"A FIFTY YEAR HISTORY" - Whitehorse Pioneers Football Club
This Web Page contains sections of this fine publication which includes many photos of the first fifty years of this great club. It is available through the Football Club - Cost $20.
HOW WE WERE FORMED
To do justice to this history, mention should be made of the Adelphians Football Club which was in existence prior to World War II and reformed when the Association resumed competition in 1946.
The Adelphians played under the banner of the Box Hill Church of Christ and included players from other protestant churches in the area. During the following years other local churches formed their own clubs. These included St Andrews Presbyterians, Box Hill Methodists, St Peters, plus our own club via the Baptist Church and its very successful boys club "The Pioneers".
It is interesting to note that our club is the only one of those still operating and its continuing support to the youth and football fraternity in the Box Hill area is of the utmost importance. As Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, Malvern and Box Hill with only enough teams to form one grade. However, by 1929 another grade was added, and in 1933, the competition consisted of A, B and C grades. From then on, the Association flourished and continued competition boasted over 100 open age teams (5 grades and reserves) as well as Under 17, Under 15 and Under 13 competitions.
Following World War II, the Box Hill Baptist Church became the home of a very strong boys club which, over a few years (Box Hill Adelphians Football Club) which resulted in the formation of the Box Hill Baptist Pioneers Football Club in 1954.
At an initial interest meeting held at the church, it was clear that enthusiasm was high and there were sufficient players to put a team together. The late David Gill was appointed coach and the club was registered as part of the then Eastern Suburbs Protestant Churches Football Association.
The football club was formed under the umbrella of the Pioneers Youth Club and, therefore, became very much a part of the Baptist Church. The then minister of the church, Rev. Samuel Millar, was ex-officio president of the football club and Harold Blackwell became its first chairman.
HISTORY 1954 - 1963
In 1954 the club was entered in D Grade and, as there were no reserves grades in those early days, games were played against a number of reserves teams and single team clubs. The first game saw a win against Canterbury Presbyterians. This generated great enthusiasm and set the scene for the club, there were those wonderful supporters who kept time, communicated with the Association, goal and boundary umpired, brought the oranges for three-quarter time and picked up injured players. The not so obvious support that enabled the Club to develop.
HISTORY 1964 - 1973
1964 was the first year of a remarkably successful decade due to an on-going recruitment program commenced three years earlier, Stan Harding's appointment as coach, and the promotion of a number of fine players from the Under 16 side. With a greatly strengthened team we approached the season with levels of vigour and dedication higher than ever before. In the first game, against Bulleen Presbyterians at Springfield Park, we won 38-33-261 to 1-1-7. Michael Scott at centre half forward kicked 15-25-115 (and we have never forgiven his inaccuracy since) while other major goal kickers were Bob Mason and Peter Hoath with Graeme Ryan getting 2 from centre half back.
At the end of the home and away rounds we had finished second on the C grade ladder, lost the second semi-final to Box Hill Methodists by 28 points then spiritedly defeated St Peters by 3 points in the preliminary final. In the grand final we again met arch-rivals Box Hill Methodists and won by 17 points in a most exciting and dramatic battle fought in the rain and mud. Our first premiership had come after eleven seasons of competition in the ESPCFA and the celebrations began.
This important achievement in the growth and development of the Pioneers gave us a taste of success previously unknown. In retrospect, we had come of age, but there was more to come.
John Bedford played 13 games in 1964 with us. He was having a contract argument with the State League Soccer club he played for, South Melbourne Hellas, and stayed out of soccer for the season. He gave everybody palpitations by repeatedly kicking across goal or backwards to an unmarked player. Perfectly normal for a round ball player, absolutely taboo in our game plan. Yet, he was very effective as he always hit his target, unlike most of the team. Straight out of the soccer manual, now just a normal part of the modern game, first played at Springfield Park.
In 1965 a Reserves grade side was formed and our firsts (having been promoted to B grade) continued to improve and finished on top of the ladder. After winning the second semi-final against Emmanuel, we defeated Canterbury Presbyterians in the grand final by 5 points when the winning goal from the boot of Jim Snooks sailed through a multitude of hands without being touched. Church parades were paying off.
Although losing their first five games, the Reserves under coach Jack Peacock finished runners up. Neil Tucker won Best Player in the B grade finals and Kevin Newell took it out in the Reserves.
During the year, Michael Scott composed our Pioneers theme song, and after a few rehearsals following on-field victories, we rivalled most Welsh choirs. Bob Mason represented the ESPCFA with distinction against the Metropolitan Churches Football League and booted 3 goals.
Our first end of season trip (to Kilcunda) saw us enjoy a weekend away for non-football sporting and cultural activities interspersed with a few minor, yet memorable, atrocities.
1966 saw the senior team promoted to A grade, the highest level of football in the ESPCFA competition. We again managed to make the finals, only to be defeated by North Balwyn by a few points in the preliminary final with a kick on the siren. The Pioneers were now highly respected (feared?) and regarded as one of the top sides in the competition and beginning to attract players from other clubs in the area.
An Under 14 team was fielded for the first time in an unofficial competition. Church parades were becoming more enjoyable as they were now being held in conjunction with the Pioneers girls' netball team.
The Pioneers achieved the ultimate in 1967 by taking out the A grade premiership flag. We defeated Highfield Road Methodists in the grand final by 9 points playing fast open football against a strong team with mostly older and bigger players.
Several VFL scouts were watching some of our players who were later invited to various league clubs. This interest certainly curbed our smoking at the breaks.
The Under 16 team reached the finals with Bruce Campbell as captain. The end of the season weekend away saw us in Sorrento, up to old tricks and frivolities, with the highlight being a visit from Rear Admiral Rodney Robert Hiscox in full naval regalia.
1968 again saw the Pioneers a strong force in A grade and met Burwood United in the grand final. Although beating Burwood convincingly during the year, we were unable to repeat our earlier results and finished runners up. This was a bitter pill for us, but not as bitter as the tomato filled daffodils that were eaten by some grief stricken players and supporters during the after-match wake at the Major's residence.
This was Stan Harding's last year as senior coach after a very successful five which yielded three premierships and two near misses. The Under 15 team, coached by Herb Smith and Ross Peart as captain, were runners-up.
Neville Jacobs was appointed senior coach at the start of the 1969 season and he brought to the club the benefits of his experience at the Box Hill Football Club in the VFA. He was a strict disciplinarian both at training and on match days and it took a while for some players to adjust to his coaching style. The result of Neville's strong commitment was a well-focussed and determined team. The teams to beat in 1969 were St Mary's, Donvale United, Burwood and Emmanuel. We played off in the grand final against St Mary's, who had beaten us during the home and away matches and, after a knock out struggle, we were again premiers. Our Under 15 side were also premiers.
The Pioneers newsletter "Meat & Pastry" was revived by Dorothy Hosking (Geoff's mother) and her editorial efforts and skills were rewarded with Life Membership.
Some memories from Ewen Slater of playing with the Pies at the time: I played many games with Geoff Hosking and vividly remember playing Highfield Road Meths at Willison Reserve (known as frogs' hollow) on a particularly cold, wet miserable day when one of their ruckmen king hit Geoff from behind knocking him out. We chased the guy who ran off and took off in his car. On another wet miserable day at Highfield Road, again against the Meths, I got hit in the face with the heavy wet ball and turned around in the last quarter to ask the full back how long we'd been playing. He immediately called Cliff Hoath, who was coaching us at the time, to take me off the ground. In the last game of one season I got kicked in the privates in the last few minutes of the game. Cliff and Stan Henry took me home, put me to bed and packed my privates with ice. I was at Teachers' College at the time and one of my fellow students had to call out from the other end of the corridor, "How are you going black balls?" Of course in a mostly female dominated profession I quickly did a retreat to the loo to hide my embarrassment.
An Under 13 team was formed in 1970 and while the Under 15 and Under 17 teams both won flags, our senior sides were not as fortunate having lost some of the bigger and experienced players who had provided sterling service in previous years. Many junior players were promoted to the senior sides to form a solid foundation for the future. Under 15 captain, Mike Hudson, won the ESPCFA Under 15 Best and Fairest and played in the Victorian High Schools Under 16 National Carnival.
1971 was an extraordinary season with the A grade, Reserves, Under 17 and Under 15 teams all winning flags. The A grade team defeated Donvale United by 19 points in a thrilling, high class grand final and was also awarded Best and Fairest Team in the ESPCFA. During this year, the Hoath family continued to make their presence felt with Peter, Garry, Craig, Trevor and Russell playing in the A grade and Reserves sides. It was revealed in Meat & Pastry that our president Cliff Hoath and secretary Bob McKenzie shared boundary umpiring duties. Cliff ran the boundary when it was fine, Bob did it when it rained. Peter Hoath and Bob Mason played their 200th games during this year and Jim Snooks won the ESPCFA Best & Fairest award for the A reserve grade competition.
Our junior teams continued to dominate in 1972 with the Under 15s premiers for the fourth year in a row and Under 17s for the third year in a row. Our A grade senior and reserve teams were both runners-up.
Jim Snooks played his 150th game for the club during the year, while Austin Johns and Jim Martin took their game tallies to 100.
1973 saw our A grade senior and reserve teams runners-up again. The Under 15s were also runners-up and narrowly missed a record-breaking five premierships in successive years.
During this year, Peter Farmer and Bruce Campbell played their 100th games with the club.
The second decade of the club's existence had yielded fourteen premierships. The senior team won five flags in the eight seasons from 1964 to 1971 while the reserves and under-age sides won nine more between 1969 and 1972. It had been a period of remarkable performances both on and off the football field. The Pioneers had grown from humble beginnings to a position of dominance in the ESPCFA. This, in turn, generated admiration and respect from many other clubs in the competition. The combination of strong administration, dedicated coaching staff, committed players, loyal and generous supporters had created a decade of success that was unimaginable before and unparalleled since.
1973 was a disappointing and relatively unsuccessful season in terms of finals performances. There were pessimistic signs and feelings of uncertainty about what the future had in store for the Pioneers. Perhaps the time had come to take stock and rebuild.
HISTORY 1974 - 1983
Season 1974 brought a new coaching panel of Brian Little as senior coach and Herb Smith as reserves coach while Peter Farmer was named club captain. Unfortunately we struggled through the season, winning only a handful of games despite having a list of experienced players, many of whom had played in finals during previous years. David Smillie continued to be a standout along with Peter Farmer in the backline while Rudy Breier added toughness to our side and first year players Bob Brindley, Peter Sutton and Craig Hoath acquitted themselves well. We were competitive, but just could not manage to win enough games. Ian Stevenson and Gordon Gregory played consistently all year, but we would be relegated to B grade the following year.
During the season the club held three church parades and membership fees were set at $5 and $2 for ladies. Match fees were $1.50 and $1 for students, which encouraged many to remain "students" well after leaving their studies. Cake stalls and progressive dinners were fashionable and while we may not have been successful on the field, social functions were well attended and the club ended the year in a sound financial position.
Late in that year, our Annual General Meeting had to be postponed due to lack of numbers and a call was made through the Meat & Pastry for people who would be willing to help administer the club. After many successful seasons we were entering a new phase and there was to be a gradual changing of the guard in terms of players and, more significantly at administration level, culminating in some dramatic events a few years later.
We entered 1975 with the same coaching panel and, in addition to being senior coach, Brian Little was appointed as club president. A mammoth task and one which shows the fantastic contribution Brian made to the Pioneers at that time. With John Tonkin as captain and Ted Walsh as vice-captain, we only just missed playing finals football. New players Paul Jacobs, Glen Bailey and Chris Salisbury from the juniors added skill and pace to the team, with the reserves able to make fourth position. Club legend Ian [Thumper] Cameron retired after 244 games and a young Peter Krischumas showed promise in the reserves.
On one particular day at Sparks Reserve, when we were getting changed and Brian was giving us final instructions for an important game, there was a knock on the clubroom door. In walked two police constables who asked if there was an Ian James present. Ian was already changed and ready to take to the field, when they had a quiet chat with him and took him back to the station to "assist with their inquiries". The look on Brian's face said it all. Fortunately Ian was not in any trouble, but he did not return to play that day.
Club champion Trevor Hoath took over as captain coach with Austin Johns the new President for 1976. Pre-season began at Wattle Park in February with our new players from the juniors, Greg Crawford and Neil Stevenson setting the pace. Trevor was never one to push too hard at training and allowed the fitness fanatics of Peter Farmer and Gordon Gregory to set the program. We were unbeaten after the first nine games by playing a fast, direct style of football with `attack' as the key ingredient.
Maroon socks were worn for the first time, and the club organised Pioneer windcheaters at $13.50 and club beanies at $1.50. Club functions included a `Greaser - Rock and Roll Night where the "Sheilas" had to bring a plate. There was even a campaign to change the club emblem, since the familiar pie depicted on the front page of Meat & Pastry was considered a bit soft as an image.
Unfortunately, halfway through the season, a horror run with injuries to key players, with some retirements due to travel and work commitments, prevented us from reaching the finals.
Season 1977 was to follow a similar course. Neville Jacobs returned to take over as senior coach as the Pioneers tried desperately to rediscover the successes of the previous decade. We were struggling for player numbers and, in particular, "helpers" were needed at every level. We had many junior teams but desperately needed team managers, trainers, transport providers, goal and boundary umpires. Many senior players accepted the challenge and took on coaching and administrative roles with the under-age teams.
On the field the seniors were competitive without really challenging for the top positions. Chris Salisbury and Greg Crawford, along with Richard Hotton provided the forwards with plenty of opportunities, while Ian Stevenson, Alan Noseda and John Tonkin held firm in defence.
A highlight of the year was a Sportsmans' Night with guests Ian Meckiff, Neil Roberts, Peter Bakos and Leon Weigard. Tickets were $14 per head all inclusive.
Overall the club was just treading water, yet surviving.
1978 saw a significant step for our club in the recruitment of, and payment to, a playing coach of the calibre of Alan White. He was a Caulfield VFA best and fairest winner and successful coach in the Yarra Valley Mountain District with local side Belgrave. Club stalwart Neil Tucker was appointed Reserves coach and both coaches worked hard to again put the Pioneers into finals contention.
Despite lacking depth of players, Alan's professionalism and attention to detail, along with his considerable football ability enabled the senior side to play off in the grand final against noted rivals Hampton United.
During the year, the team was well served by our "big yank" Peter Krischumas who rucked tirelessly to repeatedly give us first use of the ball. He even managed to kick a couple of goals, much to our and his delight, with high fives all around. John Tonkin's accurate disposal coming out of defence, combined with the strong tackling of Alan Noseda and the running of Neil Stevenson, Russell Jackson, Richard Hotton and Ted Walsh made us very competitive.
Club legend Bob Mason played full forward in his last year at the club after joining the Pioneers in 1960.
During the year in a game against Wattle Park, a brawl developed all over the ground and extended outside the oval to the coaches, officials and interchange area. New recruit Bob Cartledge re-broke his plastered wrist when attempting to stop the Wattle Park interchange players from running onto the ground to join the fight.
In a game against Box Hill Adelphians, with a strong wind blowing straight down the ground, we kicked 9 goals in the first quarter, but eventually lost the match as the opposition charged home with the wind in the last quarter. Alan White kicked a handy 14 goals from centre half forward yet, in the next edition of Meat & Pastry Alan didn't feature in the best players list. The person who wrote the match report didn't think he was one of our best 3 players because he kicked all his goals with the wind and none against it. Sometimes expectations can be rather high.
After losing the first two games of the season, we gradually developed into a hard-working, running team and, with Alan White kicking 106 goals during the home and away games, we finished in fourth position with a finals berth. Wins against Canterbury/North Balwyn and St George took us into battle against hot favourites Hampton in the grand final. Within a goal at half time, the highly fancied Hampton eventually kicked away to an easy win. Nevertheless, after a period of four years, we tasted finals football again, gave the best we could, and would be promoted to A Grade.
Every decade or era has a defining moment which will have a major influence on the history and direction of a club. Such was that original decision of some to move on from Box Hill Adelphians at the end of 1953 to form Box Hill Baptist Pioneers Football Club.
Another such moment came after the end of the 1978 season when the Pioneers ended its 25-year connection with the Box Hill Baptist Church, amalgamated with St Peters Football Club and become known as the Box Hill Pioneers St Peters Football Club. Interestingly, these two clubs had shared the same oval at Springfield Park during the 1950s and 1960s before the Pioneers moved to the newly built facility at Sparks Reserve near the corner of Albion and Middleborough Roads. Ironically the combined club returned to Springfield Park as a home base in 1989, thereby complementing the history and traditions of both parts of our club. The people who originally made the decision to amalgamate, and those who subsequently made it work, enabled the revitalised club to survive and prosper.
Although 1978 had been a reasonably successful year for the Pioneers in reaching the B grade grand final, the club lacked player numbers and enough dedicated people prepared to take on administrative roles. There appears to be a natural cycle in sporting clubs, similar to the business cycle, and in many ways we had been slowing down for a number of years. St Peters was also in a similar position, finishing last in A grade and struggling for players and administrative personnel. This era saw many football clubs in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne (and elsewhere) disappear completely as the result of demographic changes, the over-abundance of sporting/football clubs in the area and various other reasons. The amalgamation attempted to keep the traditions of two important football clubs alive. So, with Alan White again appointed as captain coach, we eagerly anticipated our promotion to A grade and the promise of a challenging and exiting year.
Amalgamations take time, as players, supporters and officials from both sides can be hesitant. Some embrace it, while others totally reject it. Ours stalled early, but soon blossomed into a very successful "marriage" which still forms the basis of our strong club today.
Just prior to the pre-season of 1979, Alan White decided to decline our coaching offer and return to his previous club, Belgrave. So, with no coach and a completely new committee lead by Ian Job [Pioneers] and Angus Falla [St Peters], players began to assemble at Wattle Park in mid-January for training. This was not an easy time for the club, least of all for the St Peters players who tentatively arrived to new surroundings. After a few weeks, Ted Walsh was appointed senior playing coach with Ross Helmot coach of the Reserves. This gave training, and the approaching season, much needed direction and leadership.
To foster this, the club committee and coaching panel organised a BBQ at our pre-season training venue in Wattle Park to formally welcome all players from both clubs and to get to know each other in a social setting. We had a light training run while Ian Job, Noel Grayson and Bill Noden from the Pioneers and Angus Falla, Bill Gration and Doug Smith from St Peters got the food and drinks prepared, set the chairs under the shade of the trees to create a relaxed and welcoming environment. Unfortunately it didn't last. Dennis Crozier, who positively embraced the amalgamation, had brought a couple of sample jumpers which he thought would help retain the identity of both clubs. This was like putting petrol on a fire! Some argued that the St Peters name should not even be recognised, let alone require a change of jumper. We all agreed that a lot of hard work and diplomacy was needed if our club was to survive. Interestingly, the club in the 1990s introduced some changes to our jumper that closely resembled Dennis Crozier's controversial designs.
We persisted despite some doubts as to the viability of the new arrangement and players gradually drifted back to the club. Unfortunately, there was only a small core group of St Peters players and with the merger taking place, together with some expected retirements, only 12 out of the 30 Pioneer players on the 1978 grand final list took up the challenge for the next season. Was it a new beginning, or the beginning of the end?
The first game of the 1979 season was a grand final replay against Hampton at their home ground. Never an easy task, and with a depleted playing list, the Pioneers St Peters team was nothing short of sensational. Ian Venning playing his first senior game at fullback, Dennis Crozier and Ted Walsh on the ball all day and the likes of Alan Noseda, Stuart Bowers and Stephen Walsh playing key positions against much bigger and experienced opponents, we had a real dip. Although overrun in the last quarter, it was the first sign of the tremendous spirit and character that would lay the foundations for many successful seasons to come.
As the season progressed, players began to know and form bonds with each other and soon we felt like one club. Coaches Ted Walsh and Ross Helmot sometimes had to introduce players before the game, but the spirit could not be faulted. It is during experiences like season 1979 that character is challenged and built upon.
Sometimes it is easy to be a winner, but to hang in when things are tough and to persevere, makes the good times all the more satisfying. About halfway through the season, the club made a conscious decision to look to the future rather than rely on the previous playing lists of the two clubs. Naturally some players had moved on or retired. So the policy during the second half of the season was to give as many players as possible, experience in the seniors and try different positions and game plans. We were aware that our Under 17s, coached by John Fox [St Peters], had an excellent squad of players and, as a huge supporter of local football, was keen to see them continue at the club.
Our last game for season 1979 was away to Donvale. They were sitting securely in the four, while we had only won 3 games for the year. Young Pioneer Craig Bevan played on former Collinwood player Colin Tully and cheekily asked him about Teddy Hopkins. The inexperienced Pioneers were only narrowly defeated and we finished in reasonably high spirits.
There were a couple of standout performances for the year. Chris Salisbury as best and fairest, displayed the skill and tenacity that would become a trademark over the next few seasons. Dennis Crozier rucked all game, every game, and never gave an inch. He got battered from pillar to post, but his competitive spirit together with his willingness to help and protect his team-mates was inspirational. These on-field leaders were outstanding role models for our young team. We finished the year with a social get-together at Mr and Mrs Lord's home and, while not winning many games, felt reasonably satisfied that the club had survived and put a sound structure in place for the future.
Season 1980 saw many player changes. John Fox moved up from coaching the Under 17s to captain coach the Reserves. Greg Crawford returned from East Burwood as assistant senior coach to Ted Walsh. As we had hoped, 15 players from the Under 17s of the previous year remained with the club, with an astonishing 13 of them playing in the senior side during the season.
Neil Stevenson returned from Belgrave and some of the more experienced St Peters players, such as Doug Gilbert, Murray Curnow, Wayne Amiquet and Graham Parsonage made Pioneers their home. Added to this, many of the new players brought their mates to the club. These included David Kline, Peter Chowne and Shane McBride. Suddenly the club was bulging with players and dedicated training was essential for selection. We even had emergencies named for the reserves team.
How quickly things can change. The committee remained strong with Ian and Lorraine Job in charge, along with Doug Smith, Bill Gration, Angus Falla, Bill Noden and Noel Grayson providing stability for the off-field tasks.
We were also fortunate to secure the services of trainer Terry Wilson to help long-time clubman Kenny Austerberry on match days and at training. Selections on Thursday nights were huge, with many of the players taking advantage of Friday rostered days off or a lack of university lectures to stay late into the night.
Over the years the club has had many great characters. Ken and Beth Austerberry quickly come to mind. Both have helped in a variety of roles. Ken's willingness to look after injured players was enormous. However, we always wondered what was at the bottom of his rather large first aid kit. One day, when a player checked the contents, he found under the usual ice packs a number of VB cans. No wonder Ken was slow into the rooms at half time. Ken's favourite sayings included, "it's only a burst blood vessel" as a player was carried off on a stretcher, or "it's not basketball" when advising an umpire why his son David, should not be penalised for belting the daylights out of his opponent. People like the Austerberrys are the backbone of every football club.
The year flew by with the reserves winning the premiership while the seniors were runners up to Adelphians by a huge margin. During the year we had one win and one loss against them, so we went into the finals with some confidence. But they belted us both in the second semi and grand final. Interestingly, this was to be the last time we lost to them, as the following year in A grade we beat them twice and they gradually dropped through the grades before disappearing completely.
Over the next 3 years the club went from strength to strength, competing in the A grade finals each year, while the reserves won 3 out of 4 premierships. We were a very young club with an average senior team age of 21, yet a highly talented and fit team that was more than competitive. A stable coaching panel of Ted Walsh, John Fox, Greg Crawford and Doug Smith combined with strong administration lead by Ian and Lorraine Job had returned the club to a position of strength.
Highlights during these years are endless. The development and use of our clubrooms was an ongoing issue with the local council. Each year Ian Job would draw up plans for extensions and/or social rooms and, after much fanfare, nothing would happen. But we had a great system in place to make the rooms as user-friendly as possible. After each game, when the players had barely finished showering, the girls would quickly roll out the carpet, open the bar and the social activities would come alive. Chris McMahon even requested carpet for the toilet. Chris Jenkins enjoyed the social events after the game so much, that on some occasions he would stagger outside and fall down the slope toward the Pioneer Moat and sleep until daylight. Luckily he was never swept away by a sudden flooding of Sparks Reserve.
Another character was Jeff Jacobs, brother of former senior coach Neville. Jeff was given the task of pressing the siren before the game and at each interval, the reward being a pie from the canteen. With so many new young players and girlfriends at the club during this time, it was a pleasure to see the respect and caring between Jeff and members of our club. Highlights for the players was when before each game Jeff would bring the umpires into the rooms and yell "umpy's here Teddy" while rubbing his hands together. Then as Ted was giving his final address to the players, Jeff would knock on the door and yell out "umpy's out Teddy". He got really agitated if we were late out of the rooms and he probably saved the clubs many dollars in fines over the years. We hope that Jeff got as much pleasure out of helping and watching the team play as we did from seeing his passion for his tasks.
At this time our reserves still played the opposite fixture to the seniors, so selection on Thursday nights depended on the coaches relaying how each player had performed in the previous game. Reserves coach, Doug Smith certainly liked his players to be in top form before he would think of promoting them. Colin Morris arrived at the club in 1982 and, despite receiving positive feedback from a number of players, it took six weeks before Doug thought he was ready for the seniors. In 1983, Colin went on to play with St Kilda reserves on a regular basis.
Training for some players was a constant battle. Perry Parsonage had work commitments which meant he would arrive just in time on Thursday nights to say he was available for selection and then have a beer or two. The coach and Perry compromised that he should run to the ground and be seen by all to be "doing his bit" to keep fit. Perry would get a lift to the ground dressed in shorts and runners and then as he entered the clubrooms he would splash water over his face and shirt to indicate exertion. He needn't have bothered because everyone knew what he was doing.
One night at pre-season training, the coach set out what needed to be completed before we left the ground. A very young and innocent looking David Smith looked at the coach and said "Ted, I'm sorry, mum's cooking a roast and I need to leave early." He did go early because no one would be silly enough to say that in front of 40 odd players and be prepared to take the ribbing that was to last a few seasons, just to get out of a few sprints up and down hills. Then again Smithy might.
Footy trips are always a feature at the end of the season and we all remember when Phil [Piddler] Murphy was left behind at the Yarrawonga Golf Club. He "borrowed" a ute that was in the car park and drove towards our motel. Along the way he picked up a couple of hitch-hikers but sensibly decided he was too drunk to drive. He stopped the car and gave the car to the hitch-hikers on reaching the motel. We believe the police picked them up as they headed out of town.
A young Jim D'Arcy was emerging as one of the club greats as a tenacious, skilful rover. He also had the habit of winning after-match awards and, like all good clubmen, some were giving young Jim the benefit of their experience by taking him to "leisure" centres of doubtful reputation to spend his money and relax. That was until Jim's father found out and began to drop in to steer him in the right direction.
These were successful years with many fine players in both the seniors and reserves. Peter Simpson, Rob Walsh and Jim D'Arcy won club best and fairest awards, Craig Hoath won an A grade Reserves best and fairest and although we did not win an A grade flag we consistently made the finals and the Reserves won three flags in a row.
We salute the players, coaches, administrators, supporters and families of the third decade of the club, especially those who took on the challenge of the amalgamation and enabled the club to survive and continue.
HISTORY 1984 - 1993
Ted Walsh had been captain/coach for the previous five years, so a big change came over the club in 1984. Ted's replacement was Colin Carter who had played for Richmond Under 19s and East Ringwood. At only 22 and 6ft 6in (198 cm) he was a monster of a man, a ruckman and in his first coaching role. Pre-season training was at Wattle Park again and the golf course didn't get any shorter or flatter when finishing a run along the 2nd hole to the oval at the top. With Colin's arrival, some tall men left the club. This frustrated the committee after years of nurturing players, but there was an enthusiastic young group ready to tackle A grade ESCFA again.
This year on the social scene was fantastic, with highlights being a riverboat cruise and a chicken and prawn day. On the field we were sadly lacking and player numbers were down with the reserves struggling to field sides. One player, Ewan Gracie, decided to remove his cast on his broken leg on a Tuesday to fill in on Saturday and Jim D'Arcy, two weeks prior to a shoulder operation, played after saying it couldn't get any worse. A wooden spoon, relegation to B grade, and a year best forgotten.
Andy Crawford and son Greg (president and coach) took on the challenge with a new committee in 1985 to bring back some success to the Pioneers. There was a big influx of policemen and firemen to the club, thanks to Constable Greg Crawford and Deane "I can put out your fire" Job. Beer sales trebled and there seemed to be some incredible bonding between players who were enjoying both the social and playing aspects of the club.
Sparks Reserve was often a quagmire which did not suit our style of play. The year ended with us finishing fifth in B grade but, most importantly, with considerable improvement and signs of better things to come.
"Ted Walsh returns as coach and Ian Job as president" were the headlines at the start of the 1986 season. There was now a core of 15 senior players who had played at least three years together, but needed a spark to realise their potential. Ted placed emphasis on getting fitter and "not wasting our youth". Ted added, "Have a look beside you, because your mate might not be here next year! Make the most of it and enjoy it now. When you retire there is nothing worse than thinking about the what ifs".
We had some players who combined magnificently. Back men Alan Pincott and David (Gangus) Gangoiti put fear into the opposition which was scary. Both of the same short and stocky stature, they broke more ribs with fair tackles and bumps than any one else. It was only in later years we found out they had their own competition going to see who could "flatten" the most players. I think a beer or two was the prize.
Our arch-rival that year was St Kevin's. During the season they outclassed us by very big margins and we entered the finals with a couple of losses on the trot. The second semi-final saw us turn the tables with a three point win. This amazed us all, including the coach, and we had a week off to ponder if we could win another senior flag after fifteen years.
Our lead up to the grand final was awkward with the presentation night held on the Wednesday during the week. Never have so many Pioneers settled for soft drink and an early night. Such was the focus on what was ahead.
The game flowed with no real advantage to either side until the last quarter. Ted Walsh produced an inspirational three quarter time address which gave the players goose pimples and the will to demolish the opposition. Our supporters roared encouragement. For most of the game, St Kevin's had two players fly with our "gun" centre half forward Deane Job. This left David Smith free at most contests. Smithy let rip with four goals in the last quarter and we won by 38 points.
1987 saw us back to A grade. We started the year with a bang. Drew the first game and won the next four to put us equal top and cruising. Then came the rain and mud. Sparks Reserve was flooded so often we had to move three home games. The year ended with us playing 12 away and 6 at home. This was very unsettling, but no excuse for missing the finals after such a good start to the year. Fifth position was the result at the end of the season. Post-premiership blues had hit the Pioneers.
1988 was Ted's final year as coach. Although most other A grade teams were paying players, we were still very competitive. Suburban football was changing rapidly. Money, social facilities and on-field successes were needed to attract players who were becoming increasingly scarce. With a forced move back to Springfield Park (after 24 years at Sparks Reserve) we now faced a struggle for survival.
The Box Hill Council handed Sparks Reserve over to the Box Hill Archery Club. Being kicked off our ground was hard to take, but the new facilities at Springfield Park (which had been the original home of the Pioneers from 1954 to 1965) had some advantages. We inherited a training ground (East Oval), a playing ground (West Oval) and a social room. For the first time in our history we did not have to clean the change rooms to make way for the social activities. The new surroundings did not bring any success on the field and the committee questioned whether the players now had it too easy with such facilities.
At this time, the ESCFA relaxed its rules and admitted clubs such as Richmond Amateurs, Fairfield, Collingwood Districts and others which did not meet the previous criterion of being connected with a church. This gave rise to many problems, particularly undesirable conduct both on and off the field, by some of these new teams. For example, Richmond Amateurs was a reincarnated Richmond St Ignatius who had been expelled from the ESCFA a few years earlier. We were not happy with this emerging trend which was adversely affecting the nature of the competition and outside the traditional values and objectives of the Pioneers.
In 1989 Deane Job was appointed as the new coach, we had moved to Springfield Park (St Peters boys happy) and lost a few players. We struggled to compete in A grade and the club was committed to survival through this difficult time and into the future. Paying players was never an option as it would only be a short-term solution. We were facing lean times.
With "Jobey" coaching again in 1990 and relegation to B grade, we took the opportunity to consolidate. Recruitment had been better with the "Scoresby Boys" coming on board, together with plans for social rooms well on the way, the outlook was positive. A more successful year was achieved, but a lot of rebuilding had yet to be done.
The next two years, 1991 and 1992, saw many football clubs and competitions disappear completely. Our club also came under considerable pressures and on-field successes were few. The strength and determination to overcome existing problems, keep the group together and survive, was the only recipe we knew for success.
A number of dedicated people, headed by Ian Job, contributed in a variety of ways to the building of new clubrooms. This was hopefully the beginning of better times.
In 1993 the Southern Football League was formed as a result of a merger between the ESCFA and the South East Suburban Football League. Pioneers to this day still scratch their heads on the inequitable move where our association with considerable assets merged with the SESFL who were broke and badly run. Later, this encouraged us to leave the SFL and join the Eastern Football League in 1997.
For nearly 20 years we had chosen our senior coach from within our own ranks. In 1993 it was felt that the time was right to get new blood and Frank Scammell fitted the bill. Frank came from Belgrave Football Club and embraced our club with a passion. So much so that he later became our vice president then president in 1999.
Being a police detective he had a great way of letting players put their own feet in their mouths when it came to excuses. His first impressions of the club were that the off-field and social sides of things ran very well, but we needed some "mongrel" instilled into us to be more competitive on the field. He started this one Saturday before a home game by getting all players and supporters to meet in the middle of the east oval for the pre-match speech. He berated us on how soft we all were and how the opposition could sense this and take advantage.
That transformed our approach to the game, and the side we played that day, East Camberwell (now Surrey Park), still remember the ferocious way we attacked the ball. Although we did not make the finals that year, a change in fortune was just around the corner.
HISTORY 1994 - 2003
1994 was club's second season in the Southern Football League. We were now aware of the requirements needed to be competitive in the new league, and embarked on a recruiting campaign necessary to succeed in the SFL second division. Unfortunately we were unable to attract the required players and so began a long and tough season. Lack of success on the field made it difficult to retain and recruit players, and the Thursday night ring-around to fill a reserves side was a regular occurrence. Ross Helmot coached the reserves and despite the lack of depth at the club, managed to keep spirits high. Also, his pre-season headgear, a red and white bandana, sent the football fashion gurus into a frenzy.
Despite the lack of onfield success, plans were underway to improve the social facilities at Springfield Park. In November 1994 an interest free loan was obtained from the Box Hill Council and work on the extended social rooms commenced at the beginning of 1995. The removal of the brick wall, which ran roughly through the middle of the rooms as they stand now, was like the destruction of the Berlin wall. David (Dick) Reynolds very nearly caused a major player shortage with his gusto when using the sledgehammer. With contributions from football, cricket and junior divisions, and valuable inputs of labour and materials from a number of companies aligned with the club, notably All Range Steel (Ian Job) and P. Smith Plumbing (Peter Smith), together with volunteer labour from club members, the club was able open its new and improved social rooms early in the 1995 season.
The opening was the highlight of the social year with black tie and cocktails the order of the day and over 150 people attending the evening. Many an hour has been spent at the bar and over the pool table in the "new" rooms since that time. The addition of the social rooms enabled the club to hold many of its functions at the ground and created an all round "good feeling" about the club. This was not lost on the country recruits who likened Pioneers to a country football club in the city. High praise indeed!
The club was keen to achieve success on the field, and after moving down a division for the 1995 season, played finals for the first time since 1986. The influx of a number of new country recruits revitalised the club, with younger players coming to the big smoke and finding their way to the Pioneers. Thanks were largely due to Kev Harkins making it an ETU union requirement for all new apprentice electricians from the country to continue their footy and play at Pioneers.
Under Frank Scammell's coaching, the seniors played in the second semi and preliminary finals, and despite going out in straight sets, the basis was formed for ongoing success. The finals series was a first for many of the new players and the experience would stand them in good stead.
With Frank Scammell stepping aside from the coaching role, the club appointed Rick Batten as a playing captain/ coach in 1996, further improving the playing stocks. With a move back up a division, both senior and reserves side played in the finals. This was the first time this had occurred since 1982 and a great achievement.
Unfortunately, another wet winter saw the Springfield Park ground turned to mud. This caused our co-tenants, the St Francis Xavier Junior Football Club, to move away to Elgar Park and distance themselves from us. Despite this, the club was thriving under the presidency of Peter Smith. Thursday and Saturday nights were well attended, with players and families enjoying the new social facilities.
After the unexpected successes of the previous year, the club looked forward to season 1997 with great anticipation. Retention of most of the senior players, coupled with a couple of key recruits, saw the club start as one of the premiership favourites. The senior side was bought back to earth in round two, losing to Heatherton after leading by five goals during the second quarter. However, it proved to be only one of two losses the senior team would experience, though a draw in round ten against Taroonga Malvern was a fortunate outcome. Coming into the second semi-final, the senior side had a record of 15 wins, 2 losses and a draw. With a number of quality players vying for senior selection, all looked good for the finals series. A loss in the second semi to Heatherton was a rude awakening, but the senior side bounced back the following week to comfortably beat North Kew and earn its first grand final berth in eleven years. After coming close in the previous two seasons, the players were well aware that this could be their last chance for premiership glory. During the finals series, the planning and preparation was second to none, with all players committing to all training sessions, including Sunday mornings.
On grand final day the Pioneers flew out of the blocks, kept Heatherton bottled up, and at half time were almost eight goals in front. Heatherton fought back in the third quarter, kept the Pioneers goalless and reduced the margin to just over 4 goals. A brawl at three quarter time saw a couple of Pioneers nursing sore heads, and Heatherton hit back hard to get within four points. With a couple of minutes left, we steadied and a couple of late goals, including one after the siren, saw the Pioneers take out the premiership by 19 points.
The celebrations were long and hard, with the social rooms filled to the brim and remaining open from Saturday evening until early Monday morning. The coach and a couple of premiership players found the billiard table the most suitable spot to catch a brief snooze before rejoining the festivities. Needless to say the football trip to Albury was a huge weekend, with the cup holding pride of place in the bar.
The season had seen Rick Batten captain/coach the Pioneers to a premiership, win the club best and fairest and take out the SFL best and fairest in the division. It was a remarkable year all round. The win was especially enjoyed by the older brigade who had played in the Pioneers last premiership in 1986 and lasted to taste the glory again.
At the end of the 1997 season, the club reviewed its SFL affiliation and decided to join the Eastern Football League. This decision was challenged by the Southern Football League and later by the governing body, the Victorian Metropolitan Football League.
With the support of the EFL we stuck to our decision and, despite the threat of legal action from the SFL, joined the new league under the name of Whitehorse Pioneers Football Club. The renaming of the club was necessary due to the refusal of the SFL to allow the club to join the EFL, and at the same time gave the club a close link to the junior club, Whitehorse Colts who were now playing in the famous "White & Maroon".
If 1997 was a season of major achievement, 1998 was a huge disappointment. After tasting premiership success, a number of players decided to retire or move on and play at a higher level. This resulted in 11 premiership players no longer with the senior team. The first game of the season saw the club play at City Oval Box Hill, in front of a large crowd, and despite a brave showing, we were shown the level of football required for 3rd division EFL. Once again the club struggled with player numbers and managed only one win, in the reserves, for the year. It was a tough year, although there were a few highlights. Deane Job played his 250th game during the year while Greg Crawford and Jim D'Arcy both reached their 200th.
For season 1999, with the club relegated to 4th division, senior coach Rick Batten decided to move on and former player Dennis Crozier took up the coaching role. Dennis had amassed considerable experience at junior level with East Burwood, and his appointment was seen as a way of rebuilding the club with local youngsters. Frank Scammell took over from Peter Smith as president. Peter had been a tireless president over many years and his dedication and work around the club ensured the Pioneers continued survival and success.
Darryl Collings was the treasurer at the club for even longer and renowned for chasing up players for subscriptions and fees. During the year, Darryl started using an electronic organiser to record meeting dates, fees due and promises made. Unfortunately, one Thursday night, "Ozzie" the electronic organiser was kidnapped from the clubrooms. A ransom letter was sent to Darryl "Razzle" Collings which demanded a $50 drink card to be left at the bar on Saturday night or "Ozzie" would be gone. Accompanying the demand was a picture of "Ozzie" with a gun pointed directly at him. Needless to say the demand was met and "Ozzie" duly returned.
The 1999 season saw the club record moderate on-field success, attracting some quality players and winning a number of games. Andrew "Goose" Bruce notched up his 150th game for the club. The introduction of Sunday sippers at the club proved popular, particularly with our country lads.
The 2000 season was again a struggle in the extremely competitive EFL. Steve Walsh replaced Frank Scammell as president and he has continued in the role since. It was during this year that Steve played his 350th game for the club. "Walshy" has been a stalwart of the club and continues to be a Pioneer through and through. Dennis Crozier continued to coach the seniors, with Vito Destito taking on the reserves.
Many of the players will remember the day Dennis brought a sheep's heart into the rooms before a game and suggested that the opposition had sent it to us as we had no heart. Amazing as it might seem, the old trick did work on a few of the young boys, but some of the older players had trouble holding back the laughter.
The year also saw another D'Arcy in the camp. "Big Brian" D'Arcy was living in Box Hill with his family while his house was being built in Healesville. In true D'Arcy style he pulled on the boots for the reserves and duly picked up a most consistent award. Not to be outdone, "Little Jim" D'Arcy was equal best and fairest in the reserves with Andrew "Goose" Bruce. It is fair to say there was some competition between the brothers, but it was never more evident than when Brian offered to get Jim a phone book to stand on to reach the pool table on the footy trip. It nearly started a war!
In 2001, a review of the playing list encouraged the club to begin an extensive recruitment campaign. Links with the Whitehorse Colts Junior Football Club were strengthened, and the club appointed Lex Munro, a 3rd division premiership coach with Warrandyte, as its senior coach.
Once again success didn't come easily. However, the senior side did show significant improvement, including a five game winning streak and being only one of two sides to beat eventual premiers, Coldstream. During the year Peter Destito and Matthew "Kenny" Hunt notched up their 150 games for the Pioneers and Scott "Phanto" Smith reached the 200 game mark.
In 2002, the club's focus on youngsters in the area was paying dividends, with player numbers high at over 60 senior players vying for a game with the Pioneers. This enthusiasm showed in on-field results with the senior side, coached again by Lex Munro, finishing the home and away season in second place and the reserves, coached by Andrew Prater, winning the last game of the year against top placed Nunawading to gain a well-earned finals berth.
It was a huge achievement for both teams to play finals in the Eastern Football League. Although both sides lost their preliminary finals, the club earned enormous respect for the way they played. During this year the Destitos reached important milestones, with Dom playing his 150th game and Vito playing his 200th.
The 2003 season started with enormous enthusiasm with both senior and reserve sides keen to improve on their preliminary finals appearances. Unfortunately, the best laid plans went astray with assistant coach Matt Grybas being relocated interstate and long-time treasurer Darryl Collings being appointed to a full-time administration role with the Eastern Football League. Darryl had been a committee member for 17 years, many of those as treasurer, a dual premiership player and twice best and fairest.
Despite these setbacks and a number of injury concerns, the senior side again made a finals appearance and once again lost the preliminary final. During the year Steve Berry played his 150th games for the club and Andrew "Goose" Bruce played his 200th.
Plans were well advanced to introduce an Under 18 side for the new season and this is seen as the future of the club and will provide the local base necessary to continue the Pioneers tradition.
The fifth decade in our history has seen both highs and lows. As in the previous decades, many great players represented the Pioneers, many champions started their football careers with us, and we enjoyed many on-field successes. The Whitehorse Pioneers has developed and grown as a strong, family-based club with a reputation admired and respected by many. In times when under financial pressures, when players were scarce and the going was tough, we stuck to our traditional values of hard work and fair play.
Our future looks great.
