SA Footy

Anyone here see the great man play?

Also, I've heard a couple of different rumours/stories/tales about how he ended up in SA from Collingwood all those years ago, are they common knowledge or was I just talking to a crackpot?

Yes i saw him play when I was a kid, late in his career - not tall by today's standards for a key position player, but strongly built and skilful.
I think he was at CHF and Tony Goodchild in the centre that day.
They were both good players.

Constance_Perm wrote:Anyone here see the great man play?

Also, I've heard a couple of different rumours/stories/tales about how he ended up in SA from Collingwood all those years ago, are they common knowledge or was I just talking to a crackpot?

Depends on what you've heard CP. All I know is there was some kind of unrest at Collingwood at the time and Fitzgerald's clearance was controversial. Exactly what happened, I have no idea. I've never really bothered to find out. Perhaps you can tell us what you know.

A book is currently being written on the life of Len Fitzgerald - all the answers to your questions will be revealed soon....

How tall was he?

he was 183cm
as far as I know he was offered higher paying job in Adelaide, there was some drama with his clearance but it finally got settle, sorry I dont know much more

In his latter years he lived at Mannum and coached that club's B grade side about 7 or 8 years ago.

Wasn't he cleared to Adelaide as a favour by a "colourful Collingwood based businessman" to someone who was involved with Sturt at the time.

Yep LL thats the story I'd heard

Constance_Perm wrote:Anyone here see the great man play?

Also, I've heard a couple of different rumours/stories/tales about how he ended up in SA from Collingwood all those years ago, are they common knowledge or was I just talking to a crackpot?

Hey CP
I was lucky to be involved with Len in 1974 when he was coaching Glenelg's U/19.
A very good speaker and very passionate about Footy. At training he would kick out to groups of 3 with the one in the middle taking the mark and handballing out to either side.
He would kick a 50 metre dropkick all the time and not one would miss the mark. Wouid handball 25 meters.
David Holst, Glenn Todman, Jim Lihou, Gary parker, Mike Harrison, Nick Crabb maybe Reg Pollard and okker Kemp all were coached by the great man and went on to play seniors

The Yetti wrote:

Constance_Perm wrote:Anyone here see the great man play?

Also, I've heard a couple of different rumours/stories/tales about how he ended up in SA from Collingwood all those years ago, are they common knowledge or was I just talking to a crackpot?

Hey CP
I was lucky to be involved with Len in 1974 when he was coaching Glenelg's U/19.
A very good speaker and very passionate about Footy. At training he would kick out to groups of 3 with the one in the middle taking the mark and handballing out to either side.
He would kick a 50 metre dropkick all the time and not one would miss the mark. Wouid handball 25 meters.
David Holst, Glenn Todman, Jim Lihou, Gary parker, Mike Harrison, Nick Crabb maybe Reg Pollard and okker Kemp all were coached by the great man and went on to play seniors

You could probably add Peter Johnston and Chris Hercock to that list as well

The Yetti wrote:

Constance_Perm wrote:Anyone here see the great man play?

Also, I've heard a couple of different rumours/stories/tales about how he ended up in SA from Collingwood all those years ago, are they common knowledge or was I just talking to a crackpot?

Hey CP
I was lucky to be involved with Len in 1974 when he was coaching Glenelg's U/19.
A very good speaker and very passionate about Footy. At training he would kick out to groups of 3 with the one in the middle taking the mark and handballing out to either side.
He would kick a 50 metre dropkick all the time and not one would miss the mark. Wouid handball 25 meters.
David Holst, Glenn Todman, Jim Lihou, Gary parker, Mike Harrison, Nick Crabb maybe Reg Pollard and okker Kemp all were coached by the great man and went on to play seniors

Cheers mate .. My old man always used to rave about how great he was, always great to hear stories like that from fellow posters.