Season Summary: 1985
The off-season proved a very fruitful recruiting period, as Williamstown were able to add the following players to its list for the upcoming season: Ian 'Chops' Rickman (Footscray), Rob Semmens (Footscray), Rob Dimartino, Lindsay 'Cods' Cahill and Kevin 'Hap' Hughes (all from Spotswood's 1984 premiership side), Steven Weir (North Old Boys VAFA) and Wayne Muschialli (Altona City). Grant Smith also came to the Club but returned to Spotswood after six games. 1983 Gardiner Medal winner (VFL Reserves best and fairest), John Taylor, also joined the Club in May after stints with both Footscray and St Kilda.
Rickman (1985-1993 146 games, 516 goals), Cahill (1985-1990 86 games, 133 goals), Smith (1985-1992 76 games, 79 goals) and Muschialli (1985-1991 56 games, 76 goals) would all go on to become long-serving premiership players at 'Town, with Rickman, Smith and Muschialli playing in both the 1986 and 1990 premiership sides. Cahill would play in the 1986 flag team. Former South Melbourne player (36 games, 15 goals 1970-73), Bruce Davis, also joined the Club as assistant coach from Port Melbourne, where he had successfully coached the Under 18's to a grand final in 1984. He would also coach both the Reserves and Thirds teams at Williamstown. Bruce had also played VFA football with Yarraville and Port Melbourne. Departing the Club were Greg Towns (to Daylesford), Colin Dell (to West Footscray), Leigh McConnon, Jon Hummel (to Frankston), Steven Eather (overseas), John Sinnott (to West Footscray) and Mark Cannon (to Spotswood).
With centre half-forward Tony Dullard out for the year with a severe knee injury sustained in round 5 against Camberwell and star goalkicker Mark Fotheringham rushed to hospital suffering viral meningitis before the Coburg game in round 3, Williamstown began 1985 with three losses, including 7-goal defeats at home against Port Melbourne and Coburg and a 2-goal loss at Springvale. Prior to the Coburg game, Mark Fotheringham, Greg Swann and Robert Dimartino all withdrew from the side due to a viral infection that swept through the Club. Terry Wheeler was also ill but took the field.
Eight consecutive victories followed, including a 12-goal win at Werribee in the first victory at Chirnside Park since 1980 (Rickman 13 goals, Cahill 4 goals on debut with his first four kicks all in the first quarter), a 106-point victory at home over Camberwell (Fotheringham 10 after returning from the viral infection) and a mauling at Box Hill by 176 points (Fotheringham 12, Rickman 10). Williamstown's score of 42.18.270 was the Club's highest-ever score in the seniors at the time, trumping the 36.24.240 booted against Sunshine in 1981. Kevin 'Hap' Hughes racked up 46 possessions in the massive victory at Box Hill. This was followed by a 13-goal victory against third-placed Geelong West at Pt Gellibrand (Rickman 6 goals, Fotheringham 5). This was Williamnstown's first victory over the Roosters since 1973 and the first time since Terry Wheeler took over as coach that they had beaten a team higher on the ladder. Hughes was best-on-ground once again. In round 9 at Preston, a 9-point victory was the Seagulls' first at the ground since 1973 and ended the Bullants' unbeaten run since 1984 of 23 consecutive victories.
An 8-point win over second-placed Sandringham at Williamstown in round 10 saw the Seagulls just out of the four by percentage only but an uneven competition meant at least 12 wins would be needed to claim fourth spot. When 'Town lost to lowly Camberwell by five points in round 16 it faced a hard task to reach the finals ahead of Port Melbourne, now a game clear. In the Camberwell game, the Seagulls were without Kim Kershaw and Ian Rickman but Mark Fotheringham booted six goals to bring up his 400th for 'Town.
Both Port and Williamstown had a chance to boost their percentages in round 17 when they met lowly opponents. Port took advantage by beating Prahran by 76 points to strengthen its grip on fourth position, while the Seagulls had a 22-point win over Werribee. This meant that not only did Williamstown have to win well away against sixth-placed Geelong West in the last round, but rely on home side Coburg (second) inflicting a solid defeat on Port to reduce its percentage. At that stage Port had a percentage of 140.8 to Williamstown's 133.1. Williamstown did its best, kicking 14.16 to Geelong West's 8.10, including seven goals with the wind in the last quarter, but Coburg played an even bigger part by trouncing Port 21.15 to 5.9. This pushed Port's percentage down to 131.4, while Williamstown's rose slightly to 134.5. Port was out and the Seagulls were in the finals for the first time in Division One since 1972. The downside was that Kevin 'Hap' Hughes, who had been in sensational form all season after returning from Spotswood, injured his shoulder in the second quarter and was ruled out of the first semi-final.
Accurate kicking for goal set up a 36-point lead at quarter time in Williamstown's first semi-final clash with Preston, which had won the previous two premierships. The Bullants reduced this lead to 3 points at half-time and the game was up for grabs during the final term before the Seagulls rallied to win by 11 points, 16.8.104 to 13.15.93, with Fotheringham kicking five goals. Jamie Shaw booted 6 for Preston. This brought the Seagulls and Coburg, which had won 13 consecutive matches to claim the double chance, together in the preliminary final. After the Lions got out to a 27-point lead at quarter time, Williamstown fought back to lead by three points at half-time before Coburg reversed the advantage to head the Seagulls by three points at three-quarter time. Two 60-metre goals from half-forward Ian Rickman in the last quarter made the difference between Williamstown bowing out and contesting the Grand Final, as 'Town eventually hung on to win by three points, 18.13.121 to 17.16.118. A first-year player recruited from Footscray, who had played for Preston Seconds beforehand, Rickman became one of the most dynamic players to ever represent Williamstown. He could be inspirational, particularly when the going was hard, and was unfazed kicking for goal beyond 50 metres. Fotheringham also booted 4 goals to bring up another century.
Video of the 1985 preliminary final can be seen by copying and pasting the following link into your internet browser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INV01ucMuhM
Sandringham, which had headed the ladder at the completion of the home-and-away rounds and then won a high-scoring second semi-final against Coburg by 80 points, 32.16.208 to 19.14.128, started clear favourites for the Grand Final at the Junction Oval. Played in perfect conditions, it was the first meeting of these two bayside Clubs in a Grand Final. Although the underdog, Williamstown, in its only First Division play-off since 1970 and in pursuit of its first Division One flag since 1959, was by no means out of contention and began the game with a sensational team selection. After much thought, at the suggestion of Seconds coach and match committee member, Bruce Davis, Wheeler selected Thirds' rover Ron James for his debut at the age of 14 years and 10 months.
For more stories on the selection of Ron James from some of the Club identities of the era please click on the following link to one of Bruce Davis' productions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6OsxtjYDQs
Positioned in a forward pocket, the ball came quickly into the Seagull forward line from the opening bounce where James took possession and looked like goaling with his first kick, but the shot slewed away for a behind. 'Town trailed by only a behind at quarter-time and at half-time scores were level at 8.6. In Williamstown's favour was the good play of Fotheringham and Rickman in attack, which was in stark contrast with the Zebras' forwards Ian Morrison, Ross Brewer and Con Gorozidis who were all well held by their Seagull opponents. For the Zebras, big man Mark Eaves gave a best-on-ground performance at centre half-forward and finished with five match-winning goals. The game was still evenly balanced with Sandy leading by nine points at three-quarter time, 11.13.79 to 10.10.70. After 'Chops' Rickman missed a deliberate shot for goal early in the last quarter, the Zebras goaled twice in a row to open up a handy 21-point lead with just seven minutes played - the biggest gap between the two sides all day. It appeared that Sandringham had the game all but won until fifteen minutes into the term when Rickman goaled from close range to cut the difference to two goals and a long shot from Kevin Sait was rushed through for a behind. Eaves steadied the Zebras with a goal, but Fotheringham kicked truly with a snap to leave the Seagulls within 2 kicks and about ten minutes to play.
The match was shaping as a cliffhanger as play swung between the back lines until Rickman goaled with one of his prodigious kicks, which seemed to lift 'Town and it stormed forward with renewed zest. As it ticked over into time-on, only a goal separated the two sides. Stan Davidson had his kick smothered when within scoring distance but Williamstown then launched another attack and bigman Kim Kershaw, who was within scoring distance, appeared to mark the ball. The umpire was not convinced Kershaw had it under control and called 'play on'. The Zebras cleared the ball and held on to win a thrilling encounter, 14.16.100 to 13.16.94. Captain-coach, Terry Wheeler, full-back Greg Swann, rovers Kevin Sait and Lindsay Cahill, ruck-rover Kevin Hughes, Mark Fotheringham (five goals) and Rickman (three) were the best of the Williamstown players.
Williamstown's 1985 Grand Final side was:
Backs Alun Owen Greg Swann Robert DiMartino
Half Backs Terry Wheeler Glenn Murphy Steve Weir
Centre Stan Davidson
Half Forwards Ian Rickman Mark Brierty Wayne Muschialli
Forwards Larry Simmons Mark Fotheringham Ron James
Followers Kim Kershaw Kevin Hughes
Rover Kevin Sait
Interchange Lindsay Cahill Craig Nankervis
Captain/Coach: Terry Wheeler
Video of the 1985 grand final can be seen by clicking on the following links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVcf-jG2Tz8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5mtJHxNm8
https://www.facebook.com/vfafootythehalcyondays/videos/1647721045271078
The game was played at the Junction Oval before a crowd of 22,300.
Kim Kershaw was awarded his third consecutive Andy Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club best and fairest, from Greg Swann and first-year player Lindsay Cahill. Swann was also voted best player in the finals, Stan Davidson most determined, Rob Semmens most tenacious, Lindsay Cahill most improved and Kevin Hughes most consistent.
Mark Fotheringham again won the Bert Hodge Memorial Trophy for Club leading goalkicker. Fotheringham finished the season with 106 goals, earning him equal second place on the VFA list behind Sandringham's Ian Morrison on 108, while Rickman, in his first year with the Club, booted 71 to finish fifth. Lindsay Cahill, one of the many quality Spotswood recruits that year, finished seventh in the Liston Trophy. John Clifton was awarded the Bill 'Darkie' Raffle Memorial Trophy for best clubman.
The Reserves best and fairest was won by first-year player, Wayne Hodges, from fellow recruit Wayne Muschialli and Peter Shorthouse. Anthony Slattery was considered the most consistent player. Frankston recruit, Roger Horton, who was swapped for Jon Hummel, was runner-up in the Todd Medal for the VFA Reserves best and fairest, while Gary Brook kicked 73 to end up third on the VFA Reserves goalkicking list. The Thirds best and fairest was taken out by Richie Raeburn, from Ron James and Tommy McGowan, all future senior players. James was controversially selected in the grand final side, as detailed above, while vice-captain McGowan kicked 143 goals for the season to finish runner-up in the competition award to Daryl Taylor of Werribee (151). 20 of Tommy's goals came in one game against Geelong West at Williamstown in round 2 in a victory by 402 points, 61.42 to 1.0. Vin Dimartino also booted 10 majors in this game. Dimartino kicked 97 goals for the year in the Thirds. Charlie Zarafa was awarded the best in finals trophy while Bill Zarafa won the best clubman award for the under 18's.
The Reserves side, coached by Bruce Davis, finished in sixth position with nine wins from their 18 matches, whilst the Thirds (Under 18's), also coached by Bruce Davis, finished in third spot on the ladder with 15 wins from their 18 games before being defeated in the first semi-final at Preston by Prahran.
Terry Maloney was once again team manger of both the Firsts and Seconds, while Dave Hughes, father of Kevin 'Hap' Hughes, looked after the Thirds. During the season, 35 players took the field for the Seniors and 50 for the Seconds.
One of the other highlights of season 1985 was the launch of the unique, insightful and informative "Dogtown Dialogue" in April, produced by the eccentric Stuart Brown. The publication was to run for the next decade, only ending with Stuart's sad passing in June 1995. Ruckman from 1953-61, Jack Evans, passed away a few days before the preliminary final. Evans played 171 games, kicking 92 goals and played in the 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1959 premiership teams and the 1961 grand final side. He was only 53 years old. Eric 'Tarzan' Glass, who played in the 1939 and 1945 premiership sides, also passed on in July at the age of 75. He played 82 senior games kicking 53 goals in the royal blue and gold from 1939-45.
Another former player, Jim Shanahan, passed away on September 8, 1985, aged 84 at West Sunshine. He joined Williamstown in 1930 from Fitzroy after playing 27 games and kicking 3 goals with the 'Roys in 1928-29. He had played previously with Carlton in 1927 (2 games 1 goal) and Collingwood 1924-26 (42 games 0 goals), including the 1925 and 1926 losing grand finals. He had been appointed captain-coach of Camberwell in 1929 but resigned after 5 games and went back to Fitzroy. Shanahan was appointed captain-coach of Williamstown in 1931 but had to resign before the season started due to his employer, the Police Commissioner, prohibiting paid outside employment. He played a total of 28 games and kicked 5 goals with 'Town in 1930-31 before transferring to Portland with the police force in 1932 and became honorary captain-coach of the local team in 1932-33.
Yet another former player in Bill Spokes passed away on October 31, 1985, aged 71. Spokes came to Williamstown in June 1939 after earlier playing with North Fitzroy, Collingwood Seconds (1 game 1 goal 1932), Preston (1933), Brunswick (1934-35), captain-coach Fitzroy District (1936-37) and Preston (1938). He played 27 games and kicked 15 goals for 'Town up until the end of 1940, including the famous 1939 premiership victory. He returned to Preston in 1941 and later played 5 games and kicked 3 goals for Fitzroy in 1943-44, and was full-back in the Fitzroy Seconds premiership team in 1944. He was also a boxer of some note.
The Williamstown Backers Group, another fund-raising arm of the Club, was formed in November by supporters Geoff Dougall, Kevin Bury, Gary Evans and Dal York.
Players departing at the conclusion of 1985 included future President of 1995-1998 Greg Swann (1982-1985 62 games, 3 goals) who went overseas for work, Paul Sinnott (1982-1985 39 games, 5 goals) and Stan Davidson (1984-1985 34 games, 18 goals) who retired.
Former coach and president, Merv Hobbs, stepped down from the board at the end of the season.
At the annual meeting held in December, life memberships were awarded to Laurie Taylor (played 1977-89, 127 games 83 goals, best & fairest 1978), Lorraine Quinn and Jean Roberts (both ten years on ladies committee).
Williamstown brains trust 1985, from left President Tony Hannebery, Rod Williams, Paul Stebbing (treasurer), Bob Pearman (secretary), Barry Height, Barry Wright and John Grieve.
Ian 'Chops' Rickman was recruited to the Club in 1985 after 11 senior games and 10 goals, including 6 in one match against North Melbourne at Arden Street in round 3 of 1984, for Footscray from 1982-84.
Rob Semmens, originally from Tasmania, came to Williamstown in 1985 after 5 games for Richmond and 7 for Footscray, interspersed with a year at Norwood in the SANFL.
Robert Dimartino joined Williamstown after playing in Spotswood's 1984 premiership team
Kevin 'Hap' Hughes was a teammate of Rob Dimartino in Spotswood's 1984 premiership team
Terry Wheeler entered his second year as captain-coach in 1985
Bruce Davis joined Williamstown in 1985 as assistant coach and also coach of the reserves and thirds teams. Bruce played 36 games with South Melbourne from 1970-73 and then went to Port Melbourne, where he played 16 games in 1974. He had coached Port Melbourne Thirds to the grand final in 1984.
Wayne 'Roo' Muschialli came to Williamstown from Altona City in 1985
Lindsay 'Cods' Cahill, four goals on debut at Werribee in a 73-point victory in round 4
Kevin 'Hap' Hughes returned to the Seagulls from Spotswood in 1985.
The cover of the inaugural edition of Dogtown Dialogue, first published in April 1985
Stuart Brown, founder and editor of the Dogtown Dialogue, which ran from 1985 to 1995, pictured here at the Steam Packet Hotel.
President, Tony Hannebery, entered his third season in the role in 1985
Twins Craig (left) and Ron James, aged 14yo, started out together in the Thirds in 1985 after transferring from West Newport juniors. Ron would be sensationally selected to make his debut in the senior grand final team later in the year.
1985 playing list
Legendary trainer, Kelly Brent, with first-year player, Lindsay Cahill, recruited from Spotswood via South Melbourne Thirds.
High-profile media personality, Mark Day, was Williamstown's No. 1 ticket holder in season 1985
Williamstown coaches gather in June for a Sportsmens Night, from left Max Papley, Wally Carter, Terry Wheeler, Gerry Callahan & Barry Gill.
Glenn Murphy was Williamstown's best player in the 7-goal defeat by Port Melbourne in round 1 at Williamstown. The Seagulls trailed by just 8 points at three-quarter time before Port booted 8 goals to 2 in the final term.
Mark Fotheringham booted 10 goals against Camberwell at Williamstown in round 5 after returning from a bout of viral meningitis.
Stan Davidson was best-on-ground in Williamstown's 80-point victory over Springvale in round 13.
Kevin Hughes sustained an injured shoulder in the final home-and-away game of 1985 at Geelong West, that saw Williamstown propelled into the finals at the expense of Port Melbourne. Hughes missed the following week's first semi-final against Preston at St Kilda.
After losing the first three games of 1985, the team bounced back to win the next eight, including these three huge wins in rounds 4-6.
Scoreboard at Box Hill, round 6 1985, Williamstown's highest-ever score ....... until 1986
The team's good form continued into round 7 with another big win, this time by 13 goals
Premiership defender of the 1950's, Jack 'Narra' Curran, pictured here in 1985. Jack joined the Seagulls from Newport in 1953 and went on to play 74 games, mainly on a half-back flank, until the end of 1956, after which he was cleared to Dimboola as playing coach. Jack played in the 1954, 1955 and 1956 premiership teams and was awarded the Most Improved Player award in 1954. Jack passed away in July 2019 at the age of 86.
Ian 'Hucky' Johnson, pictured here in 1985. Beginning his career in 1967, 'Hucky' played 72 games for Williamstown primarily as a tough and uncompromising backman under coach Max Papley. Johnson played in three consecutive grand finals for the Seagulls in 1968, '69 (premiership) and '70, before finishing his career in 1973. He was admitted to the WFC Hall of Fame in July 2019, but sadly passed away shortly after.
The selected team for the round 13 game at Williamstown against Springvale, won by the Seagulls by 80 points, 18.24.132 to 7.10.52. Mark Fotheringham booted 7 goals for the winners.
1985 Thirds Elimination Final, featuring future senior players Tommy McGowan (1988-1997 83 games, 51 goals), Richie Raeburn (1987-1989 22 games, 19 goals), Ronnie James (1985-1986 10 games, 10 goals), Vin DiMartino (1987-1990 37 games, 69 goals), Gavin Johnstone (1988 two games, no goals) and Glen Brooks (1988-1990 8 games, 8 goals)
Williamstown's 1985 preliminary final line-up
Full-back and future president of the Club, Greg Swann, was Williamstown's best in the preliminary final against Coburg at St Kilda. The Seagulls advanced to the grand final with a narrow three-point victory, 18.13.121 to 17.16.118.
Star full-forward, Mark Fotheringham, booted 4 goals to bring up his century in the preliminary final against Coburg at St Kilda.
1985 Grand Final record cover
Part of the crowd at the 1985 VFA grand final
Williamstown's Kim Kershaw punches the ball clear of Sandringham's Con Gorozidis in the 1985 grand final.
Back row: Wayne Muschialli, Alun Owen, Philip Brook, Tony Price, Roger Horton, Peter Shorthouse, Rollo Goetz, Paul Ross, Chris Sandells
Second back row: Rob Dimartino, Craig Nankervis, John Taylor, Kim Kershaw, Tony Dullard, Mark Brierty, Greg Swann
Third back row: Laurie Taylor, Kevin Sait, Bill Mitchell, Larry Simmons, Paul John, Robert Semmens, Paul Lowden, John Barnett
Seated: Stan Davidson, Glen Murphy (deputy vice-captain), Bruce Davis (assistant coach), Terry Wheeler (captain/coach), Mark Fotheringham (vice-captain), Ian Rickman, Wayne Hodges
Front row: Lindsay Cahill, Rick Slevison, Steven Weir, Anthony Slattery
VFA goalkicking list before the Grand Final - Fotheringham booted 5 in the final to finish with 106 while Rickman got 3 to finish on 71 in his first season. Gary Brook kicked 73 to end up third on the Reserves list.
22yo Wayne Hodges won the best and fairest award in the Reserves in 1985 in his second season with Williamstown
Full back in the 1985 Grand Final team, Greg Swann, moved overseas for work at the end of the season.
Bruce Davis, coach of the Thirds in 1985 - on the left is ruckman, Scott Daykin, and next to him is senior player, Bill Mitchell.
Williamstown Football Club - 1985 Third XVI - Under 18 First Semi-Finalists
BACK ROW: Russell Gardiner, Craig James, Bill Rashid, Ross Jackson, Ray Arandez, Craig Dawson, Charlie Zarafa, Amer Rohayem
MIDDLE ROW: Vin Dimartino, Gary Cockerill, Gavin Johnstone, Scott Daykin, Leslie Cavanagh, Glenn Evans, Craig Steinhardt
FRONT ROW: Glen Brooks, Ron James, Tom McGowan (Vice Captain), Bruce Davis (Coach), Robert Purves (Captain), Greg Stevens, Richie Raeburn
Thirds (Under 18's) leading goalkickers for the 1985 season - vice captain Tommy McGowan was runner-up
Richie Raeburn won the under 18's best and fairest award in 1985
The Club's financial turn-around from the dark days of 1982 was partly helped by the weekly bingo sessions at St Mary's school hall, which was run by Graeme Curtis, Barry Wright, John Grieve, Keith McKay, Joe Saidie and a number of other volunteers
The Williamstown Backers Group, another fund-raising arm of the Club, was formed in November by supporters Geoff Dougall, Kevin Bury, Gary Evans and Dal York
1985 Under 14 Sherrin Cup team
Back Row: Steven Harrison, B.Johnston, Derek Horsburgh, Brad Hooke, Glen Reid, Chris Curtis, A.McColl
Third Row: Duncan Russell, Craig McDonald, Adrian Ilich, Darryl Lester, J.Hobson, W.English, Paul Reid, Damian Grigg
Second Row: Tommy Russell (team manager), Scott Mayman, Sheldon Bryan, A.Holdsworth, A. Black, M.Bohner, Joe Patterson, James Johnson, R.Reid (runner)
Front Row: John Hogg (trainer), Brian Bourchier, Geoff East (team manager), Dale Height, Nathan East, Damian Martin (coach), Chris Moses, Wayne Palmer (community development officer)
Two members of this team went to play senior football for Williamstown in later years - Joe Patterson and Dale Height.
Team manager, Tommy Russell, played 200 senior games for Williamstown while the coach, Damian Martin, is the son of multiple WFC premiership player & Liston Medallist, Johnny Martin.
Former player, Jim Shanahan, passed away on September 8, 1985, aged 84 at West Sunshine. He joined Williamstown in 1930 from Fitzroy after playing 27 games and kicking 3 goals with the 'Roys in 1928-29. He had played previously with Carlton in 1927 (2 games 1 goal) and Collingwood 1924-26 (42 games 0 goals), including the 1925 and 1926 losing grand finals. He had been appointed captain-coach of Camberwell in 1929 but resigned after 5 games and went back to Fitzroy. Shanahan was appointed captain-coach of Williamstown in 1931 but had to resign before the season started due to his employer, the Police Commissioner, prohibiting paid outside employment. He played a total of 28 games and kicked 5 goals with 'Town in 1930-31 before transferring to Portland with the police force in 1932 and became honorary captain-coach of the local team in 1932-33.
Another former player in Bill Spokes passed away on October 31, 1985, aged 71. Spokes came to Williamstown in June 1939 after earlier playing with North Fitzroy, Collingwood Seconds (1 game 1 goal 1932), Preston (1933), Brunswick (1934-35), captain-coach Fitzroy District (1936-37) and Preston (1938). He played 27 games and kicked 15 goals for 'Town up until the end of 1940, including the famous 1939 premiership victory. He returned to Preston in 1941 and later played 5 games and kicked 3 goals for Fitzroy in 1943-44, and was full-back in the Fitzroy Seconds premiership team in 1944. He was also a boxer of some note.
Eric 'Tarzan' Glass, ruck-rover in Williamstown's 1939 premiership win and vice-captain of the 1945 pennant-winning team, passed away on July 29, 1985, at the age of 75. Glass came to Williamstown in 1939 after 78 games and 135 goals with Melbourne from 1933-38, and was the Demons leading goalkicker in 1936 with a total of 56 majors. Originally from Goomalling in the wheatbelt area of WA, 45 kms from Northam where he was born in 1910, Glass commenced playing for East Fremantle in 1927 and played 55 games and kicked 115 goals up until the end of 1932, including the 1930 & 1931 WAFL premierships. He went on to amass 82 games and 53 goals for 'Town up until the end of 1945 (excluding the war recess years of 1942-44), and was vice-captain of the team in his final season. Glass was awarded the most consistent player trophy in 1940 & 1941 and was coach of Williamstown Seconds in 1946. He was selected as ruck-rover in the Club's Team of the Century and is a member of the Club's Hall of Fame. Glass enlisted in the RAAF during World War II.
Rollo Goetz played 76 senior games and kicked 54 goals for Williamstown from 1977-85 before crossing to Spotswood in 1986. He was runner-up in the Williamstown Thirds goalkicking in 1976 with 53 goals and finished fourth in the VFA Thirds best and fairest that same year. He married the daughter of Ernest 'Junior' Jackson, president of the Club in 1981 and for part of 1982, a senior vice-president in 1980, a commiteeman in 1976-77, and a VFA delegate from 1977-85.
