causing the K.J.F.A. to feel it was being victimised.
Membership was fixed at 75 cents per player and two sets of football jumpers were donated by the Senior Club. Mr. Jeff Cartwright of Bayswater Dry Cleaners offered to clean the jumpers each week at no cost which was greatly appreciated. The K.J.F.A. directed that there would be a ban on the drinking of alcohol at matches due in part to the number of teams with church connections and also it was considered inappropriate at junior football matches. It was not long before problems arose at home matches with both supporters and the "Sunday Sippers" being reluctant to abstain. On one occasion the coach of a visiting team refused to allow his players to enter the rooms due to alcohol being consumed therein. An arrangement was reached that the "Sunday Sippers" would confine their activities to behind closed doors and supporters who would not abstain were asked to remain in their cars. It was an uneasy and difficult to police arrangement and periodically complaints were made against the Club.
One of the worst offenders was a committee member of the Club who was voted off the Committee under the rule of failure to attend three consecutive meetings.
In an effort to raise money letters were sent to local businesses and to the North Melbourne Football Club asking for donations or assistance. Unfortunately response was minimal. A sub-committee had been formed prior to the start of the season to run a canteen at home games and a working capital of $35 was advanced. An unfortunate incident occurred in the canteen during the year when volunteers were cleaning up after the day's business. It was the practice to burn all rubbish created by the canteen and on this particular day the paper money was placed in a pie bag unbeknown to those cleaning up. The money was never seen again.
Early in the season John Van Stam was suspended by the Association. John, acting as an official assisting the Under 13 team was involved in an incident at the end of the match against The Basin. Prior to the players leaving the ground, a youth acting as The Basin team's runner struck a Bayswater player. John, a very big man, noticed the incident and chased after the offender but the youth was too fleet of foot and escaped.
The matter was reported to the Association who decided that John was to receive a two weeks suspension for his part in the incident. It was probably fortunate for both John and the youth that the escape was effected.
The K.J.F.A. held a lightning premiership at The Basin Football Ground on the Queen's Birthday weekend. The Under 13 age group was won by Bayswater and the Under 10A team lost in the final. Four Bayswater Under 13 players were selected to play in the inaugural inter league match against Newtown (Geelong) Football League. Unfortunately Knox were a much smaller team and were decisively beaten. During the season the Committee discussed the possibility of and end of the season trip for the Under 13 players. However, due to the expense involved the plan was abandoned.
The season ended on a successful note with the Under 10A team winning the Premiership after having only lost one game for the season. The Under 10B team finished fourth and the Under 13 team third.
Rodney Mitchell, Captain of the Under 10A team was runner-up best and fairest in the K.J.F.A. Bayswater were due to play the St. Pauls Club in the first match of the season and, unfortunately for Rod, St. Pauls did not have sufficient players to field a team. Bayswater received a walkover and a practice match was arranged and of course no votes were given by the umpire. It is quite conceivable that Rod would have polled sufficient votes to win if an official match had been held which would have been an excellent result for both Rod and the Club.
The Committee decided to celebrate the end of a successful season with a night out at the the expense of the Club which in hindsight was an unwise decision which brought the Committee under severe criticism when the Financial Statement was presented to the Senior Club.
When training commenced for 1974 it was discovered there was a shortage of footballs. It was alleged that a coach of the previous season's non competitive teams, who had moved from the district, took a number of footballs with him. The replacement of the footballs placed a considerable strain on the finances of the Club. The K.J.F.A., due largely to the persistence of the Club, reformed the Under 10B competition. Clubs were informed that although premiership games would be played a pennant would not be provided by the Association. The winning Club could of course obtain one at their own expense if desired.
All matches were conducted at Knox Park and finals were played - Team 1 v Team 3 and Team 2 v Team 4 with the winners playing off for the premiership. The Under 10B team was successful and became the first and only team of the Club to be Premiers and Champions. A premiership pennant was purchased at a cost of $36.22.
As the Club had a large number of players in the Under 12 age group a team was entered in the Nunawading and District Junior Football League. Unfortunately, the team was competing against Clubs who fielded their first team in the competition and the venture was not successful as far as winning matches was concerned and the team finished last on the "ladder". As the team was competing in a different competition to the rest of the Club the Committee decided that at least the President or the Secretary would attend the matches each week to avoid any possible feeling of neglect of the team.
The Committee had found it necessary at the start of the season to increase membership to $2 per player or $3 per family. Committee members elected to take turns to donate the weekly raffle prize to assist Club funds. In a further effort to boost Club funds and Easter Egg raffle was held for the first time which was won by Michael Schelfhout and raised the sum of $100.80.
Car stickers were manufactured and sold for the first time to supporters and the business community of Bayswater to also help boost funds. The Club accepted an invitation from the local Apex Club to enter a float in their Carnival. The display consisted of players dressed in the Club's playing uniform riding on the back of a truck and featured the 1972 premiership pennant. The parade terminated at the Bayswater Football Ground where participants, on payment of a fee, were permitted to set up stalls. The Club had two stalls consisting of a coin throw and a sausage sizzle and although little money was raised the venture proved successful in promoting the Club and attracting new members.
Early in the season the Club purchased a set of 20 football jumpers from the Senior Club. The jumpers were surplus following the withdrawal by the Senior Club of their Under 13 team from the Eastern Districts Football League. During the season the Club received it's first ever fine by the K.J.F.A. ($2) for an inadequate siren which on appeal was rescinded. The year also saw the introduction of margin tickets which were based on the winning margin at V.F.L. Park and proved to be a very successful fund raiser for the Club.
In 1973 matches and training had been held at the old Bayswater Football Ground (located where the Bayswater Community Centre now stands). However, it was found necessary to reduce the football traffic on the old ground (see 1973). This was accomplished by negotiating with the Bayswater Park Committee for training and some matches to be held at the Park. The annual rent was set at $10 but the Club elected to double the fee in appreciation. In addition the Club agreed to assist the Park Committee with the planting of trees in the area and many of the trees in the park immediately behind the pavilion are a result of the Club's participation.
The Club had early in the season urged the K.J.F.A. to officially recognise players who reached the 50 Association games milestone but the request was declined. This did not deter the Club and a decision was made to award a medallion to each Bayswater player who attained 50 K.J.F.A. games and, if achieved whilst playing in the Under 10 age group, the player would also receive a Club jumper.
The Club was the first in the K.J.F.A. to have a player reach 50 games and the awards were made to Richard Morton of the Under 10A team with the event being written up in the local newspaper. Premierships were won by the Under 10B and Under 12A teams. Unfortunately the Club's other team to reach the Grand Final, the Under 10A team, lost. This team had a total of three losses in three years, two of them Grand Finals. Towards the end of the season the Committee discussed the possibility of entering a team in the Under 14 age group in 1975 but due to the detrimental effect such a team would have on the Senior Club's Under 15 team the matter was deferred for 12 months.
Finally, the Club decided to compile an Annual Report and this practice continued over the years and became a valuable record of the Club.
Since the formation of the Club a large amount of equipment had amassed. As these assets would take a considerable amount of money to replace the Club decided to take out insurance against loss. Some difficulty was experienced in finding a Company willing to insure the assets due to the fact that storage was to be in a private garage. Eventually a Company agreed but the cost was considerably more than if the assets were stored in a private residence.
For some time the Committee had been concerned over where the Club should play it's home matches. The old Bayswater Football Ground had proved unsuitable for junior football due to the extremely poor playing surface once winter conditions had set in. In an effort to solve the problem the Club wrote to the Bayswater Park Committee requesting use of Bayswater Park for training 4 nights per week and for home matches. A letter was also sent to the Lewis Road (home of Studfield J.F.C.) Parks Committee to ascertain the possibility of renting an oval for home matches. The Bayswater Park Committee approved the use of Bayswater Park as requested and the Club erected tents each Sunday to be used as change rooms for the players.
As the erection of tents each week was inconvenient and a poor substitute for change rooms, a proposal was put to the Park Committee to enclose the open pavilion so that it could be used as change rooms for the players. The Park Committee were in favour of the proposal and work commenced on preparation of plans. Once again the Club participated in the Apex Carnival, conducting the coin throw stall and using the venture for publicity and recruiting. The Club delegates continued to press the K.J.F.A. for refund of the $500 contributed to the abandoned Lewis Road Complex. At times the delegates meetings became a little heated over this matter but the K.J.F.A. refused to grant a refund.
The total number of players registered by the Club to play in the K.J.F.A. grew from 112 in 1975 to 146. The Club in reality had more than that total as not all members particularly the very young ones were registered with the K.J.F.A. Membership fees were increased to $4 per player or $6 per family for the season. In an effort to attract boundary umpires ( a requirement of the K.J.F.A.) the Club decided to pay $2 per game to each boundary umpire which proved to be successful.
In May, Gerald Ladiges, a respected member of the Committee was tragically killed in an accident whilst on his way to a V.F.L. match with two of his sons. The Club immediately launched an appeal to help the family and the sum of $921.06 was raised. Honory membership was bestowed on the family.
All players who did not receive a trophy were presented with a medallion for the first time and this innovation was well received throughout the Club. The K.J.F.A. had during the season found it necessary to warn all Clubs that abusive language directed at umpires and opposition players would not be tolerated.
A decision was made by the Club to purchase dressing gowns for the players of each team to wear whilst sitting on the bench during games. Selection of an appropriate material took some time but the dressing gowns were ready for use in 1977. The season's home and away games concluded with four of the Club's five teams playing in the finals. The fifth, the Under 14 team, in it's first year for the Club, finished in fifth place. The Under 14 team thus had the dubious distinction of being the first team of the Club, competing in the K.J.F.A., to miss the finals.
Premierships were won by the Under 10A team (Coach Ted Morton's first success after being runner-up for the previous two years) and the Under 12B team. Runners-up were the Under 12B team and the Under 10B team for the second successive year with Don Ockwell Coach on both occasions.
The Annual General Meeting held in October 1977 saw the influx of women to executive positions of the Club due largely to the reluctance of men to take on the positions. This in no way detracted from the efficiency of the Club and it could be argued that the performance of the Committee actually improved. In February 1978 a set of rules and by-laws was adopted as the Club's Constitution. In previous seasons the Club operated on rules virtually made up as it went along and an official constitution was long overdue.
Glen Park was secured for training for four nights per week at a cost of $30 per annum thus reducing the heavy load on Bayswater Park. Wantirna Recreation Ground, later to be known affectionately as "Camel Corner" (camels were located nearby) was secured for home matches although a considerable distance from Bayswater, the Club felt it had a home at last. The venue boasted a new pavilion including showers, umpires changing rooms and other amenities and at the time was one of the best equipped in the K.J.F.A.. Rental was $5 per week plus electricity and gas costs. Membership exceeded 200 boys and fees had been increased to $8 per player and $12 per family.
To assist fund raising the Club purchased yellow T-shirts and after arranging for the Club's mascot insignia to be printed theron, sold them to players, parents etc. which was a profitable exercise. The Expulsion of the Studfield Junior Football Club at the end of season 1977 saw the dream of developing a junior football complex at Lewis Road Reserve lost forever. The Club continued to press for the return of the $500 donation to the complex and also when it became known that the complex would not go ahead, for a share of the money raised by the walkathon. Whether it was because to refund the money to Bayswater would also mean the K.J.F.A. would have to refund a similar amount to the expelled Studfield Club or that Bayswater was unpopular due to being outspoken at delegates meetings will never be known.
The K.J.F.A. Executive declined to refund the money once again and, in what could be described as a move to gain support from Clubs who had contributed little or no money to the complex proposal, decided to give each club $200 from accumulated funds.
As in previous years, social games were arranged for the players who were not selected in the competitive matches and these were played against clubs in the Ringwood/Croydon area. For the first time players were permitted to select the Captain, vice Captain and deputy vice Captain of their team.
Winter produced a period of particularly cold and wet weather which prompted the Committee to discuss the supplying of a hot drink to players after matches. The discussion dragged on for over an hour debating the merits of tomato or chicken soup or milo and at times the discussion threatened to become hotter than the drink to be provided.
For a number of years dissatisfaction had been expressed over the 3, 2, 1 voting method for best and fairest etc. awards. The Committee decided to introduce a system where a vote card would still contain a maximum total of 6 votes. However, the maximum number of votes a player could receive would be two which enabled a greater spread of votes to a greater number of players if considered warranted.
During the season, Richard Morton became the first player for the Club to reach 100 games which was also achieved by two other players before the season ended. Ray Wheeler, the Club's Under 12A Coach was appointed Coach of the K.J.F.A. Under 12 team which was defeated by Newtown Little League. Due to repeated requests the K.J.F.A. had reformed the Under 13 competition for the first time since 1972 and although only 5 teams competed, this age group was to develop in the ensuing years into one of the strongest in the K.J.F.A.
The finals saw all six of the Club's teams competing, unfortunately the premiership eluded all six with the Under 10B team being runners-up for the fourth year in a row.
In August, Andrew Papst, Craig Matthews, and Gary Wheeler were the Club's representatives in the Under 14 K.J.F.A. team that journeyed to Tasmania and was victorious against New Town High School senior team (which included 6 players over 14 years) by 31 points.
Following the success of the abolishment of best and fairest awards in 1979 the Committee voted (9-1) to continue the presentation of a trophy to all players for the forthcoming season.
Membership fees rose to $12 per player, or $16 for two in the same family and $20 for three or more in the same family.
The Club decided to form an Under 15 team and advised the Senior Club of it's intentions. The decision was made on the basis that there were too many players available for the Senior Club's Under 16 team and it was feared that those who missed out would be lost to football. The proposal was received enthusiastically by the Senior Club which, when approached, could offer no financial assistance. A number of the Senior Club Committee Members however personally donated $15 each towards the cost of a set of jumpers. Some difficulty was experienced in finding a competition for the Under 15 team but eventually the team was entered in the Eastern Suburbs Churches Football Association under the name of Blackburn Uniting Football Club.
Jim Dare, Under 13 team Coach, was appointed Coach of the Under 13 K.J.F.A. representative which lost to the Newtown Little League.
The Club introduced an automatic one match suspension for any player sent off the ground with the proviso that the suspension could be waived by the Committee if the send off was considered trivial and recommended by the Coach and Team Manager.
The K.J.F.A. decided to present a medal to all players who reached 100 K.J.F.A. games.
The Round Robin competition run by the Club in the previous three years was again held. This event involved a lot of work for a small group of the Committee on each occasion. However, it was considered to be of benefit to the Club, and to junior football in general particularly in maintaining interest in Australian Rules Football in local Primary Schools. Selection of team captains reverted to the Coach's discretion for all teams. The Committee decided that players who represented the K.J.F.A. would have those games included in their Club game total and finally after many attempts games played by the Under 10C (non-competitive) team were also recognised. All Under 10C players were required to be registered with the K.J.F.A. but no registration fee was charged.
On the 4th May as the Club's Under 10B and Ferntree Gully Bluebirds teams were leaving the ground at half time an off duty policeman from Boronia observed the Bayswater Goal Umpire "thrashing" a Bayswater player with the goal flags. The policeman in his written complaint to the K.J.F.A. stated he confronted the goal umpire who "became abusive and removed his white goal umpires coat obviously intending to continue his bullying tactics with me". The goal umpire was the parent of the player and the matter was dealt with in house.
Adam Ockwell won the K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest Award in the Under 13 age group and in doing so became the first player for the Club to win such an award. Four of the Club's eight teams competing for premierships played in the finals but no premierships were won. The North Melbourne Football Club donated three trophies to the K.J.F.A. to be awarded on an annual basis to:
• Player of the year.
• Team of the year.
• Club of the year.
The Club won the trophy for Club of the Year which was a thrill to all concerned and a just reward for the effort by players, administrators and parents during the year. The K.J.F.A. decided to dispense with Presentation Night and instead Officials visited the various Clubs that had won flags or other awards and made presentations in front of players, parents and supporters.
The Eastern Suburbs Churches Football Association, due to the poor condition of many of their Association grounds as a result of continued wet weather, held some of their finals series at "Camel Corner" and the Club made a profit of $701.20 from the canteen.
Ron Smith, former Committee Member, Secretary, Treasurer and President was awarded life membership of the Club.
The new year saw the introduction of the "User Pays" system by the City of Knox as the means of payment by sporting Clubs for the use of facilities. Previously Clubs were charged an annual rental but under the new system would be required to pay a greater amount. As this would create a big strain on the finances of Clubs the matter was discussed at K.J.F.A. level where a decision was made to appeal to the Minister for Sport in an effort to have the new system vetoed. The appeal failed and the system was introduced. Management of the Wantirna ground (Camel Corner) was taken over by the City of Knox from the Wantirna Committee of Management.
After an absence of three years Best and Fairest etc. awards were re-introduced by the Club and were in addition to all players receiving a trophy in recognition of their efforts for the season. Vote cards were to have a maximum of six votes on each card with no player receiving more than two votes per card. This meant that up to six players could receive a vote on each card. Cards were issued to the Coach, Team Manager and one other person (selected by the Team Manager).
Paul Ladiges, a former player was elected to the Committee enabling him to remain involved with the Club.
Ron Smith, Life Member of the Club, was awarded the Victorian Metropolitan Football League Medallion for services to K.J.F.A. football.
Sponsorship of the Under 15 team was undertaken by Kent International and the sum of $325 was received. The Company logo was displayed on the team jumpers.
The Club was shocked at the sudden death of Alan Lilley. Alan, President of the Club from 1973 to 1975 inclusive, he was a tireless worker for the Club and was greatly respected by all.
Once again membership fees had increased and although kept to a minimum the fees of $23 for one player in the family, $33 (2) and $38 for three or more reflected the ever rising costs of junior football. Ron Smith was elected Chairman of the K.J.F.A. Match Committee and also a member of the Permit Committee. Together with Jim Fairbairn (President), Heather Kleesh (Secretary), former Bayswater Committee Members held important positions in the K.J.F.A.
Discussion took place in July on the possibility of Glen Park becoming the home of the Club. A decision was made to make the necessary enquiries. John Dunn was appointed coach of the K.J.F.A. Under 13 representative team. The appointment was the fifth year in a row that a coach of the Club had been appointed to such a position. Mark Nikcevich won the K.J.F.A. Under 12 age group Best and Fairest Award making it two in a row for him.
The Club fielded eight teams in the competition, four made the finals with the Under 15 and Under 11 (Division 1) teams taking out the premierships.
Life Membership of the Club was bestowed upon Cheryl and Don Ockwell and Ron Papst.
The Club decided that after many years an increase in the payment to the Club's boundary umpires from $3 to $4 was warranted. New goal posts were purchased for Bayswater Park at a cost of $316.00 and all posts had to be padded during matches by direction of the K.J.F.A. Adults within the Club began wearing the Bayswater Football Club Clubknit jumpers that were on sale by the Senior Club which further reflected the closer association of the two Clubs.
The Senior Club offered to donate two coaching boxes and planning commenced to determine the size and materials required. As part of the continuing improved relations with the Senior Club two under 15 matches were scheduled to be played at the Bayswater Football Ground. Membership fees were increased substantially to $30 for one player, $40 (2) and $45 for three or more from the same family.
The K.J.F.A. introduced regrading of teams between Divisions of age groups in an effort to assist in evening out the competition. This move in some instances in the ensuing years proved reasonably successful but in others considered a failure particularly when teams dominant in Division 2 failed to win any games after promotion to Division 1.
The Club was saddened by the death of Godwin Silveira. Godwin ("Midnight"), a very popular player was struck by a car and his death deeply affected all who knew him.
Of the Club's seven teams only three made the finals (Under 13,14 & 15). No premierships were won and the best that could be achieved was third place by the Under 15 team. The Under 10 team failed to win a game for the season which was extremely disappointing for the players and the Club. Whilst this age group was not the only one for the Club that had not won a game in a season the result contrasted severley with the record of that age group in the previous twelve years of Premiers (3 times), Runners-up (5) and third (4). The Under 14 team was awarded the trophy for team of the year by the K.J.F.A.
Mark Nikcevitch won the K.J.F.A. Under 14 age group Best and Fairest Award which stretched his record of wins to four in a row. He was also awarded the Player of the Year Trophy by the K.J.F.A.
The Club had three players who were runners-up in the K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest Awards - T.Vail Under 15, G.Sturgeon Under 11, and R.Vail Under 10B.
The Club canteen returned a profit for the season in excess of $2000 for the first time which was an excellent effort.
In appreciation of the efforts of the Canteen organisers and helpers, the Club approved the allocation of $250 for a Ladies night out at a Chinese restaurant.
The President, in the Annual Report, stressed the need for the Club to become an incorporated body and that the matter should be looked at in 1985.
The installation of training lights at Glen Park proceeded and the official "light up" took place on 27th June. The cost of the lights amounted to $2403.53 which would have been much higher except for the time, energy and skills donated by a number of people.
Special mention must be made of Tom Cooksey, Bob Lynch, Kevin O'Neill, Alby O'Hehir and Lance Greenwood for their contribution.
Photographs of past teams and individual players were hung in the clubrooms to complement premiership pennants which added further "atmosphere".
The Club applied for and was granted a licence for the consumption of liquor in the clubrooms and funds raised at the Sunday night "Happy Hours" were of great benefit to the Club.
The Senior Club donated a new set of jumpers (value $352-95) which was greatly appreciated by the Club Membership totaled 147 and fees were $35 per player or $45 for two in the family and $50 for three or more in the family. Club wind cheaters were introduced and realised a profit in excess of $330 for the season.
Due to the increasing cost of trophies the Club decided that instead of a trophy being awarded to each player, trophies would only be given for the major awards and a medallion would be given to each of the other players.
For some time concern had been expressed as to the lack of space in the canteen and discussion took place on the possibility of extension and also extension of the pavilion at Bayswater Park where some matches were still played.
Jarrod O'Neill (Under 15 player) was selected in the Victorian Schoolboys Under 16 team which won the National Carnival held in Adelaide. The Club had decided to run a raffle to assist with expenses to be incurred by Jarrod and sufficient funds were raised.
The "Outstanding Potential" trophy awarded by the Senior Club was won jointly by Jarrod O'Neill and Travis Sturgeon.
Travis Bateman of the Under 10 team was Runner-up Best and Fairest in the K.J.F.A.
The Club's six teams all made the finals with the Under 14 team, which struggled for players prior to the start of the season, winning the premiership.
Life memberships were bestowed upon George Milne, John Simcocks, Noel Maxwell, David Gibbs and John Power.
Due to vandalism around the Clubrooms extra lighting was installed as a preventative measure. It was suspected that entry to the rooms was being gained through a skylight and action was taken to ensure it was secure.
The Glen Park Grounds Committee congratulated the Club on the installation of training lights and maintenance of the ground and rooms. Facilities were improved at Bayswater Park with the pavilion toilet and shower area extended and the canteen remodelled.
Boundary umpire payments were increased by the Club to $7 for Under 10, 11 and 12 games and $10 for Under 13, 14 and 15 games. Membership fees were set at $35 (1), $50 (2), and $55 for three or more in the family.
The Club decided, in an effort to boost the Under 14 numbers, to offer a $10 bonus to any boy in the Club who recruited an Under 14 age group player who then played in a minimum of three consecutive games. The scheme proved to be successful in recruiting players. The K.J.F.A., to assist Clubs to field teams, reduced the on field players to 16 a side. Whilst this move assisted the smaller Clubs some of the stronger ones were not impressed. The Panthers and Glen Waverley Rovers Clubs withdrew from the K.J.F.A. in protest. A move the competition could ill afford.
A new scoreboard was purchased at a cost of $375 and a donation was received to cover the cost of having the Club's name printed thereon. Complaints were received over the spending of money on the new scoreboard and a new line marker. Those complaining were invited to attend a Committee meeting to air their grievances where it was intended to explain the necessity for the purchases.
Five additional lights were purchased during the season for installation around the ground to enable the whole ground to be utilised at training which would have the added benefit of less wear and tear on one section. Due to wet weather, installation had to be postponed until the end of the season.
Early in the season a fight broke out amongst players after the Under 15, Bayswater versus Boronia match. The cause was considered to have stemmed from a pre season practice match between the two teams. An inquiry conducted by the K.J.F.A. resulted in the Club being fined $50 for it's part in the event. The Club President warned the team that any similar fines incurred would be paid by the team.
In the Round 13 match between Bayswater and Knoxfield Under 15 teams, played in very bad conditions, a number of Bayswater players went home at half time leaving 11 of their team mates to continue the game. Despite the reduced numbers the team only lost by 35 points.
With four rounds of the season remaining the Club was very concerned over the number of unpaid membership fees. Offending players were contacted and by the end of the home and away games only 6 membership fees were outstanding. The Club ruled that the players concerned would not be selected to play in finals (if applicable) nor would they be eligible to receive any trophies unless fees were paid.
Three of the Club's six teams made the finals with the Under 12 and Under 13 teams being runners-up and the Under 11 team finishing third.
The "Outstanding Potential" trophy was awarded jointly to Mark Hickinbotham and Ashley Gleeson. Brett Hartin was Runner-up in the Under 13 age group K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest Award.
Nicole Young maintained the standard she set for boundary umpiring in 1987 and was rewarded by winning the Under 13 age group K.J.F.A. Best Boundary Umpire Award.
Life Memberships were awarded to Lance Greenwood, Phil Jones and Loretta Young.
The Club was saddened by the death of Marianne Bankier after a long illness. Marianne was a tireless worker for the Club and the Committee decided to erect a plaque in the canteen to honour her memory.
A decision was made that no games would be played on Bayswater Park in future. Subsequently the Bayswater Park Committee complained on a number of occasions about lack of use of the ground by the Club. Croydon Parks and Gardens Committee offered a loan of $1550, being the Club's share of the cost ($3178.60) of the proposed extension to the canteen. The loan to be repayable over three years.
A drug kit was supplied and Committee members were advised to wear gloves when picking up syringes.
A request to have a sponsors board erected at Glen Park was declined however permission was granted for removable boards or canvas signs to be displayed on match days.
Bob Lynch was appointed coach of the K.J.F.A. Under 15 representative team to play in Adelaide.
Additional lights were installed at the ground enabling greater use on training nights.
Membership fees were set at $40 (1), $55 (2) and $60 for three or more in the family.
Brett Hartin and Chad Esler were selected to play in the Richmond Under 15 team which won that competition. Brett was also selected to play for Victoria in the National titles in Brisbane and was appointed vice-captain of the team which went on to win the competition undefeated.
Croydon Council advised that consideration was being given to no football being played at Glen Park and that it was proposed that an "Expo" be held on the 25th November 1990. The Club was invited to participate to promote football and show the Council the Club was keen to retain use of the ground.
Of the Club's five teams (no under 11 team formed) only the Under 15 team made the finals and went on to win the Premiership after only losing one game for the season (second semi-final).
Chad Esler was the winner of the "Outstanding Potential" trophy and also was fortunate to win a sports scholarship with Carey Grammar School for 1991.
Two of the Under 15 players who finished their football career with the Club on 98 games were credited with the additional 2 games to make 100 as both had started playing in the Club's Under 10C non-competition team at a time when those games were not recognised.
Life Membership was awarded to Roy Williams.
Due to a shortage of players the Club and Studfield Junior Football Club merged their Under 11, 12, and 13 age groups for the season.
With the formation of Under 8 and 9 teams for the first time in several seasons the Club was able to field 8 teams including those that were merged.
Membership totalled 136 and fees were ??????????
The canteen made a profit in excess of $5000 which was a record result.
None of the teams made the finals. However, it is worth noting that the Under 8 and under 9 teams who play modified rules had good results with the Under 8 team winning more games than they lost and the Under 9 team only losing one game for the season.
The "Oustanding Potential" trophy was won by Steven Downes.
Life Membership was awarded to Peter Sankey and Jim Bond.
|
Season 1973 saw a new President of the Club in Alan Lilley. Alan was asked to take on the role at very short notice when Tommy Smith announced a couple of days before the Annual General Meeting that he was unable to continue in the position. Honorary membership for the season was bestowed on M. Harrington, A. Moody, K. Maher and C. Macainsh in recognition of selection in the 1972 K.J.F.A. representative team.
The Club commenced the season with a bank balance of $103.93 which was considered at the time to be satisfactory. Membership was increased to $1.50 per player or $2.00 per family which was not an increase in real terms as the 10 cents player payment per game introduced in 1972 was abolished due to the difficulty in collecting money each week. As in 1972 the Club and a number of others had an abundance of players. Despite many attempts Clubs were unable to convince the Association to continue with the Under 10B competition. The Association re-organised the age groups for the season into Under 10, 12 and 14.
The Club entered teams in the Under 10 and Under 12 age groups but declined to enter a team in the Under 14 age group as it was considered that to do so would conflict with the Senior Club's Under 15 team competing in the Eastern Districts Football League. The Club's delegates began to have plenty to say at Association meetings and were instrumental in the Association taking out Public Risk insurance. In 1972 the method of payment to field umpires was cash in hand at the end of the game. However, as this proved to be unsatisfactory the Club delegates succeeded in convincing the Association that a better method would be for payment to be made through the Association.
Early in the season the Association complained that individual Committee members and coaches of all Clubs were contacting the Association direct on matters relating to the competition. The Club then introduced a rule that contact with the Association could only be through the Club President or Secretary. The Club also found that a number of urgent matters requiring a decision by the Association occurred between Club meetings. A rule was then introduced giving the President, Secretary and Treasurer the authority to act on behalf of the Committee on such occasions.
The Under 10 team started the season extremely well and after five games had scored a total of 520 points with only 2 points scored against resulting in a percentage of 26,000. This was a record for the K.J.F.A. which had not been surpassed at least up until the 1986 season. Articles appeared in both the Melbourne "Herald" and "Truth" newspapers recording the team's achievement.
The generally good weather conditions of 1972 did not extend into 1973 and as the weather deteriorated so did the relationship with the Senior Club. The condition of the Bayswater Football Ground, due to adverse weather, progressively worsened giving a few members of the Senior Club Committee, who had no time for the Juniors, the opportunity they had been waiting for. This small faction was able to convince the rest of the Committee that the Juniors damaged the ground surface and that was the reason the ground was in such poor condition.
In subsequent years until extensive drainage work was carried out the Bayswater Football Ground continued to be unable to cope. The Junior Club decided that it would be in the best interests of all to find another venue and arrangements were made to share the old Bayswater Football Ground, which was located where the Bayswater Community Centre now stands, with Our Lady of Lourdes Football Club who had an Under 14 team competing in the K.J.F.A.. A donation of $10 and a football was made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Club in appreciation of their co-operation. This arrangement worked quite well including sharing of the ground for training until one night when a dispute arose over one Club encroaching on the other's portion of the ground. Unfortunately, the dispute caused an altercation to occur between the local Priest who was the coach of Our Lady of Lourdes team, and an assistant coach of the Club. This caused considerable distress amongst the players of both clubs and help was sought from the nearby Police Station.
A successful application was made to the Bayswater Parks Committee for the players who were not in the teams competing in the K.J.F.A. to train on Bayswater Park for the rest of the season, thus reducing the congestion on training nights, and for use of Bayswater Park to play home games in 1974. At around this time the Club, although operating independently, but considered by many to be morally bound to the Senior Club, asked for all connections to be severed. The request was denied. Although not rich, the Club was managing to survive financially whereas others were struggling as evidenced by a request from the Boronia Junior Football Club for a donation of $20 which the Club had to regretfully decline. The President, in response to a number of complaints, addressed all players in respect to their behavior and what was expected of them when representing the Club and no further complaints were received. The Club arranged a trip to V.F.L. Park for all players which was to become an annual event for a number of years until interest waned.
Club Best and Fairest votes were, as in 1972, counted at the end of the home and away games. However, due to the action of the Under 12 winner, who declared himself unfit for the first semi-final due to an injured ankle, and then on the day showed no signs of the injury when kicking a football, the Club decided that future counting would be held after all finals that the Club was competing in were over.
The season finished for the Under 12 team after losing the first semi-final. The Under 10 team, undefeated up to the Grand Final, lost to the Studfield Club. The match finished in controversial circumstances when a Bayswater player, who had been awarded a mark, kicked for goal. Both Bayswater and Studfield supporters standing near the goal line believed the ball cleared the reaching hands of the Studfield players. However, the goal umpire ruled the ball had been touched and awarded Bayswater a point. The siren sounded before the ball was returned to play with Studfield the victors by a point. It was later claimed by the field umpire that the Bayswater player touched the ball off his own boot as he kicked it. A close examination of the player's arms did not reveal they were any longer than average.
W.(Bill) Maloney the Club's Under 12 Coach was selected to coach the K.J.F.A. Under 12 representative team which was successful against Newtown (Geelong) Little League. The K.J.F.A. had again conducted a lightning premiership during the season in which the Under 10 team lost the final to Fairpark Junior Football Club. No record can be found whether the Under 12 team also competed in a lightning premiership that year.
Early 1975 saw the death of Mr. Geoff Cartwright. Geoff had been a great supporter of the Club and his contribution of dry cleaning the jumpers free of charge since the formation of the Club was greatly appreciated. Rising costs caused membership fees to be increased to $2.50 per player or $4.00 per family with the proviso that fees could be waived for needy families on approach to the Club. Once again the Club participated in the Apex Carnival and although the stall suffered a loss of $2.84 further publicity was obtained.
Plans were unveiled to develop the Lewis Road complex (home of the Studfield Junior Football Club) as the headquarters of the K.J.F.A. and all Clubs were asked to contribute $500 each to the project. The Club held a raffle to raise the money and the Club was the first and one of only two Clubs to make the $500 contribution with four other Clubs contributing a total of $344. A walkathon in which all Clubs participated, raised $1331 however, due to the lack of support by other Clubs and other reasons the plans were shelved and the Club began the long fight to have the $500 returned.
A tragedy occurred within the Club with the death of Dallas Carr. Dallas was struck by a train at the Bayswater railway crossing on his way home after returning from the Club's trip to V.F.L. Park and his death deeply affected the Club.
The Club had been lending players to the St. Paul's Junior Football Club to assist that Club in fielding a team and Dallas had been one of those players. Following a collection taken up by St. Pauls the two Clubs decided to compete annually for the Dallas Carr Memorial Perpetual Trophy. Track suit badges were introduced for the first time and were sold to the players and supporters. Of the four teams playing competition football for the Club all except the Under 12B team, which was still competing in the Nunawading District Junior Football League, played in the finals.
The Under 10B team lost the grand final being their only loss for the season whereas the Under 10A team lost the grand final for the third year in a row, each time by a margin of less than a goal. The Under 12A team finished third after losing the preliminary final. Due to the large numbers of players available, the Committee decided to seek the Senior Club's blessing to form an Under 14 team in 1976. When the request was turned down the Club decided to enter a team in the K.J.F.A. Under 14 age group in 1976 against the Senior Club's wishes and, if necessary, to compete under a different name.
The K.J.F.A. at long last decided to form and Under 12B competition in 1976 and the Club reluctantly advised the Nunawading District Junior Football League that it would be withdrawing it's team from that competition. The Club expressed it's appreciation to the N.D.J.F.L. for providing a competition albeit too strong for the team.
The Annual General Meeting of the Club saw the standing down from the role of President by Alan Lilley on completion of his three year term. Alan was a tireless worker for the Club and his contribution helped formulate the direction of the Club.
Operating costs of the Club continued to rise and consequently it was necessary to increase membership fees to $6 per player or $10 per family. Approval was granted by the K.J.F.A. for the Club's official playing uniform to encompass black shorts with green and gold stripes down the sides. This was a change that proved popular with the players as well as the parents. An added advantage was that only one pair of shorts needed to be purchased and there was no longer a struggle to get white shorts clean.
The uncertainty of a training and playing venue for the season was solved with Shultz Reserve, Wantirna being secured for training of the Under 14 team and Bayswater Park for the other age groups. Chandler Park was secured for playing of home games at an annual rental of $60. Later in the season permission was granted by the Bayswater High School for some of the teams to train on the school oval to reduce the load on Bayswater Park which had deteriorated badly in the wet weather.
The planned extension to the Bayswater Park pavilion was approved in principle by the City of Knox at an estimated cost of $4,700 repayable over 10 years. The cost of the project to be borne by the Club, St.Stephens Cricket Club and the City of Knox on a 40, 40, 20 basis respectively. The danger of the railway crossing at Mountain Highway, Bayswater continued to be of concern to the Club and a letter was sent to the City of Knox in an effort to have the crossing made safer.
The saga of the return of the $500 contributed to the defunct Lewis Rd. complex continued with several requests being made to the K.J.F.A. without success.
With the playing of 100 games for the Club imminent in 1978 the Committee discussed ways of recognising the event. After discussion of a number of ideas put forward, it was decided that each player to reach 100 games would receive a suitable medallion and a mounted football to mark the occasion. The Chandler Park Junior Football Club (formerly St. Paul's Junior Football Club) was having difficulty in obtaining sufficient players for their Under 14 team. Due to the close association with Chandler Park, the Club decided to assist them with the loan of players. This was possible due to the Club's abundance of players and the K.J.F.A. one day clearance rule which permitted players to be loaned to another club for the day. Games played for Chandler Park under these circumstances were recognised as Club games and the Club decreed that any Under 14 player due to play his 50th or 100th game must do so in the Club's team.
The subject of girls playing in the K.J.F.A. was raised with the Association which ruled that girls were not permitted to play in official matches. This decision was a disappointing one for a number of girls in the area including two at the Club one of whom was a better player than most of the boys in the team she had been playing social games with in 1976. The Club decided that as the Under 14 age group was the highest age group catered for by the Club, players who would be leaving the Club at the end of the season would receive a certificate of service provided that a minimum of five years had been served with the Club.
In order to encourage football to be played in the local primary schools and to provide a source of player recruitment the Club invited a number of schools to participate in a Round Robin competition sponsored by the Club. The venture was a resounding success not only for those who competed but also for the Club. A perpetual shield was awarded to the winning school.
A very wet winter caused the K.J.F.A. to cancel 3 rounds during the latter part of the season and also finals of the "B" age groups. Premierships were awarded to the team that finished on top of the "ladder" in each of the age groups and was a decision that was not well received by the other teams that finished in the top four. Don Ockwell was appointed Coach of the K.J.F.A. Under 10 representative team which played against Newtown Little League and the match resulted in a draw. Don is arguably the unluckiest Coach the Club has had. He was the coach of the Under 10B runner-up teams of 1975 and 1976 and after taking on the Under 10A team this season was once again coach of a runner-up team.
During the season conflict developed between the K.J.F.A. Executive and the Studfield Junior Football Club which steadily grew worse and in September the Executive announced that Studfield was suspended from the K.J.F.A. Delegates of Clubs expressed their disappointment in the decision as it was felt that Studfield should not have been suspended because of the ill feeling that had developed between certain individuals of the Executive and Studfield. Unfortunately, the decision of the Executive could not be overturned by the delegates due to the balance of voting power being held by the Executive under the structure existing at the time.
The majority regretted the loss of a strong and competitive club such as Studfield and felt generally that following the loss of the strong Fairpark Junior Club, who because of conflict with the Executive had transferred to the Nunawading and District Junior Football League at the beginning of the season, the strength of the competition had been considerably weakened.
Four of the Club's five teams competing in the K.J.F.A. finished in the "four" but there were no finals for the Under 10B and 12B age groups with premierships awarded to Clubs that finished on top of the "ladder". The Under 10A team were runners-up, Under 12A - fourth and the Under 14 - fifth.
The Club nominated Committee Member Edward (Ted) Morton to contest the position of K.J.F.A. President for season 1978. However, the bid to wrest the position from the existing President was unsuccessful.
For many years the Committee had been concerned over the distribution of vote cards for best and fairest etc. awards. Generally vote cards were given to parents whose sons were participating in the relevant match. Perusal of cards indicated a considerable number of instances each year where parental bias was evident with votes being recorded totally inconsistent with other vote card holders. The change to the voting system introduced in 1978 did not overcome the problems so the Committee decided to dispense with the awards. Instead each player was to receive a trophy at the end of the season in recognition of his services for the Club. This change was to be for a trial period of one season and was accepted by the majority of players and parents. Other K.J.F.A. Clubs on hearing of the venture indicated their interest in its success or failure.
On presentation day it was clear the venture was successful to all except a faction connected with one of the teams who, unbeknown to the Committee, awarded best and fairest votes during the year culminating in awards being presented in secrecy in the toilet block. The people involved incurred the wrath of the Committee and were reprimanded accordingly. In a note to all parents the President apologised for the breach of Club rules.
Membership had reached 240 and once again it was necessary to increase fees. Fees were $10 per player, $15 for two in a family and $3 for each additional player from the same family. Dressing gowns purchased at a cost of $240 for all teams were obviously a huge success with the players who were "on the bench".
The Bayswater Park Pavilion extension and enclosure was completed which enabled Club meetings to be held there in addition to providing change rooms and a venue for pie nights etc. An initial payment of $550 was made towards the cost. The local Rotary Club held a "Bayswater in Action" day on Saturday 24th March and the Under 10 team was invited to participate in a parade commencing at the Bayswater Community Centre and proceeding through the Bayswater Shopping Centre to the Bayswater High School oval where a number of activities took place including an exhibition match by the Under 10 teams of the Club.
The method of selecting team Captains was again varied with the players selecting their own captain up to and including the Under 12 team with Under 13 and above to be at the discretion of the Coaches.
The trestles which some years earlier had been made and donated by Dan Gipp for use at Club functions had been stored in the garage of Don amd Mary Hooke. When this facility was no longer available a decision was made to store the trestles at the Senior Club's rooms in return for making them available for use by the Senior Club as required. Unfortunately the trestles were not looked after and usage for reasons other than for which they were designed ruined the majority.
The Studfield Club was re-admitted to the K.J.F.A. which strengthened the competition.
Danny Haupt, Coach of the Under 14 team was selected to coach the K.J.F.A. Under 14 representative team thus becoming the third Bayswater Coach in as many years to be in charge of a representative team. The team was defeated by the Newtown Little League. Prior to the commencement of the season the Club found it had sufficient Under 12 players to form 3 teams and permission was granted by the K.J.F.A. to enter two teams in the same competition. No other K.J.F.A. had ever entered two teams in the same competition and in the following years when divisions were operating in age groups, Clubs that had two teams entered one in each division.
The Committee had decided to make the teams (called Roos and Kangas) as even as possible in ability and no one thought that the job could be done as well as it was. At the end of the home and away games the two teams occupied third and fourth positions on the "ladder". A bonus for the Club was that this was one finals match the Club could not lose.
Prior to the start of the semi-final the two teams lined up and both Coaches walked between the teams to the applause of all present. The semi-final was lost by the Kangas team in a game that was played in the best spirit of the game and was marred only by Paul (Buggsy) Byrne-Jones of the Kangas team breaking his arm. All teams except the Under 10B team which finished fifth on percentage played in the finals with the 10A and 12A teams winning premierships to end a successful year for the Club.
Edward (Ted) Morton, former Club Coach and Committee Member, who took on the position of Treasurer of the K.J.F.A. was awarded the first life membership of the Club.
The Club's immediate past President and Secretary (Jim Fairbairn and Heather Kleesh) were elected to those positions for the K.J.F.A. thus continuing an involvement by past and present committee members of the Club at Association level.
An Under 15 competition was introduced by the K.J.F.A. which the Club duly entered a team in.
The South Wantirna Football Club was granted use of "Camel Corner" on Saturdays due to improvements being carried out on their home ground which prevented usage. The Club protested that the use by a Senior Club together with the use on Sundays by the Club would have an adverse effect on the ground surface but the protest was in vain. The Club continued it's policy of not awarding Best and Fairest etc. Awards for a third year.
A tree planting exercise was carried out in conjunction with the Bayswater Park Committee in April. Trees were planted in open parkland at the rear of Bayswater Park in the area behind the pavilion. The Fairpark Junior Football Club, an on field rival of the Club in the past, was re-admitted to the K.J.F.A. which further strengthened the competition. The long overdue improvement in the relationship between the Club and the Senior Club began to occur during the season and was welcomed. Indoor training activities were introduced by the Club and held in the Bayswater Scout Hall for a period of 10 weeks.
Two former members of the Club (Gary Wheeler and Doug Smith) had commenced training with the North Melbourne Under 19 team and Gary became a regular player in that team.
Club membership reached 203 for the season and fees had been increased to $20 per player, $30 for two in the same family and $35 for more than two in the same family. Sponsorship of the Club was negotiated with Sheen Panels of Bayswater ($200) and was the first large sponsorship received.
The K.J.F.A. had decided that premiership pennants would be manufactured in Association colours rather than the winning Club's colours which was a disappointment to some.
The cold and the noise created by rain on the metal roof of the Bayswater Park Pavilion forced the Club mid season to relocate committee meetings to more suitable venues. The Glen Park Cricket Club in a joint project with the Club painted the inside of the pavilion in an effort to enhance the appearance of the bare concrete brick walls.
On the 7th June, at Bayswater Park, with only a few minutes remaining in the match between the Under 10A team and long time rivals the Panthers, Bayswater was taking control of the game when the Panthers' goal umpire ran up to the field umpire and demanded that a count be taken of the Bayswater players. The young female field umpire (first in K.J.F.A.) was inexperienced and agreed to the count of players. The count revealed what everyone already knew in that Bayswater only had eighteen players on the field. What was considered by many to be a ploy by the goal umpire to disrupt the Bayswater players' concentration worked and Bayswater was not able to continue playing as well as before the interruption and narrowly lost the game.
The Club forwarded a letter of complaint to the K.J.F.A. which resulted in umpires being instructed as to whom could call for a count of players and the procedure to be adopted.
Mark Nikcevich won the K.J.F.A. Under 11 age group Best and Fairest Award which was the beginning of several such awards for him.
Six of the Club's teams made the finals but only the 10A team made the Grand Final only to lose by a point.
The coach of the Under 10C team for the season was Paul Ladiges who became the first former player to be appointed as a Coach for the Club.
Membership for the season fell slightly to 190 registered players whose fees were $25 for one player, $35 for two and $40 for three or more in the family.
A Club letterhead was introduced for the first time which made the Club look more professional.
Mark Nikcevitch won the K.J.F.A. Under 13 age group Best and Fairest Award.
Dan Gipp and Rex Webber were awarded Life Membership of the Club
A home at last.
After successful negotiation with the Glen Park Committee the Club secured Glen Park as it's home. For the first time the Club was able to hang pennants, photographs etc. in the rooms with a degree of permanency. This created "atmosphere" which in the opinion of many had been lacking. For the first time in the Club's history membership fees were not increased despite costs continuing to rise.
A special meeting was held on the 8th May to adopt a new constitution to enable the Club to become an incorporated body. Incorporation duly took place and the incorporation fee of $60 was paid. Local florist "Cheryl Gaye" featured the Club in a window display and offered to donate flowers for a Mothers Day raffle.
The Club decided to introduce a "Happy Hour" in the Clubrooms late on Sunday afternoons with the aim of bringing the Club together and as a way of raising additional funds and a liquor licence was applied for.
The Under 14 team participated in the Night Series held at Essex Heights with moderate success receiving $50 in winnings which helped to offset the entrance fee ($75) and player fees (54).
The installation of training lights at Glen Park was considered to be essential and as the Senior Club were about to upgrade lighting at the Bayswater Football Ground it was suggested that the Club could obtain the old lights. A donation of two stretchers had been made to the Club during the season by a friend of Under 11 Coach, T.Meloni. The Club was very grateful to have these items even though it was hoped they would never be used.
The Under 9,12,14 and 15 teams all made the finals with only the Under 12 team featuring higher than the first semi-final and ultimately winning the premiership.
Grant Sturgeon won the K.J.F.A. Under 12 age group Best and Fairest Award with Jarrod O'Neill being runner-up in the Under 14 age group.
Mark Nikcevitch won the K.J.F.A. Under 15 age group Best and Fairest Award. This was Mark's fifth win in a row creating a record not only for the Club but also in the K.J.F.A. Only one other player, Andrew Brunnen of the St.Johns Club had won five K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest Awards however in Andrew's case the wins were not in successive years. Mark was presented with a special plaque by the Club in recognition of his achievement and was also the winner of the trophy donated by the Senior Club for the player with outstanding potential.
Don Schelfhout, former member of the Committee passed away in September.
Leo Brown, Ken Pollard, John Dunn and Les Calvert were presented with Life Membership of the Club at the Annual General meeting.
Cheryl Ockwell former Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Member of the Club was appointed Treasurer of the K.J.F.A. and held the position for two years.
The new season brought a change to the Club's on field uniform. Due to the cost of materials the green and gold stripes down the sides of players shorts were dispensed with. Good news for parents was that there would be no increase in membership fees.
A Club Honour Board was donated by Ken Pollard (Life Member) and unveiled at the Annual General Meeting. The Club was most appreciative of the gesture and the Board was duly installed in the Clubrooms.
Grant Sturgeon (Under 15 player) was invited to train with the Victorian Under 16 Schoolboys team after being selected in the Richmond Under 15 Schoolboys team.
The Club had over the years, been fortunate to have very competent boundary umpires (male and female) and 1987 was no exception with Nicole Young (Under 12 team) emulating the achievement of Daniel Passingham and Tania Gillies in 1985, of winning the K.J.F.A. Award for best boundary umpire in their age group.
Of the Club's six teams only the Under 11 and 12 teams made the finals, finishing Runners-up and third respectively.
Travis Bateman won the K.J.F.A. Under 11 age group Best and Fairest Award whilst Grant Sturgeon was Runner-up in the Under 15 age group.
The Senior Club "Outstanding Potential" trophy was awarded to Beau Harris.
Bob Young, Bob Lynch and Keith Lewis were granted Life Membership of the Club.
Pre season there were constant rumours that the K.J.F.A. and the Eastern Districts Football League (E.D.F.L.) would amalgamate. A special sub-committee of the K.J.F.A. met with the E.D.F.L. on a number of occasions and compiled a document which created the framework for a possible amalgamation. Clubs rejected the proposal and the document was filed for possible future reference. The K.J.F.A. continued with the 16 a side format with the proviso that if two competing sides had sufficient players to play 18 a side they would be permitted to do so providing both teams agreed.
The Club kept membership fees at the 1988 level and, because of the difficulty experienced in collecting fees in 1988, ruled that any player who failed to pay by the fourth game would be ineligible to play until such time as payment was made.
The Bayswater Park rooms were broken into after practice matches were held but as nothing had been left in the rooms the offender/s left empty handed.
To comply with K.J.F.A. rules the Club purchased two sets of goal post padding at a cost of $656.
The Club, Bayswater Netball Club and Bayswater Parks Committee, concerned with the number of men seen sitting in cars at Bayswater Park who were not connected with the Clubs, wrote letters to the Bayswater and Regional Police requesting police patrols in the area. Police took appropriate action and the risk of potential problems lessened.
Costs for the purchase of two light poles and the erection and installation of additional lights was to be in excess of $5000 and a raffle was held to raise funds. Enquiries to the then Road Construction Authority revealed that assistance would be given in supplying poles. It was rumoured that the cost of the poles would be $20 each and further enquiries were to be made whilst funds were being raised.
The Under 14 team was entered in the E.D.F.L. Nubrick Cup night series and in a thrilling Grand Final defeated Mooroolbark. For the win the Club received goods to the value of $1250.
Bob Lynch, coach of the Under 14 team, was appointed coach of the K.J.F.A. Under 14 representative team which defeated the Doncaster Junior Football League team.
Anthony "Snow" Bennett in all games for the Club kicked over 100 goals for the year. A fine effort.
The Club's Under 14 team was awarded the Team of the Year trophy by the K.J.F.A. topping off an excellent year by the team.
The Club did very well in the K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest Awards with Brett Hartin winning the Under 14 age group and Jamie Kirkpatrick, Alan Bankier and Ryan Walker receiving the Runner-up awards in the Under 13, 12 and 11 age groups respectively.
The "Outstanding Potential" award donated by the Senior Club was jointly won by Roger Vail and Tony Vippond.
The President officially opened the extension to the canteen and in doing so unveiled a plaque in dedication to Marianne Bankier.
The Club undertook delivery of telephone books as a fundraiser and the amount of $840 was raised.
A total of 107 boys were registered for the year and membership fees were ???????
Once again the Club was unable to field and Under 11 team and of the other five teams only the Under 14 team made the finals only to finish in fourth position for the year.
Craig Jeurchott was Runner-up in the Under 14 age group K.J.F.A. Best and Fairest award and the Senior Club's "Outstanding Potential" trophy was awarded to Clint Rowe.
|
BJFC CLUB HISTORY
