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, prior to the introduction of the 100m sprint race, there was a mile race held in 1977 and 1978 at half time.
On each occasion that the mile race was held, each club nominated two players to compete. Below is what we have been able to find out 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.
1978 Grand Final Mile
The winner was Doug Booth of 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. Melbourne's Gary Cooke was second and won $300, and Essendon's Shane Heard was third and picked up $200 (all other entrants received $25).
Participants:
- Peter Halsall, Vin Catoggio (Carlton)
- Wayne Gordon, Ted Carrol (Collingwood)
- Wayne Primmer, Shane Heard (Essendon)
- Garry Wilson, Michael Conlan (Fitzroy)
- Doug Hawkins, Richard Murrie (Footscray)
- Tom Floyd, Jeff Fehring (Geelong)
- Gary Cooke, Kelvin Richards (Melbourne)
- Peter Keenan (North Melbourne)
- Gary Parkes, Bruce Tempany (Richmond)
- Philip Plumb, Paul Morwood (South Melbourne)
- Doug Booth, Michael Roberts (St Kilda)
- No entry from Hawthorn
1978 Grand Final Mile
The 1978 Grand Final Mile event was won by Andy Wilson of 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.
References
- Photo from The AGE, Oct 3, 1977: Andy Wilson top miler
- Article from the Football Record, Sept 30, 1978.
Related Pages
- About the Grand Final half-time sprint
- Grand Final kicking competition.
- Full list of AFL/VFL Grand Finalists
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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