The man, the myth the legend… The player, the coach, the manager, the father… He is coming!

The Bear Cave is the only place you would ever want to be on Thursday not only because it’s the best feed you get in the week, (don’t tell your mum) but now with the most special of guest speakers attending to address the playing group, it actually gets better than ever!

Neil Allen Balme, born 15 January 1952 in Perth, Western Australia, played in the VFL between 1969 and 1979 for the Richmond Football Club.

As a player, Balme was one of football’s wild men, a man mountain who often threw his weight around resulting in many tribunal appearances. But he was also a skilled, thoughtful footballer who could take a strong, contested mark and boot the ball long distances. After retiring, he built a reputation as a football coach and later administrator that highlighted his innovative thinking about the game.

Like his sons, Balme stood out on the field with his height, big physique, long, flowing hair and penchant for throwing his weight around.

After retiring from playing, Balme enjoyed immense success coaching Norwood in the SANFL for 11 years, never once missing the finals and winning 2 premierships in 1982 and 1984.

In 1993, Balme accepted a position coaching Melbourne FC, which he held until 1997.

In 1998, Neil was appointed Football Operations Manager at Collingwood FC, where he oversaw 2 grand final appearances.

Geelong FC then enticed him accross the bay in 1997, where he immediately oversaw the club’s first premiership in 44 years, as well as 2 more in 2009 and 2011.

This year saw the return of Neil Balme to Collingwood FC, where the coach has assured him success is only a few seasons away.

Location

Victoria Park, High Street, Kew, VIC