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History of the JumperBy Peter Wishart - 2004The year was 1956. The City of Melbourne was busy preparing for the Olympic games, the magic of television was coming and in the wilds of Melbourne the first refrigerator was making an appearance, which spelt the end of the iceman and his daily deliveries. Across town in the tiny village of Heathmont, George Good crossed the bridge over the railway line and made his way to Keith Cullen's barber shop. By the time his hair was cut, both George and Keith had decided to form a football club. The pair parted with happy grins on their faces and minds racing in the historic agreement to form the Heathmont Football Club. The second year saw Heathmont defeat Bayswater in the Croydon-Ferntree Gully League. Sadly George Good passed away in 1958, and although he had seen his new club win a premiership he would not see the second. George was born in Swan Hill in 1906 and moved to Heathmont in the early 50's. The Good family also helped form the Heathmont Bowling Club. Following a quickly called meeting and with the aid of Andy Anderson, Jack Faulkner, Arthur Cutting and Ken Spargo, the Heathmont Club was born and registered. Arthur Cutting was appointed as the first coach with Alan Blackbell as Captain. Arthur played with Footscray seconds and Yarraville before joining Williamstown in 1932. He started as a winger and became a champion half back. Into the 1930's Arthur won a host of trophies which included club best and fairest in 1938 and 1939. Arthur also played in the 1939 and 1945 premiership sides and in all played 159 games with Williamstown. The JJ Liston trophy was the highlight of a wonderful career. The colours adopted and jumper style was the same as his old VFA club which years later one can only wonder if Arthur had a good collection, or they did not have the time to think of a distinctive style. A few years later to avoid a clash with Lilydale the blue with a yellow sash was altered to the blue with a gold yoke. In 1994 the bands on the jumper were altered from gold to blue to give a more distinctive appearance. Although criticised by some loyal and old time members for a jumper change the new look was to be the beginnings of the premiership year. The blue shorts were an addition to coincide with the advent of colour television. The visionaries that changed the home shorts from black to blue obviously knew that not only would Heathmont win a flag, but the match would be on video for all to see. Again in 1998 following a historic merge with the neighbouring Heatherdale Junior Football Club the club adopted a new look jumper with white and yellow lightning flashes being added. In the past 14 seasons the club has played in seven grand finals for one success, 1994. Although history may not be kind in premiership flags, the club is proud of each and every player that pulls on the jumper and is pleased to honour them in a small way. To the end of season 2003 the club has had 343 players get at least one senior game. To honour each player a unique number corresponding with their first game will be affixed to jumpers for the 2004 season. The veteran Cameron Browne has the lowest in 205 whilst Kris Olsen has the last for 2003 in 343. There are 37 on the 2004 senior list that are among this unique group. Over half last years Grand Final side played juniors at Heathmont and have remained loyal to the club. Sometimes just playing footy with your mates is more important than being paid and the club is proud of the contribution that the players make. From this we hope that the numbers stay with players all their lives. The Heathmont Jets Football Club through the generous sponsorship of Brad Munro (IGA Supermarket - Heathmont) have unveiled their new training and pre-season jumper. Pictured below are Scott Wishart in no 299 and Chris Walters in the training jumper.
Here is the listing of current players for the 2004 season including their unique number in Heathmont Football Club history. Wear your jumper with pride!
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