Michael, 88, played in St Arnaud Football Club's 1948 premiership side.

He was a plucky rover who moved into the forward line in the grand final because of injury and kicked two goals. Michael was 28 when St Arnaud won the flag. He believes his best years came during the Second World War.

"I wasn't sent overseas," Michael said. "I was in a unit in Western Australia. We still played football against other units but it wasn't the same as playing for St Arnaud.

"I got to play on the WACCA and MCG which was a thrill. I also had some great team-mates who played VFL football."

Michael will celebrate St Arnaud's rich history tomorrow when the club holds its premiership reunion but the day will also have some sadness because two of his team-mates have died since the club's last reunion.

While Michael doesn't see or hear as well as he would like he still is disappointed in the standard of country football.

"Money had killed country football," Michael said. "None of us ever got paid back when I played.

"Players go running around the countryside after money."

Michael said he was looking forward to seeing his four remaining team-mates.

"I haven't seen them for quite a few years," he said.

Roy Ward

• Saints ready for reunion - see page 79.