Life Members

Bob Adams

Bob served at St Johns Ambulance in nearby St Kilda and came to Power House in the early 1950’s.

He served as the Club Trainer, Strapper and First Aid Manager for more than 15 years.

He looked after the injuries and ailments of all players during his time at the club.

Bob was heavily involved with Lord Somers Camp and epitomised the motto of “service without recognition”.

Patrick Arnold

Patrick played 211 games at Power House between 2003 and 2018.

He was an accomplished, hard, attacking footballer who played across half back early in his career and later as he slowed down, moved to the forward line, winning numerous goal kicking awards and patrolling the forward line with serious intent.

Patty served many years on the committee as Bar Manager and Facilities Manager and was most noted for his motto of “No Free Beer”.

Patty’s service to the football club was recognised with him being awarded the President’s Award in 2010 and the prestigious Don McDonald Best Clubman Award in 2014.

Paddy Barrett

Paddy Barrett first played at Power House in 2006 and is currently playing.

He has played 162 games at both Senior and Reserve level as a dogged and determined defender and occasional tagger.

Paddy was famous for his Thursday night sessions at the clubrooms.

He has served on the committee for 9 years in various roles.

He was the first Irish international that pulled on the boots for Power House.

He was the recipient of the 2011 Don McDonald Best Clubman Award and the 2013 Presidents Award

Trevor Berry

Trevor originally came to Power House in the early 1950’s and ended up serving as Secretary in 1953 and 1954.

Trevor also spent many seasons as Team Manager for the club and ensured that match days functioned perfectly.

Trevor served on the Football Club committee for many seasons in a number of varied roles.

Henry Brzezinski

Henry came to Power House and played 173 games over a 13 year playing career.

He was elected Club President in 1973 and 1974 and served on many committees over an extended club career.

He was a fantastic President during the 1973 Premiership year and continues his support of the club to this day.

Daniel Buckley

Daniel first played at Power House in 2011 and is currently playing.

He has played over 100 games at both Senior and Reserve level as a key power forward.

He has won numerous club goalkicking awards.

He has served on the committee since 2012 and has held the role of Club Secretary since 2014 which is a club record term of 9 years.

He was the recipient of the 2014 President’s Award and the 2015 Don McDonald Best Clubman Award.

Shane Cross

Shane came to the club in 1989 and played 88 games.

He played mostly as a hard running tough wingman whose pace and physicality were his strengths.

He won the Seniors Best and Fairest Award in 1990 and has continued his off field support by leading the Past Players Groups and on occasion can be seen umpiring the Reserves.

Tommy Cross

Tom Cross played 255 games for Power House commencing in 1969 and retiring as a player in 1985.

He sits at number 9 in the all-time list of games played for the Club.

He was Senior Captain in 1977. During his 16 seasons, Tom was the heart and soul of the football club both on and off the field. He made the club his home during this time.

Tom was a 2 times Senior Premiership Player (1971 & 1973).

He was a fearsome competitor, talented, uncompromising and tough strongman on the field.

Ian Dakin*

Ian joined Power House in 1956 from Lord Somers Camp and has been heavily involved with the Club for more than 50 years.

Ian played as a defender in the 1959 Invincibles Premiership Team and went on to play 166 games for the Club.

Ian became Club Secretary in 1966 and 1967 and eventually was elected to the Presidency in 1971 and 1972.

He has continued his involvement in the club in many roles throughout this time and is actively involved in the Past Players association.

Ian embodies the true spirit of Power House.

In 2011, Ian was elevated to LEGEND status of the Power House Football Club

Peter Dakin*

Peter Dakin played over 300 games for the Power House Football Club which places him 6th on the all-time games played for the club.

Peters playing career covered an astonishing 29 year period and he was a member of the 1978 Reserves Premiership Team.

Peter has served in many roles including Club Secretary in 1974 and 1975 and a further stint in 1989 and 1990.

Peter was elected Club President in 1979, 1980 and 1981.

He has served on many committees for the football club and his strong links to the community and support of the club over the past 50 years has seen him recognised as one of the great influences of the Power House Football Club.

In 2017, Peter was elevated to LEGEND status of the Power House Football Club.

Rick Dakin

Rick is one of the great unsung heroes of Power House.

Rick came to the club in 1981 and continued an unbroken period of “service without recognition” until 1998.

In that time, he served as the Football Team Manager for the Club.

He remains a great supporter of the club continuing to donate his printing services for club events and functions.

Wal Davie*

Wal Davie was the first Power House Football Club Life Member inducted in 1963.

He was the driving force behind the formation of the Power House Football Club in 1947.

Wal was a diligent and passionate supporter and driver of the club and it’s principles around youth leadership and opportunity for all.

As a footballer, Wal only ever played 3 games for the club.

Over an extended period of time, Wal served the club in many functions, eventually becoming Secretary and later on President between 1956-1958.

Wal was a true visionary.

In 2011, Wal was elevated to LEGEND Status of the Power House Football Club.

James Demetrie

James Demetrie played 66 games with Power House as a running defender between 1986 and 2000.

In 1995, James approached then President Bruce Wilson with the idea of creating a club website. This became the first amateur sporting website in Australia.

He has donated his time and resources as the Club’s webmaster; ongoing since 1995, rebuilding the Club website on 6 occasions since then. James has been instrumental in collating important Club historical data and making this available online.

James was the sole driving force that took our club into the technological age. His vision of how he saw the future of the club with the growth of the internet was visionary.

Shirley Digby (Mrs)

Shirley Digby came to Power House initially to support her son Wayne during his playing days between 1972 and 1984.

During this period, Shirley took on many volunteer tasks for the football club including running the canteen, canteen and bar, supporting all areas on match day and general commitment to the club.

John Dillon

John “Tank” Dillon played 88 games for Power House between 1949 and 1966.

He was selected to represent Victoria for the VAFA on numerous occasions.

Tank was one of the toughest competitors ever to don the Green Black and White which he wore with distinction for 17 seasons.

John was elected club President in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

Francis Doyle

Francis played 230 Games for Power House. He was Senior Captain for 4 seasons from 1994-1997. Francis was a tough hard wingman who pushed his body to extreme limits to achieve success on the field.

A great clubman and inspirational leader, Francis was a key member of the 2000 Premiership Team.

Francis has served on the Club Committee and has held the position of Club Treasurer for the past 9 years.

Warde Elliott

Warde first played at Power House in 1994 and finished his playing career in 2012.

He was a strong “in and under” hard bodied midfielder who put his body on the line.

He played 191 games at both Senior and Reserve level.

Warde captained the 2006 Reserve Premiership Team.

He served 5 years on the committee – 3 of those years as Vice President.

He also coached the Reserve Team for 4 years and served as Senior Assistant Coach.

Les Gordon*

Les is the games record holder for the Power House Football Club. He played 357 games in a playing career that spanned 1952 – 1971.

Les is a 4-time Seniors Best and Fairest winner (1960, 1961, 1962 and 1964) and was Senior Captain in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1971.

He was Senior Coach for 6 seasons. He was a member of the 1959 Invincibles Premiership Team and was Senior Playing Captain-Coach of the 1971 Premiership Team.

In 2011, Les was elevated to LEGEND status of the Power House Football Club.

Leigh Grant

Leigh “Curly” Grant served the club well over a career that commenced in the early 1950’s.

He was a valued and influential member of the 1959 Invincibles Premiership team.

Curly won three Senior Best and Fairest Awards in 1954, 1956 and 1957 and is considered as one of the all-time great players of the Power House Football Club.

Leigh was Vice Captain of the 1956 Olympic Team which played on the MCG during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

Leigh was elected Club President in 1969 and 1970

Ian Hammet

Ian first came to Power House in 1965 and served the Clun on the field with distinction for 14 seasons and 182 games.

Ian was a member of the 1971 Senior Premiership team playing as a small and agile running forward. He kicked 8 goals in the final series including 3 in the Grand Final.

Ian served as Club Secretary in 1973 and was elected as Club President in 1977 and 1978.

Ian has worked behind the scenes of the club in various roles over the past 40+ years and is currently penning the history of the Power House Football Club.

Jimmy Hall

Jimmy played 169 games for Power House as a very hard and tough rover who never took a backward step.

Known for his hardness at the contest, Jimmy was a key Senior midfielder throughout the 1990’s and was a member of the PHFC Best Team of the Past 40 years.

Jimmy won the 1997 Seniors Best & Fairest Award.

Jimmy also served on the committee during the 1990’s and ran the bar for many years.

Peter Hutchinson*

Peter played 363 Games for Power House which lists him as second on the all times games list for the club. As a Centre Half Forward and Ruckman, Peter won 7 Senior Best and Fairest awards which is a club record.

He captained the club for a record 6 seasons.

Peter played in the 1959 Immortals Premiership Team and also the 1971 & 1973 Premiership Teams.

He is also highly decorated by the VAFA being awarded VAFA Life Membership, a member of the VAFA 300 Club and being awarded the VAFA Certificate Of Merit Award in 1984. He was also made a VAFA Legend

In 2011, Peter was elevated to LEGEND status of the Power House Football Club

John Layton

John first came to Power House in 1947 and played 192 games. He was a tough and skilful player who had a great thirst and knowledge for the game.

John eventually became Captain Coach of the Senior Team in 1954 and 1955. He remained as Senior Coach in 1956.

He returned for a second stint as Senior Coach in 1959 and 1960 Coaching the “Invincibles” to the Clubs first Senior Premiership in history in 1959.

Cameron MacLeod

Cameron  MacLeod played 226 games at the PHFC. He won 5 X “Wal Davie” Reserves Best and Fairest Awards and Captained the Reserves for 5 seasons.

He was a member of our 2006 Reserves Premiership side. A hard working and prolific midfielder, his constant attack on the ball won him plenty of fans across the club and the opposition.

Always willing to get to a contest to put his body on the line to help out a team mate, “Nugget” was the perfect example of a team player.

He spent his post football career as the Club Umpire. He is a club regular attending all club functions both pre and post retirement.

Mark Mason

Mark Mason joined Power House during the early 1970’s and went on to finish his career as the fifth highest games player for the club with 301 games.

Mark is a Premiership player and spent the majority of his career in and under the packs or streaming across the outer wing.

Still playing Super Rules well into his 50’s, Mark is remembered for his love of the club, and great knowledge of the game.

Stephen Mason*

Stephen came to Power House in the early 1970’s and ended up playing 301 games, the fourth highest total games in the clubs history.

Stephen served as President in 2 separate eras (1982/3 and 1987/8) and served on many committees over his 40+ year association with the PHFC.

He has served as our Club Reserves Umpire for many seasons after his retirement and continues his work with the club Coterie Group.

The Club Social Rooms are named after Stephen as an acknowledgement of his dedication to the club over his lifetime.

Stephen was also awarded with the VAFA Certificate of Merit in 2001.

In 2017, Stephen was elevated to LEGEND status of the Power House Football Club.

Roderick Marshall

“Rocket” played 241 games for Power House from 1998 to 2014.

He was a sure handed strong marking tough defender who often drifted forward.

He was the social heart of the club during his time and was a leader both on and off the field.

He was captain of the 2006 Reserve team but was cruelly suspended for the Grand Final and missed out on playing in the 2006 Reserve Premiership team.

Rocket served on the committee for 5 years holding the Bar Manager role amongst other roles

He also captain/coached the Reserve team for 1 season

Dr Cecil McAdam

Doctor Cecil McAdam was the inaugural President of the Power House Football Club.

He served as President for the first seven years of the club.

This period of time at the helm, established the football clubs security and long term viability.

Doc McAdam was a passionate Power House and Lord Somers man who had a strong work ethos and belief of the Lord Somers Camp especially “the spirit of service and responsibility”.

John McClure

John joined the Power House Football Club in the early 1950’s and was a fearless player.

He played 84 games between 1953 and 1961. He went on to be Senior Captain for 3 seasons 1959-1961.

He then became Senior Coach for 4 seasons from 1962-1965. He was Club Secretary in 1957 and 1958.

He was Captain of our first and famous “Invicibles” Champions and Premiership Team in 1959.

Donald McDonald

Don first came to Power House in 1963 and played 84 games in 7 seasons.

After his retirement as a player, Don became Club President for two years 1975 and 1976.

Don served the club in almost every capacity from club committees, events, support, game day duties and always contributed well beyond expectations.

The club respected Dons contribution so highly that it named the annual Best Clubman Award in his honour.

Lindsay McIntyre

Lindsay was a high flying forward with a great leap and an accurate kick.

He played at Power House during the tough 1980’s and was regularly seen flying over packs and teammates looking for another big grab.

Lindsay has served on the Club Committee for many years in various roles including Club Secretary, while holding down the position of Club Solicitor for the majority of his involvement with PHFC.

He served as our Reserves umpire for many seasons.

Andrew Morris

Doc came to Power House in 1988 and completed his playing career in 2005. He was a great utility spending his playing career in various roles including Ruck, Centre Half Back and Full Back.

Doc was a member of the 2000 Premiership Team where he played at full back. He was twice Seniors Runner Up Best & Fairest.  He was the social heart of the club throughout the 1990’s and a very popular clubman.

Jason Nicholls

Jason came to Power House in 2003 and was the epitome of the “utility” who played anywhere between half back and half forward with great success. He had a great ability to find the ball. He played 62 games at Power House between 2003 and his last “encore” game in 2016.

Jason was a key member of the 2006 Senior Premiership Team and will be remembered for his 10 possession first quarter off half back setting up a famous victory. Jason served as Club President in 2009 and was Vice President for 4 years. He served more than 12 years on the committee.

He served many years on the match committee and coached the Reserves Team for 4 years and was Club Runner for a 8 seasons.

He has served as Club umpire for 6 years

Nic Pavlou

Nic played 296 Games for Power House which places him 7th on the all-time games list for the club.

Nic came to the club in 1980 through the U19’s team and quickly established himself as a mercurial player.

He won a Reserves Best and Fairest in 1984 and established himself as a Senior player in a swingman role at both ends.

A multiple Seniors Goal kicking Award winner, he held the single games goal kicking record (15 in one game)

Nic has served on the Power House Committee in various roles for more than 30 years.

He has served as Vice President, Assistant Coach, Senior Runner and was Chairman of the Match Committee in the successful 2006 Campaign.

Nic was also awarded with the VAFA Certificate of Merit in 2014.

He has been the elected Club President since 2010 and is currently the longest serving President in the Club’s history.

In 2022, Nic was elevated as the 7th Legend of the Club.

Ray Pearce

Ray Pearce epitomises the Somers Camp ethos of “service without recognition”. A signalman on the Kokoka trail, he was one of the first players to sign up for the club and played 27 games in the first 2 seasons after the Second World War.

When the committee thought forming a junior team might be of a long term benefit to the Club, Ray retired as a player and was immediately appointed manager of Power House’s first U19 team.

At the end of the season, Ray was appointed as the Seniors coach. In 1950 – his first year as senior coach – he coached Power House into the Grand Final. He coached the club for another 3 years, with the club playing finals footy every year.

In 1954, Ray Pearce was elected President of the Power House Football Club where he served for 2 years. Ray died in 2004.

Craig Richardson

Craig played 253 Games for Power House putting him 10th on the all times games list for the club.

He came to Power House and quickly established himself as a high possession centreman and midfielder. His long, low left foot was deadly.

He is a dual Premiership player having played in the 2000 and 2006 Premiership teams

Craig also coached the Reserves for 7 seasons and was Club President from 2005-2008.

Craig was selected in PHFC “Best Team of the Last 40 Years”.

In 2011, Craig was awarded the VAFA Certificate of Merit for his contribution to football.

Gordon Robert

Gordon played 112 games in a 9 year playing career at Power House.

He originally came through the Under 19 team.

He was a good solid footballer who played with a spirit and passion rarely seen.

Gordon eventually took the Club Presidency for three years 1966, 1967 and 1968.

He also served as the Team Manager for the Under 19’s in 1965.

Gordon was also Camp Chief of Lord Somers Camp.

Jack Robert

Jack Robert was a passionate Power House man who embodied the spirit of team, work and mateship.

He Served as Club President in 1962 and 1963.

He worked closely with Wal Davie and continued Wal’s great work in continuing to develop, grow and build not only the club, but the players within.

He was closely associated with Lord Somers Camp.

Rob Sarosi

Rob Joined Power House during the late 1970’s via the Under 17 Team and quickly became a great on field leader playing 234 games at Centre Half Forward and in the Ruck.

He was Best on Ground in the clubs 1988 Grand Final Epic loss to Whitefriars.

He played in the 1978 Reserves Premiership Team and was named in the PHFC Best Team of the Past 40 years.

Rob became Senior Coach in 1990 for one year and returned to the club to successfully Coach the Senior Team to a Premiership in 2006.

Jeff Scotland

Jeff played 294 Games for Power House which places him 8th on the all times games list for the club.

Jeff came to the club through the Under 19 team and became a stalwart of the club on the field being awarded the Senior Captaincy in 1992 and 1993.

He became Senior Coach in 1993/4 and was elected Club President in 1994 and 1995.

He won the Senior Best and Fairest in 1995.

A hard tough and discreet player, Jeff left no stone unturned in his on-field battle for victory.

Harry South

Harry first came to the Club in 1957 and played 172 games in a 27 year playing career.

Harry was a member of the 1959 Invincibles Premiership Team.

With his booming voice and gentle nature, Harry eventually was elected Club President in 1984, 1985 and 1986.

He has served the club on and off the field over the past 50 years.

Fred Stafford

Fred Stafford was a quality centreman and on baller who played for the club between 1976 and 1993.

A determined and high possession winner, his career saw him win 2 Senior Best and Fairest Awards (1978 and 1988) and earn State Representation on numerous occasions.

Peter Stewart

Peter came to Power House in 1973 and played for 22 seasons amassing 300 games which places him 5th in the club games played list.

“Stroppa” was a tremendous defender with a prodigious kick who won a Club 18 and Reserves Best and Fairest Awards.

Ric Sykes

In a sparkling 19 year playing career (1967 to 1986) Ric was one of the best players to ever play for Power House. A strong leading forward who kicked a century of goals, Ric was Senior Captain for 5 seasons (1972-1976) and eventually became Senior Playing Coach in 1986.

He served as Club President in 1989.

Ric is a two time senior premiership player playing in the 1971 Premiership Team and captaining of the 1973 Premiership team.

Michael Verberne

Michael played 112 games for Power House between 2002 and 2010 and was a member of the 2006 Senior Premiership team. He served on the committee as the Club Secretary for a then record 6 years between 2006-2011.

He has been the club umpire for 8 years. He was a passionate, clever, talented and hard on-baller who was noted for his love of kicking goals and indifference towards handballing.

A great servant of the club over his career.

Bruce Wilson

Bruce came to Power House in 1983 and quickly became known for his toughness and uncompromising playing style.

He played 213 games.

Always supportive of his teammates on the field, Bruce became Reserves Captain during the 1990’s and was elected to the Club Presidency in 1994 and 1995.

His trademark strong-man build and headband invoked fear into opponents and teammates alike and he was renowned for never leaving the goal square.  Bruce won numerous reserves goal kicking awards.

His career saw him become the most reported player in the Club’s history.