Sunday’s Pre-Game function held prior to the Round Five Coburg V Williamstown game would see many of our heroes from the 1988 Premiership reunite to reminisce the glory days of the late 1980’s, hosted by dual premiership coach, Phil Cleary.
Among those in attendance included Premiership Captain Brad Nimmo, Deputy Vice-Captain & Liston Medallist Gary Sheldon, Club Legend Vin Taranto, dual Norm Goss Winner Tim Rieniets, along with Brian Allison, Brendan Littler, Glen Racovolis, Ken Ingram, David Williams, Alan Harbinson, Brett Weatherald and Peter Burke, while Greg Reynoldson would also make an appearance later in the day.
Club officials from 1988 in attendance included Michael Hill & Roly O’Loughlin, along with current President Kevin Breen who was runner at the time. Steve Gumley, Joe Gambin & Paul Albon, who were part of the 1988 squad but did not play in the premiership were also in attendance.
From Williamstown’s end, their Coach from 1988 Terry Wheeler was also in attendance, along with Kim Kershaw, Ian Rickman, Murray Nilsson, & Tony Pastore were also in attendance, to recall the 1988 decider.
A video montage was presented, with a prequel of the 1988 VFA finals series, and the path that both sides took to get there. Coburg would qualify for the Grand Final directly beating Preston in the first final. Williamstown would have to do it the hard way, defeating Port Melbourne in its first final, & knocking out Preston in straight sets to make a rematch of 1986. It was then followed by highlights of the game, including key moments from the game, with the match winning third quarter as well as post game celebrations.
The club also paid tribute to two Premiership heroes from the squad no longer with us- Jeff Angwin & Billy Kaakour. A photo frame of the two of them was placed at the front of the social rooms in remembrance of the pair.
It was great to see many faces of former players present on the day, and we look forward to seeing them again in 2019, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Premiership, as well as the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Premiership.
Finally, a big thanks to Vin Taranto & Phil Cleary for all their hard work in making the event a success.
Click HERE to view more photos from the reunion.
For highlights from the game, click HERE.
