Why aren't Fred Cook & Gerry Callahan, and most probably others, in the Hall of Fame?
Answer: because they didn't play in the VFL/AFL (although Fred did play a few games for Footscray before his heart problems)
Frank Johnson is the only VFA player that has made it to my knowledge, surely there must be some that are worthy, or am I bashing my head against a brick wall?
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/playing-the-hall-of-fame-game-201…
Freddie cook was chased by North melbourne in 1977 but Footscray would not release him imagine the likes of cable burns tanner etc delivering the ball he would have smashed a ton of goals I have no doubt. The afl arrogant pigs do not ever consider the vfa ever existed even though all origin vfl clubs were from vfa. Cook and the monster should be in the hall of fame no doubt. There are others in vfa that would also be more than worthy.
Its not as bad as you might think vfa
The VFA has has 5 players that came from the VFA that are Hall of Famers Frank Johnson.Albert Thurgood,Goerge Coulthard VFA Carlton 1876- 1882,Keith Grieg,Peter Bedford, and Arthur Thurgood who all came from the VFA same as Frank Johnson
There is a long list of players that are Legends and Hall of Fames players like Ron Barrassi,Bob Skilton,Kevein Murray Bob Pratt and Ron Cazaly that played in the VFA ofr coached teams. Hall of famers the played in the VFA include Laurie Nash, Jim Stynes,Les Foote,Ron Clegg,Jack Titus Colin Watson,Bob Johnson jnr,Bill Morris.Kevin Murray,Des Fothergill,John Murphy,Barry Round,Len Thompson
Not a bad list Fred Cooks criminal history would stop him getting in But VFA Star Ted Henrys should be looked at as he was a VFA great who like Johnson was ALL Australian in 1953 and kept the Great John Coleman to a low score at that Carnival Fpr many years the VFA Recorder had a clasic photo pf Ted outmarking Coleman in that match.
I was just thinking the other day that its time (as a Port supporter) Fred Cook should be included in the Hall of Fame. He had suffered another heart attack just a month or so ago, and would love to see him there.
There was hardly a bigger name in the late 70s early 80s, and he was one of the reasons that crowds were flocking to the VFA.
The 'Monster' was one of those players that apart from being an outstanding footballer, helped make the rivalry between Willy and Port what it is today.
I believe Callahan is a 5 - time premiership player, during the height of Williamstowns power in the 1950s and should surely be another of those players inducted from the VFA.
There should be a vfa all star legends team selected. Now that would be one tough job to select. Then they could have each era 1877-1896 1897-1924 1925-1939 1940-1949 1950-1960 1961-1969 1970-1979 1980-1995
In reply to I was just thinking the other by NorthPort
Fred Cook wont get a look in as I said before They have strict rules thats why Gary Abblett and Carey are still waiting two of the best players of all time.
Callihan wont get a look in as all the Victorians chosen have played VFL/AFL
Same most likely applies to Ted Henrys who is one of the best VFA players of all time.
We have to remember the AFL is only the former VFL under a different Name with many still associated with it that have hatred of the the old VFA that used to stand up to them and these types try to denigrate and push it into the background when it should be celebrated as the the father of ALL the Victoria AFL teams.Without the VFA being formed in 1877 there would be no AFL.
In reply to I was just thinking the other by NorthPort
Gerry Callahan's record at Willi http://www.williamstownfc.com.au/gerry-callahan/
I thought I heard on the radio the other day the AFL has been asking state leagues for nominations for next year and beyond, did anyone else hear that?
In reply to Its not as bad as you might by billythekid
Keith Grieg & Peter Bedford are there for their deeds at North & South, respectively, not for what they may have achieved at Brunswick & Port.
As for the others Ron Barrassi played three games for Port, Bob Skilton about eight, Kevin Murray may have played one season at Sandy, Bob Pratt was a star at Coburg (although Keith Miller kept him goaless one day against Brighton & was subsequently recruited by St Kilda) and Roy Cazaly went through more clubs & leagues than the vice-squad.
We should be talking up genuine VFA legends such as Fred Cook, Gerry The Monster, Billy Swan & many more & clubs should be putting in submissions if they haven't already. Sadly the bias against the VFA that Billy speaks of will probably prevent it happening. But these guys are just as worthy as any of the SA & WA & Tasmanian players who have been inducted.
In reply to billythekid wrote:Its not as by Wally from Wil…
[qSadly the bias against the VFA that Billy speaks of will probably prevent it happening. But these guys are just as worthy as any of the SA & WA & Tasmanian players who have been inducted.[/quote]
I agree with you there are come great Players like Bob Withers Port John Coghlan Oakleigh ,Frosty Miller,Tommy Lahiff and the great Prahran goalkicker George Hawkins you can add to the list but I dont see it happening for a very long time if ever.
Northcote 's Frank Seymour must have been some sort of player and would be more than worthy.
Ted Henrys would have to be considered especially making the all australian team as well as winning a Liston. He would have walked into any VFL team.