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Having already played interstate football for his native New South Wales Chris Lethbridge joined Fitzroy in 1913 where he quickly acquired a reputation as a hard-hitting, no frills defender who knew how to look after himself, could take a grab, and was a prodigious kick. He went on to play 148 games for the Maroons in an era when the club was a bona fide VFL power. In his debut season he was in a back pocket in Fitzroy’s premiership winning combination. He was not a member of the side which won the farcical 1916 premiership when only 4 clubs competed, but in 1922 he finished his VFL career as he started it by playing in a 2nd premiership winning side, this time on a half back flank, and as club skipper. He also represented the VFL on 3 occasions. |
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Centre Half Back - Terry Daniher (South Melbourne & Essendon - vice-captain) |
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One
of 4 brothers to play VFL football Terry Daniher was recruited by South
Melbourne from Ungarie, where he often played both football and rugby
league on the same weekend, in 1976. A year later he played the last
of 19 games for the Swans in their losing elimination final against
Richmond; during the close season he was traded to Essendon in exchange
for centreman Neville Fields. Terry's brother Neale,
who at that stage had not played a League match, was included as part of
what was popularly (although not perhaps entirely accurately) regarded as
one of the most one-sided trades in League history. What is
impossible to deny, however, is that Essendon had every reason to be
delighted with their side of the deal, as both the Daniher brothers went
on to make significant contributions to the club.
As far as Terry is concerned there have been few more popular clubmen in Essendon's illustrious history. Captain of the renowned 1984-5 premiership sides he played a total of 294 games for the Bombers between 1978 and 1992, was best and fairest in 1982, and twice topped the club goalkicking list. Despite being a New South Welshman, he represented Victoria on 10 occasions in so called 'state of origin' football, as well as representing his home state 4 times (all as skipper). He was also Australia's International Rules captain against the Irish in 1987. The nadir of Daniher's career came in 1990 when he was suspended for 12 matches after his involvement in an on field fracas during Essendon's grand final loss to Collingwood. However, he resisted the temptation to retire and in 1991 played in his 20th League final for the Bombers, and his 21st in all. Terry Daniher ended his career on a high note when he played in Essendon's 1992 reserves grand final defeat of Melbourne. |
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Left Half Back Flank - Dave Low (North Broken Hill & West Torrens) |
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Dave
Low (spelt 'Lowe' in some sources) hailed from Broken Hill where he began
his playing career with the North Club, and both there and during his
comparatively brief league stint with West
Torrens he established himself as one of the finest defenders of the
period. His death in action during World War One deprived football
of a talent which might ultimately have acquired legendary status.
After making his debut with Torrens in 1910 Dave Low was quick to gain a reputation as a "strong and distinguished defender". In his second season he was selected in South Australia's team for the Adelaide carnival and was, by common consent, the best backman on view during the home state's demolition of the VFL in the deciding game of the championships. Later that season he finished second to Harry Cumberland of Sturt in the Magarey Medal voting. The 1912 season brought state selection once more together with a 'gold medal' as West Torrens club champion. Topping both of these achievements, however, was Low's selection as the 1912 Magarey Medallist, the first permanent defender to secure the award. Despite this, the achievement that Low would no doubt most have wanted - participation in the blue and golds' first ever premiership - did not eventuate as Torrens were dislodged from contention in the 1st semi final by Port Adelaide. Dave Low continued to play consistently well for 2 more seasons. After representing South Australia at the 1914 Sydney carnival (when he 'shone in defence') he returned home to help West Torrens - which had been 0-5-1 after 6 games - mount a sustained late season charge which ultimately saw them oust West Adelaide from 4th place. Once again, however, Dave Low did not enjoy finals participation beyond the semi final stage as North Adelaide promptly brought West Torrens' season to an end in a low scoring game by 9 points. By this time though League football was the last thing on most people's minds as the 'war to end all wars' lurched slowly but ominously into top gear. Dave Low played the first 4 matches of what was to be the SANFL's last full scale - or near full scale - season for 4 years in 1915 before enlisting and setting sail for Africa, and then Europe. Along with many other talented men of his generation he never returned to Australia. |
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In addition to its 3 flags, Fitzroy had the impressive success rate of almost 62% in this period. Return to Main Text
