Resource The NMFC History thread

[Twinkletoes]

Fascinating stuff k7. Love your contributions to this thread.

Good to see old * fighting our admission due to fear. A pathetic club from it’s inception.

Sounds like our facilities maintained a consistent poor standard from the early days right up until the recent rebuilding and extension of the place.

It would’ve been great to stand alongside a grandma poking hat pins into visiting players while the Crutchy Push put the fear of God into visiting fans.

Back when it was a fortress!

All of us older Arden St VFL attendees got to be a part of our home crowd on our own dung heap back in the day and the tribal nature of it was something to behold, especially when playing a big rival, but that would’ve been something else in the early days.

 

[Hojuman]

I rented the house next door to this for about 7 years. Never knew the history, but, there you go.

 

[Twinkletoes]

13 kids is a fair bloody effort. Something for you to aim for giantroo.

 

[Grogg]

Phil Krakouer joins brother Jim in WA football hall of fame​

Jarred Cross - September 12, 2023

SPORT
Phil Krakouer during his playing days with North Melbourne. (Image: nmfc.com.au)
Krakouer brothers Jim and Phil hold a special place in footy's history books as two of the most exciting players to chase the Sherrin.
Before the pair arrived at Arden St ahead of the 1982 VFL season with North Melbourne, their careers had already carved out a legacy with the Burley in the West Australian Football League for Claremont.
Their uncanny ability to find one another by hand or foot and elite skills in either strip are still replayed decades on.
Phil joined his brother in the WA Football Hall of Fame at the WAFL's Sandover Medal awards night on Monday.
It was a long car trip, his preference over flying, across the Nullabor to receive the honour.
He told National Indigenous Times good people and good times on the park made the move to Victoria after four years at Claremont an easier transition then leaving home in Mount Barker, 350 kilometres south-east of Perth, to the state's capital in 1978.
The four times he represented his state and 1981 WAFL premiership with the Tigers before heading east remain his most cherished memories from football.
Monday's recognition makes it two Krakouer brothers in the WA Hall of Fame, something Phil said Jim knew would come soon after his own induction in 2021.
"It feels good. I grew up in Western Australia and I looked up to a lot of people that used to play in the league at that particular time. To achieve it (induction), I was quite taken aback.
Despite his status in footy's memory, Krakouer said he felt he "didn't quite get there as a player", but looks back on the years fondly.
"You get to the end and you say, wow, that's it. It's all over. I'm satisfied," Krakouer said.
"I never really looked at it that much. I just really enjoyed my time."
Krakouer made 90 appearances and kicked 192 goals for Claremont, 141 games and 224 goals for North, and played seven games for as many goals in his single season with Footscray.
His highlight reel rivals any of the best, with electric pace and an uncharacteristic, however trademark, two-hand ball drop to his left boot and an average return of close to two goals a game.
He now lives in Melbourne and works with the NDIS.

 

[kangaroo7]

1952 -- SOME NEW BLOOD



The 1950 grand final failure hit the club and the players hard. This was evident in 1951 when the club slumped to 9th position on the ladder with just 7 wins. Then there was further bad news when captain Les Foote, who had received offers from several interstate clubs, decided to move to NSW town Berrigan and captain-coach the local team. He expected to get his clearance in view of his 11 years service with North. Keith McKenzie also left to take up the position of playing coach of Moorabbin. Other players to leave were Don Condon (Brighton) Leo Francis (retired due to injury) and Tim Robb (The Rock NSW)

In February, North members vented their anger at one of the rowdiest Annual Meetings at the North Melbourne Town Hall in years. They demanded an explanation from club president Frank Trainor as to why Foote's clearance had been granted. Trainor, who had to make himself heard above a constant barrage of interjections and questions, replied that the committee had been divided over this, but it was up to the incoming committee to ratify it. Foote then came onto the stage to wild cheering and explained that he was going in the interests of his wife and family. A member then asked why Bill Milroy, a ruckman, had been cleared to Carlton late last season when the club was in need of big men. Trainor replied that Milroy's form was considered when the clearance was granted. He had managed just 7 matches in 1950-51, but became a useful player at Carlton.

Wally Carter was appointed coach for the fifth successive year, Kevin Dynon resumed the captaincy he had previously relinquished to Foote, and the club set about recruiting some new players:

Allen Aylett. A rover recruited from University High School. He would go straight from the Fourths into the senior team, making his debut in Round 1 at the age of 17.

John Brady. A talented centre-half-forward or centre-half-back recruited from Benalla. He surprised talent scouts with his knowledge of all their "traps" and did not sign a Form 4 until just before the start of the season.

"Mick" Grambeau. A ruckman from Sandringham who had made the combined VFA team in the 1950 football carnival. Sandringham was reluctant to clear him, but eventually did.

Jock O'Halloran. Essendon rover who found it hard to get a regular game as he had to compete with Essendon's fleet of good little men. After Melbourne and North showed interest, he was cleared to North.

Laurie Icke. A tough half back player from Ballarat East. After a battle with Footscray and Fitzroy, who both claimed that Icke had lived in their recruiting territories in the past, North got him.

Kevin Easton. A ruckman from Brunswick Amateurs.

Peter Hamilton. A defender also from Brunswick Amateurs.

Noel Alford. A rover originally from University High who came through the Under 19s and had won the Morrish Medal in 1950

As well as these, former ruckman Jock Lineen returned to the club after a season with Colac.


(To be continued)

 

[kangaroo7]

1952 (Cont.)



ROUND 1 --- CARLTON

North hosted Carlton with five players making their debut. Icke, Brady and Grambeau, whose clearances were not yet resolved, all obtained match permits to play with North. Aylett and O'Halloran also played. Carlton were too good on the day, with their centre line and rovers winning a lot of the ball. North's attack was forced to kick under pressure,14 consecutive behinds being scored between their second goal and their third, and Spencer suffered from North's poor disposal, although he managed 4 goals. North reduced the 37 point half-time deficit to 23 at the end. Brady, Aylett and Icke showed promise, but Grambeau had to leave the field in the second quarter.

NORTH MELBOURNE 8.19-67 CARLTON 13.12-90



ROUND 2 --- ESSENDON

North had a stronger team this week, with Marchesi, Jarrard, Lineen and Percy Johnson included. In a fast and close match at Essendon, the home team just prevailed by 7 points. The third quarter was particularly brilliant, with 11 goals being scored. Both full-forwards were among the goals. Coleman, in his first match since being sensationally suspended before the finals last season, was well held by McCorkell in the first half. Early in the third quarter, however, he got two lucky breaks that lifted his confidence, and he finished with 7 goals, including the sealer. At the other end, Spencer kicked 5. But his ball supply was reduced after Marchesi, who was starring on the half-forward flank had another opponent moved onto him, and Brady was beaten at centre-half forward. North won across the centre with Jeeves and Dynon on top.

ESSENDON 14.12-96 NORTH MELBOURNE 13.11-89


ROUND 3 --- FOOTSCRAY

It was another close thriller at Arden St, but this time North won. The match was close all day with first one team then the other getting on top. The lead changed hands several times, but North won the second half overall with some positional changes and a good last quarter against the wind. During "time on" Footscray's full-back, taking the kickout after a North behind, kicked the ball to himself, played on and was caught in possession. Spencer kicked an easy goal from the square, making it 6 for the day and sealing North's win. Jock Lineen, who was married that morning, arrived at the ground late but was among the best players. Others to play well were J.Reeves, O'Halloran, Lawrence, Icke and Brady.

NORTH MELBOURNE 11.11-77 FOOTSCRAY 10.6-66



ROUND 4 --- RICHMOND

North featured in yet another close one at Punt Rd, going down narrowly by 10 points. Although there was no wind, there was definitely a scoring end, with 26 of the 34 goals scored at the southern end. Richmond won the game with an 8 goal burst in the third quarter. Both full-forwards kicked 6 goals, although Spencer missed some easy ones which could have made a difference. Dynon, Jeeves, O'Halloran, Kelly, Jarrard, Mogg, Aylett and Lawrence played well for North.

RICHMOND 18.13-121 NORTH MELBOURNE 16.15-111



ROUND 5 --- GEELONG

North brought in 3 big men -- Grambeau, Lineen and Easton -- for the match against the reigning premiers at muddy Kardinia Park. They were in the match until three-quarter-time, with McCorkell and Lawrence beating their opponents. But a lapse in the first 10 minutes of the last quarter allowed Geelong to break away. North's big men faded out of the game, Spencer did not get proper ball delivery and Brady, who was doing well at centre-half-forward was injured in the third quarter.

GEELONG 11.16-82 NORTH MELBOURNE 6.10-46

To be cont.

 

[see see]

Jock Lineen, who was married that morning, arrived at the ground late but was among the best players.

Magnificent effort!

 

[kangaroo7]

1952 (Cont.)

LIGHTNING PREMIERSHIP

In 1951 the VFL had reintroduced the Lightning Premiership round, not played since 1941.It was a knockout competition consisting of 20 minute games played in 10 minute halves. All matches were played on the same day at the MCG. Originally for charity, the funds now went to the VFL Players Provident Fund. North won their first match against Footscray 4.6-30 to 1.0-6. but lost the next one to Melbourne 2.5-17 to 2.1-13.


ROUND 6 --- MELBOURNE

On a wet and rainy day at Arden St, North went down to Melbourne by 24 points after leading by 3 at half-time. Melbourne's ruck, led by Denis Cordner, was too strong, and North indulged in too much short passing which resulted in congestion and behinds, while Melbourne changed to long kicking in the third quarter to get a winning break. Spencer was ineffective, not being able to take high marks in the wet weather.

NORTH MELBOURNE 6.13-39 MELBOURNE 9.9-63



ROUND 7 --- HAWTHORN

Peter Hamilton and Noel Alford were picked for their first match. A six goal burst in the second quarter settled the match for North, who were untroubled after quarter time. Spencer, who had just been selected as the State full-forward ahead of Essendon's Coleman, vindicated the decision with 6 goals. Mogg, McCorkell, Kelly, Smith and Brady also played well.

NORTH MELBOURNE 12.8-80 HAWTHORN 7.8-50



ROUND 8 --- SOUTH MELBOURNE

Round 8 was designated the "National Day Round" or "Propaganda Round", each match being played in an interstate or country location in eastern Australia. The South Melbourne – North Melbourne match was played in Albury NSW. North were without Spencer and Mogg, who were playing for Victoria. After a very even three quarters, South outscored North 6 goals to 2 in the last quarter to win by 22 points. J.Reeves, Brady, McCorkell and Smith were North's best.

SOUTH MELB 18.10-118 NORTH MELB 14.12-96



ROUND 9 --- COLLINGWOOD

North played good wet weather football to achieve only their second ever win at Victoria Park. Ruckmen Larsen and J.Reeves dominated. Dynon, Parkes, Lawrence, L.Reeves, Smith and Parkes also did well. North won it in the third quarter with a four goal burst. It was North's third win for the year and top team Collingwood's second defeat.

COLLINGWOOD 6.8-44 NORTH MELB 8.12-60

So at the half-way mark of the season, North had managed only 3 wins.


To be cont.

 

[Gumble Frankieton]

1952 -- SOME NEW BLOOD



The 1950 grand final failure hit the club and the players hard. This was evident in 1951 when the club slumped to 9th position on the ladder with just 7 wins. Then there was further bad news when captain Les Foote, who had received offers from several interstate clubs, decided to move to NSW town Berrigan and captain-coach the local team. He expected to get his clearance in view of his 11 years service with North. Keith McKenzie also left to take up the position of playing coach of Moorabbin. Other players to leave were Don Condon (Brighton) Leo Francis (retired due to injury) and Tim Robb (The Rock NSW)

In February, North members vented their anger at one of the rowdiest Annual Meetings at the North Melbourne Town Hall in years. They demanded an explanation from club president Frank Trainor as to why Foote's clearance had been granted. Trainor, who had to make himself heard above a constant barrage of interjections and questions, replied that the committee had been divided over this, but it was up to the incoming committee to ratify it. Foote then came onto the stage to wild cheering and explained that he was going in the interests of his wife and family. A member then asked why Bill Milroy, a ruckman, had been cleared to Carlton late last season when the club was in need of big men. Trainor replied that Milroy's form was considered when the clearance was granted. He had managed just 7 matches in 1950-51, but became a useful player at Carlton.

Wally Carter was appointed coach for the fifth successive year, Kevin Dynon resumed the captaincy he had previously relinquished to Foote, and the club set about recruiting some new players:

Allen Aylett. A rover recruited from University High School. He would go straight from the Fourths into the senior team, making his debut in Round 1 at the age of 17.

John Brady. A talented centre-half-forward or centre-half-back recruited from Benalla. He surprised talent scouts with his knowledge of all their "traps" and did not sign a Form 4 until just before the start of the season.

"Mick" Grambeau. A ruckman from Sandringham who had made the combined VFA team in the 1950 football carnival. Sandringham was reluctant to clear him, but eventually did.

Jock O'Halloran. Essendon rover who found it hard to get a regular game as he had to compete with Essendon's fleet of good little men. After Melbourne and North showed interest, he was cleared to North.

Laurie Icke. A tough half back player from Ballarat East. After a battle with Footscray and Fitzroy, who both claimed that Icke had lived in their recruiting territories in the past, North got him.

Kevin Easton. A ruckman from Brunswick Amateurs.

Peter Hamilton. A defender also from Brunswick Amateurs.

Noel Alford. A rover originally from University High who came through the Under 19s and had won the Morrish Medal in 1950

As well as these, former ruckman Jock Lineen returned to the club after a season with Colac.


(To be continued)

Some pretty handy recruits in that list. Thanks for all the great work in this thread k7

Jack O'Halloran was my brother's Godfather. Not sure that my Mum was overly impressed with the selection criteria that the old man may have employed in this selection.

 

[kangaroo7]

1952 Cont..

ROUND 10 --- ST KILDA

In another match that was decided in one quarter (the third) North came out on top. 7 of their 9 goals were scored then and gave them a 25 point win over the bottom team. L.Reeves, J. Reeves, Aylett, Jeeves, Dynon and Lawrence were best. The Herald writer noted that Spencer's leads were being ignored by his goal-hungry team mates. Brady was reported for striking St Kilda's McNeil but got off. McNeil, however was suspended for 2 weeks for attempting to kick Brady.

NORTH MELBOURNE 9.10-64 ST KILDA 5.9-39



ROUND 11 --- SOUTH MELBOURNE

The special National Day Round was the reverse of Round 11, so North faced South again after only 3 weeks. North were in it until just before half-time, after which they became too defensive and the South ruckmen took control. North scored only 2.0 to 5.10 in the second half, and only good play by McCorkell and Lawrence saved them from a greater defeat.

NORTH MELB 7.4-46 SOUTH MELB 10.17-77


ROUND 12 --- FITZROY

Fitzroy's superior pace and teamwork gave them an easy win over North. The game had many physical clashes, and many players could have been reported. Only two were -- P Kelly of North and A Gale of Fitzroy -- for "shaping up" to each other. They got two weeks. Mogg was the only winner for North on the forward line. Spencer suffered again from faulty disposal by his team mates up the field. North came home in the last quarter against the tiring Fitzroy, but the leeway was too great.

FITZROY 13.11-89 NORTH MELBOURNE 10.11-71


ROUND 13 --- CARLTON

In muddy conditions at Carlton, North went down by 15 points in a low standard match. Carlton dominated the centre line and on the ball, but their kicking was shocking, which kept North within striking distance. Both teams blamed the bad kicking on the white football that the VFL was using this season for wet weather matches. Players said it was "like a pudding", and continually misjudged it in the air and on the ground. Jarrard and Icke were reported. Jarrard was cleared and Icke got a reprimand.

CARLTON 5.23-53 NORTH MELBOURNE 5.8-38



ROUND 14 --- ESSENDON

Spencer and Lawrence, who had State duties the previous week, returned. Aylett also came in and Jack Edwards came in for his first match for the year. In a match where the wind favoured one end -- only a total of 2 behinds were scored at the other end - North had first use of it and by three quarter time led by 23 points. Reshuffling their forward line, they were able to keep the ball in attack longer, although not scoring, and managed to hold Essendon out to win by 3. An Essendon player soccered the ball off the ground and it was bouncing toward the unguarded goal when the siren went. McCorkell and Parkes were solid in defence. J Reeves, Dynon and Alford were also good.

NORTH MELBOURNE 7.11-53 ESSENDON 7.8-50




ROUND 15 --- FOOTSCRAY

Defenders Jarrard and L. Reeves were both out injured, replaced by Kelly and O'Halloran. Not for the first time, North re-organised the forward line with Spencer at centre-half-forward and Marchesi at full forward. North led all day and won by 9 points. In the last quarter the boundary umpire had signalled the ball out of bounds but play went on for Footscray to score. The boundary umpire informed the field umpire as he was going back to the centre and the goal was disallowed, much to the disgust of Footscray fans, who threw orange peels after the game.

FOOTSCRAY 7.6-48 NORTH MELBOURNE 8.9-57

To be concluded.

 

[kangaroo7]

1952 (Concluded)


ROUND 16 --- RICHMOND

Kicking against the breeze in the first quarter, North outscored Richmond to lead by 11 points at quarter time. They then increased this to 45 at half time. This proved to be enough, although Richmond outscored them in the second half. Spencer was beaten at full forward, but Alford and Marchesi provided alternative avenues to goal and each kicked 5. After being beaten early, Dynon got on top to give North the edge across the centre.

NORTH MELBOURNE 14.10-94 RICHMOND 9.12-66


ROUND 17 --- GEELONG

Geelong got off to a good start and dominated the match for three quarters, leading by 56 points. The final quarter, however, saw North stage a brilliant fight-back, scoring 7 goals and stunning Geelong before they steadied. Spencer got 5 goals, 4 in the last quarter, and Brady, O'Halloran, Hamilton and Brooker tried hard for North.

NORTH MELBOURNE 11.9-75 GEELONG 15.13-103

ROUND 18 --- MELBOURNE

North had no less than 7 first year players in the team for the MCG match against Melbourne - Hamilton, Icke, Brady, O'Halloran, Grambeau, Alford and Aylett (19th man). North's pace and enthusiasm were too much for Melbourne and they led all day. Unlike their Round 6 clash, North's ruck division matched Melbourne's and their forwards kicked straight. Alford, who had developed into a handy rover/forward got 5 goals and Icke was unbeaten on the half-back flank, completely disorganising Melbourne's attacks. Brady, McCorkell, Dynon, Doolan and Grambeau were also good players.

MELBOURNE 11.16-82 NORTH MELBOURNE 15.7-97


ROUND 19 --- HAWTHORN

In a game that lacked cohesion, contained many heavy clashes and was even until three quarter time, North broke away in the last quarter with Spencer kicking 4 consecutive goals to win by 23 points. Kelly, Icke, Parkes and McCorkell played well for North.

HAWTHORN 8.11-59 NORTH MELBOURNE 12.10-82



Other events that occurred in 1952:

Jock McCorkell won the Syd Barker Medal.

Former coach Bob McCaskill died in June at the age of 56. The Bob McCaskill trophy was established for perpetual competition between North Melbourne and Hawthorn, both clubs of whom he had coached.

Five players were involved in car accidents -- In September, G. Marchesi was a passenger in a hearse belonging to his employer when it was involved in a collision with a car. He escaped injury. Not so lucky were four players in December when the car they were in hit a tree -- Pat Kelly, Jock Spencer, John Reeves and Les Reeves. John Reeves suffered a skull fracture and Les Reeves and Spencer also head injuries. All eventually recovered.

Club president for the past 13 years, Frank Trainor, died in October. John Meere was elected in his place.

Les Foote attended the Annual Meeting in December and blasted the committee, saying he would love to return to the club, but was offered nothing, whereas he was getting L25 a week at Berrigan. A former club assistant Secretary, "Mick" Tyrell, replied that the club could get by without Foote, who had got a lot from the club since he joined it when he was 14 years old. This caused shouts of protest. Foote would return to Melbourne in 1954 and play two seasons with StKilda.

The year was a slight improvement on 1951, with the club rising from 9th to 7th. It had unearthed players who would serve it well for some years in Aylett, Brady, Icke and Grambeau. Aylett would become one of the club's greatest players and administrators. But despite making the finals in 1954 and 1958, the club would struggle over the next 2 decades.

Pictures of the season to follow.

 

[kangaroo7]

Round 1 Allen Aylett and Jock Spencer



Round 2 Jock Spencer and Bob Brooker



Round 3 Jock Spencer. Vic Lawrence & and Jock Lineen




Round 4 McCorkell & Lawrence




Round 6 Icke & Kelly




Round 7

 

[Richo Richo Fan]

Hey all,

I recently went to the National Archive Centre and there was a display showing these photos of former Harlem Globetrotter, Willie Anderson, trying out for North in 1970!

I haven't been able to find anything further apart from the digital images on the National Archive website. Pretty cool stuff.

 

[Bertie22]

Hey all,

I recently went to the National Archive Centre and there was a display showing these photos of former Harlem Globetrotter, Willie Anderson, trying out for North in 1970!

I haven't been able to find anything further apart from the digital images on the National Archive website. Pretty cool stuff.
View attachment 1829265View attachment 1829266

Yes, I remember Willie playing the odd game in the Reserves. A bit of hype at the time. Some parallels with Eric Wallace. Interesting to see the old stand and the old, old stand (with the caricatures) that was demolished for the Social Club. Not sure where the blonde fits in overall.

 

[kangaroo7]

Hey all,

I recently went to the National Archive Centre and there was a display showing these photos of former Harlem Globetrotter, Willie Anderson, trying out for North in 1970!

I haven't been able to find anything further apart from the digital images on the National Archive website. Pretty cool stuff.
View attachment 1829265View attachment 1829266

 

[Hojuman]

View attachment 1829348

Brilliant.

 

[kangaroo7]

More 1952 pictures ;

Round 8
Jock Spencer & Bob Brooker


Round 9

Larsen. Johnson-L Reeves-Icke


Round 11

J Reeves. Brooker, dog on the ground.


Round 16

Lawrence & Larsen

Round 17

J Reeves

 

[kangaroo7]

Jack O'Halloran was my brother's Godfather. Not sure that my Mum was overly impressed with the selection criteria that the old man may have employed in this selection.

Made him an offer too good to refuse?

 

[Gumble Frankieton]

Made him an offer too good to refuse?

I think my Mum may have been referring to similar interests in ‘socialising’ which aren’t necessarily the building blocks for a successful relationship.
Jack must of been a pretty good footballer. I didn’t realise that he’d won the Syd Barker. Was a pretty good tennis player as well.

 

[Only Forwards]

 

[Kanga Glory]

A great North man who contributed so much and was a voice for North.
RIP

 

[kool kangas]

 

[giantroo]

 

[muttley45]

Great to see Bob Ansett again, was a great President.

 

[gokangas]

What a superstar Bob was in that era. He established Budget Rent-a-Car and was the son of Reg Ansett, Ansett Airlines. Amazing man. His recall of the elephant isn't quite right. My recall (stand to be corrected) is that it was to promote a circus that was in the area - maybe Ashtons or Bullens. It didn't come from the zoo. It was a pies game at Arden St and the elephant was walking around the outer boundary when the pies came onto the ground. The cheers of the pies folk spooked the elephant and that's why it started to charge. Somehow it just stopped. Could have been a disaster.