By his own admission, Tongala Football Club legend Daryl Reid didn’t expect to factor in the all-conquering 1978 Goulburn Valley League Country Championship side.That statement would raise a few eyebrows for those who know the calibre of player Reid was, and the accolades that accompany him.Reid finished his career a two-time premiership-winning captain at the Blues, played well in excess of 200 games and was a widely regarded talent that could swing forward and back – by some accounts, the first to popularise the swingman role.But the 27-year-old dairy farmer didn’t have league football at the forefront of his mind at the time GVL president Jack Arthur and the championship selection committee of Bill Enders, Ian McGregor, Roland Crosbie and Jim Ure were planning to propel the GVL into the country football limelight.“Back in those days, I was always trying to get out of those sides,” Reid said.“I was a farmer, and it wasn’t always easy to get to training.“I was never really quick; I always had that handicap. I could handle the ball pretty well (but) I was probably lucky to be in the side.”
League coach at the time, the late Bob Allison, was keen to have his former charge in the frame.“The dear departed Bob Allison, he used to coach Tongala, I knew him fairly well. I think that was one of the reasons I was in (the side).”Reid took his place in the squad and watched on - bar one game - as the GVL conquered Tungamah FL, Ovens and Murray and Latrobe Valley in a remarkable run.A large GVL cohort travelled to Colac on August 6 to see the squad battle the Hampden Football League for championship honours in what is now remembered as a watershed moment in the league's history.But Reid recalled he was far from a sure thing to take his place for the decider.“In the week leading up to the game, I had a cold. That was another reason I was probably lucky to take the ground. I hadn’t done much training, and my breathing wasn’t as good as what it could be,” Reid said.A series of late scratchings before the first bounce opened the door for Reid and Echuca duo John Haw and Gary Fletcher to take their place in the side.Reid got his opportunity early in the game, replacing a hobbled Peter Shemshedin.“I was picked on the bench on the day,” Reid said.“Not even halfway through the first quarter, the fellow that started at full-back – Peter Shemshedin – twisted his ankle.“I got the job at full-back for the rest of the day against one of the Hampden League goal-kickers.“Fortunately, I kept him goalless – that’s what I tell everyone anyway. He didn’t kick a goal but he was peppering away at the goals all day; I think he kicked six points.”Grappling with a hulking interleague full-forward for the majority of the game, Reid said he took confidence from sharing the depths of the back 50 with Seymour legend Bernie McCarthy.
