JACK Clancy had a problem on his hands at half-time of the Ovens and King Football League grand final in 1982.
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After a hugely successful stint in the Ovens and Murray league _ a premiership with Corowa Spiders, back-to-back Morris medals and five years coaching Albury _ Clancy headed bush to coach Chiltern in 1981, but encountered finals heart-break in his first season.
The Swans ingloriously crashed out of September in straight sets including a preliminary final loss after leading by 32 points at the last change to Milawa.
Twelve months later they found themselves in another sticky spot against Milawa in the grand final
Chiltern trailed by 19 points after being jumped in the first term.
In audio obtained by The Border Mail of Clancy’s pre-match and half-time addresses on grand final day, the concerned coach didn’t hold back.
“We’ve let ourselves down and we are three goals behind,” he said.
“We haven’t run on, we haven’t handballed, we haven’t taken any chances. We have just kicked up into the packs
“Why? Are you frightened? Everybody will be saying we should have got beat during the year.
“It wouldn't matter if we got beat seven times, we would be still playing like we are now and that is we are second best.
“Sixty minutes to go, we’ve fought two years for this and now the pain barrier is here.
“What I want is a premiership for you guys and your club and your town. The way to do it is putting your body in.”
The Swans responded and proceeded to boot 10.7 to 0.1 in the third quarter to take control and eventually run out winners, 26.14 (170) to 15.6 (96).
Jock Lappin finished with 11 goals in his swansong appearance for Chiltern and younger brother John “Rowdy” Lappin also added a premiership to his Baker Medal win in 1982.
They were among seven Lappins who played in the premiership winning team.
Chiltern president in 1982, Kevin Mayhew, said Clancy was a revered figure at the Swans.
“For him it was never about Jack, but always about the other bloke,” he said.
“The 1982 team claimed the premiers and champions title and Jack's part in that cannot be underestimated.
“He made good players better.and made many young players good enough for Ovens and Murray football.
“Jack loved football, and football was good to him.
“He appreciated its history and revelled in its stories and where there weren't myths he could create them.
“There are many takers in the game we love, but Jack Clancy was a giver.”
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