IVANHOE AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB

‘Since 1910’

26 January

STARS COME OUT TO PLAY FOR BUSHFIRE FUNDRAISER

By Phil Skeggs

AFL legends Robert Harvey and Anthony Rocca will be pulling on the pads as guest stars in a T20 match under lights at Ivanhoe Park on Sunday February 16. The match is being hosted by Ivanhoe footballers and cricketers to raise funds for Victoria’s bushfire relief efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The match will be officiated by VSDCA umpires and feature a video review system, which will allow supporters of the two teams to try and outbid each other for lbw dismissals to be overturned.

Ivanhoe Saints president Mark Dixon is confident the cricketers can prevail and encouraged people to get along early. “It’s a good cause and a bit of fun, but it could be a one-sided game,” he joked.

Ivanhoe Amateurs president Rob Pearce said he expected the footballers – male and female – would be more than a challenge given that some also played both sports.

It is the first time the Hoers have joined their co-tenants for a charity event and it’s hoped local residents will also show their support.

“We’re a community club and this is all about giving locals a chance to contribute to the bushfire relief effort and also enjoy the fun of a unique T20 game at our excellent facilities under lights,” said Pearce.

The fund-raiser  begins at 5pm and residents are encouraged to donate a gold coin as entry fee. Food and drinks will be available, along with auction items to bid on. All proceeds will be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Harvey, a dual Brownlow medallist and senior assistant coach at Collingwood, played 383 games for St Kilda between 1988-2008. He represented Victoria eight times and was selected as an All-Australian eight times.

He is the grandson of former Australian Test cricketer Merv Harvey and grandnephew of Neil Harvey, who was Australia’s leading run-scorer and century-maker behind Don Bradman.

Rocca played 220 games for Collingwood between 1997-2009, kicking 404 goals, and 22 games for Sydney in 1995-96. He is Collingwood’s defensive development coach.

For more information, contact IAFC president Rob Pearce on 0438 378348 or Ivanhoe Saints CC president Mark Dixon on 0423 395699

13 January

VALE DARRYL HOARE – IVANHOE’S GENTLE GIANT

By Phil Skeggs and Brendon O’Brien

MEMBERS of Ivanhoe’s 1982 and ’84 grand final teams are mourning a much respected teammate, Darryl Hoare.

‘Hoarey’, 63, died at Epworth Hospital on January 9 after a three-year battle with cancer.

Darryl played his junior footy at Ivanhoe, captaining the under 15s and under 17s before graduating to the seniors when the club was a powerhouse in VAFA’s A and B grades during the late 1970s and early ’80s.

Darryl, a teacher,  terrorised opposition players with his straight line and fearless attack on the ball, which was doubly terrifying as he stood a fraction over 189cm and weighed about  95kg.

He played in the club’s 1976 B grade reserves premiership and was a member of Paul Stevens’ and later Alan Salter’s uncompromising, highly talented and tough as nails backline of the early ’80s, which included Billy Baker, Robert Field, Paris Aristotle, Greg Cameron, Glen Simmondson and Tony Course (father of club captain James Course).

There are so many stories of Darryl’s exploits on the field, including kicking the winning goal in the B grade reserves grand final and an A grade seniors clash at Elsternwick Park against De La Salle OC, where their captain foolishly chose to run at him at full flight and was stretchered from the field as a consequence of the collision.

Tony Course, who played off half-back alongside Darryl in juniors and seniors, recalled Hoarey always had an extra gear to give and an incredible determination to win.

“He was always at his absolute best when the game was there to be won,” he said. “In a close encounter I could always look across and know that Darryl would be at his toughest and  beating his opponent.”

Ivanhoe finished minor premiers in the 1982 season, and Darryl, aged 26, was among the Hoers’ finest in a hard-fought, 15-point win over second-placed Old Melburnians in the 2nd semi-final.

The Amateur Footballer profiled every player in the B grade grand final preview. Ivanhoe’s big back pocket, wearing no.35, was described as: “Dazzling Darryl as he is known when he streams from the backline with the ball tucked under his arm. A very tough defender who would run through a brick wall if necessary. A most reliable player and highly regarded by his teammates.”

Darryl was also held in great regard at Banyule football club, where he played in a C grade premiership in 1986, and at West Preston-Lakeside, where he served as club secretary and as an assistant coach with under  15s and 17s.

Brendon O’Brien, who was Ivanhoe’s assistant coach in 1984, visited Darryl in hospital in his final weeks and said he appreciated all of his IAFC teammates and coaches who were able to contact or see him.

“We had a lot of laughs regaling Darryl’s Ivanhoe football days, especially those teams of the late 1970s and early to mid 1980s. When I left him before Christmas, Darryl was chuckling as he played around with the IAFC website.”

He said Darryl will always be remembered as a “gentle giant”.

“He was a gentle giant off the field with a warm and caring nature and he was blessed with a chuckle and laugh that was both welcoming and endearing,” he said.

“He was loved by his teammates and he liked nothing better than to chat about old times at our past player reunions.

“While Darryl has left a hole in the lives of all who knew him at Ivanhoe Park, we cannot imagine the sadness now being experienced by his partner Kay and his son Marshall. They can be sure we will miss Darryl greatly and we are all the better as people for having Darryl in our lives.”

A function is being planned to celebrate Darryl’s life and details will be posted on the club’s social media.

Special thanks to Brendon O’Brien and Tony Course in helping compile this tribute.

4 December

LAST TRAINING BEFORE THE XMAS BREAK – BAREFOOT BOWLS!

The last preseason training session for 2019 will be a barefoot bowls night!
Enjoy the festive season with a cold beverage, great company and some lawn bowls.
$10 to play barefoot bowls
$5 beers/cider
$5-$7 for a glass of wine
BBQ will be available
Please bring cash if possible

31 October

23 October

VIV MAKES TEAM OF THE YEAR

Viv Blackmore-Moore has capped off a stellar season in 2019 by being named in the VAFA’s D2 Team of the Year.

Viv, who has pace to burn and skills to match, was named on the wing in a team dominated by premiership stars from Whitefriars Old Collegians. The recognition comes after Viv, 20, picked up the club’s best-and-fairest award this year.

IVANHOE AFC AGM

By Phil Skeggs

Rob Pearce has been re-elected unopposed as club president, while Hall of Fame member Peter Rawley and treasurer Kate McKendrick have been appointed as vice-presidents. The club is seeking a secretary to replace Fiona Tansley, who is stepping down to focus on her role as Ivies captain. Life member Julian Makin is lending his expertise as sponsorships officer, replacing Ivies player Tess Vandergriff. Other committee vacancies including the merchandising role will need to be filled at the next committee meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The club’s AGM was held in the rooms on Tuesday October 22 with 13 attendees, including key office bearers, with one apology (Leighton Pearce). Rob Pearce said preparation of a written annual report and financial statement had been delayed, but would be posted online at a later date. The meeting endorsed the appointment of coaches for 2020, and also supported a proposal for a memorial plaque at the clubrooms in remembrance of Ivanhoe Cricket Club historian Vic Tsilemanis, who passed away on January 31.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to committee, especially Fiona for her work as secretary, and wishing Rob a speedy recovery from back surgery.

*With Rob Pearce out of action for the next few weeks, any urgent football matters can be directed to Kate McKendrick.  Her email is: katherinemckendrick@gmail.com, and mobile  0409 505 036.

22 October

COACHES TAKE IT TO NEXT LEVEL

By Phil Skeggs

Ivanhoe’s senior coach Ash Close gave players a taste of the coaching methodology he’ll be employing next season at the first team meeting on Sunday October 20. Close spoke to the group about his coaching philosophy, which he has developed over the past seven years while working at the Collingwood Football Club and playing football at VFL and local levels.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be exposed to different coaching strategies at the elite level and have been able to adopt the techniques and styles of coaching which align with my values,” he said.

Close told players they could expect constructive and detailed post-match feedback. He hopes to provide players with information and tools to improve performance individually and as a playing group. There were several new and old faces at the meeting who are excited to be part of the Hoers’ 2020 campaign. And there are several more to come who couldn’t make it for the presentation, including a couple who played in the Colts this year.

“It was terrific to see some familiar faces while also meeting the players, staff and supporters who have joined the club since I moved in 2013,” he said afterwards.

Close emphasised his passion for unearthing and developing young talent in football and expressed his excitement to continue to explore the relationship with the Ivanhoe Junior Football Club, especially with the Colts’ teams.

“We have one of the strongest junior football clubs in local football and I’m committed to building one of the strongest seniors clubs as well.”

Joining Close on the coaching team in 2020 are Nick Carlyon (senior assistant coach), Ross Toogood (reserves), Leighton Pearce (Ivies) and Ashton Bridge (Ivies assistant coach).

Pre-season training commences from Monday November 25.

For more information, contact Ash Close on 0433-736220.

14 October

2020 RESERVE COACH ANNOUNCED

The IAFC is very pleased to announce Ross Toogood as the men’s Reserve grade playing coach for season 2020.  Ross has been involved with the club since 1997 as a player, coach, assistant coach, runner and committee member. More recently, whilst spending a little more time at home with his soon-to-be-wife Amanda bringing up daughter Jasmine, Ross has been supporting the club via much of the social media and website updates, inclusive of information to the VAFA each week on the various senior teams results.  Ross is also a life member of the IAFC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ross Toogood – previous experience:

3 seasons as Reserves coach, 2009-11 at Ivanhoe AFC

Assistant coach for the Senior men’s team supporting Leigh Cole (2010-11)

Played Seniors, Reserves and Clubbies at Ivanhoe AFC from 1997-2013 (also has played as a fill in since 2013 – 2019)

As Ross will be a playing coach, we are seeking people for off-field support roles should they be interested.

* Off field – Assistant coach

* Team Manager

* Runner

The club is incredibly excited to have Ross back again as coach of the Reserves team in season 2020.  Good Luck ‘Disco’.

Regards, IAFC committee.

10 October

THE HARRY AWARD

Last night 22 of our supporters gathered and enjoyed a really happy time together at the annual Black & Whites Harry Dinner. There was a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday to our lovely Sue Tucker to kick off the evening, she’s a beautiful person.

Andrew Marks was presented the “HARRY AWARD” for 2019. This award is becoming more prestigious each year. Andy has been our 2’s Team Manager the last 2 years, a very difficult position recently. He has helped with Thursday meals for the past few years and his Saturdays begins at 8am, preparing the ground for the day ahead. He also served on the Committee of Management this year. His contribution to the club is extremely significant, congratulations Andy!

 

4 October

AGM CHANGE OF DATE

Due to a double booking at the club our AGM will now be held on Tuesday 22 October at 7pm, in the clubrooms.

29 September

CONGRATS TO OUR 2019 B&Fs

By Phil Skeggs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivanhoe Amateurs congratulates Viv Blackmore- Moore on becoming one of the youngest-ever winners of the club’s senior men’s best-and-fairest award. Viv, 20, was ultra-consistent in his first full season in the seniors, polling votes in 12 of 16 games in Division 2. A silky-skilled on-baller with electrifying pace, Viv was co-captain of the under 19s in 2018 when he made his senior debut against Ormond last year. He has just 19 senior games to his credit, which puts his B&F on par with legends such as Andrew Ireland (1972),  Peter Gittos (1979), Rod Hutton (1978), Brendan Kendall  (1995), and Mitch Lovell (2014) who were all 20 years or under when they won the club B&F. Viv’s brother Reuben Blackmore-Moore won the Rutherford Medal in 2017 when he was 21.

Runner-up was Connor O’Brien (2^nd),  a classy wingman who was also playing under 19s last year. Connor played in 10 senior matches this season, polling votes in five games. Ruckman Sam Tansley, who was our 2018 B&F, finished third after picking up votes in nine of his 14 games.  He was also equal-second highest goal-kicker with 15 majors – the same as Viv. Only fellow ruckman Wes Mayne scored more, with 18 goals in 15 matches.

 

 

 

 

The Ivies B&F went to hard-working onballer Georgia Scarce for the second year in a row, with Rachel McLean (2^nd) and Ireland Hall (3^rd). Georgia was a standout in seven of 14 matches, midfielder Rachel was among our best in nine of 13 matches,  while key defender Ireland also polled votes in seven of 13 games.

Congratulations also to James Pititto who took out the Reserves B&F. Coaches awards went to Mitch Rees (seniors), Paddy Kealy (reserves) and Ivies first-year player Charlotte ‘Charli’ Tyler.

The fantastic contribution of the hard-working Williams clan – Frank, Connie and Gerrard – was also acknowledged with the Tim Robinson award, while reserves coach Adem Shemshedin received the John Miles award for his outstanding efforts week-in, week-out.

The awards night was compered by Dom Mitchell in front of about 60 people in the Ivanhoe Park clubrooms last Thursday night.

The club will hold its AGM on Wednesday October 16 in the clubrooms from 7pm. Nominees for committee must contact secretary Fiona Tansley. (m. 0412 783 870 or iafcsecretary@gmail.com)

A meet-the-coaches day is scheduled for Sunday October 20 in the rooms from midday.

22 September

NOTICE OF MEETING

Please note the Annual General Meeting of our football club will be held at our club rooms on Wednesday 16 October, 2019 at 7:00pm.

SEEKING APPLICATIONS

Ivanhoe Amateur Football Club are seeking applicants for the position of Mens Reserves Coach for Season 2020. For all details, please direct your questions and applications to pete@evolutiontc.com.au

17 September

THE MOOSE IS BACK

By Phil Skeggs

FORMER Ivanhoe goal-kicking machine Ash Close is returning to the club as a playing coach in 2020.

Close, 27, said he was excited to be back with the Hoers after a six-year odyssey that has seen him playing at Morwell, Collingwood VFL and Northcote Park.

“I am really excited to come home – it’s where it all began for me and I owe Ivanhoe everything. It’s a very nice thing to be able to return to the club and to coach this young group is even better,” he said.

Close, nicknamed Moose during his playing days at Ivanhoe, topped the goal-kicking in VAFA Division 3 in 2012 with a tally of 104 goals. He kicked another 13 goals during the finals series when the Hoers made the grand final and was runner-up in the club B&F.

He represented the VAFA on a tour of Ireland in 2013 – the same year he started working for Collingwood as a performance analyst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 67 club games, including 36 in the seniors between 2011-13, Close joined Gippsland league powerhouse Morwell in 2014, starring in their premiership win that season under the mentoring of Harmit Singh, Collingwood’s community engagement officer.

Close, who is 199cm tall and a strong mark, earned an invite to Collingwood where he impressed enough to be selected to try out with the AFL draft state combine in 2015.

He played 16 VFL games for the Magpies over four years to the end of 2018, playing key positions in forward and defence. Over five seasons (49 games) at NFL club Northcote Park he topped the goal-kicking in four seasons. He also represented the NFL in 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close is not wasting any time in adding to the senior men’s team list, with several past players signalling an intention to return to the club for the 2020 season.

“I think we have a great base on which to build a very competitive team for next season. I have started discussions with some players who are keen to return to the club and help get the club back into playing finals,” he said.

Close is also keen to continue developing Ivanhoe’s young list and foster closer ties with the Ivanhoe Juniors, where he played before progressing to under 19s and seniors. The historic link between the two clubs is something he believes can be further developed.

“This is about building a club that represents the local community, from the boys and girls in the IJFC all the way through to the men’s and women’s senior teams”.

He will schedule a meeting with players after the AFL finals to outline expectations and pre-season training.

Players interested in joining Ivanhoe in 2020 can contact Ash Close on 0433 736 220.

13 August

PATCH PLAYS HIS 100th

By Phil Skeggs

Ivanhoe Amateurs congratulates Pat Lagreca on playing his 100th club game in Round 16.

Patch joined the Hoers as an under 19 in 2014 and played in a premiership with his brother James that season.

5 August

TALL TALES BUT TRUE FROM THE ’69ERS REUNION

By Phil Skeggs

From stories about on-field deeds and misdemeanors to locker-room silliness, party pranks and footy trips, there was no holding back when members of the 1969 B grade premiership team gathered for their 50^th anniversary luncheon at Ivanhoe Park on Saturday August 3.

Coach Syd Neale recalled Euan Logan copping a bucket of cold water from veteran Barry Sproule in the showers. Logan chased his teammate buck naked out of the pavilion, dashing past a surprised female supporter with a laconic “How’re you going”.

Neale remembered feared ruckman Tim Robinson running hot during the 1972 B grade semi-final against Old Scotch and at one stage running through an opponent.  As the runner, Neale was sent by coach John Benetti to tell Robinson to settle down and stop overdoing the rough stuff.

“I went out to Timmy and I looked at him and his eyes were glazed over,” he said.

“I went back and they said ‘what did he say?’ and I said, ‘he didn’t even see me’.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old teammates laughed heartily over the image of their enforcer mate with a serious dose of white-line fever. Neale continued: “I think you got four weeks for that Timmy.”

Robinson, no stranger to the tribunal, lamented missing the rest of the finals.

Premiership captain and rover Billy McWhinnie gave an insight into just how cheeky and competitive he could be.

On a day when a gale was blowing straight down the ground against Uni Blues, venerable club president Harry Thomas urged him to win the toss. “Have no fear, we’ll win the toss,” McWhinnie assured him.

McWhinnie lost the toss, then shocked the Blues captain Barry Church by pointing to the scoring end and telling him firmly, “Stiff s–t, we’re going that way”.

After the Hoers gathered at the same end as the puzzled Uni players, the field umpire demanded to know what was going on, eventually taking both captains aside and tossing the coin again.

“Barry called heads again, and he won it again,” said McWhinnie. “Running back to the centre I said to Haggarty (the umpire), “Jeez, would he take two out of three and he goes  ‘just get on with it’!”

Premiership wingman Don Blackwood revealed a previously hidden side to his mild-mannered demeanour, recalling how he had unmercifully abused De La Salle’s Barry Lyons as he lined up for goal during the final.

“That was the first time I’d ever sighted Barry Lyon … but 50 years later he’s one of my close personal friends. So it just goes to show, sometimes a little bit of abuse can work in your favour,” he said with a glint in his eyes and a smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robinson elicited howls of mirth with an unprintable story about a teammate’s party prank involving a jar of peanut butter and a cheeky lie about “an itchy bum”.

But behind the mirth and laughter, it’s evident the 69ers were a special group of Ivanhoe players who forged a terrific bond on and off the field.

Some had gone to school together at Northcote High, where they were recruited by former Ivanhoe coach Alec Weston. Others had come through the Ivanhoe under 15s in the days before the junior club existed.

Saturday nights after a game they would often be invited back to the Neale’s house in Templestowe for drinks, songs and merriment.

“Syd brought us all together and we were a very close family and very close together and that was the main reason why we had success on the ground,” said Robinson.

They were such a fun crew that the field umpire joined them at the grand final celebration at Ivanhoe Golf Club.

And that’s the way they like to be remembered too.

We are extremely lucky also that video footage of the Grand Final has been shared with the club by Robin Hick. We will be adding it to our history pages, but here it is below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly 60 people attended the luncheon, including half of the premiership team and their coach, plus members of the ’69 reserves team who made the preliminary final.

VAFA CEO Brett Connell was also in attendance, along with Black & Whites members, major sponsors, members of the Miles, Thomas and Burt families, and Ivies team members.

Congratulations to Don Blackwood and Russell Knight on organising such an enjoyable afternoon.

LACHIE ROBERTS 150^TH GAME MILESTONE

By Phil Skeggs

Ivanhoe Amateurs congratulates Lachie “Dukes” Roberts on playing his 150^th game for the club in Round 14.

Lachie joined the Hoers as an Under 19 in 2010, debuted in the seniors in 2012, and has been a key member of the team ever since including two grand final appearances (2012, 2015)

Consistency, versatility, modesty  and an unswerving loyalty to the club and teammates have been his hallmark over the past decade.

His penchant for clunking big grabs and delivering quality pinpoint passes have been a joy to behold, whether it be on a wing or as a focal point inside forward -50m.

Many thanks Dukes, everyone at Ivanhoe Park salutes you.

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