Sport
13 June, 2026
Champions created a special bond.
THE town was bubbling all the time and the team was the constant talk in local hotels in the winter of 1971.
THE town was bubbling all the time and the team was the constant talk in local hotels in the winter of 1971.
Inglewood Football Club was on its way to creating a year of immortal memories.
For Malcolm Johns, they are more than memories. They are bonds with “blood brothers” forged on the football grounds at Yarrawalla, Korong Vale, Mitiamo, Newbridge and Serpentine.
And of course, Calivil, the side Inglewood would defeat in the grand final 13.10 (88) to 7.9.51.
Johns on Saturday was among former players recalling the year Inglewood became Loddon Valley premiers and champions.
The undefeated run has extra meaning for the one-time winger who swept around the boundary with skill and pizazz.
He also won the club’s best and fairest, four years after taking out the junior award that came as the Woodies were emerging as an underage powerhouse with four flags on the trot in the 1970s.
Johns said of the stunning run in 1971: “I’d never seen so many around ... the crowds were unreal.
“When we won the flag, the sight of happy faces everywhere is one I will never forget.
“That’s a sight I hope to see again around the town and before too long.”
Barracking hard for him in that year was wife Robyn.
“She took this bell to the Korong Vale ground and rang it every time we kicked a goal,” Johns said.
Surviving members of the 1971 team still stay in touch.
“We’ve become blood brothers for life. I guess that is what happens when you win a flag and go through undefeated.”
- CHRIS EARL
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