Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 30 April 1923, page 5


FOOTBALL

j TOTAL 'PRACTICE GAMES.

k Keen Interest Shown.

With the last of the pro Hire frames played ';

Saturday, Hubs are settling down to work in turret, and Although hundred of recruits have been tried, it will he found when the teams take the field on Bilui day that there will not be much alteration in the personnel. Country Havers, ' who came to Melbourne with great reputations in their own districts , have been thoroughly tried out, but In the majority, of instances have not come up to League standard, and will depart whence they came, disappointed men. There has also been an influx of players from other states, and the chief hope of strengthening Victorian football is in these players, most of whom are capable exponents of the game. Whether it is good for football generally that the best players from other States are being lured by attfswtivf offers to Victoria is a question that ran be well thrashed out at. the next race ting- of the Australian Foot ball Council, but meanwhile the ruling bodies in the other States have the remedy in their hands by refusing clearances. *.

VoMnwinR up the comments made in' these columns last week: regarding "the question of country coaches, this Association discussed the subject at some length at its meeting on Monday (evening. when a motion by the ? Geelong delesale (Mr, H. Johnstone) that the question be reviewed at the next conference of the League Bivi Association, with the object of making the players obtain clearances, was agreed to. Pele. ple considered it ridiculous, and a menace to the game, that such exorbitant pay us is at present of his offered should' be given to players to go

to the. country. .... to

The sessions in both the League and Association 5s each on Saturday, when Mme interesting games are scheduled. The programme it as follows:

League.

Fitzroy v. Carlton, at Fitzroy.

tendon v. St. Kilda, at Essendon.

8th the Melbourne v. Collingwood, at South Mel

pul

tone

Richmond, at Melbourne. Geelong, a bye.

Association.

Geelong v. Hawthorn, at Geelong.

ViaL cray f. Northcote, at Footscray,

North Melbourne v, Port Melbourne, at North Holborn. ? ¦ .

Brunswick v. Brighton. at Brunswick.

Williamstown v. I'rabrati,"ut Williamstown.

Mp] bourne are indignant at the suggest on that there is friction between the committee

members regarding the election of the committee by the football members. -Mr. Andrew Mantle limit on Saturday that Melbourne were differently constituted to the other league clubs, as they were merely a branch of the Melbourne Cricket Club. A few years ago there were no food that is infinitely, but some followers of the club made a request through Um cricket club that football >.f_!ioii tickets should be ironed, Ute reason given being that they would secure admittance to the land and so be in touch with the players, and ilw have the right of entry to other grounds. The matter was brought up at the annual meeting of ihei:ri{*rt club, and the president (Mr. Justice Cussen said that although unconstitutional be would (take the sporting- view and put it before the committee. The request, was' granted, and The new football members admitted to the stand to watch the club play. This entailed a sacrifice by the cricket members, and opposition from any arrives them would have been fatal. These menbut had the right of entry to other grounds with their cricket tickets, but with the advent of a monthly ticket this privilege was withdrawn. After one year, a further request was made that the football members should vote with the cricket members in electing the football committee. Ariwi Mr. Justice Cussen took the sporting view. The subject was discussed at a conference of the cricket and football committees, and this request was uIm) granted. At the commencement of the next steamer, when reforms were in the air. of agitation to change the football management was set on foot, and numerous meetings of the reform party were held. As these were not con-ducive to harmony or the best interests of the club, the cricket committee re! are On tl,

cided to withdraw the privilege of football members voting for the election of the committee. The present agitation is confined to a few supporters who have lately joined the football club, and who are trying hard to secure complete control. Amongst the players there is complete harmony, and Mr. Manzie said he never felt more hopeful of having a fine, systematic side. It is likely that the team will visit Sydney during the season. The selection of these players is causing much embarrassment, area meeting of the committee will be held the evening to weed them out, and on Thursday evening the committee will entertain the players at tea. after which time vice-captain, who is likely

us

White by 1825 to 8in, good form was shown by Moore, a rover from Prahran, and James, a short, thick-set wing man from Golden Point. Peck and A. Wilson were opposed on the wing, and it in thought that the latter will do well half-for-ward, The Abernethy brothers, and Morrison, a bit follower, are certain to be included in the wide, and Collins is also doing well, although he raft Corbett at his best on Saturday. The latter is coming to Melbourne to live permanently this week. to will be able to train regularly. 'Allan had his first run, but is a bit on the slow side; but Harker, who was also having his first run, kicked four goals. Coy Is showing improved

form full back.

Before a crowd of about 10,000 people, Carlton played their last practice match, The picnic was the best of the two. of tryouts, the high marking, long kicking, and accurate goal shooting bring -a return. Tin! old players are ufaiWitng exceptionally good form, Boromeo and Duncan playing particularly well Teams reprinting the High. md the HU-.- and various captained by Choice and Boromeo respectively, played. Shortly after, the conmieiicom^tftiowrir,}. was hclncdvolf the ground with a sprained rifle. but as he will we have completed! His residential 'qualification limit the fifth match.' to debate plenty of time to retire must. McKenzie, Morrissey, and Hufsell her. (hair first in, the hitler loving been kept out with a renewal of milder Lyons. Dick, who comes with a great reputation from Tatura, was unable to strip owing to a broken rib. The selection committee merton Sa but day evening, and reduced their t, ,Tf)-..ilaVtr«,-HM the secretery (Mr. Ttec*. Hum. said that- it was very difficult task, owing to there being so many good players avails able. cause and Blackmore were each tried full Rink, and both .hat'*''tovell as to still let it it open s to who will be the best man for the nation. Of reserve near Brew (Newman Colt Iffifl, a rover; -Pringle (Tasmania). Knell (Brunswick) and T, Itr.-.va platt lacrosse) played well; while Milkers, took, Bert, Pritchard, and MeUtchle showed best, form of the old players. The news siit-ceivfiil goalkickers were Blues? Mibatchie (3), and sell it) but (for. the Blue Hill MMt<_f, Duncan was in ('deadly form, and you sir. RtMlt. The game ended in a draw, the names Iteingi-niuep, 15.0, to 8-10. ' All last year's Harper. with the" exception of Johnson, were again Included, and vf Ph'the following new men 'take up the ;'.0-..-Pi-i:i.;i2 (wins will not be available for! the- fiMirih matches. are (from South. Australia

who, owing to residential qualifications will not. plan- faith n id way through the straws; Goodrick, Blackmore, Brew, McMahon, Snell, and White. There are homes that Faust (Brunswick juniors) viii be included later. Clover bits then elected forehand captain.: a 2 is 2 at 3 6 ?

Mr, Maybury, the Richmond secretary, taken free M.Ap to the! statement that none of the new men is showing good form, and states that, on the contrary, the material offering is so good that uV secession con letter, which met yesterday morning, found it impossible to reduce the number below VA, alia will will be kept on the training 1st for the retention. There are not many ac.mek' to he filled, as the only" absentees are S. Morris and Carow (both i - retired) and Hall (who has gone to North Melbourne as coach). Amongst the new men included in the list are Griffiths (a hefty follower from Kalgoorlie), OjaIov (a smart wingman from, Tasmania), McLcoo (from South Australia), and [5. Hislop (New South. 'Wares). In 'fact the prospects are so good that Mr: Maybury says that the vacancies could easily be filled with fat erda lc Thyer; who have already made their mark. All these players have already received clearances. Brady, who had one game last year, when he broke his collarbone. is also in the Hst. Richmond claim that Pringle, who is practising M South Melbourne, is qualified by residence to play with lUclininml. to hold ? one game: with Hawthorn last year, so will require a clearance both from Hawthorn and Richmond before being, allowed to play with South. There is a doubt as to Tlfo'iinon 1 cUarlnL' him. McIsaacs and -time had a run on. saturday, both showing good form; and Haggard will be available, as soon as he recovers from an attack of influenza. G. Bush, when training on Friday, came down, heavily. and, injured his knee so badly. that it is thought he will have to pWc the" patient. He is at present on crutches. In the game on Saturday. when the Old Pla vera met thc-New.-.thc latter led at halfmast. satisfied to see it out and were beaten by 137 to 5-12. With the exception of McIntosh, who again showed great lamb no one stood out conspicuously, the most noticeshe being James, G. Hislop, Branning. Grifl'tbs, Oakley, and Hughes. There is great enthusiasm amongst the supporters, and It looks as. if all previous records us to the sale of members' tickets will be broken. The supply gave out early in the septic, arm fwh supplies were exhausted on Fatnr:l:iy. The cricket club It extension? the new free right loutit lie ground, and much-needed improvements to the press-box are to Ito mails.

There were 3,000 people at South Melbourne,

when the Red; andesite beat South Melbourne, District by 18s to tinG. The juniors were no match for the, senior?, who put a strong side into the field, Tandy. captained South, while Pannam led the juniors," The best players, were Joyce, James, Roberts. J. Scanlon, and Billett. The permit for James has come through from South Australia," and will be dealt with by the League this week. Members.' tickets are selling freely, and already last year's number has been exceeded. The captain and vice-captain will be elected on Thursday evening. Matthews was tried centre forward, where be kicked four goals, and Allison, full forward, got live. Jlolwrts, a recruit from Traralgon, played his first (came, and shaped promisingly. Carah: received a knock on the knee, which kept him quiet. but it is not. thought to be serious. The training list is to be cut down to 10 this week, the must likely of the new men being Johnson, single. Bussell.

James, and Roberts.

Collingwood again played a match between sides selected from new and old players, the blue-birds beating the Magpies by 10? in, to 3-16.

Charlie Milburn, Jw champion sprinter, who formerly played for North Melbourne, took the field on Saturday, and be. with Garrison (a wing man from the Deep Rock club). Budd (wing), and I am wu (follower) were the best performers of the recruits. Of the older brigade. K. Wilson, Tyson. Howe. I.inwood-f-mitb, K. Cock, Curtis, and Glynn displayed splendid form. slow secretary, Mr. Copeland, truths that members'' tickets are (going off well, a new issue having to be obtained. He predicts a much stronger side than last year. The training list has now been reduced to 50, three or four of the old players having been dropped to make room for the newcomers, who are as follow*;?Uurri*oii that). Hardie (centre), Ue, Rudd (wing), and Taylor (forward), alt from Carlton district; Furnell, the Carlton man, who needs a clearance; I j wo (follower) from Camberwell; Makpham, a forward from Wonthaggi District; Poulter (a policeman from Creenshnrvuph); Benson. who need a clearance from Northcote; Garrison (wing), McCaramudi (a forward from Perth), that willburn. ; v .'." ¦ , ' of',.

Freake and Rattray again led sides at Fitzroy. wher«;^about..B,C00 spectators :watt-lied.*tho' play. 'The game resulted in a hollow victory for Kreake'c sides chiefly owing to the fine forward

ntovfWflt.'1 They mnuopnlisfHt the forward play.' Parra It's pa sr I ria being perfect,' The kicked four, Lash and Freake five, while Johnson got three of the other side. -.in,_gzi_U played fate flat stone.

and Iii In Mod form; Warna, did well on the back lines, while' Rattray's marking and kicking were above its ordinary., Atkinson players strong and vigorous game, but Parratt was too clever for him. Hamilton, this follower, has Improved considerably, and should make stood this season, and Molan, wind will play on the lack line with Atkinson and Tarliottom, is in rare fettle. The best of the new players are Watson, a policeman from Northcote; Tariffism, a fine mark and left foot kick, who will. play centre half-back; Held, an all-round man. from the Juniors: Michael, who beat both Keller and Williams on the wins;; Dickens, another fine wing man Irons Preston; and Deslandes and Theobald, rovers from the Juniors. Johnson, a rover and forward rose North Melbourne, is also in good form, and if cleared by North Melbourne will probably be in against Carlton on Saturday. Bryant is improving; with every came, and besides marking well Reta rid of the hall quickly. Rattray is almost certain to be captain, but there is much interest in the election of a vice-captain, three candidates being nominated. It is likely that Atkinson will be elected.

Elections has several new players, but the principal recruits are to be called up from the second eighteen. The coach, Bert Taylor, of Fitzroy, has been putting the men through some hard training, and he is confident that when they take the field for the premiership matches they will show out well. He purposes giving the men as Isarsl work as possible during training nights in order to fit them for the big matches, The last of the practice snatches before the opening of the season was played on Saturday between teams picked from the senior 18 and some of the second IS. They were under the captaincy of Bert Rankin (nines) and Bert Taylor, the coach (Blue and White). A good match was witnessed. Many of the men showed great promise, and the committee are confident that this season the club will put in some (good work and give the public some first-class football. The play was of an open nature throughout.. Rankin's team was victorious, scoring 18 ends 11 behinds (15 points) to Taylor's 10 coals 5 behinds (65 points). The RAF?'"'?.?? w_-e:-Psir Illues-Hogger (4), Mills. 'of? IL Fleming (J). K. Fleming (2), Kearney (2), and Coghlan. Jones-:, and Oates (one each). For the Blue and Whites. Rankin (6), Keane (2), and McGregor uni). lehmann tone each). Amongst the best players were Rankin brothers. Taylor, stevenson, Plane, Dagger, ' Coghlan, and Mcnirgiir. Members' tickets are reported to be going off well, and the committee expects that the season will be a record one in this direction.

The St. Kilda ground was very hard in parts, and re metres flooding before players can show their true form. The (game between the first and second eighteens was keenly contested, and the scores were in no way an indication of the play, the juniors at. times showing system due in a measure 10 Improved coaching. The final scores were:? St. Kilda, 15 goals 15 behinds; Second Eighteen, 3 goals, a behinds. Of the new players tried by the seniors, results (from Fitzroy), full back, showed up brilliantly, while Sullivan (roving) is a decided acquisition, but he has yet to be cleared by New South Wales. Of the old players, James (roving), Care (centre), Tymms, Lamplough,, and Jenkins (following), Harper (back), despite the fact that he roamed too far, Moves (forward), and De Garis (wing), particularly in the latter hall, were the most prominent. of the juniors, Horsley, Gordon Bear. N. Osborne, and O'Leary showed (rood form. The final selection of the iii players will he made on Thursday evening. The social committee entertained the players at Warrandyte last week, when on enjoyable time was spent. Several footballers' events were held. Dave McNamara winning (the long-distance kick with a beautiful 70 yard shot. Wells Kirke won the shooting for goal competition, and Harper who running with the ball event.

'Die ground was in fine condition at Essendon. where plenty of water has been used. The seniors played the Juniors, and had it runaway victory, the scores being 20-S (to 3-13. Stockdale had a day out, kicking nine goals. He is in great form just at present. In addition to Stockdale, Callahan, Irwin, Maher. Adam, Campbell, Jenkins, and Garden all displayed good form. Essendon also took advantage of the holiday on Monday to play- a same between sides led by Barker and laing. Some clever football was shown; of the new siren Ilnves (Melton) Cutler (Wonthaggi). Maller (Seymour), Taggart, Misses; Johnstone, and Rothwell impressed. The game resulted in a win for Barker's side liv 11-14 to S-9. There is still some doubt as to Ogden's intention, as he has not so far applied for his clearance, but was a notable absentee on Saturday. The training list was cut down to 12 on Saturday, but a further reduction will' shortly be made. '

Footscray reports that the prospects were never brighter. Practically all of last season's players are available, and with about is men striving for admittance the selection of the final 25 will he hard. Players who have the best chances on their present form are 0. Woodman (rover), from Yarraville, who is described as a second Eason; W. Woodman, his brother, a half-back: Booth, a 6ft. 3in. fullback from Swan Hill, and a great mark and kick; Bowen, a big follower from Ballarat Imperial; Mullens (forward), frons Essendon Juniors; and Pemberthy, a wing man from the Footscray Juniors. Only about five new men are, however, required. Of the old players, powell is quickly getting into form, and Norman lord, Jonsson. J. (Merson, V. Samson; Hansen, Doolan, Dillon, McCarthy, usu! Mason are also showing out well. Good support is being given by the council, and in addition to the improvements mentioned last week n 9ft. fence is being erected round the ground, taking in another 40ft, and a motor-car enclosure is being made. The Tramways Board is duplicating the tram track so as to give a better

service to the ground.

The Geelong Association team played a team selected from the combined juniors on Kardinia Park oval and beat them easily. The proceeds of the gate Went towards helping the juniors. The match was the last prior to meeting Hawthorn on Saturday. Season tickets have gone off well, and the committee expects the season to be J profitable one. The new players are shaping well, but the team is lacking in system. The attendance at the commencement of the game numbered about 400. Before taking the field, members of the Association team elected Vic ' Buchanan captain. P. Martin . who was elected vice-captain, had charge of the team In Buchanan's absence. Both teams were changed at half-time, the whole of the members of the Association training.list'trtlng.port In the game. Only for a few minutes at the beginning of the first quarter did the juniors in any «W-?«»rt -tneir^sitnofflxe.Tlay *f»«.'Wr» any wire and

the half-time scores"were:-Assoria ion 10 goals 11 behinds (72 points); Juniors, 2 goals 4 he

runs) a (22po nts)! With new, life in the team, the

, nurse became offensive in the, third quarU -

WIddison. shortly "'for the hall A? O""""?; got his thirst goal. The younger beam scored one Ure point, for the quarter than their " ."'': the term ended c Association. 12 t0"1'?.^, 'as.

pits?"";* is stated ps? 28

were:-Association: Martini (i), Warren JP? .?? urn t") Pitcher (2) Cooper, Cesar!, I. "U*"';

lunion! W Addison (3). Carey, ?°?.>r°n;_Cf J?,'

sSSsiSSfHws

Armour, and Elliott played best. I