The False Idols and Richie Raeburn

In the “olden days” of footy there was no GPS or high rotation policy, in fact being taken from the ground was tantamount to massive disappointment otherwise known as being “dragged”. You tended to play most of the season in your “lines’ ie forwards, midfielders, defenders and as a result you got to work and have significant trust with a small number of team mates.

In my 6 years at Werribee I observed some wonderful players, from ex AFL stars like Neale Daniher and one of my all time heroes, Jim Krakouer to young local talent such as Jason Watts and Andrew Button. Two of my favourites in our midfield team that played huge roles in the 1993 premiership were also ex AFL players in Tim Reinets and Mark Cullen. What a treat it was to have such classy players on our wings.

Of all the players I saw over that period my favourite was Rod “Rocket” McPherson. Perhaps I’m being biased but he was a player I developed a strong connection with on field and was always there just when I needed him. Highly skillful, a great footy brain and tough. He got hurt during the 1993 GF but I vividly remember his performance in the 1991 GF where he racked up possessions through the midfield to keep us in the game.

Another partner in the midfield was Michael “Mixer” McMaster who’s love of the club and its players has pretty much inspired me to write these memoirs…so blame him! Mixer is a legend of our club and was an incredibly durable and consistent midfielder. A big tank and he had that Michael Tuck-like frame that hurt opponents. A wonderful team mate even to this day.

Finally there was Ritchie Raeburn. I doubt whether there has been a more unique individual come to Werribee. Rich came to the club from Williamstown in 1990 where he had played in a GF and my first memories of him were at a pre-season camp at Bacchus Marsh. It was a torrid camp under Mork and during a rare break in proceedings we were sitting around with some of the new players having a chat when one of the young blokes asked Rich where he came from. He replied, “Laverton”. The kid asked, “What’s Laverton like?”. Rich replied, “Everything in Laverton is either smashed or stolen.” Silence. Talk about a conversation killer! Add to the comment Rich’s crazy eyes and serial killer delivery, and I don’t think we heard from that kid again!

Former team mate Scott Johnson was the one I think who gave him the nickname, “The Mechanical Device”. Long before Transformers, Rich had a body that could only be described as a ball of muscle. He was and still is I believe a fitness fanatic. I think it was 1997/98 when I was in Perth that I heard he had been seriously hurt in a road cycling accident. Fortunately he survived and went on to complete at least one Ironman Triathlon which speaks volumes for his courage. He has continued to play Masters footy and has made the All Australian team again this year.

As I write this in my office at home I can see a photo on the wall taken post the 1993 GF, during the medal presentation and front and centre is Rich wearing the premiership cup on his head like a helmet thanks to Butts. Those crazy eyes and lunatic expression would have made many an opponent nervous over the years! Rich was such an integral part of our success and we look forward to seeing him at the Masters games in Geelong this October.

Greg and I performed this song about Rich at the first concert in Pt Lonsdale pre-season 1992. It made reference to some things that happened on a footy trip that he didn’t like so we never sang it again. I’ve changed the controversial verse but it’s important to note that Rich did arrive at Werribee with hair, including a disgraceful pony tail. I’m not removing that Rich! For anyone who may not know, if you look carefully at the 1993 premiership photo, you may see Rich with a longer neck and body than usual, somewhat Eel-like! Thanks for a fantastic contribution to our club Rich.

Enter “Little Pony Tail” sung to The Beach Boys “Little Deuce Coupe”.