Richard Vernon
Richard "Bendigo" Vernon
Among the finest footballers to wear the block and yellow of Boulder City in the club's formative years was Richard Edward "Dick" Vernon, better known throughout football circles as "Bendigo" Vernon. Born of Eddington near Bendigo. Victoria. on 28 December 1878. Vernon arrived on the Western Australian Goldfields during a period when football was rapidly growing in popularity. A brilliant rover blessed with speed, courage end natural football instincts, he quickly established himself as one of the leading players in the Goldfields competition.
By the middle of the decode, Vernon hod become one of Boulder City's most qualities were recognised when he was appointed captain of the club in 1906. At a time when football on the Goldfields was fiercely contested and played before passionate local crowds, Vernon earned a reputation as a determined competitor and a player capable of turning a match through sheer skill and determination.
Vernon was a key figure during one of the most successful eras in Boulder City's proud history. The club emerged as the dominant force of Goldfields football, building o reputation that extended well beyond the region. The 1908 season. in particular, stands os o significant chapter in the club's history, with Boulder City claiming the Goldfields premiership and cementing its standing as the competition's benchmark club.
His performances for Boulder City attracted attention from football observers in Victoria, where the game's highest standard was played. In 1909, Vernon returned to his home state and joined Collingwood in the Victorian Football League. The move was a remarkable achievement for a player who hod honed his craft on the dusty grounds of the Western Australian Goldfields.
At Collingwood. Vernon continued to excel. Between 1909 and 1911 he played 51 senior games and become a member of the Magpies' 1910 VFL premiership team. His success at the highest level of Australian football is seen as a testament to the quality of football being played in the Goldfields and the strength of the Boulder City Football Club.
Richard "Bendigo "Vernon remains an important figure in Boulder City's early history. From club captain on the Goldfields to VFL premiership player, his football journey reflects the spirit, talent and ambition that helped shape the Boulder City Football Club during its formative years. More than a century toter, his achievements continue to occupy a proud place in the story of the Tigers.
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What were the Standard Cigarette Cards?
In 1907 end 1908. lhe tobacco company Sniders & Abrahams. makers of Slondord Cigorettes produced what ore believed to be lthe first football trading cords issued in Western Austral a. Each pocket of cigarettes conta ined a cord featuring a p,ominent footballer or umpire. The cords were intended os advertising. but they quickly become collectibles. Young footboll fans would collect, trade and try to complete sets. much like modern AFL cords today.
Why are the 1908 cards so Important?
The 1907 series mainly featured players from Perth metropolilon clubs. The 1908 series was revolutionary because it expended to include leading players from the Goldfields compelition. recognising thol the Goldfields Football League was one of the strongest football competitions in Austrolio ot the time.