The club is saddened to hear of the passing of Brian McLaine who lost his battle against prostate cancer on the weekend just passed
Brian started his career with Eltham in the late 40s, was a member of our first Under age premierhip in 1949. Brian went on to play senior football with Eltham and later with Northcote in the VFA, winning the 1951 Eltham Senior Best and Fairest.
Brian was then asked to try out with Fitzroy before a knee injury ended his playing career
The 60s was a difficult time for the club with the team finishing a long last 5 years in a row from 1962 to 1966. Brian returned to rescue the club in it.s hour of need to take over the coaching in 1966 and in just two years was able to lift the club to sixth position in 1967. Brian relinquished the coaching position in 1968 and was the year after the club commenced its most successful period winning the Premiership in 1969.
Many of the players Brian was able to recruit to the club in his tenure as coach played in that Premiership and subsequent Premierships in the early 70s
Brains life was celebrated at a Private Service at Montsalvat this morning
Adored father of Sally, Paul, Darren, Debbie, Kerri and Lu-Lu.
Our condolences go out to them and the large extended McLaine family
History – 1967 – The Tide Turns
Link to article http://www.elthamfc.com.au/history-1967-the-tide-turns/
