Historic Hendersons return home

SINCE 1954, the Ballarat Football League’s best and fairest athlete of the season has been awarded the W.L. Henderson Medal.

In 1959, that honour was given to 26-year-old Ian “Buster” Gordon. He was the first Golden Point Football Club player to ever receive it, and went on to play with St Kilda in the then VFL.

Sixteen years later in 1975, 25-year-old Mark White was the third Golden Point footballer to bring home the Henderson, following Garry Fenton in 1962.

Last month, Mr Gordon and Mr White donated their medals to the East Point Football Netball Club memorabilia committee, fondly reminiscing about their playing days, while protecting two pieces of Ballarat footy history.

“I discussed the medal with my family, and we decided this is where it should be. Over time, these things can get lost, so this way it’s something the club can hold on to,” Mr Gordon said.

“Point was a great team. The backing that you get from your teammates is as much to do with you winning an individual medal as what you do yourself.

“We were lucky to play in an era when football was football. We were less professional, we played for the game, and the friendships off the field were lifelong.”

Mr White, who went on to play reserves at Carlton Football Club, said the medals will be displayed in the Tommy Neville glass cabinet in East Point’s social rooms.

He agreed the best and fairest gongs are a whole-team honour that the club will be able to enjoy for generations to come.

“If you don’t play with the team, you’re not lucky enough to win something like this,” Mr White said. “It’s named an individual award, but it’s a team award, because without them you’d never get there.

“Footy is all about the fun, enjoyment and the mateship, and they are mates you make for life.”

East Point Football Netball Club memorabilia committee chair Michael Walsh said Golden Point’s Henderson Medals are rare.

“In the 100-year history, there were only five Golden Point players that won it, so to have them put into storage for public display in the future, that’s a huge thing,” he said.

“Only one player per year gets a Henderson Medal, unless there’s a tie.

“Our memorabilia committee is for the Golden Point and East Ballarat football-netball clubs. We’re doing all the history until they amalgamated in 2000.”