In celebration of 50 years since the Geelong Football Club’s winning 1963 Grand Final, the club last week held a dinner for the players of the past.

They congregated in the Captains Room of the Premiership Stand to reflect on a milestone that took place those many years ago when they defeated Hawthorn by 49 points.

A number of members of the 63’ team were in attendance including Doug Wade, Fred Wooller, Alastair Lord, Stewart Lord, John Devine, Tony Polinelli, John Sharrock, Hugh Routley, Gordon Hynes, John Yeates, Colin Rice, Bill Goggin and Ian Scott. The late Bob Davis, Peter Walker and Roy West were represented by family members.

Current Geelong Cats President Colin Carter welcomed the players of the past and sincerely thanked them for creating part of the club’s history.

“Nine flags in 150 years just indicates what a tough measure it is, how hard it is to achieve what you guys achieved.

“You are permanently and indelibly etched in the greatness of our club and the history of our club forever and I want to acknowledge you again and say thank you.”

Carter then spoke candidly as he reminisced of his experience of the 1963 Grand Final as a supporter.

“Standing in a long long line at the MCG to buy a Grand Final ticket and I finished up with a standing room ticket in the outer in 1963.

“I stood there and I have vivid memories of that game. It was before colour television but I can replay colour movies in my mind of the ball moving from one end of the ground to the other.

“I want to thank you again for giving me one of the happiest days of my life.”

Carter then spoke of the club’s commitment to respecting and remembering the past and that their mark on the club will not be lost.

“I want to assure you that your heritage is being well cared for.

“One of the ways in which we are determined to care for it is to make sure this club continues to be successful and is a club that is admired and well respected because I think that reflects on all of us of all generations.”

As Carter reminded the room of the club’s new era of success, he stated that since 2007 the team has won 82% of its games played. No club in the history of football has achieved that level of success.

“We’ve won more games than any other club, we’ve won as many premierships as any other club, we’ve played in more preliminary finals and grand finals than any other club, we’ve scored more than any other club and we’re the only club that hasn’t had a bottom four finish.”

A group of successful footballers hearing of the current era of success, it was an reminiscent night for all.