It's hard to believe it's 15 years since the all conquering Uni Blues Unders took all before them to become premiers and champions in 1995 to create VAFA history by being the first under 19's team to achieve the feat. In typical Blues fashion the 95 Unders team was made up of players from all over the country and plenty of larger than life characters, including coach Steve Carroll.
Steve managed to harness the combined footballing talents of the team on the field, with much of their success attributed to the "team bonding" sessions regularly held in Naughtons (RIP) and the pavvy with a never ending stream of "pineapples" to fund the bonding and frivolity. However there were occasions when Steve's motivational efforts fell short of the mark. All the lads will remember one particular Saturday morning after a breakfast in the Trinity dining hall (thanks Frank) they adjourned to the junior common room to watch a "motivational" video from his personal collection. It didn't seen to have the desired effect with the boys coming in at quarter time some 5 goals in arrears, but as all quality teams do they shook off their early game stiffness to bring home the bacon.
Some of faces, hair styles and waist lines will be a distant memory, but what fond memories they bring back. The 95 unders will be reliving all of their past glories at the Blue Bloods' Luncheon on Saturday as well as answer a few timeless questions:
- How did Slim go from having such a fine mane of hair to his current folicularly challenged state?
- What did posses Milesy to clobber that Xavs bloke in the 2nd semi final in the dying minutes with the game in the bag?
- Who was responsible for the infamous "spa" incident at Steve's in the post grand final celebrations?
The 95 Unders reunion will be on the hill on Saturday afternoon cheering on the current batch of youngsters before adjourning to the pavvy after the game for further refreshments and tales of just how good they were.