This sentence really takes the reader to the heart of the Club, to a challenge of the day, and to an atmosphere of goodwill and dedication that is eternal. 

 

It was about a time way back that this was written - the season of 1912, perched between centuries, before the devastation of war, and a decade after the team’s first VFL premiership. 

 

The 1912 season is famous for its connection to the regular wearing of guernsey numbers, and to the inaugural rendition of the Club song - on this trip, in fact.

 

However, what is really not known much of is the background of the players of 1912 - those who first wore the guernsey numbers on a regular basis, through to singing the song for the first time ever on the holiday to Tasmania that brought the group together. 

 

While missing out on the final four, the team won nine games, and finished sixth, before plummeting to ninth place in 1913 and 1914, then rebounding to fourth spot for 1915. 

 

The wartime recess was as yet an unknown, and hopes were undoubtedly high for success throughout 1912.

 

 

George came from Numurkah in country Victoria, and had also played for Essendon in its VFA days. Renowned for his ability in defence, he was captain of the side in 1912 and 1913, and went on to play 55 games, his career closing with the start of the Club’s wartime hiatus. Hendrie came from Preston, and played 87 games, his career also finishing up in 1915.

 

McKenzie was the exception to the rule of this trio. He returned post-war, playing one more season in 1919 to take his tally to 112, always impressing with his agility and turning capability. 

 

Looking further down the team list, there were ten newcomers, ruckman Herb Francis hailing from Hastings, redheaded schoolteacher Tim Lane making his way from country Lancefield, and Mick Maguire taking his place at his second of three clubs in this stint with Melbourne - a goal kicker, he was one of a select bunch to make their senior VFL debut before the age of sixteen. 

 

Jack ‘Dodger’ Evans came from Richmond Districts as a defender; Artie Ferguson came from Fitzroy via Prahran, and Clarence Abbott added one game to his tally in 1912 after two games with Collingwood in 1907.

 

Such examples show what a diverse group this team of 1912 was. 

 

Many were indeed from the country, but the country of that time no doubt includes areas that would be considered as outer suburbs today. 

 

There is no doubt that playing the game then, with less regular income (this being just after payment was even accepted as the norm) and away from home, would have been far more difficult than today. 

 

The likes of Vern Daniel, who came from Maffra in the Gippsland region, would have been undertaking the equivalent of interstate travel to come to Melbourne to play.

Those who played in 1912 - although not part of a wildly successful era on field - had the chance to cement their name as legendary figures nonetheless. 

 

So it is that we have the likes of Harry Brereton, who topped the VFL goal kicking tally in this year with 56 goals, and went on in later life to become the long time President of the Victorian Cricket Association. 

 

At the other end of the ground was Bobby Monk, a solid character who kicked just 15 goals in his 125 games between 1907 and 1915. 

 

He was joined by Bernie Nolan, also an occasional ruckman who came with a ready-made fighting spirit. Known as ‘Rookie’, Nolan also remained involved in a coaching capacity after his playing days. 

 

Hedley ‘Bobby Dazzler’ Tomkins served as a Sapper during World War One, losing a leg while serving, but leaving behind him memories of quicksilver play and many cameos during his time at Melbourne, Fitzroy and East Perth, after originally coming from Leopold near Geelong.

 

Like Tomkins, Johnny Leith hailed from the Geelong area, and by the time 1912 rolled around, was a veteran, having played in the 1900 premiership side with Melbourne. A creative forward, his time at the Club was in three stints between 1897 and 1912.

Another veteran - this time in defence - was Arthur Mueller ‘Joe’ Pearce, who made his debut in 1904, and played 152 games to the end of 1913. He was one of the most respected figures in the game, and would die on the shores of Gallipoli. 

 

His connection to Melbourne would not be lost, however, as his cousin, Jack Mueller, played and starred in a later generation.

 

That is just a snapshot of the men who made up the team of 1912.  

 

In this era of nicknames, they were also known as ‘King George’s Men’ in tribute to their captain, and ‘Hot Socks’ in tribute to the red socks worn by the players. 

 

It was the first year at the helm for Secretary Andrew Manzie, one of the first in a long line of personnel to make his way across Yarra Park from Richmond across the seasons, and Alex ‘Joker’ Hall was the coach. 

 

These were just some of the men who made up the landscape in Season 1912.