During the 50's, 60's and 70's a New Norfolk team was not complete unless it contained a member of the Browning family. Three brothers, Roger
(a dual William Leitch Medal winner), Barry (The Blonde Bombshell) and Tony, also a William Leitch Medallist were synonymous with the club. Tony was the youngest of the brothers.
Tony was a schoolboy superstar and unlike many others of this ilk carried his ability through the junior ranks, right to the top and enjoyed the ultimate success. The year was 1966 and a super year by the Eagle under 19's saw them win their second successive flag; and a young Tony Browning took the League's best and fairest award to put with the under 17's medal he won the previous year. Following that he went "over the river" as they used to say in the valley to try out with the seniors. It wasn't long before he, his team mates and the whole town were celebrating the greatest day the Eagles have ever had in football. It was 1968 and the boys from the Derwent Valley had just won their first premiership. As
underdogs the Eagles, coached by Trevor Leo
, and with a line-up that included a sprinkling of recruits, some "old heads", and a handful of juniors, demolished the raging hot favourites, North Hobart, to run out winners by 29 points.
While the Eagle's slipped a little, Tony Browning's form continued. He represented the State in 1971 and then commenced a remarkable domination of the Eagles' best and fairest award. He was named club champion for five (5) consecutive years that included winning the prestigious William Leitch medal in 1974. All in all, Browning won league best and fairest awards at under 17, under 19 and senior level; was five times club champion, represented the state and played in a premiership side. Add to that he accumulated 223 games and played in almost every position; That's why he is truly regarded as one of the Eagles' finest players.
He modestly recalled his playing days and was glad he played when he did. "The demands on players these days far outweighs the gains unless you can make it to the AFL" he said. Today, local footy is much faster and the players more athletic, but seems to lack the personal rivalry of my day when crowds would gather to watch a showdown between say John Bingley
and John Devine
or see the skills of Stuart Spencer
, Burnie Payne
, Trevor Leo
and Co. Browning rated some of his hardest opponents as North Hobart's Trevor Oakley and Don MacLeod
, while Glenorchy's Geoff Graham was a class act at Centre Half Forward. Among his team mates none were tougher than Terry Lane, a rugged back pocket who gave no quarter. He left the scene at 23 to concentrate on the dairy farm. Hedley Thompson was an extremely determined and fierce competitor, while Ricky Graham's skill twice took the club close to another flag in the early 70's. Browning retired in 1978 before making two brief comebacks with Lachlan in the STFL during the early 80's for two premierships.
These days he runs Brownings Menswear in High Street, New Norfolk. Married to Michelle they have three children: daughters Micha and Skye enjoy netball while son Blair plays Aussie rules at school with Hutchins. In fact Browning now holds the onerous position of time keeper for the school side.
Despite the family presence in New Norfolk teams for over 30 years Tony Browning is the only one to claim a premiership - perhaps a Browning is the missing ingredient from the current Hawk team.
Tony Browning, from a great footballing family, with a record to match; 223 senior games for New Norfolk.
Tony was named in the New Norfolk District Football Club Team of Champions in 2002 at half forward along with Rex Garwood
and Ricky Graham.
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Tony Browning - A Tasmanian Football Legend