In our view this photo of Canterbury’s first premiership team in 1920 is the most iconic picture in 136 years of history.

This photo that in recent years has been in the change rooms in sepia, depicts a team of mostly ANZAC veterans. A look closely at their faces shows you that these men had experienced horrors that defy description. This victory by 1 point against Mitcham who were a powerhouse at this time, made Canterbury the premier club in 1st Division, in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. Continue reading “Wartime Legend Bill Beck” →

Warburton Rd runs along the train line, off Maling Rd and consists of mainly what were once workers cottages. This was the working class part of Canterbury. Whether this is the reason who knows, but from this street alone came a cavalcade of Canterbury players in the 50s and 60s.

Continue reading “Hawthorn Legend Brian Coleman” →

Hawthorn did not beat Collingwood at Victoria Park from 1925 until 1960, when former Canterbury player John Peck goaled after the siren. It was a momentous victory. Peck went on to become one of Hawthorns greatest ever players.

The boy from Canterbury, who went to Canterbury State school as it was known, and played all his juniors at Canterbury FC, was picked by Hawthorn playing in our Under 18′s. 

Continue reading “Hawthorn Champ John Peck” →

Ahead of our games this week we look at the career of another of our club greats. Rohan “Wombat” Walmsley who has five club Best & Fairest’s to his name. A feat only bettered in 136 years by ex Tiger and Hawk Stan Ogden.

James Nicolas – “Wombat is as good as any midfielder I have seen at the club.I have not seen one better. Able to get his own ball, he is also a wonderful finisher and tough as nails.He is “a good driver in heavy traffic.” When he gets that stare in his eyes, look out. Wombat has always been able to push forward take a strong grab and is an excellent set shot for goal. Continue reading “5 x B&F Rohan “Wombat” Walmsley” →

Continuing our look at some of Canterbury’s greatest players, this week we look at ‘Jack’ John Abley. Whilst most in Victoria will say, who? Let’s look at his achievements. Continue reading “South Australia champ Jack Abley” →

As we progress looking at some of our great players, this week we move to more recent times with Dale Fleming.

Son of club life member Pat Fleming, and the younger brother of life members and players, Mark & Ross, Dale played in our juniors, later playing in our seniors before being picked up by Hawthorn U19s in 1989. Continue reading “Norwood gun Dale Fleming” →

AKA Shinboner of the first half century

James Nicolas “The old timers told me that when we signed Les Foote as coach for 1972 it was huge news, and created enormous excitement at the club, with big crowds wanting to get in the rooms and at the Qtr time huddles to hear this legend. Continue reading “Canterbury 1972 premiership coach Les Foote” →