'Boulder boy' Alec Epis honoured by Essendon
Former Essendon champion - and staunchly proud Boulder boy - Alec Epis, has dedicated his upcoming induction into the Bombers' Hall of Fame to the many Goldfields youngsters with aspirations to one day play in the AFL.
Epis, 76, is set to be formally honoured by Essendon at a special Hall of Fame luncheon at Melbourne's Crown Palladium on May 8.
After launching his career with Mines Rovers in the Goldfields Football League, which included both the Fletcher Medal and a premiership in his first senior year in 1955, Epis missed the 1956 and 1957 campaigns due to a clearance dispute.
He eventually became one of Essendon's greatest ever players in a decorated career in the old VFL, which ended in 1968 after 180 senior games and two premierships (1962 and 1965).
Epis, who owns a vineyard at Woodend about 30 minutes outside Melbourne, said he had never forgotten his humble beginnings growing up in Boulder.
"I feel very proud to receive this honour, but especially for Boulder and my old club Mines Rovers who started me off in my football career," he said.
"With this honour, it's a sign to the kids there (in the Goldfields) that it is possible to achieve things in sport at the highest level.
"We tend to put ourselves down a bit - the fact we're from the bush and maybe not good enough, but I'd say half of our kids at Essendon now are from the bush or off farms."
Epis reflected on his formative years in the Goldfields region.
"I feel it's a great honour for our town to receive this accolade because the region was a big part of my life for the first 18 years. I was in the fire brigade, also played tennis and the town encouraged everyone to be involved in sports," he said.
"This is a great thing for our (Goldfields) kids because they can look up to this award and realise anything is possible."
Epis said his Boulder upbringing was foremost in his mind in the moments right before the opening bounce of the 1959 VFL grand final.
"I remember running out for the grand final in 1959, looking around at the crowd and thinking to myself, 'gee, this is a bit bigger than Boulder oval'," he said.
"But if you're prepared to work hard, the rewards are there.
"And don't ever sell yourself short."
With this honour, it's a sign to the kids there (in the Goldfields) that it is possible to achieve things in sport at the highest level.
" Alec Epis
