• MEN’S FOOTBALL HISTORY

MEN’S FOOTBALL HISTORY

  • 1946 - 1950

    The Forties

    In 1946 a group of young people met at the back of the Hampton Methodist Hall to see if they could form a football club. At the time the Church had cricket, tennis and table tennis sides.
    We approached a couple of the Elders of the Church and they agreed to take our request to the Minister, the late Rev A. Veneer. After putting our case to him, he agreed to be our President. We had then to round up players and find a ground to play on.
    The Fewster Road ground was allotted to us but there were no change rooms so the back fence was it. Wally Adams, one of the Elders of the Church, was our coach with Bert Nankervis helping. I was made Captain because of my age rather than ability.
    Our colours were purple and gold.
    In our first year, 1947, we did not win a game and our transport was the ‘Hampton Red Bus’ driven by Mr. M. Peeler. This was to be our change rooms on away game with all girlfriends outside.
    Midway through the first season Wally Adams gave up the coaching so I was dropped from playing to be appointed non-playing coach.
    Over the next 3 years we won a lot more games and just missed out on the finals one year. In 1947 we asked the Church if we could run a dance at the Scout Hall in Ludstone Street which was given the OK. The dance was a great success with the help of the players’ girlfriends. (no grog allowed).

    Author: G. White

  • The Sixties

    This was my next connection with Hampton Methodist Football Club. I was outside church one day when my old mate Ken Gill, who was coaching the seniors at the time, approached me. He wanted to form an Under 16’s side in the Churches Competition and asked if I would coach the side which I accepted.
    We later formed Under 15 and Under 17 sides. The Under 15’s had great success under the coaching of ‘Little Al’ Alexander. At this time we were running 4 sides with a lot of success and after 4 or 5 years of coaching the Under 17’s the job of President was put on me.
    These years were very demanding but greatly rewarding.
    In my years as President I was just the mouthpiece of the club, my job being made easy with a secretary like the late George Housden who had everything at my fingertips. As my treasurer we had a financial wizard, Ian ‘Grumpy ‘ Grover and with 4 teams we had to be spot on.
    When I look back over the years, to what would be my greatest love, I would say the years with the Under 17’s and I do feel proud to see so many of them still involved with the club.
    There are so many people I would like to mention. The club would not have existed without the help of the late Rev A. Veneer for getting us on our way. There was also Brother Thoe, A Roman Catholic Priest, who stood by the club when the Methodist Church became United.
    A special mention to a great worker for our club must go to the late Mrs Rose Bailey and a big thankyou to all the ladies behind the scene over the years.
    In closing I would like to mention the great support I was able to have from my wife.
    To the next fifty years – ‘Carn The Hammers’

    Author: G.White

  • 1959 - 1964

    The Early Sixties

    The rebirth of The Hampton Methodist Football Club 1959 – By the Coach ‘ Kaygee ‘

    KEN GILL
    1959: The first season was trial and error for selectors to fit the thirty odd players into a balanced team. This took up to seven games or so but we proved that we could compete well and it resulted in a premiership.
    Most Goals Barry Peel 73 Goals

    1960:  Moved into ‘B’grade and with a large number of players that forced us to put a second eighteen team in. Col Smith was made coach of the new team and it made the selection of the senior side so much easier. The season was good. We finished in the final four but were beaten by Box Hill by 5 goals.
    Best and Fairest John Donnell John Wyatt
    36 Votes
    16 Votes
    (Second eighteen)
    Most Goals
    Barry Peel
    36 Goals

    1961: Our second year in ‘B’ grade was a great year with a top of the list result. Throughout the year we made our way to the Grand Final to play Gardenvale at the Burwood Oval. we led from start to finish. Final Score 15 – 15 – 105 to 12 – 11 – 83
    Best and Fairest Gill Freeman
    Ron Roberts (second eighteen)
    Most Goals Barry Peel Barry McLarty
    55 Goals
    35 Goals (second eighteen)

    1962: ‘A’ grade and it was a hard season. The standard was much higher than we expected, so we returned to ‘B’ grade for 1963.
    Best and Fairest J Donnell
    J.R Walsh
    44 Votes
    15 Votes (second eighteen)
    Most Goals Barry Peel Stan Porter
    37 Goals
    31 Goals (second eighteen)

    1964: ‘C’ grade was not the best of years with only three victories and a lack of big men. Best and Fairest G. Chapman
    L Duncan
    1965: Robert Jesser was coach for the season but resigned with seven games to play. I was asked to take over for the balance of the season
    Best and Fairest J. Donnell L Duncan

    DAVID TOMLINSON

    What is it that you think about when the Sixties are mentioned? Elvis Presley, Johnny O’Keefe, Col Joye, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Little Richard and Chuck Berry.

    Songs in the hit parade. Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, Working For The Man, Sad Movies, I Want That (Crash Craddock) and Walk On By (Leroy Van Dyke).

    TV Shows. 6 O’Clock Rock, Bandstand, The Fugitive, The Nelsons, 77 Sunset Strip, The Rifleman, Have Gun Will Travel, Perry Mason, The Man From Uncle, The Tarax Show and TV Hit Parade.
    Melbourne Cup. Hi Jinx ’60, Lord Fury ’61, Even Stevens ’62, Gatum Gatum ’63, PoloPrince ’64, Light Fingers ’65, Gallilee ’66, Red Handed ’67 and Rain Lover ’68/69.
    V.F.L Premiers. Melbourne ’60, Hawthorn ’61, Essendon ’62, Geelong ’63, Melbourne ’64, Essendon ’65, St Kilda ’66, Richmond ’67, Carlton ’68 and Richmond ’69.
    V.F.A Premiers. Sandringham ’62, Moorabbin ’63.

    Hampton in the Sixties. Southern Picture Theatre, Roxy, Sandy, Danees, Rampart Street, Scout Hall and Power House.
    Ed Hattam and his store Hattams which still exists. Moran and Cato, S.E Dickens (now Coles), Adams Cakes, Stephen’s Cake Shop, Rickey’s Ladies wear. Hampton Church of Christ, Hampton Methodist Church.

    The Memories and the people.
    • Col Smith, Minister of the Church of Christ, pacing the boundary line with about 2 minutes to go in the 2nd Semi Final against Burwood and screaming at the top of his lungs “hurry and ring that bloody bell “.
    • Winning the 1961 Grand Final against Gardenvale.
    • Gilbert Freeman – a great centre half back with an awkward kicking style but always there.
    • Ken Gill – Coach Extraordinaire. Arguably one of the best coaches that Hampton ever had. He did not rant and rave but was a thinker and acted logically.
    • Second Eighteen won a match against St Peters with a scoreline of37 – 33 to 1 – 1 only to lose the match due to one of our players who sat on the bench for most of the game being unregistered.
    • Les Duncan was an inspirationa l guy. He led by example, won 3 Association and 4 Club Best and Fairest awards and, although not blessed with a lot of pace, never seemed to get caught.
    • Ian ‘Grumpy’ Grover was not a tall ruckman but rarely lowered his colours and kept on going game after game.
    • We were obliged to attend the Church parades once a month. I can still remember all the boys would sit in the 2nd or 3rd rows and midway through the service wou ld stand up, remove their jumpers and then sit down again. After relaxing for 20 to 30 minutes they wou ld stand again put their jumpers back on.
    • Alan Simmonds was as strong a mark as I have ever seen.
    • Barry McLarty used to play with Mordialloc Third s in the morning and front up and play for us in the afternoon. Stamina to bum .
    • Who can forget the big yellow Chevy Truck that I carted half the team around in. Ran late a few times but we still got there.
    • The Premiership Flag in 1969 was a great team effort at McKinnon. The coaches report by Stan Porter mentions ‘Grumpy’ Grover, John McCall, Barry McLarty, Cyril ‘Percy’ Prendergast, Gordon Carroll, Ken Capper and Rod Sayers.
    • We had twins, Bob and George Richards, playing with us on alternate half back flanks.
    • Some of our important supporters who were always there: Mrs Bailey, Barbara Duncan, Mark Housden, George Housden, Joan Grover and Joe Clark.
    • I have good memories of camaraderie of the players, coaches and committee. They were certainly good years. Players such as: John Woodford, Trevor Hanna, Tocky Moffitt, Bob Moffitt, John Walsh, Al Alexander, Terry Housden, Greg Housden, Bill Holden, Paul Housden, Jack Hurry, Gary Cropley, Ken McFarlane, Ian (Tubby) Hunter, Gordon Carroll, Ken Prendergast, John Dick, Doug Bailey, Don Bailey, Chris Collins, Ken English, Rod Sayers, John Todaro, John Beattie, Adrian Morris, Paul Caravias, Robert Dean, Geoff Gill, John Haddock, Geoff Andrews, Gordon Burke, Colin Duell, David Gibson, Jeff Gibson, Bruce Moulden, John Sanger, Ken Wilson, Bill Bloomfield, David Bowling, Graham Chapman, Lance DeLuca, Don Armstrong, Brian Lanyon, Alan Lacey, Mal Lacey, Richard Benson, Nobby Benson, Les Duncan, Stan Porter, Ian Grover, Rod Dowell, John McColl, Allan Simmonds, Barry McLarty, Roger Dickson, Ken Patterson, Ron (Grand pa) Roberts, Terry Swingler, Ian Wavish, Graeme Whiteside, Roger Vivian, Doug Wrathall, David Barker, Paul Donnell, Barry Peel, Mal Peel, Gerry Dibb, Ian McCartney,Denis Spencer, Graham Stone, Ross Elvish, Barry Cook, Bob Baillie, Graeme Cole, John Donnell, Mick Duff, Terry Bone, David Freeman, Gil Freeman, Peter Freeman, Bart Gole, Cameron
    Holt, Ian Martine, Ray Martine, Darrell Morgan, Barry Stanford, Rod Stokes, Bill Wyatt, John Wyatt, Ross Wilson, Leigh Watkin.
    A Magnificent Team of Great Guys Where do we come from!

    Author: K. Gill

  • 1972 - 1978

    The Seventies

    This decade was the start of a steady climb from ‘C’ to ‘A, grade. 

    Now that I look back to when I started in the under 17 team in 1967, we were always the chopping block and I think that later on, it formed strength and determination in us and a lot of players stuck together to form a revered side in the 70’s.
    I wonder how we attracted players with the old wooden clubrooms, one shower and a toilet that didn’t work. However, there was that special kind of person around Hampton and we formed great friendships and warmth to new people around the club.

    1972: ‘C’ GRADE PREMIERS
    I remember a great man, George White, who carried us through the Under 17’s and into the senior ranks and he was to form a hard working committee which brought Ted O’Neil to coach. Ted brought with him the discipline and skills to form the basis of our ’72 flag. We had a blend of young and experienced players. Just cast your minds back to these famous names:
    • Mrs Rose Bailey
    • Leon Bailey
    • Rod Collie
    • John Haddock
    • Ross Humphries
    Time Keeper for every game come rain, hail or shine and also provided us with one of the most courageous players to play with us, her son Leon.
    For all time, you were a knockout Leon.
    The goal sneak. Rod hated training but loved kicking a goal. ‘Cyclone’ Haddock went on to play forever. John was crashed in the Grand Final with a broken jaw and still came to the ‘after party’.
    Perhaps when you reflect, you will always remember the late Ross Humphries. Our tireless ruckman and ‘bouncer’, he did not have to train – I don’t know how he rucked all day. I can’t remember the year, but I do remember he took on St Georges Preston and cleaned up 3 players until he was whacked from behind and played the game out with one eye closed. At this time, the change from the ‘Methodist’ to ‘United’, we had to find an affiliation to a church and Brother Thoe helped us out and became our link to stay in the competition. For those who did not know Brother Theo, he cared for homeless and handicapped children and young adults. His help was the key to continuing on.

    1975: I was asked to coach and the great man, George White, was quite worried. However, thanks to all around the club, we had a pretty good year with both teams making the finals. In those days we had under l7’s and Under 15’s which a big help to feed the senior teams was.

    1978: ‘B’ GRADE PREMIERS
    Once again, through a hard working committee, a man called Chris King came from Croydon to become Captain I Coach. He was a tall, high marking goal kicker and he formed a close knit club. Between him and ‘Pitty’ they were a goal kicking machine. I think Kim went to school with Rod Collie because he hated training too but on game day he came to play.
    Here are just a few personalities of the ’78 team:
    • Peter Murphy
    • Bert Calvert
    • Greg Nash
    • Wayne Thomas
    On his wing he was unstoppable with his pace.
    Tough Half Back – They said you couldn’t hold your spot Bertie. What about ‘The Crasher’. He has won every award in the association. What about the ‘Torps’ on the Fewster Road ground Nashie?
    There was guts and courage. He will remember the final – a poke in the eye saw him in hospital for some time.
    The club through this era stamped itself as a power in the competition
    It is interesting for people to know today, that in all my time at Hampton, we only paid the coach and all awards on match days were donated from within or around the club.
    In closing, here are a few things that will jog the memory:
    • The blue movie night in ‘Cyclones’ garage and a jog in the street by John.
    • The trip away to Camperdown and Castlemaine. I seem to remember someone bought a six pack and the barman said “Just go to the freezer and help yourself’. Well, you could imagine the stocks were depleted within 15 minutes.
    • On a trip to Albury we were in the ‘Termo’ lounge and Wayne Thomas wanted to show his strength by punching out a drink tray. He asked some guy to hold out the tray. Wayne missed the tray and punched him out – so we vacated this hotel.
    In closing, to those current members, keep the tradition going. Thanks for the good times and lifelong friends we have made.

    Author: C. DeYoung

  • The Eighties

    As we spend tonight reminiscing of glorious days gone by, the eighties will surely be an era that will figure prominently in discussions. As the night wears on and stories of the great grabs, sensation goals and immortal deeds are retold, and in some cases believed, those of this decade will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of being involved with the club over this period in the club’s history. 
    The decade began with Hampton United in ‘B’ Grade of the E.S.C.F.A. and struggling to hold that position. Alan Deluca was coach and his efforts were deserving of much better results than we achieved at that time, but, Alan had introduced a level of professionalism that was to see the club achieve higher accolades in the time ahead.
    Hampton was feared for all the wrong reasons, and many a night was spent debating the best way of getting off a ‘trumped up charge by some mug umpire’.
    1982 saw the arrival of Kevin Maguire who was able to build on Alan’s foundation and with some help from some good recruits (who were assured that if they didn’t sign their houses would be burnt down) Hampton was suddenly a team that could beat you on the scoreboard as well as anything else.
    Runner Up that year saw us in ‘A’ Grade the following year and suddenly we started to believe that we could match it with any side. Kevin saw us safely through our first year in the higher division and the formation of some fierce new rivalries – what’s new about that.
    Darryl Mackenzie added the desire to be a force in the top grade and 1985 a young bloke from Sandy, who’s only claim to fame was that he once ate a pie during training, became coach of what was arguably the best talent ever assembled at Hampton. Shane Edmonds was able to instil a sense of pride, commitment and ‘never say die’ attitude that had us in the Grand Final in his first year and Premiers in the next. Shane’s ability as both an on field leader and player earned him the respect and admiration of every person at the club and although we didn’t claim another flag, we finished 3rd and 2nd in the next seasons. Shane had the right something a coach needs to get that little bit extra out of his players at the time it matters most.
    1986 will be remembered as Hampton United’s finest for no other reason than everybody had to acknowledge that we were the best in the competition. Anyone who disagreed had their house burnt down…
    Of course on field success over a long period of time also required off field success and for that there are many people who should be mentioned. Too many to list here so my apologies to those who missed out.
    The stand out person through all this was Chris Johannson whose tireless efforts in administration and playing have been rightly rewarded with a life membership.
    Arthur Leigh, longtime trainer, President, supporter and good bloke, Leon Bailey, Paul Housden, Graeme Stillwell, Mick Bennett and many other people who also unselfishly gave their time and efforts to ensuring that Hampton United was the best club in the
    Arthur Leigh, longtime trainer, President, supporter and good bloke, Leon Bailey, Paul Housden, Graeme Stillwell, Mick Bennett and many other people who also unselfishly gave their time and efforts to ensuring that Hampton United was the best club in the competition. I, along with every person that played, thank you most sincerely and assure you that it was appreciated very much.
    We will never forget where we came from, what we ate and how we ate ’em. Rose Bailey – your forever in our hearts.

    Author: D. Cafarella

  • 1990 - 1996

    The Nineties

    Generally the ’90’s to date have seen limited success due to the lack of footballers in the area and the merger of the ESCFA and the South East Suburban Football League. Competition now in the senior grades is very strong. 

    1990: E.S.C.F.A
    A new coach from outside the club commenced at the start of 1990 but, after 5 games without success, Peter Mannix was appointed as his replacement. Success was nearly instant with Hampton going down to Emmanuel by 2 points the following Saturday. The rest of the season saw only 2 wins and subsequently we ended bottom of the ‘A’ grade ladder.

    1991: E.S.C.RA
    Relegated to ‘B’ grade for the first time in many years, former player Bruce Smith was appointed as coach and along with new recruits such as Jason Dunkley, Jason Benzie and Marcel Dols we started winning again with a season which recorded only 3 losses.
    Highlights of the season were:
    • To beat Collingwood at their home ground which was the first time any team had done that in 4 years.
    • Finishing second on the ladder.
    • Beating Collingwood by 8 points in a tough 2nd Semi Final by playing good hard football.
    The Grand Final, our 4th in 7 years, was played at Box Hill in muddy and windy conditions. Hampton set up a 3/4 time lead of 8 points in a hard fought game with Collingwood to kick with the wind in the final quarter. The lead changed throughout the quarter with Hampton missing some valuable chances in front of goal. In the end Collingwood hung on to win by 1 heart breaking point.

    1992: E.S.C.F.A
    Shane Ed monds again took the reigns to Coach Hampton who were back in ‘A’ grade. The club appointed the experienced Danny Frew as assistant coach. Some important events for the year:
    • Revenge against Collingwood in the first game of the season at home in 30 degree temperatures.
    • League officials, after many meetings within and between the clubs, announce the merging of the E.S.C.F.A and the South East Suburban Football League to form the Southern Football League.
    • Hampton , St Paul’s Bentleigh and Bentleigh to be included in the Premier Division of the newly formed competition.
    • Second on the ladder again.
    St Paul’s was the only team to have beaten us twice and we played them in the 1992 2nd Semi Final at Oakleigh VFA ground. With Shane unable to lead us on the ground we were no match for St Paul’s and lost by 9 goals.
    The Preliminary Final was against last year’s foes in Collingwood and after a good start that saw us lead by 7 goals at 1/2 time we again found Collingwood to have a ‘never give up’ attitude. Our lead was cut to 3 goals at 3/4 time and despite a strong effort in the last quarter, Collingwood earned the right to play off in the Grand Final.

    1993: Southern Football League
    The start of a new era and luck was certainly not our way as we drew the powerful Noble Park first game. Despite a good showing in the 1st quarter in hot conditions, Noble Park showed us what we were in for in 1993 and ran away to win by 36 goals.
    After week 2 we realised the calibre of player required to have success in the new competition as Mt Waverely I Burwood beat us by 20 goals. We had a good amount of quality players who could match it in this competition but our depth was lacking and was the difference.
    1993 was a long, hard year with only 3 wins

    1994: Southern Football League
    Danny Frew was appointed coach for season 1994 and with poor attendance at preseason training, there appeared to be another long year ahead of us. Unable to afford the money paid to players by other clubs our recruiting was limited but regardless we picked up some good players but like previous years had lost some as well. This resulted in a struggle against the top sides like Noble Park and East Brighton but with 4 wins and some encouraging signs from some young players 1995 looked better.

    1995: Southern Football League
    Jason Dunkley returned from oversees to take up the coaching position and again preseason numbers were down. And again like previous years we lost some quality players to other clubs which meant we struggled our way to 2 wins only to have the points taken away due to a mix up in player forms. Jason’s perform ances were not affected by coaching and he went on to win the club’s best and fairest.
    Bottom of the ladder and relegation to 2nd Division.

    1996: Southern Football League
    Shane Edmond s was appointed for his 8th season as club coach. With some good recruiting of players such as Stevens, Ross, Haddock and a mix of new youngsters, confidence at the club was good.
    A fair preseason led to a first up win against Chelsea Heights by 3 points. Up until only recently some poor form and injuries had limited us to only 3 more wins but this was turned around with a 10 goal win against Springvale.
    Hopefully we can continue and finish the season off with some more wins.
    Hampton’s future sits with the young players staying with the club and improving and together with the experienced players, rebuild the team to the level of success expected by Hampton supporters.
    The committee must also continue to grow and work hard to ensure the club is still around for another 50 years.