AS Albury mayor, Kevin Mack wouldn’t dare tip against the Tigers in the Ovens and Murray league grand final at Lavington Sportsground on Saturday.
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But, being born in Wangaratta and being the son of a Magpies’ gun, Cr Mack cannot help not having a soft spot for the black and white in the decider.
“Your head says Albury should win, but my heart says it would be great to see Wangaratta win,” he said.
“Having had history in Wangaratta and a father who acquitted himself quite well down there it’s hard not to lean towards your heart.
“I would expect the Albury club and supporters would probably understand.”
Cr Mack was born in Wangaratta and remember watching his father, Kevin Snr, who was inducted into the Ovens and Murray Hall of Fame three years ago, play for the Magpies before his time at the Norm Minns Oval was cut short.
Mack was in only second season at the club when the Magpies staged a famous grand final fightback in 1957 to beat Albury by only two points after being 27 points down at the last change.
A late goal to star forward Lance Oswald handed Wangaratta the premiership.
Mack knocked back multiple offers to play in the VFL and was rewarded with another flag in 1961.
The Magpies lost successive grand finals to Wangaratta Rovers in 1964-65 before looming up as the main danger to Albury the following season.
They lost the second semi-final narrowly to the Tigers and the next day Mack and good mate “Rinso” Johnstone were winding down in the Warby Ranges when he broke his neck in a diving accident.
Without their inspirational vice-captain, who was released from hospital and watched the match in a wheelchair, the Magpies were out-classed by the Tigers in the grand final.
Mack made a comeback late in 1967, but Wangaratta was reluctant to risk his long-term health even though he continued to play in the Upper Murray league until his early 40s.
“He was highly regarded by the Wangaratta supporters,” his son said.
“He was a bit of a scallywag, but had a lot of ability.
“It was a pretty horrible time and unfortunately he put his arm down at the wrong time and broke his neck.
“The Border Morning Mail and Chronicle both agreed his accident was the turning point in their quest for the premiership.”
Mack played mostly district league football, but older brother Ray is a Lavington premiership player.
The mayor’s son Willson played in a premiership for Brock-Burrum Saints under 17s last Saturday after previously playing for Albury juniors.
