Longwood Football Club Centenary 1888 – 1988

The Patton Family has a long association with the Longwood Football Club.
The following articles from the Euroa Gazette in 1988 celebrate the centenary of this great community organisation, known as “The Bullants” and then later as “The Redlegs”.

Euroa Gazette, Wed, April 6, 1988

Longwood Football Club Centenary

On April 23, 1888, the Longwood Football Club was formed, and to celebrate this occasion the present Club will be organising a number of activities during the weekend of April 23 and 24, 1988.

Commencing at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday April 23 there will be a morning tea get-together of past and present players, supporters, families and friends.  At this function, the guest speaker will be Mr. Barry Connelly, president of the Goulburn Valley Football League, Lex Cooper, family entertainer will also be there.

Longwood Seconds line up against Tatong Seconds at 12.30 p.m., followed by the Seniors at approx. 2.30 p.m.

Following the afternoon football matches, there will be a Spit roast tea.

At 8 p.m. “Highway 31”, Country Rock Band from Melbourne will provide music for a BYO (drinks) Dance.  This particular Band were a great success at last year’s Cup Eve Ball.

Sunday 24 at 10 a.m., a Past and Present players football match will take place, followed by BBQ lunch and entertainment by Lex Cooper.

As a matter of interest, Longwood will be changing their ‘colours’ this year to those of V.F.L. team, Melbourne – navy blue and red.  Ironically somewhat similar to those of the original team in 1888.

To all folk who have been connected with the Longwood Club, please accept this notice as an invitation to join with us on this auspicious occasion.

See you on April 23 !!

Euroa Gazette, Wed, April 27 1988

Celebrations at Longwood

A full two days of entertainment and merriment marked the Centenary weekend of the Longwood Football Club – two days with will long be remembered.

Saturday morning, proceedings commenced with a get together of past and present players.  Barry Connelly, President of G.V.League gave a most inspiring speech to those present.  One item of interest was that these days it costs $30 to put a footballer on the field, even before the Club makes a match payment.  So for a team of 18, this certainly proves how expensive it is to run a football club.

Barry was most impressed with the Community Centre building and stated that its facilities were equal to anything he had come across, especially where football clubrooms were concerned.  Longwood can be justifiably proud.

The Spit roast tea was very popular – don’t know who provided the beef, but from all accounts it was delicious.

The Dance at night was a great success – a capacity crowd – standing room only, but I believe there was some room for dancing.  And of course the Band “Highway 31” were once again popular with the large crowd.  Understand there wasn’t much sleep go this night.

Sunday morning the match between the ‘Oldies’ and ‘Newies’ had to be seen to be believed.

Umpiring was in the capable hands of Choppers McGill.  Don’t think some of his decisions would go down too well at V.F.L., but then rules were made to be broken.  Actually one could not be blamed for thinking there were 36 or more other umpires on the ground.  The 50 metre penalty was very much in evidence and unduly rough play was certainly frowned upon.  Well done Choppers!

It was amazing the number of players who had to have a large dose of John Elliott’s liquid vitamins during the match.  Don’t know whether this was to counteract the warm conditions for the oldies and a pick-me-up for the newies.

It was great to see players from previous years donning the boots and guernsies, even though their ‘speed’ left much to be desired.

As usual, the hefties, Mick Williams, Don Mills and Cracker Whithers (in future to be know as Mark Jackson) were conspicuous.  Unfortunately Don was having a pretty quiet time down his end (Back pocket) and had to have liquid resuscitation to stop him from going to sleep.  Chissa Hamilton, captain of the Oldies, showed he hasn’t lost his footy skills, even though he appeared to get shorter as the match wore on.  Mike Bannister’s high flying marks were very much in the style of Warrick Capper.  Robin Steers hasn’t lost his kicking prowess.  Trevor Grant stood out in his white lace-up jacket – courtesy of Jedda Walker I believe.

Amidst cheers from the crowd, the new full forward for the Oldies stepped over the boundary line and made his leisurely way to the goal posts – none other than Birthday boy, Joe Alexanderson.  On receiving a “free” in front of goal, there was certainly no end of advice from the younger present players as to where to kick the ball, but Joe knew what he was doing and booted a six pointer.  In fact he kicked 3 for the game.

Father and son combination, Redda and Redda were a very dashing pair but I somehow feel Junior won the day.

Final scores after about 1/2 hour’s play – the rest periods between quarters were longer than actual playing time – Oldies 8 goals 3 to Newies 2 goals.

A well deserved win for the Oldies.

AWARDS

Man of the Match – Joe Alexanderson.

Unfortunately we were unable to get a sponsor to donate a T.V. for this honour.

Best players – Everyone, just for getting out there and having a go.

The oldest group of players to return was a select foursome – Sam Withers, Ern Patton, Joe Alexanderson and Les Patton.

Visitors for the weekend  came as far and wide, even as far as Perth W.A.  Other places were Bairnsdale, Wodonga, Kyneton, Nathalia, Benalla, Seymour and of course various suburbs around Melbourne.

Congratulations must go to the Club Committee for the organization behind this big event.  Jean Hamilton and her helpers did a fantastic job catering etc. for the large crowds both Saturday day and night and Sunday.  Peter and Julie Stefanos must also be thanked for a mammoth effort manning the Barbeque on Sunday, for the hungry visitors and players.

There is no doubt that the township of Longwood certainly came alive this historic weekend and all those who participated will have very pleasant memories of April 23 and 24, 1988