Tommy Lahiff, 261 Graham Street

Tommy Lahiff lived at 261 Graham Street, Port Melbourne for most of his life, including throughout his time with Port Melbourne Football Club. Lahiff represented Port Melbourne in a range of sports, including cricket, basketball, and playing football for his employer Dunlop’s factory team in the Saturday Morning Industrial League. His first stint at Port Melbourne Football Club was between 1930 and 1934, at which time he was recruited by the Essendon VFL club. During this time, Lahiff would spend Saturday mornings playing for the Dunlop factory team in the Saturday Morning Industrial League, while spending Saturday afternoons playing for Essendon in the VFL. He then rejoined as captain and coach in 1938 at the time of the breakdown in relations between the VFA and VFL over a range of issues including the throw-pass rule and the process of player transfers. While unlike many other key players who transferred to Port Melbourne in this period, Lahiff did obtain a clearance for his transfer, it was reported that this was only granted because he would have rejoined Port without it being given anyway. The Emerald Hill Record reported that Lahiff’s return and appointment as captain and coach to the “wildest enthusiasm” amongst club members. Lahiff coached the club to their premiership in 1941, however after this season the VFA suspended competition for the remainder of the Second World War. When play resumed in 1945, Lahiff resumed as captain and coach, and led Port Melbourne to the VFA grand final that year, which they lost to Williamstown. Lahiff retired at the end of the 1946 season, returning to coach for one season in 1962. Lahiff was listed on the Port Melbourne “team of the century” in 2003 as forward pocket.

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