Rams reunion connects club’s past and future

The doors were open at Hardinge St Oval where the recently constructed facilities could be viewed by players, trainers, coaches, sponsors and supporters of the Rams across generations for the ‘Back to Ramland’ event.

Club legend and reunion coordinator Greg Danckert said it was a special reunion.

“It was one of the most enjoyable reunions I’ve ever been to,” he said.

“It was a whole club reunion, and people turned up in droves, which was great.

“Footy and netball clubs are about relationships, and with the combination of locals and visitors, the camaraderie was sensational; I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so good.”

Danckert said the reunion celebrated the football club’s history, and the later inclusion of netball.

“Before my era the netball club didn’t exist.

“The reunion recognised those who established Rams netball in the early ‘80s, including key figure Loris Wills.

“Before their involvement, the netball club was a bit of a mess.

“I still remember one of the best bus trips I ever had was the bus trip after the netball club’s first win against Colleambally.

“Now the netball club is a powerhouse of the league and the club with several superstars like Jodie McCalman (now Sefton) and Jacquie Gallagher, as well as the teams who have won league premierships over the years.”

Danckert said many of the Rams’ dominant past football players from across the decades were in attendance, including all the Rams’ 1966 premiership players.

“All 10 living players from the Rams 1966 premiership under Graham ‘Curly’ Ion, who came from Footscray to coach in Deni, came along. It was amazing and made the reunion even more special.”

There was representation from many past players, including several players with VFL/AFL pedigree.

Dankert rattled off names like Tommy Todd, Leo Barry senior, Brian Gibbs, Brian Stephens, Ray Murphy, who led the club to four premierships, Mitch Higgins, Trevor Sutton, Trevor Morris and Billy Bourke.

“There were so many people and stories, there’s too many to name.

“They came from everywhere: Batemans Bay, Port Fairy, Perth, Canberra and Ballarat.

“The reunion tried to acknowledge everyone, including the ladies’ committee and the people who have passed who were such an integral part of the club and its history.

“We hope they’ll come again. Everyone made such a great effort.”

Rams president Ash Hall said the weekend was a huge success.

“It was a fantastic weekend and it was so good to see the older players and club people.

“It was also a great opportunity to showcase the first-class facilities, because we have put the work in over the last few years to get them.

“Everybody was super impressed.

“Friday night, there was probably a hundred-odd people upstairs. The whole auditorium was full and buzzing.

“Then Saturday, we had terrific weather, and we turned on the lights in the evening.”

Hall said it was another big weekend for the club and will help the Rams continue to build off the back of the support from the committee, volunteers and supporters.

“It was a chance to show our older members what is happening at the club, and they were very thankful and appreciative.

“Events like this provide a platform for the club to grow as well.

“I thank the committee for doing an amazing job. We really appreciate the people who volunteered their time and effort to make such a great event possible.”