Profiles
- Tony Mazurkiewicz was a nuggetty half back flanker and a very skilful player. Sadly, he died at a very young age in 1965. Both he and Peter Nawodycz were best of mates right up till his death.
- John Brown was one of the taller players in the side and played at fullback and occasionally switched to centre halfback. He later went on playing Juniors and Reserves for Wodonga Football Club.
- Timothy Pini and David Steel shared the ruck and both players also played centre half back/centre half forward. In later years, David Steel played for Eaglehawk Football Club in the Bendigo League and Ringwood Football Club in Melbourne.
- Bryan Watson played in a key position at centre half forward. Brian Oxley could play anywhere and the versatile utility was often used to stem the opposition’s attacks.
- Greg Hooper was full forward and went on to play and coach for various teams throughout the North East during his illustrious career.
- Nick Wowk was a pacy forward flanker/wingman/on-baller. The left footer proved a handful for the opposition and in later years he played for Wodonga Football Club.
- Ken Brewer was a solid defender playing in the back pocket.
- Kevin Odgers played on a half forward flank but was also used as a utility.
- Gary Sassella played on the wing and with Phil Dempster on the other wing these two ran riot.
- Peter Nawodycz was rover and gave the opposition plenty of headaches with his running and was always dangerous around the goals.
- Alan Justique was a solid halfback flanker and always had a go.
- Trevor Jones played in various positions but mainly in the forward pocket.
- Alex Petz played on a halfback flank proving a reliable defender.
- Mick Wood was a forward pocket always in the action.
- Gary Quirk usually lined up in the back pocket and the dour defender gave it his all.
- Greg Darmody was a forward flanker/utility and used to fill roles when required.
- Patrick Lewis shared the roving roles with Peter Nawodycz. The fleet-footed rover was as quick as lightning and once he had the ball no one could get near him.
It’s been over 40 years since this photo was taken and through this photo these kids will always remain kids. I’ve met some of these kids today and some of them haven’t aged well and some have. Some did not even get the chance to age and enjoy life. But these kids can be proud of what they achieved back in 1963 especially at such a young age. Much the same way these kids prepared themselves for a game of footy they were also preparing themselves for life’s challenges and uncertainties which lay ahead. With the exuberance and innocence of youth they would relish these challenges as they looked ahead to the future with optimism.