Former Yallourn FC rover ‘Alec’ (James Alexander) Shaw passed away on Thursday, 13th November after a long battle with illness.
As a youngster, Alec was an outstanding athlete and he was regarded as a potential star in local football in the early 1950’s. Such predictions of his ability proved true when, still a teenager, Alec won the senior team award for the Most Improved Player at Yinnar Football Club in 1953. He was also a member of the victorious Yinnar team that defeated Hazelwood in the 1954 Mid Gippsland FL Grand Final.
Alec gained a reputation as a skilled rover in the Mid Gippsland FL and, understandably, Yallourn FC was keen to secure his services. Alec played his first game with the Blues in 1955 and quickly won the admiration of the Blues’ officials and supporters as a courageous and determined on-baller. He was also dangerous when ‘resting’ in the forward pocket and, in his first season of LVFL football, won Yallourn FC’s Goal-kicking award.
The following season, Alec’s whole-hearted efforts were recognized when he was presented with Yallourn’s Most Consistent Player trophy.
Alec played 58 senior games with Yallourn and then returned to Yinnar in 1961 where he continued to play his strong brand of ‘in-and-under’ football. He won the Yinnar FC’s Best & Fairest trophy in 1961 and 1965.
Alec was always regarded as a fair-minded and honest sportsman throughout his football career.
Alec’s wife Anne (Boag) grew up in Yallourn and was a student at St Therese’s Primary School and then Yallourn High School. Anne has rarely missed a YOGA Reunion and in March this year (2014), Alec attended the gathering and thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with his friends from earlier times.
Alec was 78 years of age at the time of his death.
NB: Alec is not related to the other well-known Yallourn footballers Jim, Simon and Bill Shaw.
Alec Shaw and Anne (Boag) on their wedding day
