When deciding on inductees for the Hall of Fame, the committee looked at the milestones and achievements made by players and administrators over the years. When players dedicate themselves to a club within the League and perform over many years, they come under consideration for induction into the Hall of fame.

Our 8th inductee is one such player who has given magnificent service to the Rochester Football Club.  Anthony or “Tank” McPhee became the first, and is the only GVL player to have played over 400 games of senior football.

Tank was recruited by the Rochester club in 1988 after playing 20 senior games with Bamawm in the Echuca and District League.

He commenced with the Tigers under 18s and was selected in a GVL representative team.

He soon broke into the senior team under Geoff Rosenow’s coaching and there he was to stay for an incredible 21 years.  It seemed to observers that the name A McPhee was never out of the Rochester line up.

“Tank” was to become “Mr Reliability” as he used his talent to make his name as a centre half forward or full forward.

He came under the influence of great Rochester coach David Williams who was delighted to have such a reliable top player in his squad.

He was a part of some successful Rochester teams as he played in 9 grand finals, winning 3 flags.

Rochester relied on his goal kicking and he was the Tigers leading goal kicker 14 times. He was a player who looked after his fitness and was lucky to have very few injuries.

Tank just loved the Tigers club and the wonderful friends he made along the way.  He was lucky to play with stars like Bruce Watson, Simon McCarty, Rob Miller, Mick Keenan, Brad Sparkes and “Toot” Morgan.

He rates the best he has played against as Stephen Ash, Chris Sthuldreir, Dennis Ryan, Gary Stephens and Jeff Vandermeer.

His hardest direct opponents include Scott Watson, Mark Limosanit, Gavin Kennaugh and Matty O’Keefe.

After playing 410 senior games “Tank” retired as a player but still assists with junior teams at Rochester.

“Tank” gave three reasons for his longevity in the game as playing in a great club in a great League on good grounds.     

As the first GVL 400 games player we welcome “Tank” McPhee into the GVL Hall of Fame.