Echuca boys: Brian Phyland, Terry Stockton and Jack Barry all live in Echuca. Stockton and Barry both played in the 1967 premiership, but Stockton left the next year. Photos: Rohan Aldous
Connection: Cousins Tom and Bernie (Bunny) Oliver are with 1970 premiership player Bob Egan. “Bunny” Oliver was one of two players to contest the 1970 seconds and senior grand finals, having returned from a broken wrist through the reserve grade team. The two matches were played a week apart and even he was surprised to get a game in the 1970 premiership team.
Murray Bombers for life: Laurie Phillips was one of the few reunion members to have played in Bendigo and Goulburn Valley league premierships, in 1970 and 1977 (under Bob Allison). He was with Kevin McMahon, who played during the 1967 season, and thirds/reserves grand final member Mick Toll, who now lives at Shepparton.
Good times: Ross Vincent, Lindsay Thorn and Paul Randall all played with Echuca in the 1960s and re-acquainted at the Echuca Hotel on Friday evening for the dual premiership reunion.
At home in the centre: Bernie Phyland is right at home in the centre, where he played in both grand final wins. He followed that up with a third premiership at Sale, in Gippsland, in 1971. He now lives at Noosa. David Fox, who now lives on the Gold Coast, was a forward flanker in 1970, while Echua’s Robbie Height played until the club joined the Goulburn Valley and was a reserves grand final player.
Fast, not so furious: Rover Mal Freeman (left) arrived at the club in 1971, but returned to the Bendigo league when Echuca joined the Goulburn Valley. Winger Bryan O’Neill was a speedster who competed at the Stawell Gift and played in both 1967 and 19070 flags, while Peter Jackson was another of the ex-Echuca stars to attend the long-awaited event.
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