Brian Buckley, former captain and coach of Port Melbourne from 1966 to 1968, lived at 249 The Boulevard Port Melbourne. Buckley played for Carlton in the VFL until 1966, when he joined Port Melbourne as captain and coach. After leading the Borough to a premiership in 1966, the following year Buckley led the club to a strong showing in the 1967 season, where they won 13 of 18 games. In the Grand Final against Dandenong on 17 September 1967, Buckley attempted to lead a player walk-off partway through the second quarter after controversial umpiring decisions and an unbalanced award of free kicks favouring Dandenong. While half of the club had nearly left the field, the umpire made the decision to continue play, and the club secretary and treasurer ordered the team to return to the field. While Port Melbourne made a comeback in the second half, Dandenong eventually won 16.13.109 to 12.12.84. The aftermath of the game proved just as controversial with the VFA umpires’ adviser asking for a formal inquiry into the walkoff, arguing that Port Melbourne officials had requested it from “outside the fence,” while Port Melbourne’s official response stated that this decision was entirely made by Buckley. Buckley later returned to Carlton as assistant coach to their premiership years of 1978 and 1979.
by laurenpiko on Sept. 11, 2017Please login to comment on this item