Warby wrote:
The Fev stands out of course ATM....especially from a long way out; he's still not a certainty close in; but he's a magnificent kick for goal.
I'll never forget Bryan Quirk; No.32 on the wing for us. It didn't matter how far out it was; he would unleash a perfect torpedo for a goal....it was poetry in motion....you could put your house on him kicking it.
How about Warren Ralph? Could he kick it a mile or what? Yet....not reliable close in.
Has there ever been a more classical Half Forward Flanker than Wayne Johnston? Or a better running torpedo goal kicker in the history of the game? Never....could'nt be.
John Nicholls was a great shot for goal ; and never missed the ones that counted. He kicked a flat punt; like Peter Hudson....very effective 'tho. I recall Big Nick kicking a massive torpedo goal for us at PP to win a game for us, and I remember saying to my Dad that I had never seen him kick a torp before. My Dad wisely said "He wouldn't have made the distance...it had to be a torpedo, and he had the ability to produce one when it mattered"
Greg Kennedy was a great shot for goal; I recall watching him kick 12 goals for us against Hawthorn. Ross Ditchburn also kicked 12 for us ; I think against the Saints at Waverley. A little bloke called Brian Walsh from Bendigo way was a great goalsneak for us too kicking 7 for us at least once.
Strangely enough, Geoff Southby always fancied himself as a forward, and at one stage threatened to leave if we didn't play him up forward....which we did...it was an abject failure as Geoff ; who was a magnificent drop and punt kick, could not kick a goal to save his life....he had no idea. He got it out of his system; we regained our Champion Full Back; and we all smiled again......
Please don't suggest Johnston was a reliable kick for goal. I don't think there has been a less accurate kick at the club considering the amount of shots he had.