Proud Eagles turn back the clock

Standing, from left; Chris Kelf, Haydn Robins, Craig Jackson, Leigh Clifford (Captain-Coach with cup), Ben Airdrie, Scott Sutherland, Ross Jackson, Peter Evans (2001 President), Tim Musgrove, Anthony Veltmeyer, Matt Riordan, Clint Evans, Troy Cashman and Michael Fisher. Front row; Shane Newman, Scott Black and Craig Lane. 275025 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

By David Nagel

You can tell by the smiles on their faces that something special was taking place at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday as Beaconsfield held its 2001 premiership reunion.

That something special…well the beer was being sold at 2001 prices!

Those $3 cans were enough for some of the biggest names in Beaconsfield’s long and proud history to brave the wintry conditions and reminisce about their 58-point win over Garfield in the West Gippsland Football League decider.

Captain-coach that year, and a clear best-on-ground on grand final day (sorry Fish), Leigh Clifford, addressed his former teammates after the players were welcomed to the club by club historian and all-round good bloke Lawrie Canning.

The 2001 premiership team was on hand to watch the Eagles play their first game in division one of the Eastern Football Netball League. The Eagles went down to Wantirna South by 21 points.