It was 50 years ago but many believe that the 1976 Grand Final was the greatest in Tungamah history.

Led by coach Kim Wickham, the Hoppers produced an incredible comeback to claim one of the most memorable premierships the club has ever seen.

Wearing the famous green and gold, a determined group of country boys with renowned surnames such as Parish, Haebich, Campbell, Kreeck, Mifka, Doyle, Beggs, Bourke, Lonergan and Lawless refused to give in, delivering a finish that is still talked about 50 years later.

The final score saw Tungamah 14.21 (105) defeating Shepparton East 15.13 (103) at Congupna.

The honour board that year lists local football legend Les Parish as Tungamah’s leading goalkicker, with 89 goals, or 105 including finals.

Parish also won 1976 Lawless Family Medal as the Tungamah Football League best and fairest with 26 votes, ahead of Ross McKellar from Dookie on 22. He later went on to play for Fitzroy and Melbourne in the VFL before returning to Yarrawonga where he won a Morris Medal in 1986.

The celebrations that followed after the grand final were also legendary with the local pub apparently running out of beer. It wasn’t just a premiership; it was a day that became part of Tungamah folklore.

The 86 premiership upset

The1986 Grand Final win was also a memorable moment in the history of the club.

The experts predicted Katandra to win comfortably, but with skipper Steve Campion at the helm, the Hoppers produced one of the club's most memorable premiership victories as underdogs defeating the Kats by 16 points.

With names such as Frank O'Dwyer, John McNamara, John Irvine, Ron Laffy, Neil Duncan, Jim and Steve Campion, Rod Whinray and Lloyd Cowling the moments and the memories still live on.

This Saturday (June 13) at Jubilee Park, past players, coaches, supporters are invited to join the club to celebrate the many premiership reunions over the decades which also include senior premierships in 1936 and 1946.

The celebrations will go from 12-2pm. For $50 you can enjoy lunch and drinks and there will be a jumper auction after the football. Go to Reunion

trybooking.com for bookings.

Yarrawonga Chronicle Google News Panels

Monday, 31st March 2031

Your Afternoon Headlines

Select Stories

Publish Panels