The Coolgardie Butchers
- 3 days ago
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FOOTY FLASHBACK | 1979
In 1979, two brothers from Coolgardie shared one of the great seasons in Boulder Tigers history. Brad Cullen claimed the League Fairest & Best in just his second season of senior football. It was the first of two League Fairest & Best awards, with Brad again taking the honour in 1984.
His 1979 triumph came against an outstanding field, finishing ahead of Tiger champions Ron Hill, Ian Holman, Peter McIntyre and Bevan Schoppe.
Brother Mal Cullen capped off the family’s remarkable year by winning the Reserves Fairest & Best, ahead of Michael O’Connor, Wayne Dann and John Bail.
Adding to the club’s incredible depth in 1979, the Thirds Fairest & Best was won by Jeff James, with Greg Evans runner-up. Both young Tigers would go on to become outstanding League footballers and respected club men in the years that followed.
The Cullen family were well known throughout the Goldfields, operating the legendary Cullen family butcher shop in the main street of Coolgardie. Week after week, Brad and Mal made the trip to Boulder for training and matches, earning admiration not only for their football ability but also for their character, commitment and loyalty to the black and gold.
Sometimes a season produces champions.
Sometimes it produces stories.
1979 gave the Tigers both.
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