I first followed Lake Boga about 48 years ago and actually played a couple of games. I found it too strenuous, so barracking was far better for my health as hard work was what I was trying to avoid as my father would always remark. We would arrive at the game in our black 1948 Pontiac and I would watch my brothers Bruno, Paul, Patsy and Steve play. Eventually I moved to Woorinen in my early married life but continued to follow Lake Boga and watch my brother-in-law Sam Rovere play. My proudest moment would have to be watching my own son wear the Magpie footy jumper and play with his 5 cousins Mick, Nick, Colin, Paul and Tony. The Taverna name continued in the Lake Boga side with the inclusion of Paul's two sons John and Robert. In recent years the Taverna name has moved into the Netball side with Michelle, Ashleigh and Jenna all paying.

I first started time keeping 22 years ago just doing the 3rds and 2nds and occasionally the seniors when resident timekeeper Hedley Dunstan was unavailable. On Hedley's passing I took over as timekeeper of the Lake Boga seniors and was eventually promoted to Mid Murray Football League/Central Murray Football League finals timekeeper.

A big thank you to Craig Stemmer for the many pies and cuppas he’s supplied to me. I reckon I've climbed that bloody ladder leading into the time box one thousand times but it hasn't done much good for my weight control. My personal highlight was becoming a life member in 1998 to a club I now feel a part of. My most memorable players would have to be Dick O'Bree, Basil McDonald, Fluffer Keighran, Kevin Pye, Bob Lane, John McFarlane, Peter Filler and recently Robbie Lee. The most memorable coaches would have to be Bob Lane, John McFarlane and Robbie Lee and the best game was the 1975 Grand Final when Lake Boga came from behind to defeat Swan Hill, but I would have to say this year's premiership win was the sweetest and I will always hold dearly because of my personal involvement and dedication to the Lake Boga Football Club.

Doc and his grandchildren: How many of these will he convert into Lake Boga footballers & netballers?

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