By David Sutherland

ON SATURDAY, August 16 the Alexandra Football Club in Central Victoria will celebrate the 300th senior game of club legend Steve Hedger.

Steve first played for the club (as a junior) in 1982, and in his time at Alexandra he has witnessed a number of changes at his beloved club.  The fact is, Steve has played in several different football leagues, all while representing the same club.

The story of the Alexandra Football Club begins way back in 1884 when the club played its first recorded match against a team from nearby Jamieson. In 1927 the club joined the Waranga North East Football League, in which it competed until 1976.

The 1950s and ‘60s were the halcyon days of country footy in Central Victoria, and things were no different at Alexandra.  During this period a number of ex-VFL and ex-VFA players were enticed to the bush to coach.

Former Richmond player Jack Cotter coached Alexandra to a premiership in 1952, while Ian Alexander brought the professional approach that he had experienced as a player with VFA side Brighton to his years at the helm in the late fifties and early sixties. Alexander took the club to premierships in ’56, ’60 and ’62.

Several Alexandra players from this successful era went on to play VFL footy. Kelvin Payne went to Footscray, Rob Fox went to Essendon and John Elward went to Hawthorn.

In 1976 the Waranga North East Football League disbanded and Alexandra joined the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, where it played until 1985.

Then Alexandra joined the Tungamah Football League where it played for eight years; then the Goulburn Valley Football League Division 2; then the Central Goulburn Football League.

In 2005 this last competition was terminated and the Victorian Country Football League directed that Alexandra again join the YVMDFL.

Interestingly, Alexandra won a senior premiership in each of these leagues.

As he approaches his 300th Steve Hedger is less concerned about the milestone than he is about continuing to play good footy for what he describes as “a great family-oriented club”.

As captain-coach he also led his team to a premiership last year, and the team is looking good at this point of this season.

“Of course it’s great to get to 300, but what makes me feel best is just being a part of such a great club” says Steve.

“I still love getting out and playing every week. I even enjoy the training.”

Steve’s father Kevin captained the 1980 premiership team, and has been associated with the club as player and Committeeman for over 45 years.

And now Steve’s son Isaac (pictured with Kevin) has entered the fray; he has just begun playing for the Alexandra Under 12s.