Part of the spirit of the Melbourne Football Club has faded a little with the passing of Noel McMahen on Sunday morning. One of the few remaining players of the immediate post-war generation, he stayed strongly affiliated with the Melbourne Football Club until the very end, rejoicing in the 2021 premiership win, and riding the rollercoaster over many seasons along with everyone else in red and blue.

Born just three weeks after Melbourne won its second VFL premiership in 1926, and originally hailing from Mordialloc – outside any exclusive recruiting zones – McMahen was seized for the Demons by club secretary Jack Chessell. With his eye firmly on the prize, Chessell travelled to the family home by train on multiple occasions to make his case for the one-time Richmond supporter to wear red and blue. His dedication particularly impressed young Noel’s mother, and the tough, bustling crash tackler became a Demon.

McMahen was one of nine players to make their senior debut in 1946, playing three games in his first season. He fell ill with Bell’s Palsy, which meant that he missed a large part of the year, but then went on to play every game in 1947, being named joint winner of the Most Improved Player award, as well as winning the Best Utility Player award in 1948. This was a special season for the youngster, who was thrilled to not only play in a premiership side, but to also take part in two Grand Finals after a replay was forced when Melbourne drew with Essendon. Remembering the experience, McMahen would laugh at his joy. ‘I thought it was wonderful, being able to play in a Grand Final again! Some of my older teammates disagreed with me; they were tired after a tough encounter.’

Maturing into a lynchpin of the side, McMahen was one of only four players to play every game in 1950, and again won the Most Improved Player award. He also played every game in 1951, and was winner of the Best and Fairest. These were trying times – the team only won one game for the season, and supporters were vocal in their distress – but the club was building for great achievements later in the decade.

In 1952, McMahen was only prevented from playing all games by Victorian representation. In 1953, he was named Melbourne’s vice captain and in 1954, he came second in the Best and Fairest, as well as again being named vice captain. He was a Victorian representative in 1952 and 1954, and was made a Life Member of the Melbourne Football Club in 1955. In the same season, McMahen was the recipient of an Outstanding Service award. Appropriately, he was applauded by many, not least of all from within the Club itself:

‘It falls to the lot of few Captains to lead a Premiership team, five only having enjoyed the great honour for Melbourne ... In Noel McMahen we have had a Captain well qualified to stand with these giants of the past.  No team this season had a more inspiring leader than Noel.  Probably the strongest and most vigorous player playing league football today, he led his team in such a manner that they instinctively followed the magnificent example he set; his leadership undoubtedly went a long way towards making the team play as it did this season.  It is to be hoped that our State selectors keep the value of this great hearted player in mind next season, as no better player could be selected to lead the State team than Noel McMahen.’ (Melbourne Cricket Club Melbourne Football Club Annual Report, 1955)

In 1956, McMahen – by this time best known for his big bumps and speed out of defence - led the way as captain of the eventual ‘Olympic Premiers’, achieving the rare back-to-back premiership feat. In 2004, this entire team was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a wonderful testament to their strength and achievement in this season. This was McMahen’s last game, finishing his career on the highest possible note. In after years, he would recall that ‘I played my last League game in front of a crowd of about 118,000, many of whom were actually sitting on the field, in a Grand Final where we beat Collingwood by 14 goals.  What a way to leave.’

Appropriately, Noel McMahen was hailed upon his retirement in 1956:

‘His inspiring leadership, his determination to achieve victory, and his relentless strength so often used to his side’s advantage will be remembered by us all for many years.’ (Melbourne Cricket Club Melbourne Football Club Annual Report, 1956)

After his retirement, McMahen took up a coaching position with country club Rochester, where his success – including premierships in 1958 and 1959 - led to a stint as coach of South Melbourne from 1962 to 1964.

Away from the playing arena, McMahen resumed his involvement with the Melbourne Football Club as a consistent and determined contributor, particularly during challenging economic times. He was a board member from 1969 to 1973, and in 1975, 1977 and 1978. During his tenure, he was the club’s chairman of selectors from 1971 to 1973, and director of football in 1977 and 1978. From 1992 to 1994, McMahen was Vice President and director of business and, in 1996, he was the chairman of Coterie, with which he held an enduring connection. These were difficult seasons off the field, and he played an invaluable role in steadying the club’s finances.

Always a much treasured part of the Melbourne Football Club, McMahen was named as a member of the club’s Team of the Century in 2000, as well as an inaugural inductee in the club’s Hall of Fame in 2001, and was made a ‘Hero’ as part of the club’s 150^th celebrations in 2008.

A further honour was bestowed upon Noel McMahen in 2014, when he was named as the recipient of the Hans Ebeling Award. This MCC award recognises outstanding service by those involved in the MCC’s Sections, and McMahen’s contribution over nearly half a century certainly meant that he was a fitting recipient.

Ever concerned for his club even when he was far removed from it, McMahen would share his views on the team, and his hopes for the glory he had experienced as a player. One comment he made that stands true for every team was ‘We won as many games off the field as we won on it.’ His delight at the 2021 triumph was palpable, particularly when the premiership cup made its way to his Canterbury nursing home. With daughter Annie and granddaughter Katie among those in attendance, Noel hugged the cup that represented so much to so many after 57 years in the wilderness. ‘I can hardly believe it’s happened’, he said afterwards.

Now, even though he has gone, the stories and memories that are Noel McMahen will forever stand as an integral part of the Melbourne Football Club heritage. He will always be missed, treasured and remembered. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and many friends. As every heart beats true, so Noel McMahen’s was one of the truest in the game.

Noel McMahen

1946 - 1956
No. 35
Games: 175
Goals: 28
Premierships: 1948, 1955, 1956
Captain: 1955, 1956
Vice Captain: 1953, 1954
Best and Fairest: 1951
Victorian representative: 1952, 1954
Life Member: 1955
MFC Director: 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978
MFC Vice President: 1992 to 1994
MFC Team of the Century: 2000
MFC Hall of Fame Inductee: 2001
Hans Ebeling Award (MCC): 2014