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VFL Grand Final Mile Race

Since 1979 a player's 100m sprint race has traditionally been held at half time of the AFL Grand Final. A little known fact is that before that, there was a mile race held in 1977 and 1978 at half time. Each club nominated two players to compete. Below is what we have been able to find out so far about these events. If you have comments to make or more information to add, please let me know. There has also been a Grand Final kicking competition.

Grand Final Mile Details

Year	Winner	Club	Notes
1978	Doug Booth	St Kilda	Known as the Avis Grand Final Mile, there were representatives from all clubs except Hawthorn. Booth's time was an impressive 4:31, and won him $1000. Second won $300, and third $200 (all other entrants received $25). Melbourne's Garry Cooke finished second, and Essendon's Shane Heard third. Kelvin Richards was the other Melbourne representative. Peter Halsall from Carlton also competed. See the image below for more about this race.
1977	Andy Wilson	Essendon	The race was held at half time during the Grand Final replay. Wilson's time was 4:41. First prize was $1000, second $300, and third $200. Second was St Kilda rover Rodney Hughes, and third Geelong utility David Clarke. As well as cash, the winners were presented with medals by world light middleweight boxing champion Rocky Mattioli. Melbourne's representatives were Brian Cook and Peter Keays.

Who Else?

Can you recognise anyone else in the photo below of some of the competitors in the 1978 mile race? The leader shown was the eventual winner Doug Booth of St Kilda, with second place getter Garry Cooke from Melbourne. Also known to be in the field were Carlton's Peter Halsall, Essendon's Shane Heard, and Melbourne's Kelvin Richards.

References

The AGE, Oct 3, 1977: Andy Wilson top miler

VFL Grand Final Mile Race

Grand Final Mile Details

Who Else?

References

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