Season Summary: 1987

The only recruits of note for season 1987 were Brunswick captain David Whillas and All-Australian under-17's player, Andy Colenso, from Coorparoo in Queensland, along with a number of players elevated from the Thirds premiership side of the previous year including Richie Raeburn, Ian Argus, Vin Dimartino, Craig Steinhardt, Glen Brooks, Frank Dimartino and Gavin Johnstone. Ricky Knight and Danny Del Re, after transferring from Footscray under 19's at the beckoning of cousin Rob Dimartino, were others to debut during the year, and Murray Nilsson returned to the Club from Glenroy and Robbie Semmens returned from Wangaratta. Players missing from the premiership side of 1986 were Tony Pastore (Richmond), Ron James (Footscray) and Grant Smith (Hawthorn), however Smith was back at Williamstown by round 11. Andrew Gibson went back to Spotswood during the season, as did Sandy Morrison (back to Warragul) and Craig Nankervis (Kyneton). Tony 'Spud' Dullard took over as playing coach of the reserves, while Bruce Davis continued on as coach of the thirds and assistant to Terry Wheeler in the seniors.

The season began with two defeats at the hands of Coburg, by 14 points following the unfurling of the three 1986 premiership flags and the sight of Phil Cleary blowing kisses to the crowd in the grandstand as the victorious Lions left the ground, and by 48 points at Brunswick, where the Seagulls kicked just two goals after quarter-time on a wet day. Six consecutive victories followed, including big wins at Box Hill by 49 points (Cahill and Fotheringham 5 goals each in Richie Raeburn's senior debut match and Larry Simmons' 50th senior game) in round 3, twelve goals over Sandringham in round 4 (Fotheringham 6 goals, Vin Dimartino 5, Brett McTaggart 47 possessions in veteran Laurie Taylor's 100th senior match) and Geelong West by 101 points in round 5 (Fotheringham 10 goals) which saw the Seagulls in the top four for the first time in the season. Three of the Dimartino clan (Rob, Vin and Nick) played in the seniors at Geelong West, while a fourth (Frank) played in the reserves, which won by 330 points, 53.20.338 to 1.2.8 (Steve Knight 11 goals, Ian Rickman 10 and Paul McKay 9 in his first game), while the thirds won by 439 points, 67.37.439 to NIL.

Another 49-point victory at Frankston in round 6 (Colenso 6 goals, Fotheringham 5) and then a two-goal win over Preston at Pt Gellibrand in round 7 (Fotheringham and Rickman 6 goals each, Slevison 5) took the Seagulls to the top of the ladder, although four Seagull players were reported (Wheeler, Brierty, Hughes and Whillas). A comfortable 4-goal victory over Springvale at Pt Gellibrand (Steve Knight 6 goals and Fotheringham 4 to bring up his 900th VFA major) in round 8 consolidated top spot before a disastrous trip to Port Melbourne resulted in a massive 100-point loss to the second-placed Borough before a crowd of almost 10,000 spectators followed by a six-goal defeat at Coburg in rounds 9 and 10 which saw the Seagulls plummet to fourth spot on the ladder.

Order was restored with a 9-goal win over the second-placed Brunswick at Williamstown in round 11 (Fotheringham 6 goals, Simmons 5 in Glenn Murphy's 68th consecutive game for the Seagulls) and a narrow 7-point victory against Box Hill in round 12 (Fotheringham 10 goals) before a surprising 6-goal defeat at Sandringham against the third-last Zebras in Mark Fotheringham's 100th senior game for the Seagulls. A big win at home over the lowly Geelong West Roosters by 96 points in round 14 (Fotheringham 6 goals, Simmons 5) in Danny Del-Re's senior debut and at Preston by 20 goals in round 15 (Rickman and Vin Dimartino 8 goals each) secured a finals berth, despite losses in the last two home-and-away games, to Springvale by 3 points and Port by 50 in a dismal display. The season was hampered by injuries during the year to key players such as Kim Kershaw (broken arm in round 2), Mark Brierty, Lindsay Cahill, Wayne Muschialli (ankle), Mark Fotheringham (knee) and Glenn Murphy (face), and illness to recruit Andy Colenso (glandular fever). At one stage late in the year, eight senior players, five of whom played in the '86 premiership side, were sidelined.

Highlights of the round 17 clash at Springvale can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

Round 17 1987 Springvale v Williamstown HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube

The Seagulls won 11 of their 18 home and away games including losses in the last two home-and-away rounds to leave them third on the ladder, one win behind second-placed Springvale and needing to win three finals to take the flag. This resulted in 'Town meeting Frankston in the first semi-final at St Kilda, having defeated the Dolphins twice during the season, by 49 points in round 7 at Frankston and by one goal in round 16 at Williamstown. After trailing by 7 goals at quarter time (only registering two behinds for the term), five goals at half time and four goals at the last change, Williamstown suddenly found form to add 10 goals to one in the last quarter to win comfortably, 19.15 to 14.14, despite trailing all day until the 13-minute mark of the final term. Before a crowd of 7,000 spectators, the irrepressible Rickman, after playing as a ruck-rover in the second quarter to regain some touch, kicked five goals for the term, giving him six for the day. The late Steven Knight kicked five, the last of which gave 'Town the lead, while the best players were Wayne Muschialli, Rickman, David Whillas, Larry Simmons, Barry Round, Terry Wheeler and Knight. A spiteful game was highlighted by a massive brawl in the second quarter involving trainers, runners and all the players on the field, except Knight. Lindsay Cahill was reported for abusive language (later cleared) and a Dolphin for striking coach Wheeler, who said after the game that it was the best win in the four seasons he had been at Williamstown, including the 1986 grand final. The only negative from the encounter was a broken leg suffered by Peter Lane during the second quarter.

Port Melbourne, which had won both home and away games against the Seagulls that season by big margins, were only 7 points in front at half time but again proved too good in the preliminary at St Kilda in the 167th meeting of the two teams and 16th finals clash, winning 16.20 to 14.12 to end the Seagulls year. It was the first time the teams had met in a final since the 1964 Grand Final, and the free kick count of 29 to Port and 15 to the Seagulls caused some consternation after the siren, although Kershaw, Smith and Wheeler were all sent off during the game and subsequently suspended by the tribunal. Better players were Slevison, Hughes, Rickman, Wheeler, Cahill and Nilsson.

The 1987 season also marked the end of 30yo Mark Fotheringham's brilliant career in the VFA. After making his name at Yarraville, Fotheringham kicked 571 goals in 101 games with Williamstown to give him an aggregate of 928 goals in 174 VFA matches. His final season yielded 66 goals, which earned him equal second place on the VFA list, although he suffered an injury to his left knee in the last quarter of the round 14 game against Geelong West and never played for the Seagulls again. He brought up his 900th career goal in the round 8 game against Springvale at Williamstown with his fourth and last major for the day. A deadly kick for goal, especially within 50 metres, Fotheringham left 'Town to coach Keilor in the Essendon District League.

Barry Round became only the second player to win both the League and Association best and fairest awards after he won the Liston Trophy in 1987, six years after his Brownlow Medal win. Round emulated the feat of former Williamstown rover Des Fothergill, who won the Recorder Cup in 1941 (renamed the Liston Cup in 1945 and later that same decade the Liston Trophy), a year after his Brownlow success. It was the Club's first Liston Trophy for 30 years after centreman Johnny Martin took it out in 1956. Brett McTaggart finished in fifth position, just six votes behind the winner. Whilst Round's effort thrilled all connected with the Club, officials believed the 1987 team was the best fielded by Williamstown in the 1980's and were disappointed it could finish no higher than third place.

The Reserves, under new captain-coach Tony 'Spud' Dullard, were on top of the ladder by round 14 but finished third with 12 wins and 6 defeats before losing the first semi-final in a shock defeat to Brunswick by just 8 points, 16.13.109 to 14.17.101, with Glen Brooks kicking four goals and Steve Weir best player on the day. The Thirds finished second with 15 wins and three losses and then knocked off ladder leaders, Springvale, by 11 goals in the second semi-final, 22.16.148 to 11.17.83 (Michael Jacobs and Greg Dunstan 4 goals each, Danny Del-Re best player) and then went back-to-back premiers with victory over Preston on their home ground in the grand final, again under Bruce Davis, 12.19.91 to 7.15.57, after leading all game. Best players were full-back, Mark Anderson, Ross Hodges, ruck-rover, Marcus O'Connor, Craig Kelly, Scott Daykin, Scott Whitzell, Ross Jackson, Damon Quigley and defender, Danny Del-Re. Whitzell kicked 4 goals to take his season tally to 107 and Jackson 3 to take his haul to 67 while Elio Mazzeo booted 50 for the season. In a rugged encounter, with several fiery moments and heavy clashes, only Williamstown's Colin Botheras was reported for striking. Davis went on to coach Footscray under 19's the following year, and was replaced by 1986 senior premiership player Larry Simmons.

Barry Round won the first of three consecutive Andy Taylor Memorial Trophies for senior club best and fairest, from Brett McTaggart and Ricky Slevison. The retiring champion spearhead, Mark Fotheringham, took out his sixth consecutive Bert Hodge Memorial Trophy for senior club leading goalkicker with a tally of 66 and equal second place on the VFA list. Brett McTaggart won the most consistent player trophy, while Murray Nilsson was awarded the best player in finals.

Legendary head trainer Kelly Brent was named the Bill 'Darkie' Raffle clubman of the year.

The Reserves best and fairest award, the Bill Sheahan Memorial Trophy, was won by Stephen Weir, with Greg Lagstrom runner-up and Philip Brook in third place. First-year player, Paul McKay, was leading goalscorer for the Seconds with 54 majors and second place on the list for the VFA reserves. Richie Raeburn won the most consistent player award while Mark Kennedy was awarded the best finals player trophy.

The Under 19's best and fairest was awarded to Brett Gould, from Marcus O'Connor and Scott Daykin. For the second year running, Scott Whitzell was the leading goalkicker for the Thirds and again reached a century of goals booting 107 and was also the VFA Thirds leading scorer and finished equal third in the voting for the Alex Gillon Medal, the competition best & fairest award in the Thirds. Teammate, Ross Jackson, booted 67 majors and finished in fourth place on the VFA Thirds list. Glen Evans, the under 19's runner, was awarded the best clubman for the Thirds while Marcus O'Connor won the best finals player trophy.

Terry Maloney was once again team manager for the Seniors and Reserves, while Noel Davis, brother of the under 19's and senior assistant coach, Bruce Davis, managed the Thirds.

Terry Wheeler (coach), Barry Round (captain and vice-captain), Kevin Sait, Brett McTaggart, Lindsay Cahill, Alun Owen and Robert Dimartino all represented the VFA in NFL Shield games against the ACT, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania during the season.

At the annual meeting held in December, life memberships were awarded to senior team manager (1980-82), assistant secretary (1982-83) and secretary (1984-88), Bob Pearman, committeeman (1979-80), senior vice-president (1981), vice-president (1982) and director (1983-87), Barry Wright, and long-time volunteers and fundraisers, Val and Kevin Tweedly. Barry Wright and the Tweedlys were also heavily involved with the bingo sessions at St Mary's school hall on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons that brought to the Club $500 per week on average.

Life members, Ethel Worlley and Edie Nicholson retired from the ladies committee after many years of service at the end of the season. Mrs Nicholson was treasurer of the committee from at least 1954 until 1971, while Mrs Worlley first became involved with the committee in 1946.

Former Williamstown wingman, Allan Geddes, passed away on December 12 at the age of 84. Geddes was originally recruited from North Melbourne Juniors and played 51 games and kicked 7 goals for the Villagers from 1922-24, including the 1924 grand final defeat. He transferred to Richmond in 1925 and played 182 games with the Tigers, kicking 14 goals up until the end of 1935. He played in Richmond's 1932 and 1934 premiership sides and was captain of the Tigers in 1927-28 and 1930.

Captain-coach of 1936/37 and winner of the VFA Medal in both those years and recipient of the Recorder Cup in 1937, Neville Huggins, passed away on December 29, aged 81. He also won the Club best and fairest in 1936/37 and captained a VFA representative team against the VFL at St Kilda in May 1937. Huggins played 36 games and kicked 6 goals with Williamstown before transferring to Prahran during 1938. He was still captain-coach of South Corowa in 1947 at the age of 41.

Successful premiership captain-coach of 1986, Terry Wheeler, remained at the helm in 1987.

Former WFC coach, president and director, Merv Hobbs, became licensee of the Crown Hotel in Williamstown in February, 1987.

Andy Colenso joined Williamstown from Coorparoo, Queensland, in 1987.

David Whillas, star recruit of 1987, lured across from Brunswick where he was captain.

Barry Round punches the ball clear in the season opener against Coburg at Williamstown which resulted in a 14-point win to the Lions, 16.17.113 to 13.21.99.

Kevin 'Shark' Sait kicks goalwards while the Lions' Gary Sheldon is in pursuit in the round 1 clash with Coburg at Williamstown which the visitors won by 14 points, 16.17.113 to 13.21.99.

Kevin 'Shark' Sait in action against Coburg in round 1.

Rover Lindsay Cahill, 5 goals amongst 27 possessions (23 kicks, 4 handballs, 7 marks) v. Box Hill in round 3.

Brett McTaggart racked up 47 possessions (28 kicks, 19 handballs) & 7 marks against Sandringham in round 4.

Three of the Dimartino clan (Rob, Vin and Nick) played in the seniors at Geelong West in round 5, while a fourth (Frank) played in the Seconds.

Mark Fotheringham brought up his 900th VFA goal in round 8 against Springvale during a season which would prove to be his last at Willi after injuring his knee against Geelong West in round 14 and never playing for the Seagulls again. He left to captain-coach Keilor in the Essendon District League in 1988.

Glen Murphy in action v. Preston (above), round 6 at home, and with his father Lindsay (below), who played in the senior 1958 and 1959 premiership sides and the 1956 reserves premiers and champions team. Lindsay also played in the Senior runner-up teams of 1961 and 1964 and was named at centre half-forward in the WFC 1960's Team of the Decade.

Mark Fotheringham booted 5 goals at Frankston in round 7 in a 49-point victory over the undefeated ladder-leader. Newcomer, Andy Colenso, kicked six majors.

Wayne 'Roo' Muschialli, best afield in the round 8 victory at Williamstown over Springvale by 26 points, 20.15.135 to 16.13.109.

Williamstown met Springvale in the curtain-raiser to the NFL Shield final at the Junction Oval between the VFA and Tasmania on June 6. The Seagulls were victorious, 19.17.131 to 11.15.81, with Ello Mazzeo kicking 5 goals. The VFA won the Shield later in the day with a 29-point victory, 19.18.132 to 16.7.103.

Barry Round was vice-captain of the VFA team that defeated Tasmania at the Junction Oval in June to take out the NFL Shield. Round was named in the best players and the 37-year old fronted up the following day to take on Preston at Williamstown in round 7.

Mark Fotheringham marks the ball during the 100-point drubbing at North Port Oval in round 9 during the top-of-the-table clash with the Borough.

Murray Nilsson in action against Coburg in the round 10 match at Coburg, which resulted in a 35-point defeat, 17.15.117 to 10.22.82, which saw the Seagulls slump to fourth place on the ladder.

A scene from the round 10 game at Coburg which the Lions won by 35 points - Williamstown players shown are Brett McTaggart (#9) and Alun Owen (#24).

Glenn Murphy played his 68th consecutive game for the Seagulls in the round 11 match against the second-placed Brunswick at Williamstown which 'Town won by 55 points, 21.19.145 to 13.12.90. Mark Fotheringham kicked 6 goals and Larry Simmons 5, while best players were 'Hap' Hughes, Barry Round and Simmons. Grant Smith booted two goals in his return match after leaving Hawthorn before clearances closed.

A scene from the round 10 game at Coburg - Mark Fotheringham and the Lions' Robbie Evans in a marking contest while Ken Ingram (left) and 'Town's Murray Nilsson await the outcome.

Team lists for the round 13 match at Sandringham, which the Zebras won by 6 goals, 17.13.115 to 11.13.79.

19yo Danny Del-Re made his senior debut for Williamstown in the 96-point victory over Geelong West in round 14.

Rick Slevison, best-on-ground in the 121-point annihilation of Preston in round 15 with 41 possessions (28 kicks, 13 handballs).

A scene from the round 16 game at Williamstown against Frankston which the Seagulls won by a goal, 10.15.75 to 9.15.69. The victory saw 'Town replace the Dolphins in second position on the ladder. Scores were level at the 26-minute mark of the last quarter when Barry Round pulled down a mark and goaled from the square to seal the win.

Scores were level at the 26-minute mark of the last quarter in the round 16 game at Williamstown against Frankston when Barry Round pulled down this mark and goaled from the square to seal the six-point win. The victory saw 'Town replace the Dolphins in second position on the ladder.

1986 premiership rover, Kevin Sait, finished up with Williamstown at the conclusion of the 1987 final series after playing 94 games and kicking 137 goals. Sait also played in the 1985 grand final and finished runner-up in the Liston Trophy in 1984 and in third place in 1983. He also finished in third place in the Club best and fairest in 1982 and was named as first rover in the WFC 1980's Team of the Decade. Sait also won the Field Medal as the best and fairest player in the VFA Second Division in 1980 when playing with Yarraville before going on to play 13 games with Footscray in 1981. After being de-listed, he moved to Williamstown in 1982.

1987 JJ Liston Medal results.

Des Fothergill (left) and Barry Round, the only dual Brownlow and Liston Medallists at the time, meet in 1987. The Fothergill-Round Medal was instigated in 1989 to honour their achievement and the award became the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal in 2018 after Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell was retrospectively awarded the Brownlow Medal after Jobe Watson was stripped of his Brownlow following the Essendon drug investigation. Mitchell had won the Liston Medal with Box Hill in 2002.

Williamstown's Peter Lane applies a tackle to a Port Melbourne opponent while captain-coach Terry Wheeler looks on during the round 18 clash at Pt Gellibrand which Port won by 50 points, 17.16.118 to 10.8.68.

Three year-old future Williamstown player, Kane McKenzie, nephew of Seagull champion, Brett McTaggart, pictured here at St Kilda's Junction Oval during the 1987 VFA first semi-final between Williamstown and Frankston. Kane would go on to play 60 senior games and kick 3 goals for Williamstown from 2004-08, after graduating from the Western Jets via Spotswood.

Seagull full-forward, Ian 'Chops' Rickman, booted 5 goals in the last quarter and six for the match in the first semi-final against Frankston at the Junction Oval, which resulted in a 31-point victory for Williamstown, 19.15.129 to 14.14.98. 'Town trailed all day before unleashing a 10.4 to 1.1 final term.

Lindsay Cahill was reported for abusive language during an all-in brawl that occurred during the second quarter of the first semi-final against Frankston.

The late Jock Rae (right) joins in the excitement of the 31-point win over Frankston in the first semi-final at the Junction Oval, after the Seagulls came from 26 points down at three-quarter time to record a 10-goal final term, with Ian Rickman booting half of the majors in the quarter.

Peter Lane, who broke his leg in two places during the second quarter of the first semi-final v. Frankston in his last senior game for Willi, has his plaster cast signed by Club president, Tony Hannebery.

Murray Nilsson outmarks Port Melbourne's Lindsay Sneddon while Mark Brierty looks on.

1987 reserves captain-coach Tony 'Spud' Dullard, son of former coach and player (1950-53), Adrian Dullard.

1987 Reserves First semi-final, which resulted in an 8-point defeat for Williamstown and their exit from the finals.

Williamstown Thirds met ladder leaders, Springvale, at Preston in the second semi-final and won by 11 goals, 22.16.148 to 11.17.83 (Michael Jacobs and Greg Dunstan 4 goals each, Danny Del-Re best player). The side contained future senior players Brett Gould (1989-1998 143 games, 31 goals), Del-Re (1987-1999 114 games, 246 goals), Marcus O'Connor (1989-1994 69 games, 60 goals), Ross Hodges (1988 two games, no goals) and Leyton Miles (1990-1992 20 games, 15 goals).

Williamstown Thirds went back-to-back premiers with victory over Preston on their home ground in the grand final, again under Bruce Davis, 12.19.91 to 7.15.57. Best players were Mark Anderson, Ross Hodges, Marcus O'Connor, Craig Kelly, Scott Daykin, Scott Whitzell, Ross Jackson and Danny Del Re. Whitzell kicked 4 goals to take his season tally to 107 and Jackson 3 to take his haul to 64. Davis went on to coach Footscray under 19's the following year, and was replaced by 1986 senior premiership player Larry Simmons.

Williamstown Thirds 1987 premiers, featuring future senior players Marcus O'Connor, Danny Del Re, Leyton Miles and Brett Gould.

The leading goalkickers of 1987 - Mark Fotheringham finished his final season at Williamstown with a total of 66 majors despite missing the last four home-and-away games and the two finals due to a knee injury. First-year player, Paul 'Scoop' McKay, booted 54 goals in the Seconds and would make his senior debut the following season before transferring to Sandringham in 1989. In the Thirds grand final, Scott Whitzell kicked 4 goals to take his season tally to 107 and Ross Jackson 3 to take his haul to 67 while Elio Mazzeo booted 50 for the season.

There were four Dimartinos on the playing list at Williamstown in 1987 as well as their cousin, Danny Del-Re.

Barry Round, pictured in 1987 with 5yo Abbie Davis, daughter of assistant & Thirds coach Bruce, and 4yo Sheridan Wheeler, daughter of senior coach Terry.

Barry Round confronted by Port's Brendan Mutimer and Harold Heatherton in the 1987 preliminary final.

Murray Nillson returned to Williamstown from Glenroy in 1987.

1987 Under 16 Spalding Cup team, featuring future senior players Matthew Bury (1994-95, 11 games 0 goals, runner-up Thirds B&F 1990) & Joey Patterson (1991-93, 7 games 7 goals), and future President of the Club, Kim Walsh (1994-95).

1987 Under 12 Brandella Cup team

Back row: Jay Hammer, M. May, M. Munro, C. Watt, Troy Johnson, L. Zelic, Luke Boehme (vice-captain), B. Maloney, E. Fonito

Middle row: R. Thursfield (trainer), G. Cooke, Troy Carrick (captain), Matthew Swinton, J. McKenzie, Gary Elia, K. Hunt, B. Kennedy, Craig James (runner), John Hogg (trainer)

Front row: Glenn Collins, Tony Modola, Matthew Montebello, A. Mladenich, S. Karakiozakis (coach), Ray Bons (assistant coach), S. Rigby, M. Rosser, Chris Karakiozakis, A. Marsh

Troy Carrick (1994-2001, 87 games 21 goals, Thirds B&F 1993), Chris Karakiozakis (1995-96, 10 games 1 goal) and Matthew Montebello (2000, 1 game 0 goals, Seconds B&F 2000) all went on to play senior football with Williamstown. Craig James was the brother of senior premiership player, Ron James, while John 'Hoggy' Hogg was the legendary senior trainer of the 1980's and early 1990's.

Neville Huggins, pictured here on a 1934 MacRobertsons trading card, was captain-coach of Williamstown in 1936/37 and vice-captain for part of 1938 before transferring to Prahran after sustaining a knee injury. He won the Club best and fairest in 1936/37 as well as the VFA Medal in 1936 and tied for it in 1937 while also taking out the 1937 Recorder Cup. He also captained a VFA representative side against the VFL at St Kilda in May 1937. He played a total of 36 games for Williamstown. Huggins passed away on December 29, aged 81.