Doveton’s Graham Henwood joins Cranbourne duo Steven Dalgleish and Pat Garrett in celebrating their selection in the MPNFL Team of the Century. 20925 Picture: Tahir Harun.By Callan Date
FOUR of Casey’s finest footballers were honoured with selection in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL) Team of the Century on Saturday night.
Cranbourne duo Steven Dalgleish and Pat Garrett were joined by Doveton stalwart Graham Henwood and Pearcedale legend Don Scown in the 27-man team.
All four were thrilled with their place in local football history after being immortalised from more than 27,000 players who have competed in the various leagues from which the team was selected.
The team was announced at a gala dinner in front of about 400 people at the Frankston Arts Centre.
Henwood, who was named on a half-forward flank, said he was humbled to be selected among such illustrious company.
“When you see the calibre of blokes who they have picked, it is a great thrill to be named along side them,” he said.
The 50-year-old played 140 games with Doveton before crossing to Berwick for three seasons in the early 90s.
“I feel like it is a win for the whole Doveton Football Club – it’s not an individual thing.”
The Henwood name is revered around the Doveton Football Club.
Five of the brothers played together and regularly terrorised opposition teams with their skill and toughness.
“They used to say that if one Henwood didn’t get you, the other one would.”
Henwood, who now lives in Queensland, is still involved with football in a coaching role at Alexandra Hills Football Club.
Cranbourne player Pat Garrett was selected on the other forward-flank.
He played 173 games for the Eagles in three stints between 1984 and 1998.
He kicked 498 goals during his career and played in six premiership sides between 1986 and 1993.
Fellow Eagle Steven Dalgleish squeezed on to a six man interchange.
“I’m shocked. I’m still shocked from the nomination. To be named in the team is just great,” Dalgleish said.
Pearcedale rover Don Scown joined Dalgleish on the bench.
Berwick and Cranbourne Football Club stalwart Darryl Nisbet was named as assistant coach of the team.
He also helped out with the selection process.
Captain of the team was Chelsea legend Kevin White. Nicknamed ‘Doc’, White, 72, was named at centre-half forward in the star-studded line-up.
A humble White said he never expected to be recognised some 40 years on from his playing days.
“It is beyond all my expectations,” White said.
