Gordon Ogden, captain-coach of the seniors from 1939-41, played just 7 matches in 1945 and then retired due to injury after 56 games since 1939. He played a big part in the reforming of the Seconds in 1944. Jack Sexton, who played in the Seconds premiership side of 1941, and Bill Green, who had played previously with Essendon in 19, both transferred to the Bombers, while Alan Marsham went back to Geelong and Bob Spargo crossed to Prahran. Harry Vallence transferred to Brighton where he was living and working as did Tom New when he returned from Carlton and struggled to get a senior game, while Mattie Cave and Reg Thomas retired. The now 28yo Ron Todd wanted to do likewise as his contract with Williamstown had expired but he was met with an obstinate Magpie committee who were still bitter over his departure in 1940, and Todd eventually re-signed with Williamstown after being 'expelled' by Collingwood, a club for which he had not played since 1939 (see copy of contract below). Also, some players at Williamstown never made Fothergill welcome while others were just jealous, and his unassertive nature was unsuited to the leadership roles he had been thrust into. Maurie Hearn, vice-captain of Fitzroy's 1944 premiership team, was appointed captain-coach and 'Tarzan' Glass was made vice-captain. Glass had been offered the Melbourne Seconds coaching position but decided to remain at Williamstown. Other pre-war players Arthur Cutting, Colin Wilcox, Doug Menzies, Reg Ryan and Cliff Johnson returned to the Club, while Lou Salvas was in Borneo, Stan Jamieson was in the Army and Andy Taylor was still in the RAAF.ĭes Fothergill went back to Collingwood for family reasons (his parents were avid Magpie supporters) after the VFL declared an amnesty on all players who had left League clubs without a clearance. The Recorder Cup and VFA Medal were merged into one award named the JJ Liston Trophy in honour of the great VFA, Club and municipal leader who passed away in April 1944.

Upon the resumption in 1945, Bill Dooley snr accepted the presidency and Larry Floyd the secretaryship after an absence of five years, replacing Jim McConville who resumed as treasurer.

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