By Kath Gannaway
Healesville Football Netball Club had plenty to celebrate over the long weekend with a history that goes back, as president Greg Hay was happy to note, even further than the Collingwood Football Club.
Former players, officials and supporters came from around Australia to be part of the club’s Gala 130th Celebration Reunion that started with a veteran’s match on Friday night.
Coached by former player Bill Gordon, the match against Marysville saw players from interstate take to the Don Road oval along with the current vets to relive the adrenalin of match day.
Saturday’s reunion brought was all about catching up and reliving the glory days with players from the club’s premiership teams replaying every crucial mark, goal and umpiring decision as the current Bloods trounced Belgrave before their eyes.
The celebration continue (along with the stories) at Sunday’s Gala dinner at the Yarra Glen Racecourse where special guests included Bulldogs Legend Doug Hawkins, former Healesville champion, Carlton payer and Brownlow Medallist 1964 Gordon Collis and Fox sports presenter Greg Thomson.
Healesville FNC president Greg Hay spoke of the changes to league football over the decades and of the challenges facing local clubs in a new era of league football.
“Football has always| been about comradeship and mateship and that’s what we continue to try to achieve,” he said.
“If there’s a footy club here in 100 years’ time being here today, and celebrating the club’s history, will all have been worthwhile.”
See more photos at mailcommunity.com.au
