| 1928 'NUTS' SEALS IT FOR WOODS |
| 1928 Grand Final COLLINGWOOD 13.18.96 RICHMOND 9.9.63 Goals: G. Coventry 9, L. Murphy 2, Harris 1, Makeham 1 Best Players: A. Collier, G. Coventry, Murphy, S. Coventry, H. Collier, Rumney At MCG Crowd: 50,026 Collingwood Team: B: H. Rumney, C. Dibbs, A. Lauder HB: A. Collier, G. Clayden, R. Makeham C: N. McLeod, J. Beveridge, B. Andrew HF: J. Harris, F. Murphy, H. Chesswass F: P. Rowe, G. Coventry, H. Collier FOLL.: S. Coventry, L. Murphy, W. Libbis CAPTAIN: Syd Coventry COACH: Jock McHale |
| Collingwood were again minor premiers in 1928 with a 15-3 record and seemed destined for back-to-back flags. But leading by five goals just before three quarter time in the second semi final against Melbourne it appeared that the cruel twist of fate that haunts The Club may deny them that destiny in 1928. Winger Bruce Andrew took a shot for goal that sailed through for a point as the bell sounded but umpire McMurray ruled that the kick had come after the bell and disallowed the score. Most impartial observers at the game as well as Andrew himself who was famed for his honesty and integrity believed that the kick had been effected well before the bell but the Magpies had to settle for a 30 point lead at three quarter time rather than a 31 point lead. In the last quarter it appears that instructions by captain Syd Coventry to defend contradicted McHale�s instructions during the break. In the ensuing confusion Collingwood were held goalless whilst Melbourne kicked five goals straight all from the boot of the incomparable Ivor Warne-Smith to tie the game. At the final bell that disallowed point was critical! In the replay the following week Collingwood scrambled to a 4 point win but only after surviving a late shot for goal from Melbourne�s McConville that would have reversed the outcome of the game had it been on target. After these harrowing two weeks, Richmond were confident of beating the Magpies in the 1928 final. Goals to Gordon "Nuts" Coventry and Murphy in a scrambly first quarter set up a handy lead for Collingwood and then the game opened up in the second term into a free flowing display of classic football skills. G Coventry was starring up forward but the unsung hero was follower Percy Rowe who played most of the day in a forward pocket absorbing punishment from the Richmond defence to allow Coventry an easier passage to the ball. "Nuts" finished with a record 9 goals for the game including 3 crucial goals in the last quarter to ensure that Collingwood ran out 33 point winners to secure The Club�s 7th VFL flag. Coventry�s amazing feat of 9 goals in a grand final is a record that has not been surpassed by anyone all those years later. Only the mercurial Gary Ablett in 1989 has even managed to repeat it. |