The boys club
Denis Warner was a brilliant war correspondent for Australian newspapers. His work took place in World War II.
His grandson Michael is an award-winning journalist for the “Herald Sun” and “Australian”.
His acclaimed book titled “The Boys Club” published in 2022 told the story of power and politics behind the AFL, the nation’s biggest and most financial sport.
The story was brutal – it exposed misconduct, jobs for mates, racism, cover-ups and scandal, emanating from the highly staffed and highly paid occupants at AFL house.
The game’s powerbroker tried without success to have the book banned. This only made sales soar.
Michael Warner was banned from press boxes of all AFL venues. He must be now smiling wryly at the latest drugs scandal to really rock the game’s controlling body.
The head honchos of the AFL pull out all stops to protect the “brand”. Maybe it’s time they concentrated on the game and its players and gave the virtue signaling and special rounds for anything and everything a spell.
Michael Warner played First XI and XVIII for Peninsula Grammer against Assumption. I’ve known him since those times.
High class
Princess of Wales Kate Middleton is a classy lady – a genuine role model.
Obviously a wonderful mother and support for the future king, she is a tireless charity worker and champion of very many worthy causes.
Kate has for years been the most popular “royal”. Diagnosed with cancer, she made a brave and heartfelt speech to a global audience in which she highlighted the fact that so many worldwide are suffering from this affliction.
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Kate (Catherine) Middleton grew up in the small Berkshire village of Bucklebury.
Her secondary schooling was at Marlborough College where she excelled in studied and was a hockey player.
It says much about her that her closest friends are from her schooldays and from the village where she grew up.
She met William while both were studying at St Andrews University in Scotland.
Kilmore FC set
Kilmore footballers are well prepared to really impact in the Northern League this season.
It would be nice if a successful season coincided with the opening of the splendid new facilities at JJ Clancy Reserve.
Coach Paul Derrick has overseen a strong pre-season preparation with excellent numbers participating. Mick Marrett is a popular choice as captain.
Good luck for the 2024 season to all the area football and netball clubs.
ACK football
Assumption footballers are setting themselves up for another strong year in the AGSV.
Beaten by two points in last year’s semi final by premiers Ivanhoe the 2024 Dark and Light Blues are desperate to add to ACK’s record list of grammar titles – 39 since being admitted to the prestigious competition in 1959.
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Many former players from across the years still follow their old “colours” avidly as evidenced by this note from Geelong’s Billy Brownless.
Last words
Although 40 years have passed since I was a boarder at Kilmore, I recall my days there with much affection- especially my time in the First XVIII and First XI.
I’ve been fortunate to play many games with Geelong including a Grand Final at the MCG before nearly a hundred thousand people, and to play in the USA and in London.
But there was-and is-something special about playing for the Dark and Light Blues. The spirit, mateship and support has to be experienced to be believed.
In the rooms before games I even got to like Irish songs and battle hymns that Ray(Mr Carroll) has used for so long as part of the pre-game build up.
I was made well aware of the tradition behind ACK teams over a century and I felt it was a privilege to play for the Assumption side.
I’m sure every one of the 2000 or more boys who have represented the “Two Blues” have felt the same way.
When the chance arises I like to get back to see my old school in action. It still gives me a thrill and I will always be grateful to all who helped me in my years at Kilmore.
My brothers, Blair and Anson, followed me to ACK and both have represented the XVIII and XI there. I hope the unique “Spirit of Assumption” survives long past the year of 2024.
Another ex-student who keeps in touch is Jason Smith.
From the farm fields of northern Victoria he played 1st XVIII and 1st XI for three years and led the 1993 footballers to AGSV and Herald-Sun Shield titles.
In the shield ACK beat St Bernards at the MCG and at seasons end defeated West Australia’s top college XVIII for the All-Australian championship in front of a capacity crowd at Kardinia Park.
Jason played briefly in the VFL and AFL. He was also a fine cricketer – a punishing left hand bat who broke several AGSV records.
