Well, we knew it would be an interesting meeting at the Bridge, with Gerard in the chair (suffering from an attack of gout) and our guest speaker; mine host Tony “Bluey” Southcombe.

With a long standing connection between them, members were sure to hear some tall tales, interspersed with some facts and knowledge of lots of skeletons in the closet. We were not disappointed! More about that later.

 

 

Gerard introduced Tony, with Gerard reminiscing about being at school at Marist College, amongst some of the best footballers seen in country football. The only time Gerard got a kick during the kick to kick sessions at recess, was in the back of the head!

Tony started off by saying how happy he and his team are, in having us at the Bridge each week. This was greeted by a unanimous voice of agreement from the floor. (Note the new IT and sound system has been installed in the room, which will be a relief to those of us who have lugged down and up the stairs with all of the necessary equipment for each meeting-Thanks Tony)

As one of 65 in a class, Tony was a regular back of the room student and after spending most of his school holidays working for Frank A Hill, left school at 14yrs 10months old for full time employment in the Stock and station business. As the pig markets (4-500 pigs per week) were in Bath Lane every Friday, Tony had a multitude of jobs, including regularly having to catch the pig that escaped. Apparently this was a set up by some of those in charge and they took great delight in watching a young and fit Tony chasing the pig up and down Bath Lane and Hargreaves St.  After the capture he always found himself rather smelly, hence he had to walk home instead of taking public transport. To add insult to the wounds thy used to “put the hose on him” to get rid of the smell.

After 20 years in the stock and station business and a drought impacting on work, Tony left and started up his first on many business ventures. These included three ladies hair salons and butcher shop (he still questions his logic and sanity about these ones) a fresh salad business, which was the one that “got away” and then got into the pub game after being unsuccessful in a bid to join CUB.

Over the years Tony has seen the pub industry change, from mainly beer, a few mixers and 4 bottles of spirits, six o’clock closing and 0.05 to one that has over 18 beers on tap, multiple types of mixers and spirit’s, more and better food and having to have on “security” on Friday and Saturday nights. Tony is certainly hands on, in undertaking cleaning and maintenance as well as “the shopping”. He self describes himself as a bit of a bargain hunter.

On the sporting field, Tony commenced his footy career in the Marist under 14’s and after being in a losing Grand Final; he was encouraged by his dad to take up basketball. This he did and he played up until he was 58yo, including in a team with his two boys. He played for Geelong against 7 footers who were some of the best in Australia.

After a conversation with his brother in law Ron Best, Tony started football training with Golden Square 2nds. In 1969 he played 4 games and was payed $16.00 and did his ankle. In 1970, played 6 games for $24.00 and broke his collar bone. After 210 games, without missing one, Tony finally rang Carlton to see if he could get a run (he rejected their first offer in 1972).  After several practice matches a contract was signed for $2,000 in the first year at $700 per week. After 13 games Tony then joined Geelong with a two year $80,000 contract. He travelled to Geelong Thursday and came back to Bendigo on Sunday. The gloss wore off this fairly quickly.

His final association was with Northern United, where he had considerable success. Tony attributes his journey through life to some of the greatest football coaches and Club Presidents who were not only leaders but mentors for young blokes, often struggling to find their way in life.

After numerous questions, Gerard had to finally close the meeting, well after the usual “last drinks call”.

Thanks Tony for a great yarn, we could have gone on for a lot longer.