Season Summary: 1989

Further structural change came to the VFA in 1989 with:

1. the abolition of the Second Division - the Association once again became a single division competition for the first time since 1960, ending 28 years of partition and promotion/relegation;
2. Geelong West withdrew, which reduced the competition to just fifteen teams, the lowest since 1957;
3. A final five system was adopted;
4. Sunshine also withdrew after eight rounds, by which time it had become totally uncompetitive, but maintained an under 19 team in the thirds competition;
5. The Under 19 competition increased the numbers on the field to 18, reinstating the wings, while the Seniors and Reserves remained at 16-a-side, as it had since 1959; and
6. The Fothergill-Round Medal for the VFA's most promising young player was instigated in this season. 

Since the mid-1970's, Williamstown had recruited only Mal Allen, Bruce 'Pickles' Alexander, Frank Briner and Bruce 'Oysters' Mourney from Port Melbourne, although the latter arrived at Pt Gellibrand via West Adelaide. However, these names were trumped with the arrival of dual Liston Trophy winner & veteran Port player Bill Swan, who had failed to negotiate a new deal with his club for season 1989. Port considered Swan too old at 33 years of age and cleared the 219-game veteran centreman to their fiercest rival. Former Sunshine full-forward Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield, who had kicked 130 goals in 1986, also came to the Seagulls. Litchfield was seen as a possible successor to Fotheringham, with Rickman to be used on the half-forward line. Future captain, best and fairest winner, leading goalkicker and 200-game player, 19yo Saade Ghazi, also joined the Club in 1989 from Footscray under 19's via Kingsville and Albion, along with future triple best and fairest winner, Troy Mitchell, who came over from Spotswood and Peter 'Curly' Kenny, after 11 games and 20 goals with Carlton. Former Footscray big-man Robert Groenewegen also joined the Seagulls after captain-coaching Glenorchy to the 1988 Grand Final, along with Glenorchy teammate Andrew Howlett, who had played two senior games with Footscray in 1987. Another former Footscray player (67 games) to become a Seagull was Chris 'Pommy' Burton, who also played 50 games with Richmond. Roger Cordy, from Footscray under 19's via Werribee (1984-85) and Wodonga (1986-88), also came to Port Gellibrand. Another recruit was Joskun 'Jack' Aziz from Albion, who had also played several seasons with the Footscray under 19's and reserves. Greg 'Nuts' Minett was another who joined from Strathmore and debuted in round 17 at BoxHill. Former under 19's and seconds player, Brett Gould, returned to the Club after a year at Footscray and debuted in round 1, and Marcus O'Connor also made his senior debut during the year, in round 15 against Coburg. Kevin 'Hap' Hughes also returned from a year at North Melbourne but was restricted to working in the coaches box with the match committee whilst recovering from knee surgery. He eventually returned to the field in the reserves in the round 18 annihilation of Dandenong, kicking 5 goals in a 43-possession game, but never made it back into the senior side. 

Terry Wheeler's return to Footscray as reserves coach meant Williamstown had to find a replacement, but didn't have to look far as Barry Round made a natural successor. Others to depart were four-time best and fairest winner, Kim Kershaw (Sunshine YCW), and defender Rob Dimartino, who retired due to injury and business commitments. During the year, 1986 premiership player, Larry Simmons, transferred to Sunshine, Paul 'Scoop' McKay moved to Sandringham and Mark 'Rowdy' Kennedy went to Port Melbourne when they were unable to get a senior opportunity. Peter 'Pounder' Lane retired during the year due to work commitments, after 19 senior games and the same number in the Reserves.  Others who moved on were Murray Cooper (Spotswood), Gerard Robertson and Russell Webster. 

John Grieve became the third Williamstown official to preside over the VFA when he took office in April 1989, following on from James Hall (who was also Mayor of Williamstown) in 1901-02 and J.J. Liston from 1929 until his death in 1944. Liston had already been President of Williamstown from 1923-30. Grieve's elevation came about due to Brook Anderson's resignation after  accepting a job at Footscray, leading to a conflict-of-interest issue for the Association. Grieve was vice-president and had been on the VFA executive committee since 1975. Grant Smith became the Club's first full-time general manager in 1989. Tony 'Spud' Dullard continued on as coach of the reserves team and Bruce Leighton from Spotswood took over from Larry Simmons as coach of the under 19's.

Williamstown started the 1989 season in dazzling form, winning its first nine games by big margins, including an 83-point victory at Oakleigh (Peter Kenny 9 goals on debut), a 127-point win at Sandringham (Ghazi 6 goals, Rickman and Kenny 5 each in Williamstown's 1000th victory as a senior VFA team), a 184-point victory at home over Prahran (Rickman and Groenewegen 8 goals, Kenny 6 - Willi's 36.22 being its highest-ever score against the Two Blues), a 15-goal triumph at Williamstown over Port after trailing in the second quarter (Rickman 12 goals), a 93-point victory at Frankston (Rickman 7 goals), a 118-point win at home against Werribee (Rickman 9 goals, Del-Re 6 in Brett McTaggart's 100th senior match), an 11-goal thrashing of the previous year's premier, Coburg (Rickman 5 goals in Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield's first senior game) and a 132-point mauling of Camberwell (Litchfield 10 goals), in the best start to a season by Williamstown since 1957. The reserves beat Camberwell by 319 points earlier in the day ('Scooter' Rowsell 10 goals, Scott Evans 9) while the thirds were also victorious by 155 points (Damian Ferris 11 goals).

Despite having five more scoring shots, the Seagulls were held to a draw in wet conditions at home against Box Hill in round 11, with the Mustangs kicking the equalising point in the dying seconds of the game. This saw 'Town slip down to second on the ladder. It was the first time since 1954 that the Hillmen had not left the Williamstown ground empty-handed, although they often played in different divisions. The draw ended a sequence of 12 consecutive victories over Box Hill, stretching back to round 6, 1979. The Seagulls bounced back with a record 98-point win at Port Melbourne in round 12 (Cahill 6 goals, Litchfield 5) and subsequent losses to Springvale (by 7 points in Barry Round's 400th senior game of VFL/VFA football), Coburg (by 26 points in Marcus O'Connor's senior debut) and Brunswick (by 21 points, Rickman 6 goals in legendary umpire Frank Vergona's 250th senior VFA game) in successive weeks and dropping from top of the ladder to third place was not of great concern to the Seagulls because of their fine start, although the lop-sided nature of the competition meant a club couldn't afford too many losses to stay in the top bracket.

Victory came again in the 45-point win at Box Hill in round 17 (Rickman 7 goals, Delre 5 and 14 marks in Tony Pastore's 50th senior game and Greg 'Nuts' Minett's senior debut) followed by a 20-goal demolition of Dandenong at Williamstown in round 18 (Rickman 11 goals and 19 marks, Ghazi 7 goals) and then a 199-point obliteration at Camberwell in round 19 (Rickman 15 goals 10 behinds to go with 32 kicks and 23 marks, Del-re 10 goals, Ghazi 6). Rickman's 15th goal brought up his 100th for the season in his best year for the Seagulls, as he became just the fifth Williamstown player to reach a century of goals after Harry Vallence, Ron Todd, Johnny Walker and Mark Fotheringham. Earlier in the day, the reserves were victorious over the Cobra seconds by 307 points, 47.31 to 1.0 ('Scooter' Rowsell 16 goals). The week before the seconds defeated Dandenong by 344 points, 55.27 to 1.7 ('Spud' Dullard 11 goals, Vin Dimartino 9). The home and away rounds were completed with a seven-goal win over Springvale at Williamstown, which allowed the Seagulls to retain the finals double chance and maintained Springvale's winless record at Pt Gellibrand. After an even first half, 'Town kicked 11.1 to the 'Vale's 4.9 for the remainder of the match to avenge the round 14 defeat. Rickman booted 4 to take his tally for the season to 104 while Lindsay Cahill was best-on-ground. 

 

Highlights of the round 20 game against Springvale at Williamstown can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/vfafootythehalcyondays/videos/1700472596662589/

 

Coburg eventually headed the ladder with 17 wins and one loss - to Williamstown by 66 points in round 8 - with 'Town second on percentage to Box Hill by a significant margin of 61.3%. Both won 14 games plus the draw. Springvale and Frankston were the other finalists. The lead-up finals were all played at Port Melbourne once again.  

In a tight qualifying final against Box Hill, the Mustangs took a 3-point lead into the quarter-time break, before a 6-goal second quarter gave the Seagulls a one goal lead at the long interval when Rickman goaled right on the siren. Box Hill kicked away to take a 15-point lead into the last change and, in the end, ran out surprise 2-goal victors, 17.9.111 to 14.15.99, after leading by 27 points at one stage in the last quarter. 'Chops' Rickman was best for 'Town, kicking 8 goals in a losing side, including 7 out of ten in the first half. McTaggart, Howlett, Pastore, Aziz, Matt Johnson and Round were others to play well. This was a setback for the Seagulls, who now had to make their quest for the flag via the first semi-final and win the next three games to take the title.

Williamstown crushed Springvale by 12 goals, 18.11 to 6.11 in the first semi, after the 'Vales led by only two points at quarter time after kicking with a gale-force wind to the Williamstown Road end of the North Port ground. Centre half-forward Jack Aziz with four goals was best-on-ground, while Rickman with five majors, Round in the ruck, Lindsay Cahill (35 possessions), Brett McTaggart, Peter Kenny and Brett Gould in defence, David Whillas at full-back, Swan in the middle and Tony Pastore on the half-forward line led the win.

Coburg soundly beat Box Hill in the second semi-final, but the Mustangs showed better form in the preliminary final to lead 'Town narrowly at each change, by six points, 4 points and 2 points. In a strong finish to a high-scoring encounter, Williamstown, with an 8-goal final quarter prevailed by 15 points, 19.15.129 to 17.12.114. The Mustangs were only 4 points in arrears at the 27-minute mark when Brett Gould was flattened and the resultant free kick to Rickman resulted in a major to ease the pressure. Aziz kicked eight goals, including his last right on the final siren, and Rickman five. Swan with 41 possessions, Aziz, McTaggart, Brett Gould, Andrew Howlett, Lindsay Cahill and Round were others to stand out for the Seagulls. 

The Grand Final was again played at Essendon before a crowd of 23,000 and Coburg was once more Williamstown's opponent, the fourth time the two clubs had met in a Grand Final in their 109th clash, of which 'Town had been victorious 52 times with one draw. Naturally the Seagulls were anxious to reverse the result of the 1988 Grand Final, and they had beaten the Lions by 11 goals at Coburg in round 8. Williamstown's score of 24.14 in that game was the first time it had ever kicked 20 goals in a game against the Lions and beat its previous highest score against Coburg of 19.18 set in 1973. As in 1988, the 'Burgers got away to a good start and led by two goals at quarter time, despite Williamstown kicking with the wind and registering its lowest first quarter score of the season. This was extended to three goals by the long break in a low-scoring encounter. The lead was out to 27 points by the last change, almost double the score of the Seagulls. Williamstown outscored Coburg in the last quarter but still went down by 20 points, 10.13.73 to 7.11.53. They struggled all day to match Coburg and was especially below par in attack, with the dangerous Rickman held to three goals, and Aziz only managed a solitary major. Coburg's half-back line constantly repelled 'Town whenever they looked threatening. Rickman kicked 3.5, including two posters, to give him 125 goals for the season and the honour of leading the VFA goalkicking list. McTaggart (27 possessions), Round (40 hitouts), Smith, Vin Dimartino, Gould, Kenny, Ghazi and Murphy were others to play well in a beaten side.

Williamstown's 1989 Grand Final side was:

Backs:               Greg Minett          David Whillas         Peter Kenny

Half-Backs:       Andrew Howlett    Glenn Murphy          Brett Gould

Centre:                                              Bill Swan

Half-Forwards:  Jack Aziz              Danny Del Re        Grant Smith

Forwards:          Tony Pastore        Ian Rickman          Lindsay Cahill

Followers:          Barry Round        Brett McTaggart

Rover:                 Saade Ghazi

Interchange:       Vin Dimartino      Murray Nilsson

Captain/coach: Barry Round 

Some footage of the 1989 grand final can be seen at the following link 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNdkBk1CHZU

The Reserves, once again captain-coached by Tony Dullard, finished 3 games clear on top of the ladder with a percentage of 297% at the end of the home-and-away series and had lost only two games for the season with the second semi-final against Frankston being one of them, going down by 9 points, 15.10.100 to 13.13.91 (Darrin Rowsell 5 goals, Wayne Morrisey best). They bounced back to defeat Werribee in the preliminary final, 17.22.124 to 14.11.95 (Litchfield and Grant Smith 4 goals each, Morrisey again best player), but were defeated by Frankston, 17.16.118 to 11.14.80, in the Grand Final earlier in the day in the curtain-raiser, despite having nine players who had been in the seniors during the season. Wayne Morrisey was named best player in each of the finals while 'Butch' Litchfield kicked 5 goals in the Grand Final. Other good players in the decider were Troy Mitchell, Nick Dimartino, Leyton Miles, Marcus O'Connor and Matt Johnson.

The Thirds, under coach Bruce Leighton, won just seven games for the season and finished in tenth position, the highlight of which was beating Preston, which played off in the Grand Final. Sheldon Bryan ran third in the Alex Gillon Medal for the competition best & fairest, despite missing six games during the year. 

Whilst Williamstown again failed to gain the ultimate prize for its season's work, it did have the satisfaction of providing the Liston Trophy winner for the third consecutive season, meaning that there were a remarkable four Liston Trophy winners in the Seagull ranks, including Bill Swan who won his at Port Melbourne. This time it was 20yo, first-year rover Saade Ghazi, who had been reported against Preston for striking Rod Dunbar in just his second game, but escaped suspension due to a technicality and was still eligible to win the award. Ghazi, who also kicked 54 goals for the year and was picked to represent the VFA after just 4 games, was beaten in the Andy Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club best and fairest by Round and Bill Swan, who tied for the award, with Danny Del Re runner-up and Andrew Howlett in third place. Howlett was also the winner of the most consistent player award. Ian Rickman won the Bert Hodge Memorial Trophy for leading goalkicker in the seniors, and his 125 majors for the season made him the VFA's leading goalscorer. Brett McTaggart won the best finals player award while Club medical officer since 1983, Dr Manu Gilani, was the recipient of the Bill 'Darkie' Raffle Memorial trophy for best clubman. 

There was also a tie in the Reserves for the Bill Sheahan Memorial Trophy for best and fairest between Wayne Morrisey, for the second year in succession, and Marcus O'Connor, with Troy Mitchell in second place. Darrin Rowsell won the most consistent player award and was also leading goalkicker for the Seconds with a total of 68, which gave him second place on the VFA Seconds' list. Vin Dimartino booted 58 while 'Butch' Litchfield snagged 56. Similarly, the Under 19's featured a tie in the Harold Hosking Memorial Trophy for best and fairest between Wade O'Toole and Mark Tkocz, with Sheldon Bryan runner-up. Damien Ferris was leading goalscorer in the Thirds while Scott Thomson was best clubman in the under 19's. 

During the year, Brett McTaggart played his 100th senior game in the round 7 clash with Werribee at Williamstown, while Barry Round played his 400th game of VFL/VFA football in the 7-point defeat at Springvale in round 14, the Seagulls' first loss of the season. 

Terry Maloney was once again team manager of the Firsts and Seconds, while Ray Maloney managed the Thirds. 

The Gulls supporter coterie group, which was active in the 1970's and early 1980's, was revived in late 1989 by directors Rod Williams, Bob Pearman and Tom Webster. Bob became president of the group, Rod treasurer and Kevin Bury vice-president.   

1924 grand final vice-captain, Aub Holten, passed away on February 4, aged 88. He was recruited from Williamstown Juniors in 1922 and played 49 games and kicked 5 goals up until the end of 1924, when he then became coach of Oakleigh in the Sub-Districts Association. In July, long-time canteen volunteer of 32 years, Jean Roberts, passed away at the age of 77. Life member and Club doctor for 50 years, Dr Louis Joel, passed away on August 3 at the age of 86. He commenced with the Club in 1931. Former player from 1960, Don Rainsford, also passed away on August 31. Lifelong supporter and former North Williamstown player of the 1930's, Aub Green, also passed away in May at the age of 76. He was the uncle of Geoff Van Wyngaarden.  

Brett McTaggart, Lindsay Cahill, Ian Rickman, Danny Del Re and Saade Ghazi all represented the VFA at the Queen's Birthday carnival in Tasmania, competing for the National Football League Shield. McTaggart, captain of the team, was awarded the Frank Johnson Trophy for best VFA player at the carnival, which the Association won by defeating NSW (by 95 points), Queensland (by 55 points) and Australian Amateurs (by 126 points) in the final.  

At the start of September, Seagull players Grant Smith and 'Hap' Hughes took over as licencees of the Vic Inn in Williamstown. Smith's role of general manager at the Club was taken over by Ray Maloney.

At the annual meeting held in December, life memberships were awarded to outgoing premiership coach, Terry Wheeler, four-time best & fairest winner, Kim Kershaw, and long-serving timekeeper, Graeme Crocker. 

Playing coach of 1984-88, Terry Wheeler, returned to Footscray as reserves coach in 1989 & was replaced by Barry Round.

Brett McTaggart was appointed vice-captain for the second consecutive season in 1989.

 John Grieve became VFA President in April 1989.

 

Kevin 'Hap' Hughes returned to Williamstown from North Melbourne with a knee injury & did not resume playing until round 18 in the Seconds.

Recruits to Williamstown in 1989 included, from left, Jack Aziz from Albion, Peter Kenny from Carlton and Saade Ghazi from Kingsville.   

The late Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield, star Sunshine full-forward, moved across to Williamstown for the 1989 season.

'Butch' Litchfield (#2) in action with Sunshine.

Bill Swan joined Williamstown after 219 games with Port Melbourne from 1976-88, winning 4 premierships, 2 best & fairests, 2 Liston Trophies and was club captain from 1986-88.

Former Footscray big-man, Robert Groenewegen, joined the Seagulls after captain-coaching Glenorchy to the 1988 Tasmanian Grand Final.

Andrew Howlett was a teammate of Robert Groenewegen at Glenorchy in 1988 before joining Williamstown. He had played two senior games with Footscray in 1987.

Brett Gould returned to the Club in 1989 and made his senior debut at Oakleigh in the round one 85-point victory.

Marcus O'Connor made his senior debut in the 26-point loss to Coburg in round 15, gaining 26 possessions (16 kicks, 10 handballs) and being named best player for the Seagulls.

Leyton Miles would not make his senior debut until 1990 despite good form in the reserves during 1989.

Rob Dimartino finished up at Williamstown after the 1988 season, but brother Vin took over his number 5 guernsey.

 1989 playing list

 

Vice-captain, Brett McTaggart, 30 possessions (23 kicks, 7 handballs) and 2 goals in the 57-point victory over Preston at Williamstown in round 2.

Richie Raeburn, 23 possessions (14 kicks, 9 handballs) and one goal in the 57-point victory over Preston at Williamstown in round 2.

Nick Dimartino takes a mark in the round 2 clash at Williamstown against Preston, which the Seagulls won by 57 points, 17.13.115 to 8.10.58.

Recruit, Saade Ghazi, in a contest for the ball against Preston at Williamstown in round 2.

Barry Round (centre) and Danny Del-Re (left) in a contest for the ball with Shane Halas of Preston in the round 2 clash at Williamstown.

Vice-captain, Brett McTaggart, is legged by a Preston opponent during the round 2 clash at Williamstown. 

First-year player, Jack Aziz, takes a strong mark in the round 2 match against Preston at Williamstown. 

Williamstown's David Whillas attempts to get away a kick while being tackled by a Preston opponent in the round 2 game at Williamstown. 

Captain-coach, Barry Round, takes a strong mark out in front of Preston's Ezedin Akkari in the round 2 encounter at Williamstown. 

Ian 'Chops' Rickman in action against Werribee in round 7 at Williamstown where the Seagulls won by 20 goals, 30.10.190 to 10.12.72, to record their seventh consecutive victory of the 1989 season. Rickman booted 9 goals, Danny Del-Re 6 and Saade Ghazi 4. 

Rover, Lindsay 'Cods' Cahill, is tackled by two Werribee opponents in the round 7 clash at Williamstown which the Seagulls won by nearly 20 goals. 

Danny Del-Re booted 4 goals in the 66-point victory over Coburg in the clash of the two undefeated sides at Williamstown in round 8.  

A scene from the round 8 clash at Port Melbourne between Williamstown and Coburg, which the Seagulls won by 66 points, 24.14.158 to 13.14.92.

Debutant, Marcus O'Connor, applies a tackle to a Coburg opponent in the round 8 clash at Port Melbourne. 

Former Sunshine star full-forward, Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield, made his senior debut for Williamstown in the round 8 game at Port Melbourne against Coburg, kicking two goals. 

Tom McGowan applies a tackle to a Coburg opponent in the round 8 clash at Port Melbourne.

First-year player, Chris 'Pommy' Burton, fires off a handball in the round 8 encounter with Coburg at Port Melbourne.

Saade Ghazi in action in the round 11 game at Williamstown against Box Hill, which resulted in a draw - the first time the Mustangs have left Pt Gellibrand with any match points since 1954.

Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield (right) clashes with Port Melbourne's Ken Rainsford in the round 12 encounter at North Port Oval. Rainsford is the son of former Williamstown player of 1960, Don Rainsford.

Deputy vice-captain, Lindsay Cahill, booted 6 goals and was best-on-ground in the 98-point victory over Port Melbourne at North Port Oval in round 12. 'Town's score of 27.17.179 was its highest-ever against the old enemy and it was also the biggest winning margin by 'Town against the Borough.  

Hugh 'Butch' Litchfield (left) closes in an opponent while Lindsay Cahill attempts to smother the kick in the round 12 clash at North Port Oval against Port Melbourne.

Barry Round played his 400th senior game of VFL/VFA football at Springvale in round 14 in a 7-point defeat, 15.15.105 to 14.14.98. 

Peter Kenny marks in the round 15 game against Coburg at North Port Oval while Jack Aziz looks on. The Seagulls lost by 26 points, 10.10.70 to 6.8.44. 

Action from the round 18 game at Williamstown against Dandenong, which the Seagulls won by 20 goals, 31.14.200 to 12.8.80.

Ian 'Chops' Rickman brought up his 100th goal of the season towards the end of the round 19 game at Camberwell when he booted his 15th major for the match in a 199-point win over the hapless Cobras, 39.19.253 to 7.12.54.

Photo from the round 20 match at Williamstown against Springvale, which the Seagulls won by 43 points, 17.13.115 to 9.18.72. Del-re and Ghazi were both named in the best players.

 

Box Hill ran out 2-goal victors over Williamstown in the qualifying final, 17.9.111 to 14.15.99.

Action from the qualifying final against Box Hill at Port Melbourne, won by the Mustangs by 12 points, 17.9.111 to 14.15.99. 

Trainers Ian Slater (left) and Stan Crisp during the 1989 finals series at Port Melbourne

Williamstown crushed Springvale by 12 goals, 18.11 to 6.11 in the first semi-final

 

Danny Del-Re makes a desperate attempt to gain possession of the ball during the first semi-final against Springvale at North Port Oval which the Seagulls won by 12 goals, 18.11.119 to 6.11.47 with Ian Rickman booting 5 goals and Jack Aziz four. Aziz was named best player on the day.   

Williamstown's preliminary final line-up for the clash against Box Hill

Williamstown defeated Box Hill by 15 points in the preliminary final at Port Melbourne, 19.15.129 to 17.12.114, to advance to the grand final against Coburg. 

Ian 'Chops' Rickman kicked 5 goals in the 1989 preliminary final, won by the Seagulls by 15 points.

Ian Rickman marks strongly to kick one of his 5 goals in the preliminary final against Box Hill.  

Action from the 1989 preliminary final against Box Hill at North Port Oval, won by Williamstown by 15 points, 19.15.129 to 17.12.114. Jack Aziz kicked 8 goals and Ian Rickman five while Aziz was listed as 'Town's best player. 

 

Peter Kenny is tackled by Box Hill captain-coach, Peter Francis, during the preliminary final while Laurie Zarafa (right) looks on.

 

 

 

VFA leading goalkickers before the Grand Final - Rickman kicked three to give him 125 for the season while Ghazi booted one. Darrin Rowsell finished runner-up in the Reserves goalkicking with 68 & Vin Dimartino was 5th with 58 and Litchfield booted 5 in the Seconds grand final to finish with 56 for the year.

First-year player Peter Kenny leads the Seagulls out onto Windy Hill in the 1989 Grand Final.

Ian 'Chops' Rickman shoots for goal during the 1989 VFA grand final. 

Liston Trophy winner, Saade Ghazi, kicks the ball forward in the 1989 grand final v. Coburg at Essendon

The Mail/Advertiser, Wednesday 27 September, 1989

The Mail/Advertiser, Wednesday 27 September, 1989

The Mail/Advertiser, Wednesday 27 September, 1989

 

Some footage of the 1989 grand final can be seen at the following link 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNdkBk1CHZU

 

 Fanatical Williamstown fan, Pat Thorogood, shows her disappointment at the Grand Final 

Williamstown Reserves lost the second semi against Frankston, going down by 9 points, 15.10.100 to 13.13.91.

Williamstown Reserves defeated Werribee in the preliminary final, 17.22.124 to 14.11.95.

Williamstown Reserves were defeated by Frankston, 17.16.118 to 11.14.80, in the Grand Final earlier in the day in the curtain-raiser.

Dual Williamstown premiership coach (1939 and 1949) and grand final coach of 1948, Gordon Ogden, turned 80yo in February 1989.  

1924 grand final vice-captain, Aub Holten, passed away on February 4, aged 88. He was recruited from Williamstown Juniors in 1922 and played 49 games and kicked 5 goals up until the end of 1924, when he then became coach of Oakleigh in the Sub-Districts Association.

Canteen volunteer of 32 years, Jean Roberts, passed away at the age of 77 in July.

Dr Louis Joel, Club medical officer for 50 seasons from 1931-80, passed away in August