AT: Are they still catching tuna over at Port Fairy?
TA: Funny you should ask. Last Sunday evening, a few people were enjoying a quiet beer in the Star Of The West Hotel while watching the Collingwood-Western Bulldogs game and the next minute there was a big commotion outside the pub.
AT: It wasn'tt the Port Fairy footballers coming home a day late after another dismal showing against South Warrnambool on Saturday?
TA: It had nothing to do with the Port Fairy footballers, who have a rough chance of winning against Cobden today. There was an expensive boat which came adrift of an expensive four-wheel-drive. The boat was lying on the road near the roundabout outside The Hub. I think the Melbourne fishermen involved must have heard and were worried about a repeat of the 1946 floods. Apparently it was the first time that the fishermen had used the boat and the four-wheel drive. They had not hooked the safety chains on or tied down the straps on the boat once they pulled it out of the water. It was a very embarrassing exercise for the fishermen.
AT: They were lucky that a few of the locals including publican Damien "Joey" Gleeson were there to help get the boat back onto the trailer.
TA: Hold on a minute. Trevor Fry and Dean Willey and a few other helpful blokes were on the scene straight away giving a hand but Damien could not prise himself out of his seat as he is a one-eyed Collingwood fan. The game had got a bit interesting and as the Bulldogs stormed home, a boat in the street wasn't going to move Damien from the TV. Talking point of the week - what did you reckon about Koroit gun Simon O'Keefe's penalty at the tribunal?
AT: I would have thought four weeks for breaking a kid's face was a bit gentle. I know a district league burly ruckman who got three weeks recently was more than a little miffed with the light penalty. The kid is out for at least eight weeks while the victim in the other case played the next week. Surely the tribunal needs to take a bit more notice of the injuries inflicted. Having said that I applaud the tribunal for the tough stance taken in junior footy this season.
TA: Well that's the end of that and talking about ends I understand that a certain full-forward has hung up the boots.
AT: Well known publican Matty Stewart has been doing a heap of boxing with trainer Rodney Ryan. The Big Fella has also been a regular at Russells Creek's footy training this season but it was still a surprise to see him run out last weekend against Kolora-Noorat.
TA: I knew Creek's injury list was extensive but I didn't realise the club had to dig that deep.
AT: Stewie looked a treat in the warm-up but it was pretty much all downhill after that. He slowly fell for a mark (he said dived) and tore both hamstrings. That would have to be the end, it's time to hang up the boots Stewie and next time he goes to the footy leave the boots at home and pack a stubbie holder.
TA: It was fitting to see Warrnambool businessman George Taylor celebrate his 80th birthday in style at the Warrnambool racecourse's Matilda Room last Saturday night.
AT: George was on the committee at the racing club for years and a staunch supporter of the Warrnambool Harness Club.
TA: The racecourse gave George one of his sporting highlights when he was part-owner of Galleywood when the jumper won the 1986 Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase. George put the syndicate together which raced the former champion steeplechaser. One of the highlights of the 80th was the phantom call done by colourful local identity Ray Walsh. George has raced many horses over the years including the top sprinter D'Asti Cati - Walshy did a race call of all the horses that George has owned and it was extremely well received.
AT: What's the latest on the Hampden league's proposed draws for 2011 and 2012.
TA: Appears the league has to do a re-think on its proposed draft dates. One would think with a bit of fine tuning and common sense everything could be sorted out which would please all parties.
AT: I heard that a few clubs were mystified by some of the changes which had been proposed, but there's no reason why the draws can't be out and the district league would be then able to put out a draw for next year.
TA: I caught up with former star Warrnambool footballer Ron Fountain the other day. He's in town for the big Warrnambool Football Netball Club reunion for its 1960 premiership which is on tonight. Apparently there are only 11 members of the 1960 flag win still alive. Ron was recruited from St Kilda. He played in five premiership sides with the Blues and was the runner in the 1966 side. I'm sure tonight's reunion will be a big event.
AT: Fanatical Blues supporter Doug McConnell is on an extensive sick list after a stroke last weekend. Allansford and district league administrator Ian Amoore, district league administrator Mick Dawson and Allan Fary are all on the sick list and we wish them all the best. Until next week, hooroo.
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