THE North Football Club will this weekend celebrate the premiership heroes of their 1975 flag winning team at their annual past player’s function.
The side ended a 10-year premiership drought for the Bulldogs and is regarded as one of the greatest teams North ever fielded.
Having not won a flag over the previous decade, the last grand final win was in 1965, the club was determined for success and started by enticing former player Robert Grima home, appointing him as playing coach.
The key forward had been playing for South Melbourne, (now the Swans) in the VFL and his appointment was seen as a huge coup for North.
“It’s 50 years on and we decided the time was right to acknowledge these people, “North Past Players president Josh Savage said.
“The years fly by, and we should not forget those who have been part of our club’s heritage.”
With Grima leading the way, backed by a solid group of senior players mixed with precocious youth, North were on top all season however they had to overcome West to claim the ultimate prize.
Holding a narrow five-point lead at third quarter time in the decider, the Bulldogs overran the Robins in the final term to win by 18 points.
The stars included Grima who booted nine goals, rover Greg Buss, ruckman Lindsay White, with Rod Kersten, Tony Miller, Brian Eddy and Steve Minnis rounding out the Bulldogs’ best.
The grand final success continued with North claiming a hat-trick of flags, going on to win both the 1976 and 1977 premierships.
“It was a golden run,” Mr Savage said.
“As such, we decided to invite all the players that were part of the five grand final sides.
“Of the 31 players, we have 20 attending. Sadly four have passed away; they are Don Price, Jarvis Pettit, Brian Barker and Adrian Fyfe.”
The North past players, which started in 1953 with a keg and few nibbles, will host over 200 people on Sunday with many travelling from around the country.
The top dog award, first presented in 1959 to Bill Mouldenhauer, will be presented to someone who has given outstanding service to the club, while former Essendon champion Simon Madden will be guest speaker.
“We thought we should have a special guest who was of a similar vintage to the 1975 playing group so Simon was invited and we were rapt he agreed to attend,” Mr Savage said.
The Bombers legend played 378 games, represented Victoria 17 times on three occasions he was the captain, a dual premiership player, and was named in the AFL team of the century and is also a member of the AFL Hall of Fame.
“It is a very impressive resume,” Mr Savage said.
“He is highly regarded as a speaker; we are looking forward to him being in Broken Hill.”
The club will hold a legends function on Saturday night followed by the Sunday reunion.
