Scotch College

Good things come in threes

A family orientated award recognises a great tradition of 3rd XVIII football at Scotch.

WORDS: Mr RUSSELL SMITH

What do Bill (’39), Russ (’66) and Cam (’93) Smith share?

As well as genes, all three played for the Scotch 3rd XVIII – Bill and Cam in their final year and Russ in 1965.

Together with Rob, (’64) who played in Okker Ferres’ famed and undefeated 4th XVIII (the ‘Iron Men’), they provided a full complement of on-ballers.

They were not blessed with height or silky skills, but were all very determined, loved their footy, and were fiercely dedicated to the Scotch team. They played most of their games as rovers, and made the ruckmen look good, even if not handsome.

Wet days were their godsend. Bill tells of the day on the bus back to Scotch after a particularly wet day down at Geelong College, the coach singled him out as the only Scotch player to take an overhead mark during the game. His other sporting claim to fame, as reported in Satura, was his knocking down of a Korowa girl during a game of softball. Of course, it was an accident.

During the years that Rob, Russ and Cam played at Scotch, they often played ‘higher elevated’ teams from other schools. Collegian and Satura reports show that both Rob and Russ played in winning Scotch teams against Melbourne High School 2nd XVIIIs, and other ‘seconds’ opponents.

Cameron was captain of the 3rd XVIII in his final year, and throughout his Scotch footy career he was supported not just by his mum and dad but also by his grandfather. Bill not only provided the half-time oranges but also Crunchie bars after the game. This dedicated support of the thirds was recognised by the team coach, Dr Rob Smith (surprisingly, not a relative), who presented Bill with the ‘best supporter’ trophy after the last game. It is still proudly displayed in Bill’s home some 15 years later.

It was thought that this remarkable ‘Smithy Synergy’ should be celebrated in some way. Out of this idea, the BRC* Smith Award has arisen. A medallion and sporting goods voucher will be presented annually to the player adjudged by the coach to be the best and fairest for the season. The award will be presented in perpetuity, thanks to the generosity of Bill who has funded the project.

The great tradition of Scotch thirds continues. This year Bill, Russ and Cameron have watched two great 12-goal victories over Wesley (at Scotch) and Xavier boarders (at Xavier). Beating Xavier is always a memorable feat … whatever the year!

At the end of the season, the winner of the inaugural BRC Smith award was announced. It is Joseph McKenna, who wrote gratefully to the Smith family that he was ‘thrilled at having received your marvellous award, born out of a family gathering and a great tradition of thirds football at Scotch College’.

Joseph continued: ‘I think what is so wonderful is that your family has, by this award, acknowledged not the best and brightest footballer at Scotch, but someone in the middle ranks who loves the game and gives it their all at whatever level they find themselves. And how lucky am I that for this historic year in football, it was me!’ GS

*‘B’ = Bill, ‘R’ = Rob/Russ and ‘C’ = Cameron