‘Bluey’ Southcombe earns place in Hall of Fame

A LEGEND on the football field and basketball court, Tony ‘Bluey’ Southcombe will be the 49th inductee to the Hall of Fame at the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year gala presentation next February.

News of Southcombe’s selection was announced by Sports Star committee chair Sam Daykin near the Basil Ashman Hall of Fame at Red Energy Arena.

In a brilliant football career of 245 matches, ‘Bluey’ won nine premierships as a player or playing coach in stints at Golden Square, Boort, and Northern United.

He was non-playing coach in Elmore’s premiership victory of 2007.

‘Bluey’s’ athleticism was to the fore in nine consecutive grand final wins for Surfies on the basketball court and he later crossed to Celtic.

Two of the biggest influences in his sporting journey were Hall of Fame members Max Brisbane and Ron Best.

“Max was my first coach in basketball,” Southcombe said at the Hall of Fame announcement.

It was legendary goalkicker Ron Best who played a crucial part in ‘Bluey’ deciding to play football with Golden Square.

The Best-Southcombe combination became one of the most revered in country footy as they achieved premiership glory at Golden Square, Boort, and Northern United.

A Michelsen medallist as Bendigo Football League fairest and best in 1972 and ’75, Southcombe was a Sports Star of the Year finalist in those years.

“To be inducted to the Hall of Fame is an incredible honour,” he said.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be recognised in this way.”

Wearing glasses designed by optometrist Bill Wilkinson played a crucial role in Southcombe being able to play football.

‘Bluey’ was also a trailblazer in terms of fitness training.

“I always wanted to be the best player I could be.

“Bill Bonney, my first coach at Golden Square was a massive influence in terms of fitness training and discipline. He taught me a lot about quality training.”

Southcombe ran 10 kilometres almost every day of the year.

An emphasis on fitness played a big part in his coaching success and the now 74-year-old was still playing basketball at the age of 58.