Vale Graham Polly Farmer

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s'dreams
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Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by s'dreams »

Died today aged 84.

He was so good and influential that my dad (who followed Melbourne) started going to Geelong games while he was at the cattery.

Legend
dices ad adepto futui (tell them to f*** off)
desmondo
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Re: Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by desmondo »

A great player, the original 'bullet' hand ball exponent.

Condolences to all concerned.

RIP Polly
grassy1
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Re: Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by grassy1 »

Alas,a great innings is over.

From the days of arriving at Lotins’ in 1953 with fellow Sister Kate’s mate Ted Kilmurray,to playing the part of Coaching a Famous Western Australian Win over Victoria,Graham”Polly”Farmer had a big impact on Aussie Rules Football.

As a promising kid,in a team full of rising talent,Polly was the Jewel in the Crown of a Royals(East Perth)revival,guided early by DJ(Mick)Cronin,brought to it’s apex by Mr Football,Reverend Jack Sheedy for 3 Premierships and 3 more Grand Final appearances.

By the end of 1961,a keen eye was cast upon the VFL where he was looking at playing for a team,that was not in the top 4,but has a chance of being in the top 4,which famously lead to Geelong Coach Bob Davis making That Phone call via the exchange,which the Geelong Flyer said,”They’ll know(what his Number is)”.

Within a short space of time,Polly was on the phone,then not long after,he was at Kardinya Park with much acclaim.His 1st practice match for the Cats practically filled the house and the Cats were away as a Force to be reckoned with.

A 3rd place for the Cats in 1962,was a disappointing finish in a straight sets exit,albeit controversially when Doug Wade was denied a Crucial Mark in the closing stages of the Preliminary Final against the Blues.

1963 was a stellar Year for the Cats,which culminated in a Hat-trick of Wins over Hawthorn for a Much Celebrated Premiership Win for Geelong,with Farmer playing a major part of.

He continued a stellar career with the Cats which culminated in the Classic Grand Final of 1967,which he believed was a denial of natural Justice for Geelong in a 9 point loss to Richmond.Sadly for the Cats,they never got to set the matter straight,as Farmer headed back home to Captain Coach not East Perth,but bitter rivals West Perth.

The move worked a treat for West Perth over the 4 years,where Farmer inspired the Cardies to 2 Famous Grand Final Wins over East Perth in 1969 and 1971,before bowing out as a player with 6 Premierships,3 Sandover Medals And a host of Club Awards and plaudits.

A few years out of the game,saw the return of the prodigal son to Lotons Park as Non Playing Coach of East Perth in 1976.But the Farmer magic did not quite rub off as East Perth despite winning the Minor Premiership by 2 clear games in his 1st year,could not overcome a determined Demons outfit in the Grand Final.A disappointing exit by the Royals in the 1st Semi Final at the hands of West Perth by 32 points,saw Farmer head for the exit door as East Perth decided to look elsewhere to bring home the Premiership Bacon.They chose Barry Cable to head a Famous Flag Win by 2 points,in the pouring rain over Cable’s former Club,Perth.

Farmer had one last triumph,when he Coached the Inaugural State of Origin Western Australian Team to it’s own piece of History Destroying the Barassi Coached Victorian Team by 94 points.

Whilst he kept a low profile thereafter,Farmer’s contribution to Football was never in doubt and duly recognised as a Legend of the Game in Western Australia and Victoria and Teams of the Century.His bloodlines continued through his Sons Brett and Dean,who made their mark,mainly at Claremont Football Club.

Polly Farmer’s Legacy in Football is Never Doubted and will never be forgotten.His family has rightfully been offered a state Funeral.

Rest In Peace Graham”Polly”Farmer.
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rockhole
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Re: Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by rockhole »

Fortunate to have seen him play esp. in the ‘63 Granny. Polly’s idea of a centre break was to grab the ball at the centre break and hand ball it 40 metres to an inflight Goggin who would bury it in Wade’s guts on the lead. He changed the whole concept of ruck work and was a revelation when he came to Victoria. A beautiful kick, superb tap ruckman, and a one grab mark made blokes like Nichols look obsolete. One of the few players I can recall who individually changed the game off his own boot.
Vale Polly.
Too far for Baker now he's on to it, now he’s got it, OPEN GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Dons are in front by one point at the 8 minute mark
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BenDoolan
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Re: Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by BenDoolan »

rockhole wrote: Thu Aug 15, 2019 1:25 pm Fortunate to have seen him play esp. in the ‘63 Granny. Polly’s idea of a centre break was to grab the ball at the centre break and hand ball it 40 metres to an inflight Goggin who would bury it in Wade’s guts on the lead. He changed the whole concept of ruck work and was a revelation when he came to Victoria. A beautiful kick, superb tap ruckman, and a one grab mark made blokes like Nichols look obsolete. One of the few players I can recall who individually changed the game off his own boot.
Vale Polly.
Great to hear this from a point of view of a supporter of another club. Thanks for that Rocky.

RIP Polly
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grassy1
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Re: Vale Graham Polly Farmer

Post by grassy1 »

Unfortunately East Perth couldn’t honour him last night,kicking 1.5 11 - 4.11 35 in absolute horrid weather against the bloody Eagle Reserves.
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