1972
Tongala had a one point Goulburn Valley league first semi-final win against Lemnos, winning 7.16 (58) to 7.15 (57).
Blues coach Paul Rowe, struggling with injuries throughout the season, was his team’s best player in defence.
Rob Dawson and full-back Stuart Reid provided support to their coach, while ruckmen Keith Argus and Neville Varcoe had the better of their Swans’ opposition.
Noel Cox and David Moon, two of Tongala’s youngest players, set an example for their more experienced teammates, while Dennis Higgins, Garth Honey and — when moved onto the ball — Daryl Reid all had an impact.
– Kyabram reserve grade star Max Morley was named the 1972 Abikhair Medallist, winning his third best and fairest title.
His wife, Wendy, was listening to the count through Radio 3SR, describing her excitement as “like a little kid’’.
The couple’s two young children, two-year-old Megan and Adrian, 3, were informed of the win in the morning.
The Morrison Medallist was Dowie Bux, who had missed the first six games of the season. He won the award from Tatura’s John Greenwood and Tongala’s Dennis Higgins.
Kyabram century goal-kicker John Sparks finished fourth in the Pattison Medal count, which was won by Alan Kellett from Lemnos.
– St Augustine’s and Tongala became premiers of the under-15 and under-13 divisions of the Kyabram District Football Association.
Stanhope’s Garry Wallis won the best and fairest award, while Ed Flanagan from St Augustine’s was the leading goal-kicker.
At under-15 level it was a St Augustine’s win against Stanhope, by 38 points.
Maurice Wingate was the Saints best in the ruck for the Kevin Boyle coached team. He had support from J. Fitzsimmons, W. Crotty and D. Cicciarella.
At under-13 level Tongala won by 12 points against Haslem Street.
Mick Souter and Jake Cameron kicked the two Tongala goals, while John Bacon was also among the best.
Gary Baker was Haslem Street’s best, as was league best and fairest Andrew Smith, Julian Parente and Mick Fry.
– Keith Whitford won Lancaster Football Club’s best and fairest award for the second successive year.
The club vice-captain won from Peter Liverton, Gary Vardy and Paddy Meehan.
– Kyabam full-back John Saines won the Pruden award for the 1972 season.
He beat Greg Cardwell and Bernie Harlen to win the award.