Sport
1 May, 2025
League life membership for Twaddle
FIFTY years of dedication was rewarded last Friday when Graham Twaddle was presented with a life membership to the Hampden Football Netball League.
Twaddle, who was born and raised “about half way between Terang and Mortlake,” was presented with his special award by league president Shane Threlfall during the Anzac Day clash between the Bloods and Cobden at Mortlake’s DC Farran Oval.
“It really was quite the surprise,” Twaddle said.
“I was very humbled; it’s quite an honour. I’ve been involved with the league for the last five decades and have enjoyed every minute.”
Twaddle first began his football career with the Mortlake Cats in the under 18 competition in 1957.
He went on to play senior footy with the club and was a member of five grand final sides – but a premiership eluded him.
“To play in five grand final matches was exciting but sadly we never won a flag over that period; but boy we got close.
“If you add up the losing margins from those six matches it only equates to just on six goals; in two successive years we lost by one and then two points.”
A knee injury at the start of the 1973 season ended Twaddle’s playing career but it didn’t end his passion for the game or his involvement with his beloved club.
He went on to join the committee and was a selector for the Cats, enjoying an active role in the 1975 senior premiership side.
“That was a very proud year for the club,” he recalled.
“I was a selector for that side and to win a flag was pretty special.”
Receiving a league life membership at last Friday’s Anzac Day clash in Mortlake was just “icing on the cake” for what was a very special day for Twaddle and his family and friends.
“There was a huge crowd there (on Friday) watching the game and enjoying the reunion celebrations,” he said.
“It was a really great day and night.”
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