Great to hear from...                         Redan Past Players Association 

7th September 2007

A premiership player in 2003 what's been happening in the life of Gareth Hose since?

After graduating in 03, I did some casual relief teaching in Geelong in 04 and played with Geelong West/ St Peters under former Redan player Daryl Fenton. The following year saw me move closer to home further north to Horsham for work, which allowed me to get back to my home club Beulah where I played under Shane 'Steve' Snibson where we won the flag after a pretty rough period at the end of the season with our assistant coach laying in a coma down in Melbourne . After Snibbo made the move across to Redan the following season, I took over the reigns and coached Beulah in 06. After finishing the season on top of the ladder we were bundled out in straight sets which was extremely disappointing! At the end of 06 I received a call from Kenno and I decided to make the move up to Cairns to be his assistant at the Saints in 07. I am currently teaching AFL and Sport at an all indigenous school 15 mins south of Cairns . The school has just set up an elite sports academy where I am the AFL coach, I am really enjoying this position. 

You were a vital member of the club in setting up the connection with the Ballarat University along side Chris Beattie, you'd be proud to know that the connection is still as strong as ever. What made your decision to come to Redan?

Its great to see that connection has continually grown each year. I decided to come over because Beats and juice were playing at the club and I had enough of travelling back home to play. I can't take too much of the credit, I simply came over to play footy, loved the club and convinced a few more uni boys too come out and play. The welcoming nature of the club and the awesome environment created by the players on the list made it an easy decision.

You were reported in the 2003 grand final, do you still blame Ash Barker for his peek a boo?

He did warn me before the game that he had a new celebration after he kicked a goal and to be ready. I just didn't think the Sunbury players and crowd would be that afraid of his face when he pulled his hands away, that it would start an all in Brawl. I still laugh every time I think about it, definitely one of his best!

Has Ash ever apologized? No, but come close to buying me a beer once!

You've been fortunate to play in a few Premierships, what rates highly with you?

All rate highly and have there reasons. My first at Beulah in 2000 was special because we had lost the 3 in a row before that one and we managed to go through undefeated

The one in 2003 was an amazing feeling after going through the disappointment of missing the 2002 flag because of injury. Being able to share this with the majority of the 02 team and the 03 inclusions definitely made my memories of the Redan days great. And the one in 05 at Beulah was significant as we were underdogs and we played a lot of that game for our mate who was in hospital.

Your playing under former Redan Premiership captain Mark Kennedy up in cairns with the cairns saints, how's that going?

The season with the saints has been going very good so far, at the time of writing we are preparing for the 2nd semi final after finishing the season on top of the ladder, if we win we go straight in to the Grand Final. I have been playing rover changing up forward all season only missing 2 games at the start of the season with a minor knee injury. I have been happy with my form. Its an awesome club, many similarities to Redan. Walshy has kicked another ton and is one of the favourites to take out the league medal. Kenno has had an injury interrupted season, however he is coming right for the finals and has been coaching extremely well. Hopefully we can go all the way.  

Married? Girlfriend? or any kids Gareth? Girlfriend, no kids

One line Answers:

Dru Quinlan - The bunker

Justin Simpkin - Studio/Forgetful

Darvid Farrant - Sneaky 

Jeff Lewis - Sheeba

The Den- Lock in

Ash Barker - entertainer

Good luck to all Redan teams involved in the finals, hope you can go all the way! Douglas give the crowd what they want.

9th Aug 2007 - I would like to wish all footballers and netballers every success for season 2007.  The finals are fast approaching so I could imagine Snibbo will be getting the viragos veins warmed up for another finals onslaught.  I was there to witness last year's finals series and thought that both finals were two of the best games that I had seen for some time, though there is not much to compare with having played in Western Region Football League for the past three seasons.

Both Sammy and I have been coaching the Altona Vikings since our departure from Redan at the end of the 2004 season.  In our first year we were able to go through undefeated in Division 2 and win a premiership which was special but since entering Division 1 wins have been far between.  This year we should finish 7^th on 4 wins which is quite amusing.  Having said that the future of the Vikings is in great shape with our u/18 side currently undefeated and we have 5 players that have played the entire season with the Western Jets...the contracts have already been brought out to secure them at the club.

Ben Hinton and Joel Martin have been great acquisitions to our club this year.  Ben has been holding down back pocket and played some tagging roles and Joel has settled onto a half back flank and has shut down some of the leagues top forwards over the past month.  If any more players want to join Altona next year you can get my number from Muzza!

To Muzza, Alfy and all of the crew I hope that you can go back to back as I see the punters out there are trying to change the format of the final 5.  We all know that finishing 3^rd is the best launching pad.  I will definitely be there cheering you on and enjoying a few crisps over the fence.  There is know doubt that my time at Altona has reminded me of how great the Redan Football Netball Club is and how special being a part of the 2002,2003 premierships is to me. Weldun!

Interviewed by Sam Giblett June 2007

Firstly, how's retired life treating you?  Well thanks. My weekends are now spent trying to qualify for my PGA tour card. Also go and watch the Lions most weekends (when in Ballarat). 

Congratulations on the birth of Zara, how's being a father treating you?  She's great. No sleepless nights or anything like that and happy to say the family will get bigger with another due in Jan. 

You were seen floating around the Mars City Oval during pre-season, is there still an itch to pull on the grass cats?  I've been to the doctor to get that itch cleared up - how did you know about that?  

You were seen at the east game with a clip board, is there a coaching role for you at the club or were you just keeping a note of busters classic one liners?  I didn't have enough room for Busters one-liners. I was jotting down the positives and key learning areas - funny that Chippy's name wasn't mentioned in the Positives! Also needed an interpreter (Bear) as Fieldy and Snibbo were not making any sense. Not interested in coaching at all.

You were fondly remembered for bringing skins into fashion, do you still don the skins?  Always. In fact, if you get up early enough on a Friday or Sunday you'll see two has-beens (myself and Hoggis) jogging around the lake in them. Hoggis is one of those blokes who wears just the Skins with no shorts over the top or anything. He rarely wears a T-Shirt either. 

Any new fashion items your working on at the moment?  A Skins Beanie - due for release next winter. 

There were many rumours floating around last year about the sexuality of your K9 harry, have you been able to get to the bottom of this?  Look I'm sick and tired of these rumours. Harry's a metro sexual K9. So what if he works out every day, watches his food intake and keeps abreast of the latest doggie fashions. Leave him alone. That's all I want to say on it.

Is there a chance we might see harry in a certain parade that happens in Sydney once a year?  Refer above. 

What would be the funniest moment you encountered whilst playing with the lions?  Have to be Chippy's 'Peek-a-boo' in the 2003 GF. He kicks the first goal of the day, does his peek-a-boo' which starts an all-in involving everyone but Chippy! Close second would be Muzz abusing little Zoe Polkinghorne who interrupted him while addressing the players. Poor little thing - all she wanted was $2 to buy a can of coke.

Skivvy or Bright Coloured T.Shirt?  Bright coloured T-Shirt. 

First thing that comes to mind…….

Ash Barker  Kevin Bartlett 

Buster  Douglas   

Greg Matthews  Under-rated 80's all rounder 

Jayden Reid   First CHFL coach to be sacked this year

Sausage Dogs  Tasty, especially with a twist of lemon

The Lions Den   Open Fires

Damian Lubeek   Short Black

Sheeba  Harry's toy boy 

Stan was a lifelong follower of the Redan FC after he retired from his successful playing and coaching seasons.   

Stan was a quiet, humble man who worked as a plumber in Ballart for over 40 years with his partner Eddie Jenkins (who was also a very good footballer for Redan). He married a Ballarat girl, Jean Strickland, enjoying over 50 years of marriage. He had two daughters both who were involved in sport in Ballarat.  

Stan must have been held in high respect by Redan FC as he was appointed Captain, committeeman and Coach despite being afflicted by deafness from a young age.

Stan passed away in 1991 aged 74. Stan's football opponents could never catch him but unfortunately Motor Neurone disease did.

Reading about the Redan Football Club's recent success after some difficult seasons I know Stan would be proud of Redan and its committee and players who represent it today.  

Sept 21st 2006 I actually had a couple of beers with Simpko last night. He's over here staying with Matty Purves but leaves to fly home next week sometime. I resigned from my job in Melbourne to travel in May and now live in London working for the London Fire Brigade. My role is to basically manage building and construction projects at fire stations across London. Its going good, interesting work and pays well so I cant complain. 

Prior to arriving in London I travelled for a couple of months, I went to the States to LA, Vegas and New York. Also spent
some time in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Following that I was in Germany for the end of the world cup, then spent a week in Ireland before arriving in London at the end of July. Had an awesome time!! I'm planning to stay in London for 12 - 18 months and do a lot more travel. Good luck to all the boys on the weekend!! Reserves and senior premierships would be fantastic!! 

(Sept 14th 2006) I have just moved to the Middle East, to a country called Qatar (near Dubai) to teach Phys Ed in a Private National School here. I was playing and was assistant coach for Springwood in a Brisbane AFL League, however, had to leave with 4 games to go to come over here! Springwood is now playing in the Preliminary Final this weekend! It is pretty good here, except the weather is around 45 degrees everyday, but I am getting some AFL equipment sent over so I can start up my own AusKick which should be good!

(At Sunbury game June 3rd 2006) I have been living in Devonport Tasmania and working as a carer. After coming to Tasmania I played for the Devonport Magpies and won the reserves best and fairest in 2001 (after losing 15kg going into the season!). Some of my highlights at Redan was a lightning premiership win in the U/12s under Jeff Lewis then the 1998 U/18 flag under Steve Braybrook.

(At Sunbury game June 3rd 2006) I played all my junior football with Redan followed by two years at Mt Clear, a season with East Ballarat and then moved onto play with North Melbourne in the VFL. Wally Carter was the coach at the time and was an absolute gentleman. After five years at North Melbourne I went to coach at Minyip where we played Ararat in the Grand Final in the first year. During my days at the Western Oval playing with Redan, Merv Candy was one of the coaches I played under and was also instrumental in getting me to the VFL. I now have a son Steven involved with Chris Connelly's staff at Fremantle in the AFL.

Mark Sainsbury (Father of the late Neil Sainsbury Junior Dual Premiership player during the 1940's)

Neil Sainsbury played in the 1942 and 1943 premiership sides and was the Full Forward of the side. Neil passed away only a couple of years ago and the club has recently been contacted via the Redan website by his son Mark. Mark emailed a number of team photos and the trophy the players received which can now be seen on the Redan site for the first time below.

                                                1942 side                           1943 side             Player trophy     Neil Sainsbury

Mark does not have a great deal of information on his father's time with Redan and mentioned that he moved to Melbourne for work shortly after winning these two flags. Anyone with additional details on Neil Sainsbury or any of the other players shown please email the club and we can feature these also.

Graham Thompson (Redan Committee Member 1973-78)

I don't think any one up there in REDAN land would know that I actually died on Sunday the 30th of January 2005 but I was very lucky & blessed for I was in hospital with a Urinary Tract Infection & there were 3 Doctors talking to me from the foot of my bed. They must have moved very quick because one of them CPR'd me for 5 minutes & during the process broke my sternum, then it took them 20 minutes to stabilise me, very touch & go for a few days. 

Like good old REDAN you can't stop a CHAMPION; when you are down there is only one way to go & that is "UP". Would you pass on my congratulations to all the boys on their fight back: Not only on the FOOTY GROUND but most importantly THE REDAN FOOTY CLUB. If I remember rightly the (1998) crisis meeting was the last meeting I attended & I can assure you I don't want to attend another meeting like that one. "CARN THE LIONS LET'S REVIVE IN 2005". 

Michael Smith (1991-1994, Redan Team of the Century Ruck Rover & Henderson Medallist)

Tell us about your junior football days and some of the places you have played football.

I played school football for Wynyard High School in Tasmania. I had one season with Devonport Football Club when I was 15 years old. I represented Tasmania at the Under 16 National Carnival in 1987 in Perth Western Australia.

In 1988 I was picked in the Tasmania under 17 side that played in Canberra (Teal Cup).

I was fortunate to be drafted to Collingwood in 1988 when I was 16. In 1989 I made the move to Melbourne to try my luck at Collingwood. I found this a great experience. In 1989 I played for Tasmania under 17 Carnival a second time and the carnival was in Melbourne.

Redan was my first Senior Club so the lions hold a special place in my heart. I spent 2 years at Bacchus Marsh after Redan and spent 5 years with Cobram Football Club in the Murray League.

Tell us how you came to play at Redan and some of your early impressions of the club.

After being delisted at Collingwood, Redan contacted the club and said they would like me to train with them. I trained once on Thursday night, signed up and played the following Saturday in a game against North Ballarat under lights to which we got thumped by 30 goals. I can still remember thinking that I would get dropped soon if this was the standard of Ballarat Football League and that I would be happy if I played another senior game that year.

What were some of your highlights while playing at Redan?

Apart from the valued friendships that I have made whilst playing at Redan the social aspect of the club was great. “Hot Gossip” got a fair workout Publicity, Bakery Hill, club balls, footy trips etc.

On field highlights would have been the finals games and playing with great players like Phyland, Brincotter, Locke and Postlewaite and the list goes on.

Who were your toughest opponents?

Peter 'Joffa' O’Connell – (East Ballarat) great reader of the play, champion player and consistently set up a lot of East Ballarat ’s play.

John Polkinghorne - (North Ballarat) Great ruck rover, great endurance player.

Wayne Cracknell - (Bacchus Marsh) Tough, great skill and made players walk tall. One of the best hip and shoulders/ elbows I have been on the end of.

How much honour was it to be made Ruck Rover in Redan Team of the Century?

The team of the century selection was huge honour to me especially to be in the company of many champions, something I didn’t ever consider.

What were your first thoughts when you heard Redan had won the premiership in 2002?

I felt so happy for the club when they won the 2002 premiership, considering what they had endured over many years, I really felt happy for the committee and supporters around the club who have stuck with them through the tough times

What are you doing with yourself these days and are you still having a kick?

These days I work at Scotch College managing the grounds and Gardens department. I also run the strength and conditioning program for the school football department. I am currently assistant coach at Scotch College for the 1^st Football side in the APS private school competition.

I set up a Personal Training business 3 years ago and I am keeping myself busy with that.

I finished playing football with Cobram 2 years ago to further my studies in the fitness industry.

I was talked into having a kick with Cobram this year during the school holidays as I am not far off 100 games for Cobram. I’m currently stranded on 97 games. Who knows I may put the boots on next year.

Mark Verberne 2000-2003 (2002 Premiership Player)

What are you up to this year and are you having a kick?

I'm working as a PE/Computer teacher as well as PE coordinator at Catholic Regional College North Keilor with Justin 'Nuts' Power. Been living in Maribyrnong and about to make the move into Southbank in the coming months. On the footy front I have been playing with my brother's team in the amateurs. I actually played forward for a change but once again the body was pretty stuffed (played about 3 fit games and 7 half fit). Really enjoyed having a year of serious footy and certainly didn’t miss the travel. Have enjoyed hitting Fitzroy Street every Saturday night as well.   

Are you missing the RFC and playing football during a Ballarat winter?

Certainly missing the club and it annoys me a bit that I couldn’t make it to more games. On Ballarat winters, I have always had a pretty big skin coat on, so it never effected me to much.

Tell us about how you came to play with Redan and some of your first impressions of the club?

I first came to the club with Quinna when he crossed over from North Ballarat in 2000. It was probably the best decision I ever made. Was actually committed to be an assistant coach for  Western Lions in the Hampton league but Quinna being the smooth operator said I can train and I ended up pulling the Pin and playing for Redan. First impressions were very good because we had a sound base of juniors coming up like Rick, Coons, Jules, Nunn, Knowles, Rumble and Simpko etc and some loyal blokes like Cusack, Hoges, Patchy and Remo who had stuck with the club through thick and thin. I also knew that Quinna was a great people person and we not going to struggle to attract players. On the board front we had a mixture of great stalwarts like Johnny Lawless and some new blood in Ian Cooney. Blokes like Flogga just topped it of.     

How did you enjoy your time at Redan and playing in the first premiership?

It was great. Seeing the look on some of those people like Johnny Lawless, Jeff, Freddy, Flogga, etc was something I will never forget. Having been at the club since the turn around started I really got to know how much they put in and how much it meant to them. I could win another 5 premierships and I don’t know

Who was your toughest opponent in the BFL?

I could say a few but Grant Wright from Darley always made you earn your kicks. Keenan Reynolds also used to be a test but thankfully we found other players to play on him. Reidy used to be a difficult opponent at training as unlike most players I played on he actually led and he positioned his body so well to take marks.

Which team-mate/s did you learn the most from while playing at Redan?

I obviously learnt a lot from Quinna but the likes of Paul O'Neil, Piggy, Phil Knowles, Sammy Ellis, Freeza and Joffa also taught me a fair bit.  

Finally, can the current side make it three in a row

For sure, after watching on Saturday and seeing the likes of Peace, Dywer and Runge playing, I think you have the side to do it. Also the fact the twos have players (even though not fully fit) like Luke Nunn and Yorky running around, it says a lot for the depth.

Justin Power 2000-2003 (Dual Premiership Player)

Justin at 2003 Dalton/Bayly medal after winning Coaches Award.

What are you up to this year and are you having a kick?

I'm working as a PE and Maths teacher at Catholic Regional College North Keilor. Its been really exciting to have a change of atmosphere and I'm now living in Preston with a couple of mates. On the footy front, I've been having a kick with East Keilor in the Essendon Football League (EDFL). We had a pretty good year making the finals. Unfortunately we lost the first final and are now out of the premiership race.

Are you missing the RFC and playing football during a Ballarat winter?

Can't say I miss the winter's too much... I haven't had a pair of leggings on all year so that's a plus. We've only had a few wet weeks but there was that arctic Saturday about 3 weeks ago. I was thinking about the Redan fellas that day for sure.

I certainly do miss the RFC. I had an awesome time while I was there and I've been keeping a very close eye on the progress of the club this year. Super effort to beat Sunbury last week lads.

Tell us about how you came to play with Redan and some of your first impressions of the club?

I was a young buck coming from Swan Hill aiming to get into uni at Ballarat. At the time, I played a year of footy with Tyntynder alongside Wes Lewis, a former North Ballarat boy. When I told him I was going to Ballarat, I asked if he knew anyone. He told me of Brett Quinlan and Redan and another young go-getter, Partington from Golden Point. I trained a couple of times with each club and then eventually chose to play with Redan. The first thing that hits a young bloke like me was how easy going the Redan guys were and how welcome they made you feel. I walked off after my first training run and found I knew the names of about 30 blokes, which was huge for me.

How did you enjoy your time at Redan and playing in two premierships?

I had a super time at Redan meeting all sorts of people and playing high quality football as well. I loved the professionalism and camaraderie of the club. Quinna demanded a lot of you as a player and you had to respond by expecting the same. I learnt a lot about sticking to your guns and consistently setting your standards higher than anyone else. Playing in two premierships was a very satisfying and exciting experience. To know you were part of the best team for two years in a row was great. Hopefully the guys can get three and do it again

Who was your toughest opponent in the BFL?

Everyone knows I used to tag Mark Power from Sunbury and he certainly played hard and fast. You had to be disciplined and know that you were going to be a target from opposition. But I thrived on that . I loved the challenge of playing on him and beating him hehe. But I'd say Troy Parker was probably a little harder to play on. He was more athletic and could take a big grab and stay down. Both pretty close

Which team-mate/s did you learn the most from while playing at Redan?

I learnt a lot from Joffa (Dru) and Brett Quinlan. Both very different personalities but both very effective. Brett made you believe things could happen and gave you confidence. He knew so much about footy it was hard not to learn from him. Joffa was in a class of his own. Game day chats and night time shenanigans. If you weren't laughing, you knew you were about to. Plenty of other lads gave their two bob. Kinga, Verbs, Simpko, Hosey, Beats, Whitty, Freeza, Reidy and plenty more were there to share a story and have a laugh. Most importantly, I learnt not to ask for the truth when Speiros was on the piss, cos he'd chew more ear than Mike Tyson.

Finally, can the current side make it three in a row and will you be there if they make it through to the Grand Final (2004)?

Absolutely!! (for both questions)

Robert Hogan (1998-99)

G'day guys, Robert Hogan here. Firstly, great effort the past few years. The club has done a remarkable job from the late 90's when I used to don the Maroon and Gold. Those days were tough, but the mates were fantastic, playing with guys like Marty Cusack, Bobby O'Brien, Paatschy, Gary Hickey, Dave Ogilvie and Grassy was so much fun. Most enjoyable and would have liked more wins, but the memories are still great, anyway. 

Me, I am still having a kick. Playing for the Deniliquin Rovers, in the Picola League. Not great footy, but good, social fun. Still kicking a few goals, but still the fitness is not great. Live in Moama and a Primary Teacher in Echuca, so travel about 40 minutes for training and games. Anyway, good luck again for this year guys. Make it 3 in a row like the Lions in the AFL. Good luck to the new coach and well done to Brett and his crew on turning the club around. Go the Lions. Cheers Hoges.

Adam Pease (1997-98)

My name is Adam Pease and I played about 30 senior games between 1997-1998. We didn't win a single game while I was playing but I loved every minute of every game. I have been playing with the Phillip Island Football Club (West Gippsland Latrobe Football League) for the past four seasons (played about 70 senior games now). We have played in the finals for the last three years. I even managed a runners up best and fairest amongst that.

I just read the interview with Bobby O'Brien who is a good mate. We lived in the same house for a year or so just around the corner from the City Oval. 

Last year when someone sms'd me the final score in the Grand Final (2002) I just couldn't believe it...I shed a silent tear but was unable to make it up because of work on the Sunday. This year I was in the States with work also...so I have missed both premierships.

So I just wanted to say what a magnificent job the people associated with the club have done to turn it all around. I was named ruck rover for the game against Darley in which we were forced to forfeit and I remember thinking how is this club going to survive....but we never gave in and so many dug deep just so we could finish the season. That memory will always remain with me. No one gave up. There was always hope. We as players honestly thought we could turn it around and win the next week. We couldn't do it in my time but I knew if everyone headed in the right direction something good would happen. Now the Redan Football Club has won BACK TO BACK flags. Johnny Northey will be happy...and so will Johnny Greengrass.

It pleases me no end to see the club DOMINATING the league and beating those pricks from Sunbury.  They used to beat the shit out of us when they were up by 40 goals so I can only imagine what they did when they were actually beaten.  

Barry Cheatley (1956-59) Team of the Century Full Back & 81 VFL games for North Melbourne 

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO PLAY FOR REDAN? I played my junior football with Wendouree but when they disbanded following my U/16 season, I then needed to find a new club. I was living in Black Hill and going to School at Ballarat High and somehow ended up at Redan to play U/18's.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND BEST MEMORIES DURING YOUR TIME AT THE CLUB? Playing my first senior game was a huge thrill but also our U/18 Premiership in 1958. Learning from some great coaches like Jack Nuttall was also fantastic.

WHICH OPPOSITION FULL FORWARD GAVE YOU THE MOST TROUBLE FOR REDAN & NORTH MELBOURNE? When I was with Redan,1 I actually started off playing in the forward line. Later on I was moved to Full Back and the likes of Daylesford's Jim Gull were tough to play on. When I moved to North Melbourne, the likes of Doug Wade, John Peck and Murray Weideman were all very difficult to play on.

HOW DO YOU FIND THE TRANSITION FROM BFL TO THE THEN VFL? It was a very big jump indeed. I'd had a taste of VFL seconds football in 1959 so this did help me a lot when I lined up for the Kangaroos in 1960.  The major difference was the pace of the game but lining up against the great Ted Whitten in my first game was also an eye opener. It was round 2 of the 1960 season and we were playing at Arden St. Ted was playing Centre Half Forward and I was given the job on him. I was fortunate enough to play from 1960-64 without being dropped, missing only a few games through injury and playing mostly at Full Back.

WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE NAMED IN THE REDAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY? I was absolutely thrilled. As I arrived on the night, I had no idea I was in the side and was not expecting to be named. It was a wonderful night for the club and gave me the chance to catch up with a lot of former team mates.

DO YOU STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR OLD TEAM MATES? Over the years I have stayed in touch with a lot of the old Redan boys such as Cal Howlett, Garry English, Ian Burt, Ron Andrews, John Northey, Len Templar, and Graham Willey. The likes of Fred and Bob Carpenter, Bill Dunstan of Les Holloway have also been great friends over the years.  The Team of the Century dinner was great for a lot of us to all catch up.

FINALLY, FROM THE GAMES YOU'VE SEEN IN RECENT WEEKS, DO YOU THINK REDAN CAN WIN THIS YEAR'S PREMIERSHIP? I've been very impressed with what I have seen. The standard in the Daylesford game was very high in trying conditions and against Darley in the Elimination final they were terrific. I think they have a coach who knows what he's doing and I've been very impressed with what I've seen of Matthew Walsh. I think with the week off they will be ready to win another flag come next Sunday.

Brendon 'Bobby' O'Brien (1996-1999) - Captain & Dalton/Bayly Medallist 1998

                                                                              

TELL US WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH YOURSELF?  I am working for the Waikato Institute of Technology as a Sport Science Lecturer, New Zealand Academy of Sport as a physical conditioning consultant and University of Auckland, researching intervention strategies to stop the incidence of diabetes.

HOW DO YOU ENJOY LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND?   I love NZ but ultimately still call Australia home. NZ is very similar to Australia, a little greener for  sure, a tad more Bro's and they think any word with the letter e should be replaced by the letter u in pronunciation. The one thing that annoys me is that  AFL is not telecast here. I think it is a conspiracy by the rugby union to stop the spread of the world's
best sport.

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A FOOTY CLUB? I have a meeting next week to start up an Aussie Rules competition in Hamilton (NZ's fourth largest city). I may be tempted to pull on the boots again. I have been involved with Rugby, because that's all they really play here when not making offensive moves on sheep.

ARE YOU HAVING A KICK? The last time I had a kick was for Manuwera (the bronx of the South Pacific) in the Auckland Football League in 2000. I was the only non-bro (maori) on the team. I had my usual game, 20 odd possessions, kicking at least 95% of them straight into the gleeful hands of the opposition.

ARE YOU MISSING THE RFC? I definitely miss the success of the team and I am hugely disappointed I can not watch the development of the young guns from the underage teams of Redan. I am proud of the club's turn around in fortunes.

WHAT ABOUT THE FLOODLIT WESTERN OVAL? Memories of a training on a muddy quagmire in the depths of Ballarat's frigid winter, not knowing whether I should shield my face or attempt to mark the ball drilled at me, reinforce why I am best retired.

HOW DID YOU STAY MOTIVATED DURING ALL THOSE DEFEATS DURING THE LATE 90's?
Staying motivated was not that hard. I never once contemplated quitting despite the massive losses, it just steeled my resolve. Besides if I left I felt I would be deserting the people behind the scenes who were fighting for the club's survival. I always thought we had good footballers and just one day it would just gel, everyone would have a blinder simultaneously and we would somehow win and I desperately wanted to be on the field the day they finally cracked a win, and eventually it happened.

TELL US ABOUT THE DROUGHT BREAKING WIN IN '99? The win was actually a little surreal after 4 years of constant thrashings. It was a warm day, the ground was in great nick with a great crowd atmosphere and I spent most of the game jogging around watching all the young guns blitz. I felt more like a spectator on the ground. Yeah it was exciting but also a big relief-mission accomplished. I was just happy to share the win with all the club stalwarts and players who had loyally persisted with the club through those troublesome years. 

I remember most vividly being in the change rooms after the game feeling a great sense of 
accomplishment whilst simultaneously receiving and giving congratulations etc whilst fighting the urge to faint. I was really buggered despite not playing a great role in the game. I have had the opportunity to play in three premierships with three different teams but that win will always be, by a long shot, my most fond memory of my football career.

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE LAST YEAR'S FLAG (2002)? I read the result on the club's website on the Monday after the win. I have to admit, I shed a tear. I regret missing out on the game.

Scott Easdown: (2002 Premiership player)

Easy here saying hi from sunny QLD. It looks like you are all playing pretty good football but how could Hosey be leading the MVP, come on Ray Chow pull your finger out out! I am playing at Morningside footy club and we are sitting on top with 9 wins and no losses. I love playing for good teams!!! The comp here is not too bad, however there is a great difference in the standard of the top five sides and the bottom sides. When you play the bottom sides you know you are going to win by over 10 goals which is hard to get motivated about.

I am working in a primary school of 800 students and I am the PE teacher, so all I do is PE all day everyday. Not a bad Job!!!!!. Am house sitting a house at the moment for 7 weeks, spa, pool, own gardener, life's pretty good. Weather is great a lot warmer then the RAT!!! Not much else is happening, any of the boys who want to come up and see the sights of Brisvegas  give me a call on 0403 055 536 or send an email to seasdown@hotmail.com. I have seen Juice once when we played Broadbeach and it was 11:00 and 25 degrees and he had a stubbie in  his hand so I think he loves it on the Gold Coast. Anyway good luck for the rest of the footy season, stick it up the other teams!!! GO LIONS

Brad Paatsch: (1998-2000)

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AND WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? Living in Williamstown and working in the city for Sport and Recreation Victoria as State Facilities Coordinator. Responsible for the delivery of Commonwealth Games and other large sporting facilities.  Live with girlfriend and 12 week old daughter. 

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A FOOTY CLUB? No, other than following the mighty Kangaroos. 

ARE YOU HAVING A KICK? No, after having a year off (2002) due to work reasons I started training with a club but had a major injury and have not returned. 

ARE YOU MISSING THE RFC? Immensely, miss the mateship. 

WHAT ABOUT THE FLOODLIT WESTERN OVAL? Like a hole in the head, cold nights training in Ballarat at the Western Oval I definitely do not miss. 

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE LAST YEAR'S FLAG? Watched the game with a few old Redan teammates and then partied with the team afterwards at the Western Oval. 

Marty Cusack (1993, 1997-2001, 2004) - Coach 1998

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AND WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?  Since retiring at the end of the 2001 football season I have moved to England where I have been teaching for the past 16 months. Spend all my holidays travelling. Due home in time for pre season 2004.

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A FOOTY CLUB?  Have been converted to Football (Soccer) I've made three appearances for the Marlborough Teachers against Teachers from other schools. Struggling with the "no contact" thing and have therefore seen a few yellow and red cards along with a bit of abuse opposition teams.

ARE YOU MISSING THE RFC?  Definitely miss playing for Redan and also being around the club.

WHAT ABOUT THE FLOODLIT WESTERN OVAL? Is that light still out near the change rooms?

HOW DID U CELEBRATE LAST YEAR'S FLAG? Consumed a few beers with some Pommie mates however they couldn't quite understand the significance of the win. Emailed all the people who have bagged me for the past 7 years. Great Day.

ARE THE BOOTS HUNG UP FOR GOOD? At one stage I thought they were however at the moment I would love to pull on the boots and have a run. However would need a considerable financial inducement. Keeping relatively fit. Ran the London Marathon in April and now ride 30 miles a day on the bike. No change to the general shape though. Still have the body you're all aspire to.

Chris Beattie: (2001-2002) - 2002 Premiership player

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AND WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?
Recreation Officer Mildura Rural City Council.  Have been living in Mildura for nearly 6 months, love the weather.

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A FOOTY CLUB?
Yep, hanging out at South Mildura, calling myself one of the boys.

ARE YOU MISSING THE RFC?
Definitely! especially the camaraderie amongst the blokes.  The Friday night sessions were a treat, as were Sunday's.

WHAT ABOUT THE FLOODLIT WESTERN OVAL?
Not at all, we have fabulous sport and recreation facilities in Sunraysia, the best in the state.

Gary Hickey (1998-2002)

Former player and Club Secretary Gary Hickey is this year teaching in the Northern Territory and recently sent through some pictures of him and his students.