This week, as North prepares to take on Essendon, we take a trip back to 1937.
[RELATED: Check out the previous editions of NMFC Archives]
Having tried out for South Melbourne as a youngster, Keith Forbes was told he was ‘too small’ for VFL football.
But it didn’t stop him becoming one of the finest Essendon players of all-time after joining the club in 1928. His dash, evasive skills and precision kicking was rare for his era.
He played 152 games at Essendon, twice finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal, and kicked 415 goals in his 10 years at the club.
It came to the surprise of many when Forbes applied for a coaching position at North Melbourne vacated by Paddy Scanlan.
In an original letter held in the club’s archives, dated the 15th of September, 1937, the then 31-year-old signalled his intentions.
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The letter addressed to The Secretary reads:
Dear Sir,
I wish to apply for the position of playing coach of your club for the 1938 season.
I am 31 years old and have completed 10 years’ service with Essendon as rover and forward, and have captained the side for three years.
The salary I required is £7.00 per week.
Yours faithfully,
Keith Forbes.
The Argus (September 18, 1937) was quick to report news of Forbes’ interest.
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Forbes had kicked eight goals against North Melbourne in 1934 as Essendon kicked its then highest-ever score at Windy Hill – 29.16.190.
But now he had a new challenge, confirmed on October 2, 1937 in a typed letter by club secretary Jack Adams.
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The letter, still in its original form at the North Melbourne Football Club reads:
Dear Sir,
In answer to your application for the position of playing coach to our club for season 1937, I have pleasure in informing you that you have been appointed to that position.
The appointment is, of course, contingent on your securing a clearance from the Essendon Football Club.
I, too, have to assure you of the whole-hearted co-operation of my Committee in your endeavours to mould our team into a successful combination that we will do everything possible to make you happy in our new position.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. Secretary.
The appointment was initially met with resistance from Essendon, but four days after being offered the job by North Melbourne his clearance was granted.
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The North Story describes the season that was in Forbes’ first year at the club:
‘As the 1938 season approached, there was an atmosphere of interest and excitement not witnessed since the club’s opening year in the VFL.
‘With Keith Forbes guiding the team as captain-coach, the tally of wins for the season reached six. Players like Del Murray, George Kennedy and Syd Dyer began to assert themselves, while men such as Jock Cordner, Ted Morcom, Charlie Skinner and Bill Findlay all enhanced their reputations.
‘At the end of the home and away matches, the team had climbed to ninth place, just behind their previous best.’
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| Forbes (left) with the North Melbourne players. Photo from The Argus. |
Forbes played 18 games in 1938 and kicked 29 goals, defeating his old team Essendon in front of 10,000 people at Windy Hill in Round 15.
It was North’s third ever victory against the Bombers, and was backed up the following year on home soil at Arden Street.
In 1939, the Northerners again finished with six wins, including its first defeat of Geelong since its historic debut 14 years earlier.
Remarkably, it was a disqualification that saw Forbes’ playing and coaching career over at Arden Street.
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He joined Fitzroy the following season, but played only a further four games before being forced to retire though injury.
