Tag Archives: Centenary

Centenary Speech

Centenary Speech by Jack Potter

President, Lindisfarne Football Club

9th July 2011 Wrest Point Casino Derwent Room

 


 

As the President, the Chairman, or the head of any organisation, there is an expectation that you will do what all the members of that organisation wish you to do. This is very difficult and, as we all know, you can’t keep everyone happy all the time. However, this night isn't about individuals, it is about the thousands of people as a whole who have been players, coaches, administrators, supporters and later, sponsors of this Club from its seeds in 1910 to its inception in 1911 right up to all those involved in the Club today.

I wish to make a specific acknowledgement to all past Presidents and Board Members of the last century who have fought through tough times to make this night possible. It is a testament to our past that I can stand here as your representative tonight celebrating a milestone such as this. And I do so with technology such arriving by motorcar, being able to look around at you all with the benefit of electric lighting and using such wonderful instruments as microphones, data projectors, and computers all while wearing a shirt made with a connected collar and a tie made from polyester.

The club has its history. Many here have spoken about the Club’s history at length in various forums. They have spoken about what it has achieved, about great teams, brilliant coaches, gifted players and all the characters that have made up our Club along the way.

Certain teams, lead by certain coaches have won statewide premierships, regional premierships, reserves premierships and the trophies won or lost annually against old foes like Channel and Triabunna.

But what about the history of what went on during the time Lindisfarne has been around?

Our club is older than:

  •  
  • The flurodisation of water
  • Parking meters
  • The MTT
  • The Royal Hobart Hospital in Argyle St
  • The State Library
  • Motorised taxis
  • The Polio epidemic
  • Mt Wellington’s Pinnacle road
  • Cadbury making chocolate at Claremont
  • Tasmania’s first Radio Station; and
  • The EZ Company

In 1911 itself, South Australia transferred the Northern Territory to federal government and the ACT is proclaimed.

1911 was also the year in which the first non-stop London-Paris flight occurred,

There was the first running of Indianapolis 500,

The current Queen’s Grandfather, King George V was crowned,

The Lost City of the Incas was discovered,

Amundsen reached the South Pole; and one of our major sponsors, Co-Op Toyota, was founded in 1911 making it the longest running automotive dealership in Australia today.

What other milestones has the Lindisfarne Football Club seen since its  establishment?

  • The Last hanging in Australia
  • Introduction of television
  • The First Sydney-to Hobart Yacht Race
  • Development of penicillin
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • The Extinction of the Thylacine
  • Phar Lap
  • The Great Depression
  • The introduction of Vegemite
  • The founding of Qantas and
  • And the Great War of 1914 to 1918

Many players went gone off to the wars which occurred during the last century. They left the field of play and ended up on the fields of France. They swapped their footy boots for rifles and their jumpers for fatigues. They fought at the battles of Jutland and The Coral Sea, a far cry from playing centre-half-back against Smithy from Clarence. While some continued the great game here at home, some paid the ultimate price.

On the Western Front against the Germans, in the jungles of New Guinea against the Japanese, or putting up with Americans in Vietnam, the Blue Boys have done their share.

This club must continue this fighting spirit if it is to survive. 100 years is a long time for a company to be around. But for an urban football club fighting against the lure of the sponsorship dollar, for players, for supporters and for equal representation? Even more so.

Does this great club use its proven tenacity to fight against spurious comments and disparaging remarks? No, it does not. The Lindisfarne Football Club uses its fighting spirit to overcome the hurdles put in front of it; to draw upon the contributions of all past members and puts its honesty and integrity to the fore, supporting its coaches, its players, its supporters and its sponsors. We have been successful in the past and have been through the desert of the early 2000’s and the night of the sackings when people didn’t uphold spirit of the club. We came through that period well and begun to thrive again.

Did our players from the early- to mid- 20th century go off to war for selfaggrandisement? Of course not: they went to war to protect something bigger than themselves: They left to do their bit, as they say, to secure the future of this nation and their way of life so that those left behind could enjoy what they had. Indeed, all of us in this room owe not just our past players who went away to fight but more so those that did not return.

This club is older than internal plumbing, the telephone and the trolley-bus. This club has survived the Great Depression, Rationing and the Spanish Flu. And it is currently trying its best to survive that dreaded of all footy clubs: AFL Tasmania. The club is still here. And people want to be a part of it.

The Club has been a leader in the development of junior and senior footballers within this State and the Club is committed to providing every player skills development to assist them achieve their individual goals, whether it be playing Senior, Representative or Statewide football.

In the club’s endeavours to get as much out of its players, there have been 21 Coaches in the second half of our first century. The most noted of these are

John Kuipers, Phil Burridge, Steve Midson and John Peers of the 1980’s during which period we won six premierships: No list of coaches of Lindisfarne would be complete without mentioning that man on the track dressed in Blue, White and Black, the mighty Bill Kingston of the fifties and sixties. Amongst these notables, are Peter Clements who coached the winning 2005 Reserves Premiership side, Dan Willing, now Assistant Coach at the Hobart Football Club, Chooka Rainbird who, after coaching the U17 Colts in 2009 stepped in at short notice to help out his club by coaching the 2010 Senior side in his final year of football. And lastly, Rod Mayne, Darren Kaye, Gary Williamson, and Kaine Menzie. To those blokes and to all those I haven’t mentioned: we thank you for your time and effort to bring out the best of our boys.

We competed in the Clarence Football Association until 1948, winning the 1924 Premiership along the way.

In 1949 we joined the Tasmanian Amateur Football League (Southern Division) until the League went out of existence at the end of the 1995 season. During this period we won the TAFL Southern Division Premierships in 1957, 82, and 89 as well as the State Amateur premierships in 1957 and ’89. Not forgetting the Reserves side, which went about winning the 1986, ‘88 and ’89 Premierships as well as winning the State Reserves Premiership in the same year, 1989, as their Senior counterparts under the two Bugsys: Burridge for the Seniors and Midson for the Reserves. Finally, under the tutelage of John Peers, the Blues managed to win the 3rd Division Premiership against New Town in 1988.

In 1996 the club joined the newly started Southern Tasmanian Football League now known as the SFL where it still competes today. 

After a solid start to our SFL tenure, we suffered a disastrous period between 1998 and 2004 in which we lost 74-consecutive senior matches. However, we managed to win the 2005 Reserves Premiers title. In 2008, under coach Daniel Willing, the Blues swept all before them, winning all of our 18 roster matches and the Second Semi Final before crashing to the Huonville Lions by 37-points on Grand Final day before 4,397-fans. We also managed to make the 2009 SFL grand final although losing to New Norfolk who had been undefeated all season.

Last year, the Seniors ended up in sixth position. New Norfolk, once again, went on to snare the Premiership title quite easily over Dodges Ferry at King George V Oval in front of a crowd larger than that of the Statewide League Grand Final which was being held on the same day at Bellerive Oval.

Current Club Coach Adrian Goodwin was appointed by 2010 President Trevor Bailey. After a few hiccups in the early pre-season, what followed was history making. We had a huge influx of players: a mixture of young bloods and experienced players from other clubs, including two from interstate. With no tall forward and a running style of play, we have started the season on a good path, having lost only three of our 14 senior games so far. With the retirement of Nick Braslin to the Old Scholars competition, our new Club Captain, Justin Myers has taken control of the senior group, ably assisted by Vice Captain Scott Bester.

Mixed results in the Reserves have yet to fully cement their opportunity of playing finals. However, with the group developing under the guidance of Brad Turner, the twos look to be in with a good chance.

We failed to field an U18 Colts team for the first two rounds this year due to a lack of young players. However, with the Clarence alliance in place, we were able to secure the skills and talents of some sensational players from the overburdened U16 Roos side. As a whole, the young boys from the Red & White have done a superb job in augmenting a strong core of the 17 year-olds we had from last year and, with their distinctive red shorts with our blue-and-blue jumper, they have worked to play a harder style of football, trying to get first to the ball and not backing out of tough contests. It is pleasing to see such determination in 15 and 16- year olds as they battle seasoned 17- and 18 year olds from other SFL clubs.

The Club also has a very good relationship with the Lindisfarne JFC, a few of which also play in our U18 Colts side. We strive to provide a clear pathway from the Under 16 sides in our zone to the U18 Colts as the boys grow in stature and skill. With the Lindisfarne U16s training with our club fortnightly, it gives both Goody and the U16 Coach Mark Hutchinson a good idea of their aptitude and skill levels. There are some players there already showing exceptional ability and could easily fit into our Colts or even Senior side tomorrow.

At the commencement of the 1997 season, the Board of Lindisfarne acknowledged the outstanding achievements of Bill Kingston in having a medal struck in his name to be presented to the Senior Best and Fairest Player for each year.

The inaugural winner was Tim Blanden, followed in 1998 by Tony Alderton, then B Taylor, Darren Kaye, Chris Bone, Nick Blacklow, Todd Willing, B Turner, Mick Cassidy, Nick Braslin, Tim Bracken, Brendan Johnson, Aaron Hilder and for the second time, Nick Braslin.

Also in recognition of the outstanding service given by a past player, this year the Board will be presenting a new award. Toward the end of the 2010 season, Trevor Bailey and Beverley Shadwick approached the terminally ill Ashley Law at his wake. Actually, I better stop there and explain: Ashley, never one to miss a party, thought that if everyone was going to have a few beers for him when he died, he may as well have a couple with all his mates before he went. The Beltana Bowls Club was packed and Ashley enjoyed a number of libations with his friends and family throughout what ended up being quite a long day – to which I can attest personally. Anyway, I digress; Trev and Bev asked if Ashley if he would agree to the Lindisfarne Football Club creating an Honour Board in his name. He humbly accepted and this year the Lindisfarne Football Club will be presenting the inaugural Ashley “Blakey” Law award to the highest goal kicker in the Senior side.

With first 100 years of the club coming to an end, we see so many faces in this room, young and old, enjoying the spirit which binds past players and the current players to the club. We intend to continue to foster community spirit, determination in play and be good football citizens. Past players from all eras, we thank you for having built a great club through your own hard work and commitment. The work continues as the current players show leadership, sportsmanship and good character.

The future looks bright.

Thank you.

Hall of Fame

HALL of FAME

Our Patron, Alderman John Peers said to me last week: “Jack, 100 year celebrations only come around once in a lifetime. We won’t get to see the next one.”

How true it is. And for our future members of this Club, it is important for us to leave a legacy to which others can aspire.

Early this year, during discussions as to what format tonight would take, the Board of Management approved the establishment of a Hall of Fame.

What makes the Lindisfarne Hall of Fame different to our AFL and AFL Tasmania colleagues’ Halls of Fame is that it is not compulsory to induct nominees annually. The AFL Tasmania Hall of Fame, for example, was started in 2005 and now boasts over 200 inductees. While neither we as Club nor I as an individual suggest any of the inductees are not worthy, such large number in such a short time is something we wish to avoid. My Great-Grandfather, Jack Gardiner was an inaugural inductee of the Tasmanian Hall of Fame in 2005. Indeed, Grant Fagan, Club Sponsor is also inducted into the hallowed halls at North Hobart. It was, I’d suggest, for his coaching prowess rather than his flying to York Park by helicopter after the Clarence Grand Final win in 2000 and marking his territory on the centre square.

In Lindisfarne’s case we decided to inaugurate three inductees into our Hall of Fame in this, our Centenary year. While others in our Club’s history may be equally deserving is not questioned but we, as a Board, feel that the men inducted tonight will be comfortable for everyone in the room. .

Each, naturally, is already a Life Member of the Club. What identifies these three as worthy of the Club’s new highest honour is that all three are household names not only in Football Club circles, but outside in the wider community as well. Each has shown commitment and service above and beyond calling to the Club

Our first inductee is no surprise.

He played for Clarence, won the best and fairest for them on numerous occasions. In 1948 he went to Sandy Bay, then back to Clarence as a coach for two years, coaching their U19 side and then he came to us. From 1955 to 1967 he coached our senior side, winning the flag in his third year. He went on to coach the U17 and U19 sides as well. He is Life Member of both the Lindisfarne Football and Cricket Clubs, he has the best player medal in both clubs names after him and the dining room at ANZAC Park is named in his honour. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for playing for 34 years until 1980. His son, Wayne or “Doc” as he affectionately known also played for the Blues, his grandson, Kim Dillon, holds the wicket-taking record for the Cricket Club at over 500 and his great grandson, Nathan Hall is a player in our Reserves team of 2011. He left us a great legacy. What else is there to say? The first name on the Hall of Fame Board is Mr. Bill Kingston

Unfortunately no member of his family is able to be with us tonight but I assure you an appropriate ceremony will be taken in due to course to present them with this framed certificate of appreciation.

Our second inductee was a player of distinction. Dominating, quick on the pins and a great kick. He still runs around in the Lindisfarne Super-rules team. He has worn the two blues jumper with pride for over thirty years.

In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to the Club over and above the call of duty. Specifically, for supporting the club for over thirty years and playing a record 360 games we induct Luke “Spaceman” Spink.

Our final inductee for this evening probably needs even less of an introduction. Playing 275 games over two decades, and acting in all positions on the Board during the next two, he is the epitome of the

true Clubman. No job is too big or small, too early in the morning or too late at night. Nor is any player too guilty to be represented at the Tribunal.

In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to the Club over and above the call of duty. Specifically, in his roles as player, administrator and supporter for over forty years, epitomising his unequalled dedication. The third inductee to the Hall of Fame is none other than the man we all know and love Mr. Frank Shadwick.

Two Blues to Mark Milestone

PRESS RELEASE

EASTERN SHORE SUN APRIL EDITION

——START—–

Two Blues to mark Milestone

 

This year marks the 100th birthday of the Lindisfarne Football Club.

With 100 years of history to celebrate, the Club wants to perform well on the field this year as well as mark the milestone with a dinner in July.

While all three teams had mixed success throughout 2010, the Club acknowledges that injury to many Senior players left our club a little short-handed.  In true Lindisfarne Football Club tradition, however, the young-bloods stepped up and proved that they are the true future of the Club.

With the Colts missing out on the finals, they showed a huge improvement over last year, finishing four spots higher on the ladder. 

The Reserves finished fourth in their competition but lost the Elimination Final against a very strong New Norfolk side.

The Senior team, fielding 10 first-year players, including two Colts, fought hard in a devastating loss to Huonville, ending their finals aspirations.

As a result of aging players leaving the club, Lindisfarne now boasts a new, vibrant and motivated Senior line up.  Combine this with new Club Coach, Adrian Goodwin – who brings a wealth of State League coaching experience – Lindisfarne should prove more successful this year than in 2010

The Club’s off-field structure has also undergone a change, with long time Board members making way for a group of young players and ex-players.

With only the President and Brent “ Ned”  Kelly continuing as Vice President aged over 28 – actually quite a bit over 28 – the new Board of Management comprises a new generation; putting in place a quality future for the next 100 years.

“With younger current players and ex-players being elected to key positions as well as holding all the non-executive positions of the Board, the members, sponsors and supporters of the Nu-Jet Two Blues can feel encouraged by their players’ commitment to the Club,”  the newly-elected President Jack Potter, 42, said.

While is often said that younger is not necessarily wiser, Mr Potter disagrees. “The Board of Management comprises a recently retired senior clerk from the State public service, an investment manager for a fund management company, an IT and security specialist, a chartered accountant, a web- and graphics designer, an electrician, the owner of a successful landscaping business and a lawyer who is studying for his Masters’ Degree.” he said.

With ANZAC Park’s No2 Oval recently being given a serious overhaul, Mr Potter hopes the repeat of the 2009 heavy rain, which resulted in the ground being closed for several weeks, can be avoided.  “With the new drainage the Clarence City Council, with assistance from Sport and Recreation Tasmania, has been able to provide, the prospect of losing home games due to ground closure is reduced.  Obviously, this assists us in continuing our positive cashflow into the 2011 season” he said.

On the current playing list, Mr Potter was also upbeat. “We have signed some good and enthusiastic young players,” he said.  “These young blokes, as well as some newly recruited experienced players, including one from North Cairns and one from Edgewater in Western Australia, augments what is already good depth.  Of course, the loss of one key forward to the Old Scholars’ competition and the retirement of three more key players last season hurt us but the attitude these new blokes bring to the Club is heart-warming and we can take pride in our playing list.”

When asked about whether the Two Blues can still mix it with the top end of the ladder, Mr Potter laughs, “Our players are keen to play footy with their mates and to play for Lindisfarne, not themselves.  Of course,” he added, “if you go into any contest with the right attitude, giving your best to your teammates and your Club, you have every advantage over the opposition.  That’s all we ask.” 

The Two Blues want to forge a solid team into the next two-three years and use this very important year, its Centenary, as a springboard for that future success..

Lindisfarne welcomes Nu-Jet as the new club Naming Sponsor for the next three years.  Ex-player and Nu-Jet proprietor Mick Belcher wishes to thank all existing clients for there custom.  Nujet offers specialist technology in drain cleaning, lining and repair.  Please contact Nu-Jet on 6228 6886.

The club also wishes to thank long-time Club Sponsors The Willows Tavern and Scott Devine Welding ‘n’ Fabrication, Kaye’s Fencing and Tassie Fridge Seals.  New sponsors for this year include All-Seeing Eye Security, Wellington Landscapes, MoneyWise Financial Services and Smick Builders.

Membership and sponsorship packages are available from the Club by calling Paul Jackson on 0409 963 061.

The Club will be holding a Centenary Ball at Wrest Point Casino on the 9th of July with invitations soon to be sent out to past players and sponsors.  Numbers are limited to 180 guests.

As time has gone on, contact details for many players are no longer valid.  Past players wanting more information and to register expression of interest in attending the Ball should pass on their contact details, preferably their email address, to any of the contacts below.

Jack Potter, jackpotter@netspace.net.au

Ian “Roo” Collins 0409 445 655

Scott Devine 0417 975 187

Or the Lindisfarne Football Club website www.lfc.org.au

 

——–END———-

 

Jack Potter

President

Lindisfarne Football Club Inc.

PO Box 17

Lindisfarne   Tasmania   7015

0417 126 008

www.lfc.org.au