Teddy EJ Whitten

[bulldogtragic]

Hi hope Twodogs doesn't mind the sharing of our conversation via PM this week. I was mentioning that my dear old grand mum has been married for most of her life, but if EJ could be brought back to life she would marry him in a heart beat. She still talks of EJ as more than a man, more than footballer, more than a western suburbs hero but almost god like (or even God like). Even all these years later EJ brings a sparkle to her eye and huge smile when we talk about him.

I mentioned this to TD and our consensus was the English language doesn't have the words to describe him and what he was to people and families of our local suburbs. It was my nans passionate stories as a young un about EJ that triggered the FFC DNA in me to activate. And after 7 decades, nothing's changed for her.

He's got a ground, statue, bridge, Hall of Fame spot, games record holder for a long time and SOO legacy. But being too young I can't comprehend what people who watched him at the time feel or describe. So I'm (and presumably others) up for a history lesson. If you can articulate it, what was the unique qualities or presence that captured the imagination of a lot people, and so bloody strong that those bonds can last 7 decades? I find it amazing that after so long, and after death, that he can be so loved and revered, even idolised like a God like no one I can think of in history, let alone footy.

[Twodogs]

Great OP BT.

I went to EJs last game in 1970 but only being six my recollection is getting wet in the rain and finding a bunch of kids tobogganing down the slope behind the scoreboard on flattened cardboard boxes and in my head that's where I spent most of day. I should also mention that in my head I am on the ground standing next to Ted for the three quarter time address so I don't know how reliable that memory is.

My uncle, who's opinion I rate, once told me he saw EJ played the perfect game of football at Punt rd in an important game against Richmond. Does anyone know or remember which game and year he was talking about? I'd like to research it a bit.

[SonofScray]

His legacy is all over my life. I drive past two statues of him most days, over his bridge, past his ground and spend most of my spare time discussing the game that became his namesake. His is one of the really terrific tales of influence and leadership. Probably never to be replicated.

[Eastdog]

His legacy is all over my life. I drive past two statues of him most days, over his bridge, past his ground and spend most of my spare time discussing the game that became his namesake. His is one of the really terrific tales of influence and leadership. Probably never to be replicated.

Whitten recognition:

Braybrook Hotel I believe but correct me if I'm wrong
Western Ring Road - EJ Whitten Bridge over the Maribyrnong River
Western Oval renamed Whitten Oval

[GVGjr]

Good thread BT.

I've mentioned on here before how my grandparents revered Ted Whitten but perhaps a few snippets might add to the thread.

My Nan would only buy her fruit and veges and groceries from the store that a young Ted worked at and I think only on the days she knew he would be there. She would grab her jeep and stroll to the shop frequently stopping along the way to talk to people because most people weren't inside there homes watching the TV or on the phone etc they were in their gardens either picking their fruit trees or looking after their almost manicured lawns. A 15 minute walk to the shop would probably take Nan closer to 30 minutes because she was such a friendly and engaging person she would have to stop and say hello. During the footy season the conversations were often about Footscray and I'm led to believe Ted.

Once she eventually got to the shop she was greeted with a loud "Hello Mum" from the larger than life Ted "What can I get you today?" A quick chat about the footy would follow as Ted carefully filled her jeep with the chosen goods. The trip home probably took her even longer as she now could tell people that Ted helped her fill the jeep.

My Nan was a very tolerant lady and accepted peoples differing views but not when it came to opinions on Ted Whitten. He was the one and only from her point of view and could do no wrong.

My Grandfather wasn't anywhere near as tolerant as Nan. Most footy conversations with Bob would somehow lead into how good Whitten was. My favourite player was Bernie Quinlan and to be honest Bob never rated him that highly and I think he had some question marks on the level of courage Bernie displayed. Bob got it wrong but I could have never said that to him.
Whenever I mentioned how good I thought Bernie was Bob would quickly counter with how much better Ted was. You listened and nodded the head because to challenge it was an argument you would never win.

My memories of seeing Ted the player are somewhat limited but the memories of the conversations I had with so many people over the years about his abilities on the field will live with me forever.

I've read a lot of article and even found some books where Ted shared his views on how positions should be played and there is no doubt he was a modern day attacking player and brutally loyal to his team mates.

From everything I have gathered in a lifetime of listening to things about Ted Whitten and reading anything I could get my hands on about him I'd have to say the one word to describe him was "visionary"

He was ahead of his time on the playing field, he was one of the first to because a sports entertainer and his ability to unite the AFL community behind the Big V was remarkable. So many AFL people regard Ted as one of the best ever footballers but on top of that I think he was also a remarkable person off the field. Ted led and people followed. He was simply the centre of attention.

[Jam Donuts]

Good thread BT.

I've mentioned on here before how my grandparents revered Ted Whitten but perhaps a few snippets might add to the thread.

My Nan would only buy her fruit and veges and groceries from the store that a young Ted worked at and I think only on the days she knew he would be there. She would grab her jeep and stroll to the shop frequently stopping along the way to talk to people because most people weren't inside there homes watching the TV or on the phone etc they were in their gardens either picking their fruit trees or looking after their almost manicured lawns. A 15 minute walk to the shop would probably take Nan closer to 30 minutes because she was such a friendly and engaging person she would have to stop and say hello. During the footy season the conversations were often about Footscray and I'm led to believe Ted.

Once she eventually got to the shop she was greeted with a loud "Hello Mum" from the larger than life Ted "What can I get you today?" A quick chat about the footy would follow as Ted carefully filled her jeep with the chosen goods. The trip home probably took her even longer as she now could tell people that Ted helped her fill the jeep.

My Nan was a very tolerant lady and accepted peoples differing views but not when it came to opinions on Ted Whitten. He was the one and only from her point of view and could do no wrong.

My Grandfather wasn't anywhere near as tolerant as Nan. Most footy conversations with Bob would somehow lead into how good Whitten was. My favourite player was Bernie Quinlan and to be honest Bob never rated him that highly and I think he had some question marks on the level of courage Bernie displayed. Bob got it wrong but I could have never said that to him.
Whenever I mentioned how good I thought Bernie was Bob would quickly counter with how much better Ted was. You listened and nodded the head because to challenge it was an argument you would never win.

My memories of seeing Ted the player are somewhat limited but the memories of the conversations I had with so many people over the years about his abilities on the field will live with me forever.

I've read a lot of article and even found some books where Ted shared his views on how positions should be played and there is no doubt he was a modern day attacking player and brutally loyal to his team mates.

From everything I have gathered in a lifetime of listening to things about Ted Whitten and reading anything I could get my hands on about him I'd have to say the one word to describe him was "visionary"

He was ahead of his time on the playing field, he was one of the first to because a sports entertainer and his ability to unite the AFL community behind the Big V was remarkable. So many AFL people regard Ted as one of the best ever footballers but on top of that I think he was also a remarkable person off the field. Ted led and people followed. He was simply the centre of attention.

I don't think that Bob got it wrong at all, he certainly was not on his own with that thinking about Bernie, i was so happy to watch his career blossom after he left us and he exacted his full potential. However, I have heard a lot of old timers mention the same thing as your Bob.

[GVGjr]

I don't think that Bob got it wrong at all, he certainly was not on his own with that thinking about Bernie, i was so happy to watch his career blossom after he left us and he exacted his full potential. However, I have heard a lot of old timers mention the same thing as your Bob.

It's been nearly 6 years since I posted that and to be honest I had forgotten that I had.

Now I'm going to defend Bernie with another story that I have posted on here previously.
I was at the Whitten Oval for a game against Richmond when former Bulldogs player Robert 'Bones' McGhie was lining up for them.
Despite his wiry look Bones was a renowned hard man and not one to shirk a physical contest.

I was standing about 10 meters back from the fence when a ball was punted somewhere between the wing and half forward, Bernie sprinted forward to get the ball and so did McGhie. They went full tilt at it for about 30mtrs and when they looked up they both realised they were on a collision course. I can still see it as plain as day.
They both tucked in their shoulders before the inevitable clash and I could hear the bones crunching from at least 25mtrs away.
They both then got up and contested the ball again.
It was either a sign of a smart arse in the making, hero worshiping Quinlan or a spur of the moment thing when I could get one back at my grand father but I summoned the courage and blurted out something like "And you said he wasn't tough?" I still think the resulting lecture and then silent treatment at my petulant display was worth it but I paid a heavy price for it from then on.

Given Bob knew Ted well we were occasionally allowed into the rooms after games a few times and when Ted was there he would greet my grandfather and ask me who my favourite player was. As soon as I said anyones name he would yell at them and motion for them to come over and meet me.

Ted was larger than life and oh yeah, I still think Bernie was no squib.

[Bulldog4life]

It's been nearly 6 years since I posted that and to be honest I had forgotten that I had.

Now I'm going to defend Bernie with another story that I have posted on here previously.
I was at the Whitten Oval for a game against Richmond when former Bulldogs player Robert 'Bones' McGhie was lining up for them.
Despite his wiry look Bones was a renowned hard man and not one to shirk a physical contest.

I was standing about 10 meters back from the fence when a ball was punted somewhere between the wing and half forward, Bernie sprinted forward to get the ball and so did McGhie. They went full tilt at it for about 30mtrs and when they looked up they both realised they were on a collision course. I can still see it as plain as day.
They both tucked in their shoulders before the inevitable clash and I could hear the bones crunching from at least 25mtrs away.
They both then got up and contested the ball again.
It was either a sign of a smart arse in the making, hero worshiping Quinlan or a spur of the moment thing when I could get one back at my grand father but I summoned the courage and blurted out something like "And you said he wasn't tough?" I still think the resulting lecture and then silent treatment at my petulant display was worth it but I paid a heavy price for it from then on.

Given Bob knew Ted well we were occasionally allowed into the rooms after games a few times and when Ted was there he would greet my grandfather and ask me who my favourite player was. As soon as I said anyones name he would yell at them and motion for them to come over and meet me.

Ted was larger than life and oh yeah, I still think Bernie was no squib.

I agree G. A lot in the outer thought he was but if you look closely at his career...games played and goals kicked....he was no squib. As for the amount of goals kicked he was huge considering he played a number of games with us at CHB. When I lived in Victoria I met him a few times at the Flinders pub. Still very humble, likeable and down to earth.

[Axe Man]

I agree G. A lot in the outer thought he was but if you look closely at his career...games played and goals kicked....he was no squib. As for the amount of goals kicked he was huge considering he played a number of games with us at CHB. When I lived in Victoria I met him a few times at the Flinders pub. Still very humble, likeable and down to earth.

I chatted to Bernie at a pub in Sorento I think it was whilst I was on a footy trip. Even though I was likely completely incoherent he was friendly.

[GVGjr]

I agree G. A lot in the outer thought he was but if you look closely at his career...games played and goals kicked....he was no squib. As for the amount of goals kicked he was huge considering he played a number of games with us at CHB. When I lived in Victoria I met him a few times at the Flinders pub. Still very humble, likeable and down to earth.

Could you imagine him playing now at CHB at Marvel? Those 70mtr kicks would transform the game.

[bulldogtragic]

Great story G. My parents and uncles and aunts all loved Dougie Hawkins. So does my nan, but she has two framed photos on the wall. A Doug Hawkins personally signed photo. Clearly above it on the wall, a non signed photo of EJ. Whenever the conversation comes up it's almost the same, 'I love Dougie, but EJ's the best and always will be".

But I take it it's not only about footy, but growing up poor in Western Suburbs I think when she talks about EJ it's beyond footy. EJ came along post WW2 when times were even tougher, footy was the great distraction but we'd beaten into submission upon entering the VFL. Then along comes EJ, and a flag!! I never tire of talking about her GF day in 1954 and going to the ground afterwards.

To me it seems that EJ was the person that gave her/us all hope that we could be the people we wanted to be. That we were not always destined to be impoverished, that we could achieve the best, almost like a messiah. That he inspired pride so that people could say yeah were from Footscray, just like Teddy, so what! My nan and several aunty Joyce's would always try to time things to be around EJ too. We've had a fair share of gun players since EJ, and people can be nostalgic about 'in my day'. But people who lived in EJ's time talk not out of nostalgia, but like a thankful and happy worshipper (good thing).

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

I used to wish he was my dad he was so nice to us urchins who hung around the footy ground

[Eastdog]

Would have loved to have met EJ. He would of been a great bloke to chat to.

[bornadog]

Growing up I only saw EJ play in his latter years and also went to his last game. However, as a kid in primary school we knew he was Mr Football and also the greatest player that ever played the game. Of course my first jumper had the number 3 on the back.

After his retirement ran into him when he was broadcasting footy, and we were on the way to the can bar. Always friendly, but scary ( in a nice way) and happy to say hello.

He is a true legend of AFL.

[Twodogs]

Growing up I only saw EJ play in his latter years and also went to his last game. However, as a kid in primary school we knew he was Mr Football and also the greatest player that ever played the game. Of course my first jumper had the number 3 on the back.

After his retirement ran into him when he was broadcasting footy, and we were on the way to the can bar. Always friendly, but scary ( in a nice way) and happy to say hello.

He is a true legend of AFL.

Yeah he could be a little bit intimidating. But he was Mr Football.