John McInnes

[JK]

Was chatting to someone recently about him, particularly how Ive always found it somewhat strange that he could win 3 Reserves Magarey's, yet couldn't really establish himself in terms of a League career ... Was wondering if someone (cue AH) could fill me in on why this was the case, what sort of player was he, could he have made it at another league club etc?

[Adelaide Hawk]

John McInnes played his first league match in the 1st Semi Final against North Adelaide in 1956. He then retired from league football for religious studies. I'm not sure of the details of what he did between the year 1957 to 1967 but he made a comeback to pay a handful of seconds games in 1968, and in his first full season of footy in 13 years won the Seconds Magarey Medal in 1969.

He then played his 2nd league match in the opening round of 1970 (more than 13 years after his debut) against Port Adelaide at the parade, whilst continuing to coach the seconds. Robert Oatey was desperate for some experienced players to help with the development of the young players (with Molloy leaving for Melbourne and Nygaard leaving for West Perth), so he promoted McInnes to the league team, and also recruited Don Roach to the club. 1970 was probably the year Norwood began their push for the 1975 flag.

McInnes was involved in a famous incident, dropping Noel Teasdale with a legal bump, Teasdale injured his knee in the fall and never played again.

McInnes played the first 8 games of 1971 and then it was time to step aside for some younger players so he went back to captain-coach the reserves and won another 2 Magarey Medals in 1971 and 1972.

Judging from the fact he played his 2nd league game at 32, John would have been a brilliant footballer for the Norwood Football Club had he opted for a league career. He had superb balance and read of the play. Always brilliant, always fair, always the gentleman.

[Adelaide Hawk]

Found some more information on John McInnes you may find interesting.

Was a student at Rostrevor College and played in their 1st XVIII from 1953 to 1956, captaining the team in the final two years. During the school holidays of 1956, John played isolated games for the Under 19s and was chosen in the league team once his school footy was completed. He won the Gosse medal for the best & fairest player in the students grade.

For the next 10 years, John studied and taught in Christian Brothers schools in Melbourne and played no regular football. Returning to Adelaide in 1967 he was immediately included in Norwood's league training list but injury forced his retirement once more.

See above post for the rest of the story.

[mal]

Back in the late 60s one of the channels used to have live telecasts of the 2nds games.
It was there I would see this elderly looking unfashionable footballer running round for the legs
He was too good for the 2nds but too old for the league

[Adelaide Hawk]

The things I recall most of all about John was his balance. He had good leg speed for a guy in his 30s, not blistering, but he made up for it with his read of the play. He rarely had to beat an opponent for leg speed because he made position so cleverly. He had above average foot skills, rarely wasted a kick, and had the most perfect hip and shoulder bump technique in my memory. On top of all this he was a one grab player, rarely fumbled, and quick to dispose of the ball. As I said, I think he would have been one of Norwood's greats had he opted for a league career.

[JK]

Cheers for that AH and Mal ... One last question ... I seem to recall him filling in as coach at Sturt when Jack was ill (maybe 1982) and have a feeling he coached underage grades for a bit, was that the extent of his coaching?

[Adelaide Hawk]

He coached Woodville league team from 1975 to 1978.

[McAlmanac]

He coached Woodville league team from 1975 to 1978.

How many League coaches wore desert boots?

[McAlmanac]

Seriously, John McInnes dragged Woodville up from a joke into a finals contender, developing guys like Phil Maylin and John Roberts. He was "rewarded" after finishing 6th in 1978 by the club looking for another coach (chasing Russell Ebert IIRC). Barry Goodingham cashed in on his work for the Peckers to make the finals in 79.

[Adelaide Hawk]

Yes, it would have been interesting to see how Woodville progressed into the 1980s had they persevered with McInnes rather than chase "name" coaches.

[JK]

I reckon he did pretty well filling in for Jack in that year back in the 80's (reckon he was undefeated, although Sturt had a dam good team).

Cheers for filling in the gaps guys, always found him a player of interest and it's good to be able to get a better understanding.

[Psyber]

The things I recall most of all about John was his balance. He had good leg speed for a guy in his 30s, not blistering, but he made up for it with his read of the play. He rarely had to beat an opponent for leg speed because he made position so cleverly. He had above average foot skills, rarely wasted a kick, and had the most perfect hip and shoulder bump technique in my memory. On top of all this he was a one grab player, rarely fumbled, and quick to dispose of the ball. As I said, I think he would have been one of Norwood's greats had he opted for a league career.

I agree AH. I saw his first game live and some of his later games, but mostly on TV. He never hurried but was clean, balanced, and precise.

[smithy]

I reckon he did pretty well filling in for Jack in that year back in the 80's (reckon he was undefeated, although Sturt had a dam good team).

Cheers for filling in the gaps guys, always found him a player of interest and it's good to be able to get a better understanding.

IIRC - Sturt were 8-1 after 9 rounds when John was caretaker coach CP.

[McAlmanac]

"Screw your kicks please".

His requests across the ground at training were exquisite.

[Adelaide Hawk]

It is hard to imagine a more erudite component playing the game isn't it?