THREE generations of Wagga’s Ion family witnessed history together when Western Bulldogs’ ended AFL’s longest premiership drought last Saturday.
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It was a special moment for former Footscray star Graham ‘Curly’ Ion as he watched the current day Bulldogs deliver the club a long-awaited premiership with his son Trevor, daughter Siobhan and grandson Blake.
Ion was there when the Bulldogs won their last premiership in 1954, and then played in the club’s most recent grand final appearance in 1961.
So to be there to witness the club’s next flag, and to be able to join in the Bulldogs’ post-game celebrations, was something special for the retired Wagga 75-year-old.
“It was gigantic,” Curly said.
“It was euphoric, in every way.”
Trevor admitted both he and Curly shed a tear as the Bulldogs celebrated the drought-breaking premiership.
“It was the best weekend I’ve ever had, and I don’t think we’ll ever beat it,” Trevor said.
“It was actually quite emotional. The fact dad played in ‘61, and was there in ‘54. I was born in ‘59 and went to my first game when I was one.
“From a young age I was entrenched at the club. Ted Whitton’s parents used to mind me to allow mum and dad to go to the footy. I still remember going to training with dad.”
The Ions went to the Bulldogs post-game premiership celebrations at Melbourne Exhibition Centre where Curly was able to catch up with a several teammates from the 1961 team.
Trevor was seated next to 1960 Brownlow Medallist John Schultz, who handed the Premiership Cup to the Bob Murphy and Easton Wood at the presentation ceremony.
They then also managed a chat with premiership coach Luke Beveridge at the after party at Crown Casino.
“As far as weekend goes, over the years playing and coaching juniors, I’ve been involved in 21 grand finals...but that one took the cake,” Trevor explained.
“We both shed a tear. It was a phenomenal end.”
Curly was introduced everywhere he went over the weekend as Footscray’s centre-half-forward from the 1961 grand final and was treated accordingly.
“He was signing autographs, everyone loved him. It was all quite special,” Trevor said.
Despite the enormity of the occasion, Curly was pleased the grand final proved to be close.
“I thought the Bulldogs could win but I wouldn’t have been disappointed if they didn’t. They already had such a good year,” he said.
