Kevin Beardsley – the Legend of Flabber
Kevin was born in West Coburg in July 1936 and has just had his 84th birthday. Over 70 years ago a school mate called him a ‘flabber’ and he is still known by that name today. He grew up in the Ascot Vale area and played junior football with Flemington YCW and Ascot Youth Centre at Walter Street oval. In 1952 he won the Woods Medal as the best and fairest in the Under 17 competition in the EDFL.
In 1953-54 as a quality local player he was chosen to play under 19s with Essendon and graduated to their seconds as a regular in 1954-55. During that time he was team mate to several Doutta players including Leo Danaher, Ray Lalor, John Swallow and Neil Brown, the grandfather of Jake and Karl Brown.
In 1956 while part time with Essendon seconds he was finally encouraged to join Douttas and so began a great partnership with our club that extends to the current day. In 1957 he was a member of the team that was premiers and champions.
The following year Flabber was appointed Captain Coach at Douttas and it proved to be a stunning appointment across the six years that he held that position. Douttas played in the A Grade grand final in each of those six years. They were successful in winning 4 premierships while he was coach and unfortunately in the other two years they went through the season undefeated but then lost the grand final. He was in charge for 3 premierships in succession (1961-63), before handing over the reins to Ed Hoctor for a fourth premiership in a row for the club. Those teams had some great players including John Swallow, Bert Williams, Ken Anderson, Frank Nelson and Len Ashford. Flabber suggests that the 1961 premier team was the best side as it was balanced with champions on every line.
Flabber built a strong reputation as a knowledgeable football leader, tactician and motivator. He was often called upon at Douttas to provide inspiration to the young up and coming junior sides. John Breen can recall a speech that Flabber gave to his under 15 team in 1965 encouraging the players to be first in for the ball and to play in front of opponents. His words were “if you fly from behind for a mark you are either a lair or a chicken”. No one wanted to be labelled a chicken so you have never seen so many players in a team playing in front of their opponents.
This reputation as an orator created the opportunity for Flabber to continue coaching in the VFL system. He joined North Melbourne as their under 19 coach in 1964 and continued to 1968, leading them into the finals for the first time. He was promoted as coach of the North Melbourne Seconds team from 1969 to 1972 working with senior coach Brian Dixon a Melbourne 6 time premiership player. Again he had success getting the side into the finals and developing young talent ready for the Barassi era.
After his stint at North Melbourne, Flabber was coaxed into the coaching job at West Coburg for two seasons, but it was not the same as Buckley Park.
Back at Douttas, Flabber was also involved with the cricket club from its beginnings in 1967 and was a member of the first two senior premiership teams, being the key leg spinner in the side that played on the matting at Buckley Park. The century he made in the first grand final was considered a match winner as the team took out the premiership. He also served the football club in a number of capacities over the years including as head of recruiting, chairman of selectors and also as president in 1976 and 1977.
Kevin was also involved with our arch enemy Aberfeldie, firstly as a cricketer before DSCC commenced and then later in roles with their football club. Firstly he was sweet talked into the coaching role as Abers were in B Grade. He successfully led them to a premiership and then they were without a president, so he was cajoled into that role for 12 months. Obviously John Larkins was not available at the time. Flabber’s connection to the two clubs is so strong that each year Douttas play Aberfeldie for the Kevin Beardsley cup.
Flabber is the true sports competitor who went on to play golf at a number of locations and also lawn bowls, currently at Ocean Grove where he now resides. He also has been known to have a punt on the horses just to round out his sporting prowess. Kevin is a life member of Douttas, captain of the team of the century, five time premiership player and four time premiership coach, best and fairest winner, dual cricket premiership player, president of the club and he even found time to help out struggling Aberfeldie and North Melbourne. He probably was responsible for helping both those lowly clubs to build their capacity and finally find the success that he had enjoyed at Douttas. Flabber, what a Legend!!