IF you worked in the banking industry in the 1970s and ’80s you’d expect a transfer every two or three years.
When Peter Woodford left Robinvale in 1973 with his cricket bat and football, he and his wife Shirley were on the move with his bank job for the next 17 years around country Victoria.
All along the way, Peter played a “reasonable” game of football during the winter and A Grade cricket during the summer.
Peter, 57, has kicked a lot of goals in his sporting career, the latest being his appointment to the new SFNL board for the 2012 season.
Growing up on his parent’s fruit block in Robinvale, the “sports-mad kid” played through the U14s, U16s, U18s and seniors with Robinvale Football Club, including the 1972 premiership win against Wentworth.
“As a 17 year-old, no doubt the grand final win was a highlight, so too were the 1969 and 1971 goal kicking awards with the RFC,” Peter said.
“After we were married in 1973 we moved to Echuca where I played a few senior games with Echuca under ex-Hawthorn Football Club legend coach Graham Arthur.
“I was only in Echuca for one football season before moving to Castlemaine where I had four memorable years – two playing for Chewton with the first year being an undefeated premiership and also winning the club best and fairest and the Maryborough League goal kicking award.
“I kicked 141 goals that year,” he said.
“From a footballer’s point of view that season was the ultimate.
“The second year passed quickly and for the next two years I moved across to the Bendigo League and played for Castlemaine – a middle-of-the-road side – however, I did manage to win the Bendigo League goal kicking award in my first year playing with Castlemaine in 1977.
“At the end of 1977 it was time to move with the bank again and this time it was my choice to return to Mildura.
“I played First Division with Mildura West Cricket Club for the three seasons we were in Mildura and at the same time I had three good years of senior football with Red Cliffs where my previous coach from Robinvale in 1972 – Mike Bowden was coaching in 1979. It was no contest as to which team I would play with when I arrived in Mildura.
“In 1979 I kicked 104 goals and won the SFL goal kicking award and in 1980 and 1981 I played in Red Cliffs two premiership wins against Mildura on both occasions,” he said.
“We were on the road again to Wodonga from 1982 to 1989 which included a two-year stint at Moe.
“I coached for three seasons with Barnawatha Football Club in the Tallangata League which celebrated its centenary this year.
“I kicked 151 goals in my second year there, which is still a league record.
“When Shirley and I returned to Mildura we had three kids by then – Matthew, David and Tracey – and I got re-involved with Red Cliffs both in football and cricket – playing coach for the seconds for two years and playing A Grade for Nursery Ridge Cricket Club.
“In 1992 the body said enough of football and I focused on playing cricket and started my football administration with Red Cliffs Football Club as secretary/treasurer for two years and then president for two years.
“In 2000 I joined the ranks of the Sunraysia Cricket Umpires Association and spent many Saturdays standing out in the Sunraysia heat for five years umpiring First Division cricketers of the calibre of Jamie Siddons and Mark Cleary – both first class cricket players.”
Peter’s no slouch when it comes to sports administration either – Sunraysia Cricket Association had his services as administration manager for six and a half years from 2005 to 2011.
“My years as a cricket administrator were most enjoyable and rewarding and I’m looking forward to a similar experience on the SFNL board,” he said.
“Football and cricket have played a huge part in our lives but my success would not have been possible without the support of my family.”
This article appeared in Friday’s Sunraysia Daily 10/02/2012.
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