The Garreffa Family - Published in the Robinvale Sentinel 5th December 2023.

The Garreffa family’s dynasty commenced when Domenico, more fondly known as Don, and his brother Frank arrived in Australia.

Domenico Garreffa's journey to Australia began when his godfather, Domenico Chine, offered to sponsor his brother, Carmelo. However, Carmelo, being in the army, declined, prompting Domenico Garreffa to take the opportunity himself. Facing challenges, including a dog bite and financial struggles, Domenico and his family saved for the trip. On November 5, 1949, at the age of 16, Domenico embarked on his journey to Australia. Five years later, he married Carmela Zappia, settling in Happy Valley. They had three children while living here: Girolamo (John), Ferdinando (Fred), and Generoso (Gino).

In 1959, they moved to Euston, where they expanded their family to nine children. Elisabetta (Betty), Teresa, Carmelo (Charlie), Giuseppe (Joe), Silvana, and Michael (Mick) were born. The Euston farm included the old football ground where it was very hard, and it seemed unlikely that the soil would ever produce fruit as good. However, in 1962, the first 3 acres produced lovely fruit, and it went to market as fresh table grapes. In 1968, after almost 20 years, Domenico returned to Italy with his sons John and Fred, describing it as “the best money ever spent.” As Domenico approaches 75 years in Australia next year, his remarkable journey and achievements continue to be celebrated.

Francesco Garreffa

In March of this year, Frank celebrated a milestone of 70 years of arriving in Australia from Italy. At the age of 14, Frank left his hometown of Benestare with his younger cousin Generoso (Gino) Zappia and Elisabetta Strangio, who acted as his guardian and sponsor, to begin a new life in Australia.

Frank shared, “I left Italy for a better life.” Being post-World War 2, things were very bad at home. Living conditions were terrible, so we left for a better life and future. “I was just 14 years old when I left; there was mixed emotions about leaving. I was feeling scared, worried, and confused. Not long into the trip, that changed, and I started to feel excited to see my family who was already in Australia,” he added.

“I left Italy with two blankets made by my mother, one set of sheets, a change of clothes, four litres of olive oil, and some dried chickpeas in my pocket,” Frank reminisced. “I celebrated my 15th birthday on the 17th of April while on the boat, just a few days before I arrived in Australia.

Upon his arrival in Australia, Frank traveled to Adelaide to work with his brother Carmine Garreffa, but after visiting Robinvale to attend his sister’s wedding, he realized he preferred the Robinvale lifestyle. He started contract works on farms around Happy Valley and Robinvale, picking peas, potatoes, and later grapes.

In 1957, Frank bought his first piece of land in Euston and married the love of his life, Vincenza Zappia, the following year. Despite the difficulties, Frank is proud of all the hard work he has put into developing his land, watching his family grow.

Football Life

Both Garreffa families have been staunch supporters of the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club for decades, which in itself is noteworthy for seeing they both originated from Italy where Aussie Rules were never heard of.

In 2021, the president of the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club announced that Domenic Garreffa was chosen to be the Club’s No. 1 Supporter for the year. In presenting the award to Domenic, President Phil Lamattina said, “Domenic’s association with the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club dates back decades. For those who can recall the ‘Good Old Days,’ will remember seeing Don together with his brother Frank, brothers-in-laws Frank, Joe, and Rocky Zappia and Joe Zappia from Euston, plus Lindsay Romeo Snr, together with all their wives Carmela, Josie, Cathy, Betty, and Teresa. It was a great outing for all of them. His brother Frank and brothers-in-law Frank, Joe, and Rocky Zappia were all made life members.”

First of all, we will begin with Domenic (Don) and Carmela, who are parents of nine children: John, Fred, Gino, Betty, Teresa, Charlie, Joe, Silvana, and Michael. Of course, not all of them played football or netball.

First is Don and Carmela’s eldest child, John, who is married to Rosa. Their children being Donny, Carmel, and Sarah. Donny is married to Sarah who are parents of John-Peter, Chanel, and Phillip.

Donny played a total of 37 games in 1997 and 1998, 1997 being the Reserves premiership year.

John-Peter has come up through the Eagles Juniors. He played in the Under 14s in 2019. He played nine games in the Under 16s in 2021 and twelve in 2022, as well as four in the Under 18s the same year. In 2023, it was nine games in the Under 16s and five games in the Under 18s.

Phillip so far has played a total of forty games in the Under 10s and 12s. Chanel has played Netball since NetSetGO and is ongoing.

John and Rosa’s two daughters Carmel and Sarah have married and moved to Mildura, and their children also play football and netball for Sunraysia Clubs.

Next comes Fred, who is married to Nancy. Fred served on the Committee in 1999 and 2000. Fred played in the Under 16s, Reserves, and one game in the Senior. Fred and Nancy have three children, Donny, Rocky, and Jason.

First, Donny is married to Teresa, and they have three children Alyssa, Nando, and Azalea. Donny played in the 1997 Under 17s Premiership side. He also contributes at present on game days as a team umpire. Nando has come up through the Juniors and has played a total of twenty-four games in the Under 14s in 2022 and 16s in 2023. Both girls play Netball, Alyssa started off in NetSetGo then the Under 13s, Under 15s, and is continuing on. Azalea participated in NetSetGo and in 2023 played in the Under 9s and is ongoing.

Next comes Rocky who is married to Kristy. Rocky played in the Under 17s. Their children are Madison, Phoenix, and Hunter. Phoenix started in the Juniors and has played since Auskick up to this year in the Under 14s and ongoing. Hunter also started in Auskick and played in the 10Bs this year. Madison has played from NetSetGo and played in Under 15s this year.

Rocky and Kristy have also contributed as Team Managers during their children’s playing careers.

Jason is married to Natasha and has two boys Bjorn and Uriah with number three on the way. Jason played right throughout the Juniors.

Next in line is Gino who is married to Kathy, and they have four children Jessica, Phillip, Jakob, and Hannah. All four have been involved with the Club.

Gino played in the Under 17s, apart from that it would be fair to say he has devoted a lifetime to the REFNC, and to this day is still helping out. Gino has been a member of the Committee seventeen times, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. He assisted with the building of the Kevin Curran Social Rooms and completed all the plumbing on it. He was made a Life Member of the Club in 2011, in respect of what he has contributed. He has and still does contribute in any manner of what is asked of him.

Kathy, like Gino, has also given the Club a lot of support, in the earlier years until the present day. She was a volunteer and Canteen worker for 40 years and was the Ladies Committee President from 2006 to 2012.

Kathy was always on hand and assisted with the Bonanza Night decorations, and she was always the main person organizing the Grand Final signs on the road up to Mildura, even right up to this year. She was always the person to organize the handmade game banners as well. Plus, catering for reunions, milestones, past members’ wakes, and any other function the Club held.

Their children Jessica, Phillip, Jakob, and Hannah are all great supporters of the Club and in Jessica and Phillip’s case, their children also play football or netball.

Jessica, who is married to Carmelo Brigante has three children Maya, Jaylan, and Archer, all three at present are playing football or netball.

Jessica has been associated with the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club just about since the day she was born. She has played Netball with the Club since she was fifteen years of age, playing and coaching this year in C. Grade. Jessica was a member of the netball’s Premiership’s side when they won the SFNL’s Premiership side in 1997. She is true supporter of the Club and does not hesitate to assist wherever she can. Jessica has played a big part in Netball’s organizing committee. Jessica was awarded the Club’s Special Services Award in 2007 and 2008 the President’s Award.

Jakob, the Jewel in the Garreffa’s family crown has soared to great heights. Throughout his career, Jakob has become a stalwart of the Eagles, embodying the true essence of team play. In football circles, there are not enough superlative words to describe a player such as Jakob Garreffa. A few come to mind; assuming, dedicated, loyal, level-headed, encouraging, great team man, and simply a great person on and off the field.

Jakob commenced his football career as a young boy with Euston Juniors. His coach at the time was Danny Morgan. He joined Robinvale’s Under 18’s team in 2004, and soon came under notice. In that year he won the team’s Best and Fairest award and was awarded their Most Promising Player as well.

In 2005 he was elevated to the Seniors. Don Falvo was coaching the team at that time. They were team-mates right through until Don retired in 2015.

On the advent of Jakob playing his 250th this year Don Falvo said, “At the age of 17 Jakob already showed promise. He came under notice for the sheer amount of work he contributed to pre-season, He has been every coach’s dream, he always listened to instructions, and always carried them out to the best of his ability. You knew he would do his best. Over all the years our younger players have always looked up to him and still do. He is born leader, consistent and the heart and soul of our Club. Players do not come any better than Jakob.”

To all who know Jakob, know that he has never sought the limelight but along the way the Club has recognized his ability as well, and that is an all-round great person.

In 2005 he received Best First Year Player in the Seniors. In 2008 Most Improved, 2010 Trainer’s Award, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Best Defender. He won the Club’s Best and Fairest Award in 2014. In 2016 he won the Club’s most prestigious award, the Kevin Curran Memorial Medal. This award is given to a player who contributes both on and off the field. Also, he has been selected in the Sunraysia Daily’s Team of the Year over a number of years, which led him to being described as one of the best backmen in the League.

In 2018, Jakob was joint captain with Ethan Gill but he also captained the Seniors since 2013. He rated the most memorable event he’s been involved in and he said, “Definitely the 2010 Premiership Flag.”

Jakob is married to Carmen who has come from an ardent football and netball family headed by Geoff and Julie McMonnies. Carmen has excelled in netball. Over all the years she played over two hundred Senior games and has played in two Under 17 Netball Premierships. Carmen has played A and B Grade and has won several Best and Fairest awards over the years, as well has been part of the netball committee, working party, and leadership group over several years. They have three children Isla, Luca, and Levi who are destined to have promising sporting futures.

Phillip, who is married to Stephanie, played in the Under 17s and later on in the Reserves for the Eagles and now has a son Flynn who has played thirteen games in the 10Bs this season. Frankie their daughter participated in Netsetgo and two other daughters Olive and Romi have plans to participate when they are of age. Phil Co-coached the 10B footballers in 2023 and in the past has been a Team Runner for the Reserves.

Hannah played Netball through the Juniors up to the Under 17s. Hannah is married to Peter Brigante, and they have three children Zali, Willow, and Junior who are all young but despite this Zali participated in Netsetgo the past few years.

Don and Carmela’s daughter Betty married Angelo Romeo, who has also been a staunch supporter of the REFNC. So much so that he received a Life Membership in 2003. On presenting the Life Membership to Angelo, Tony Natale, President of the Robinvale Football Club stated that Angelo’s contribution to the club was enormous. He joined the committee in 1985. Angelo played a huge part in organizing eight major social functions per year when on the social committee. He also played a significant role in the new social rooms being built. Additionally, Angelo organized and collected donations of grapes and tailings for wine grapes, took part in many working bees, served behind the bar for many years, cooked barbecues, sold raffle tickets, cleaned the rooms, and served on the Match Committee. He also attended every working bee to set up Bonanza Night. In 2003, he took on the huge task of reorganizing the Best and Fairest photos.

After 1985, he served on the Committee a further eleven times. He was Senior Vice President in 1993 and 1994, Junior Vice President in 1995. They have four children: Maria, Carmel, Lindsay, and Casey.

Betty has also given great support to the club by being on the Ladies Committee, which, during that time, worked in the canteen and did a lot of catering work as well.

Maria, married to Tano, lives in Mildura, and their children have played football and netball for other Sunraysia Clubs.

Their second daughter, Carmel, more fondly known as Cookie, is married to Vince Natale. He started off playing football in the Under 8s, 11s, 13s, 15s, and has stepped up in the past two years, becoming the team manager of the Under 16s. Cookie has excelled at Netball. She played in the B Grade Netball Premiership team in 1997. She has also

contributed to C Grade and over time has won club best and fairest awards. This year she stepped up and coached the Under 15s netball team.

Cookie and Vince’s three sons all play football. First, Jordan, who has come up through the Juniors. In 2021, he played eight games in the Under 14s and another sixteen games in 2022. This year he was a team member of the Under 16s.

Then there is Miller, who has played forty-eight games in the Juniors; likewise, Dillon has contributed forty-one games.

Casey, married to Joe Romeo, has three children Taresa, Elizabeth, and Frankie. She played Under 17 and B. Grade Netball until 2012.

Betty and Angelo’s son Lindsay started his football career back in Vickick then Under 11s, 13s, 15s, 17s, and then Reserves. He played his first Senior game in 2003, and from then on, in total, he played eighty-five Senior games and twenty-six Reserves until he retired in 2010. This was a big year for Lindsay as he was a team member of the 2010 Premiership side. His coach, Troy Moncur, said that he was a small forward and dangerous around goals. Lindsay has run the Auskick program for the last two years, and his son Aston participated in Auskick this year.

Lindsay is married to Taneh, who excels at netball and who is presently playing A Grade. Their two daughters, Valli and Sabre, are yet to be of playing age.

Don and Carmela’s other daughter Teresa, whose son Adrian has played in the Under 11s and Under 13s. Her daughter Vanessa played Under 17s Netball, and Natasha is married to Steven Anson, who played football for the Eagles in 2006 and 2007. He played twenty-three games in the Seniors and five in the Reserves. Natasha and Steven’s daughter Milly has played in Auskick and as well NetSetGo. Their son William started off his football career in Auskick this year, and another daughter, Eden, is still too young to participate.

Charlie Garreffa played U11s through to U17s, playing in the 1984 Under 17s Premiership. He always could be seen helping his brothers out on the barbecue. Charlie is married to Joanne and has two boys, Nathan and Lyncoln.

Joe, who is Don and Carmela’s second youngest son, is married to Loretta and is a proud parent of three girls Emily, Mia, and Lily, who have all played netball. Loretta does what she can to help out at Netball and wherever else she can. Joe played U17s football and is very involved with the Saturday barbecues. He has taken over the organization of this from his brother Gino.

Silvana Garreffa has two children, Dion and Grace, who have played football and netball for other Sunraysia clubs.

Lastly, Michael Garreffa, who has also, like his brother Gino, had an exemplary record of devotion to the club. Michael commenced his football career in an Under 8s competition at Robinvale. Michael recalls that it was under the guidance of Pat Curran and a couple of other volunteers. He then went over to Euston when they started up, as he lived in Euston. Later on, he came back to Robinvale and played with the Under 15s, then the Under 18s and on to Senior level. Records reveal that he was awarded the Most Potential in 1991 for the Under 18s. The next year he won their Best and Fairest. In 1993, he played in seven Senior games. In 1994, in the Seniors, he won the Trainer’s Award, 1996 Most Consistent. By 1996, he had played fifty Senior games, and by 1999, he had played one hundred games. Overall, in his playing days, Michael played in two hundred and thirty-eight Senior games and forty Reserves games. Michael, in his day, was a very talented player.

Michael has served on the Committee in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, mainly as the Club’s Junior Representative. A Life membership was bestowed on him in 2011. He has and is still making a huge contribution to overseeing the Club’s Juniors as the Club’s Junior Football coordinator.

Michael is married to Ange, and she supports Michael 100% in whatever he is doing within the Club at any given time. Their children are Noah, Christian, and Isabella. Noah came up through the Juniors, and this year played sixteen games in the Under 14s and three in the Under 16s, winning the U14s Best and Fairest. Christian has also come up through the Juniors, and this year played fourteen games in the Under 14s. Both boys were recently selected in the top 25 of the Sunraysia Football Academy program in their age groups. Isabella commenced with NetSetGO, and this year played in the Under 9 netball.

Frank and Cenza Garreffa

Frank and Cenza have always been great supporters of the club. Frank and Cenza have three children: John, Fred (Leroy), and Grace.

Frank served on the Committee in 1983 and 1984.

John is the eldest, married to Rosemary. They have six children: Francis, Rebecca, Melissa, Chelsea, Tanya, and Breanna.

John played in sixteen Senior games and seventy-five in the Reserves. In 1983, he was awarded the Most Attentive Training.

Rosemary served as President of the Football Netball Ladies Committee for about two years as well as President of the Netball for a period of time.

Their son Francis, who played in the Under 17s in 1998, is married to Sonia, and they have four sons: Aiden, Julian Romeo, and Liano. Aiden came up through the Juniors, and this year played seventeen games in the Under 14s. Julian also came through the Juniors and played thirteen games in the Under 14s as well. Most of John and Rosemary’s girls played footy netball until they left the district for study. Tanya married Matty Cimino, who has contributed so much to the Eagles as a player into our Garreffa team.

Next is Fred, more fondly known as Leroy, who did play some games for the Reserves until he injured his knee. Leroy is married to Jenny, and they have three children: Anthony, Elizabeth, and Matthew. Both boys played Junior Football. Anthony played in the 2016 Reserves Grand Final.

Frank and Cenza’s youngest child, Grace, married Frank Perre and moved to Sydney and had three children of their own: Natasha, Josephine, and Natalie.

At present, as Don and Frank Garreffa celebrate milestone years in Australia, the Garreffa families' enduring connection to the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club remains a testament to the power of family, community, and the love of the game.

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​​The O'Connor Family - Published in the Robinvale Sentinel _ December 2023.

It can be assumed that in many cases in the football world that the talent of a father is passed on to their sons or son. Take for instance this year in the AFL Peter Daicos and sons Nick and Josh. Also, Peter Moore and son Darcy.

Well! The Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club has such a family as the “O’Connor Family” which commenced with their patriarch John O’Connor.

In his day John was described as one of Sunraysia’s and Robinvale’s best-known sportsmen. He was best known known for his ability in the Sunraysia Football League, but also for his prowess as a cricketer. As a wicketkeeper his glove work was second to none in Country Victoria.

John commenced his football career with the Community Boys Club in 1946, where his side formed a formidable combination. At the age of eighteen he signed up to play football in Mildura. It was here that he learnt all his football skills under coach Les Griggs, whom he thought was the greatest coach ever. John won a Best & Fairest for Mildura. He was also named in Midura’s Team of the Century, alongside his coach Les Griggs. John also regularly represented the Sunraysia Football League as a centreman.

In 1954 John, together with his wife Melva moved to Robinvale. John first played for Bannerton in 1955 under coach Fred Marr. John went on to win Bannerton’s Best & Fairest that year.

When the Robinvale Football Club joined the Sunraysia Football League in 1958, John began playing for Robinvale. He became their inaugural Best & Fairest winner. The following year he was Runner Up. John continued playing for Robinvale until 1965 when Robinvale won their first premiership under coach John James. John was the team’s Vice Captain. By then John had played over three hundred games.

Following his retirement from playing John was either a runner or selector or both. Appropriately the Robinvale Football Club awarded John a Life Membership for his services both off and on the field. John also served on the committee in 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1983 and 1985.

Tragically John passed away suddenly on July 7th, 1991. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the communities of Robinvale and Euston, and across Sunraysia as well. He was only fifty-nine years of age and possibly the envy on many men his age for his fitness.

Next in the O’Connor dynasty came John and Melva’s son Mark, who always contributed 100% whilst playing the game of football. He had great determination and always played the game hard, but fairly. He was a straight-ahead player with no deviations. Many players both his teammates and his opposition would have been in agreeance with this statement.

Mark was also an inspiration to all his fellow players, and it was said they walked a lot taller when he was on the ground. He was a great player for the Club. In 1972 he played in the

Under 16s where he started his football career at centre half forward and concluded it at full back. In 1973 he represented the Sunraysia boy’s side. In 1975 he played his first senior game and was awarded the Best Year Player in the Sunraysia League.

In 1976 Richmond invited Mark and Geoff McMonnies down to train with their Under 19s. Unfortunately, Mark had to undergo a major knee re-structure after crashing into a fence at pre-season training. Geoff continued with Richmond for two thirds of the season. Modern day surgery techniques were unavailable and as a result he carried the injury throughout his career.

In 1977 Mark transferred to Imperials. In 1979 he was Runner Up in their Best & First count. In 1980 Mark came back to play with Robinvale. In 1981 he left the area to travel Australia and overseas but still managed to organise himself to play the footy season. In 1982 he came back to Robinvale. Tough times faced farmers in 1983. Mark went up to Windsor Zillmere in Brisbane for employment and football. The following year he coached East McKay taking out their Best & Fairest Award. He also represented North Queensland.

In 1985 it was back to Robinvale for Mark, where he was appointed as their assistant coach and captain. He was awarded the prestigious Kevin Curran Memorial Medal in 1986 and also the Coach’s Award. He was also a member of the Sunraysia Football League’s Premiership in the Winfield Country Championship. In 1987 he was awarded the RFC’s Best Clubman. He also served on the committee and assisted with recruiting. In 1988 he was awarded Best & Fairest and Best Defender.

In 1989 perhaps Mark’s great disappointment was when he had to declare himself unfit (because of injury) to take his place in the premiership side. He was voted as the Best Water Boy and was an inspiration on the day.

There is no doubt Mark O’Connor left the Robinvale Football Club with very fond memories and he in turn went down in Eagles history as a great player.

Next in the O’Connor family came Greg, whose true ability was never revealed as like his brother Mark suffered a serious knee injury. His playing days were from 1974 to 1978 and in 1980. He went on to serve on the committee from 2003 right through until 2009. Greg passed away in 2013 after battling cancer.

John’s youngest son David has had a long and distinguished association with the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club. David can claim fame for having played in three premierships 1989, 1991 and 1997.

David commenced with Robinvale’s Under 13s. In the Under 15s he represented the Sunraysia Football League. He spent three years at Ballarat Grammar where he played first-grade football. David played various games with Robinvale during 1984 and 1985 whilst at college. In 1986 he played with Richmond’s Under 19s and was awarded Best On Ground twice. In 1987 he returned to Robinvale. All up David played one hundred and forty games Senior games for the Eagles, there were a few gaps over the years, but he ended playing in the Reserves in 2006.

After the 1989 Premiership reference was written that “The Eagles superb teamwork started from defense where David O’Connor was impassable. David O’Connor starred in the backline with anticipation and desperation.”

“David O’Connor in a best on ground performance was like the Rock of Gibraltar at center half back, marking, smothering or punching down anything that came his way and, in a mighty effort was only beaten once in a one-on-one contest for the entire one hundred minutes.”

The above comments typify just how talented David O’Connor was. His uncanny judgement of play was superb, and his football knowledge extensive.

In the 1989 McLeod Medal count David was Runner Up to Tony Hickey. He won RFC’s Best and Fairest in 1987.

In 1990 David went up to Brisbane Lions and participated in their pre-season for five months. Then it was back home to Robinvale.

In 2022 David was awarded a Life Membership. In part his citation read. “As well as being one of the REFNC’s most talented players, he has served on the Club’s committee since 2017. He has assisted with many aspects of the Club. Match Committee and recruiting are two areas where his vast football knowledge has been invaluable. He fills in as Team Manager when required, and also assisting on game day, whether it be with the players or even being the umpire’s escort as well as any other tasks when called upon.”

After John’s sons came his grandsons Brent and Brad, sons of Mark. Both Brent and Brad gave great service to the Robinvale Football Club, both playing in the Club’s 2010 Premiership team.

First, Brent. Following are comments made about Brent who gave great service to the RFC from 2001 until 2010.

“Can play forward and back. Impactful in any position.

“Strongest player in the Sunraysia Football League. Versatile and team orientated.”

“Strong defender, who can shut down big forwards.”

“Big bodied, hard at it type. An excellent asset as he can play at both ends of the ground.”

“When he is on, he is hard to stop.”

The above words speak volumes of Brent’s abilities as a player. He was also a great teammate. In 2010 he regularly featured in the team’s best players. He played with the Eagles from 2001 to 2010. His nickname was Ox/Falcon.

Brad O’Connor played a pivotal role in the Eagles premiership win in 2010. At the end of the game, he had scored twelve goals for the Eagles. Brad played one hundred and twenty-one games for the Robinvale Football Club from 2002 to 2004, 2007 to 2010, and one in 2015.

Award wise Brad in 2004 was given the Coach’s Award, in 2007 Runner Up in the Best & Fairest and Best Forward, 2008 Best Forward, 2009 Best Forward and in 2010 was voted in as the Best & Fairest and again the Best Forward. In the Sunraysia Football League he was named as the Best Forward, and in 2008 made it into the Team of the Year. In the Grand Final in 2010 he was awarded the John Groves Medal for Best on Ground.

Comments regarding Brad reveal how talented he was:

“Brad was terrific in his forward role, finishing with nine goals.”

“Brad O’Connor was brilliant for the Eagles, kicking twelve goals.”

“Named in the SFNL’s Team of the Year as Centre Half Forward.”

“Seventy-three goals for the season. Shows how potent this tough forward can be.”

“He is the team’s key forward, with great hands and the ability to break a game wide open.”

“Best full forward in the competition, superior hands, kicks goals.”

“Proven match winner. Can pile on goals in short bursts.”

“Brad O’Connor was very influential racking up sixteen marks.”

“Brad O’Connor was terrific in his forward role, finishing with nine goals.”

“Brad O’Connor was brilliant for the Eagles kicking twelve goals.”

“Seventy-three goals for the season shows how potent this tough forward can be, with great hands, and the ability to break a game wide open.” 

After Brad left Robinvale, he went on to play with distinction a Yarrawonga, alongside Brendan Fevola and also for a short stint at Strathmerton. In conclusion let us not forget the O’Connor women, John’s wife Melva and his daughters Jan and Debbie. All three women were very competitive and excelled in their chosen sports.​

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The Curran Family - Published in the Robinvale Sentinel 19th December 2023.

We would now like to bring to our reader’s attention this article regarding the “Curran Family”, whose name is synonymous with the Robinvale Football Club. It features Maurice and Kevin Curran and their families. These two gentlemen did not play football for Robinvale but contributed via a long and distinguished service as committee members.

Maurice and Kevin were born at Charlton to parents Peter and Margaret Curran. Maurice (whose actual name is Loughlan Bernard) was born in 1910 and Kevin in 1919. They had six siblings; Jack, Mary, Min, Maggie, Rose and Nell.

Kevin was the youngest of the family. He loved football, but hated wearing boots, although he soon could kick a football bare footed further than most kids his own age could wearing boots. Maurice was not so lucky as he was struck down with pneumonia when he was six years old. It was thought he would never recover, but being young and resilient, he was determined to over-come it, and set his mind on playing football.

The Curran family moved to Annuello and history reveals that in 1941 Maurice and Kevin played in Kulwin’s Premiership, and Maurice later captained Annuello’s Premiership’s team in 1947.

Kevin played for Robinvale Seniors 1936-39, Annuello 1940 and Kulwin 1941, but when hard times fell upon the Mallee he applied for and was accepted into the Victorian Police force. He was recruited to play for Richmond and played his first game with them on the 5th of June 1943 and stayed with them until 1946. He then went on to Captain/ Coach Ballarat 1947, North Ballarat Captain/Coach 1948-49.

Later in his career he transferred to Robinvale, playing as Annuello’s Senior Coach 1954. Kevin was described as a strong solidly built player who played as a key forward for Richmond. Kevin’s love of the land never diminished and finally won, when he resigned from the Police Force and purchased a property at Bannerton, next door to his brother Maurice!

Both Maurice and Kevin joined the Robinvale Football Club committee in 1964. Maurice retired from the committee in 1979 having served as Snr. Vice President six times, Jnr. Vice President twice and committee member eight times. A Life Membership was bestowed on him in 1969. Maurice passed away on the 14/2/1995 aged 84 years.

Kevin served on the committee for twenty-one years - two years as President 1978 and 1979, once as Snr. Vice President, twice a Jnr. Vice President and thirteen as a committee member. He received a Life Membership in 1970. Kevin died suddenly at the age 66 years on the 14/2/1986. So revered was Kevin that the Robinvale Football Club struck a highly prestigious medal in his honour, which is awarded to a senior player who greatly contributes both on and off field. The Sunraysia Football League also bestowed a Life Membership on him.

Maurice and his wife Nell were the parents of John, Peter, Marie, Gerard and Michael.

Their youngest son Michael was unable to play football due to an injury he had sustained but he joined the Committee in 1980, became a Jnr. Vice President 1981 and 1982, President in 1983 and 1984, and then Snr. Vice President 1986 and 1987.

Maurice’s other three sons who played football were: John, who played in 112 Senior and 39 Reserves games from 1962 to 1972. Trophies: Most Determined 1967 and 1969

Peter, who played in 161 Senior and 15 Reserve games from 1964 to 1976. Over that time, he was awarded Best Utility 1963, 1966, 1969 and Best and Fairest in 1971.

Gerard, who played in 146 Senior and 89 Reserves games from 1964 to 1983. Trophies: Reserves 1969-Most Improved, Seniors 1970-Most Consistent, 1971-Runner Up Best and Fairest and

the A. C. Pisasale Award, 1975-Best and Fairest, and 1980 Reserves Best and Fairest.

Kevin was married to Noreen (Norrie) and they are parents of Mary, Patrick, Noela, Frank Colleen, Kevin Jnr., and Laurie.

Patrick was a very talented footballer and would rank amongst the best in country football. Pat was recruited to Richmond and was described as; Height 183cm (6ft), 80kg and who wore guernsey No.6 - Richmond’s notation on Pat reads, “Pat Curran was a centre half forward/centre half back. He spent one season with Richmond where he was a member of the 1968 Reserves Grand Final. His only game as a reserve was against St Kilda on 4th May 1968. He was a safe mark, sure ball handler and a great team man.”

Pat played 209 games for the Robinvale Football Club 1969 -1978. Over this time, he kicked 204 goals. He played in four premierships for Robinvale: 1965, 1967, 1972 and 1974 (Captain). Honours: Seniors Best and Fairest 1967, 1969 and 1972. He was made a Life Member of the Robinvale Football Club in 1972, as well as the Sunraysia Football League. He also served on the Robinvale Football Club Committee from 2004 to 2010, Committeeman 2004, and Snr. Vice President 2005-2010. He also served on the Sunraysia Football League Board, being their President in 2014 and 2015. Pat Curran “One of Robinvale’s Best.”

Pat’s other club trophies were: Most Determined- 1963, Runner Up Best and Fairest-1966,

Best in Finals-1967 and the Villers Bretonneux Perpetual Trophy in 2007.

Frank played 202 Senior games and 27 in the Reserves – 1969 to 1973, 1975 to 1984. He was Runner Up Best and Fairest in 1970, Best Utility 1971 and Leading Goal Kicker in 1980.

In 1974 he trained and played with the Richmond U19 side, but the farm called and he returned home.

The grandsons of Maurice Curran also fared well within the Club.

John’s son Anthony played in the Reserves, playing from 1989 to 1997, and 2000 to 2002. Trophies: Most Improved 1989, Best and Fairest 1994, Best Defender 1994, 1996, 1997 and 2000.

Peter’s son David played Seniors from 1995 to 1999. Trophies: Best Defender 1997, Premiership Player 1997, and Best Defender 1998.

Gerard’s son Adrian played from 1990- 1998. He served on the Committee from 2014 to 2021. Daniel played 2006-2008, 2015 and 2016. Trophies: Runner Up Best and Fairest 2016 and Best Defender 2016.

Pat’s son Joseph played in 1991. Matthew played 1992-2000. Trophies: Best First Year Player, playing his first game in the Seniors on the 10th April 1993, Most Improved 1995

Both Maurice and Kevin’s wives, Nell and Norrie, were very supportive in their attachment and dedication to the Robinvale Football Club through endless hours spent in the Club’s canteen and assisting with Catering. Being “football widow’s” is a thankless job but they both joined in and helped make the Robinvale Football Club an enjoyable place to play.

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