Football
FOOTBALL CLUB ’ S BIG YEAR
TOP RIGHT : OLD SCOTCH FOOTBALL CLUB ’ S FULL SENIOR SQUAD . BOTTOM RIGHT : THE CLUB ’ S UNDER 23 SQUAD . ABOVE : AUTHORS OF THE FOOTBALL CLUB ’ S CENTENARY HISTORY – BRUCE BROWN (’ 60 - STANDING , LEFT ); JOHN BELL (’ 60 - SITTING , LEFT ), AND GEOFF MCCRACKEN (’ 65 – SITTING , RIGHT ). ALSO IN THE PHOTO : JEFF KENNETT (’ 65 ) AND TIM SHEARER (’ 85 )
Back in Premier A section and celebrating the club ’ s centenary in style
It ’ s a huge year for the Old Scotch Football Club both off and on the field , in total contrast to 2020 , which was definitely one to forget . Last year , the club ’ s 99th , COVID-19 prevented any of our teams taking the field – but that only increased the anticipation and enthusiasm for 2021 , the club ’ s centenary year . A massive program of commemorative events is unfolding .
It all began with a most successful Centenary Golf Day at Kew Golf Club on 22 February . Twenty-two corporate groups of four golfers each competed for the inaugural OSFC Corporate Golf Day Cup , with Henry Peters (’ 05 ), Hamish Dick (’ 03 ), David Jackson (’ 98 ) and Tom Carroll saluting . This was followed by an absolute red-letter day for the club – the Centenary Season Launch Breakfast at River ’ s Edge on Friday 26 March , which included the launch of Fighting for the Cardinal , Gold and Blue , our magnificent centenary history .
The book is the culmination of fantastic work by its authors , John Bell (’ 60 ), Geoff ‘ Crackers ’ McCracken (’ 65 ) and Bruce Brown (’ 60 ), all of whom have put their hearts and souls into what is a comprehensive chronicle of virtually everything that has occurred at the club during its first 100 years . If you want to check who played centre half-back in the club ’ s first A section premiership , or who warmed the bench in the 1978 A section premiership team , this is where you ’ ll find that information , and much , more .
Tristan Foenander (’ 04 ) superbly MCd the Centenary Season Launch Breakfast , and Jeff Kennett (’ 65 ) entertained guests in his inimitable style , with his strident views on football and life . The history book was well and truly launched with the club ’ s centenary video , generously produced by Henry Peters (’ 05 ). It was an ideal way to set the centenary wheels fully in motion .
Still to come is the Centenary Dinner in the MCC Members ’ Dining Room on a date to be announced in August , which will be
a gala event , and one that everyone connected in any way with the football club is encouraged to attend .
On the field , we completed an ideal pre-season at Scotch College , and we are most grateful to Scotch for the opportunity to train in such excellent conditions .
One intra-club and three practice matches preceded a memorable first round of games at McQueen Park on Saturday 10 April .
The day ’ s events included the official opening of two pavilions , a pre-match lunch for 50 people , the unfurling of three premiership flags ( won in 2019 by the men ’ s Under 19 Premier , men ’ s Premier B Reserve and Women ’ s Division one teams ); and four round one home games – men ’ s Under 19 Premier , men ’ s Premier Reserve , Men ’ s Premier and women ’ s Division one – all of which resulted in victories for the home sides .
The other three teams played away . Our 3rd XVIII came from behind to defeat University Blacks by 27 points , while the men ’ s Under 23 and Under 19 Division two teams narrowly lost .
We are delighted to be back in VAFA A Premier section , and we ’ re ready to give an excellent account of ourselves in such an important year for our club . We acknowledge the generous support of our OSFC Centenary Partners – the Old Scotch Collegians ’ Association , McQueen Financial Group , K2 Asset Management and United Petroleum .
We encourage all our supporters – and everyone in the Scotch Family – to participate in our centenary celebrations , and also to support our teams at McQueen Park ( Camberwell Sports Ground ) and wherever else they play .
If you have any queries , please contact our General Manager , Peter Simpson ( 0418 382 025 ) or me ( 0418 107 541 ).
TIM SHEARER (' 85 ) – PRESIDENT , OLD SCOTCH FOOTBALL CLUB
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