Melbourne great Harold 'Hassa' Mann enters AFL Hall of Fame

IN 1958 Harold 'Hassa' Mann had three offers to join VFL clubs - a Holden from Richmond, a Ford by Geelong or a pair of footy boots from Melbourne.

IN 1958 Harold "Hassa'' Mann had three financial offers to join VFL clubs -- a Holden car from Richmond, a Ford by Geelong or a pair of footy boots from Melbourne.

He chose the boots, especially crafted numbers that catered for his wide feet, and played in premierships in his first two seasons with the Demons before adding a third in 1964.

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Why the boots and not one of the cars? Well Melbourne, through its legendary secretary and recruiter Jim Cardwell, had been the first to approach Mann and signed him, even though the youngster was a fanatical Essendon supporter.

Mann had grown up in the Sunraysia township of Merbein before being transferred in the bank to Rutherglen.

In just 14 games for the Ovens and Murray Redlegs he played well enough to finish third in the league best and fairest to Wangaratta Rovers champion Bob Rose.

With his transfer in the bank secured, Mann joined Melbourne and promptly played in the premiership teams of 1959-60 under the coaching of Norm Smith, the pair adding a third in 1964.

"Norm Smith would have been a wonderful coach in any era because he good get the best out of ordinary players, just like Tom Hafey and John Northey could,'' said Mann.

"He was always honest, very strong on discipline and when he was sacked mid-season in 1965, before being re-instated, the club took a very long time to recover.''

But of Smith's success revolved around great players and Mann ranks among the best from the Demons' glory years from 1955-1964.

He was a regular Victorian representative in the days when just two players were chosen from each club.

He left the Demons in 1969 to accept a captain-coaching role with South Fremantle in the Western Australian Football League.

After he sacked six well-known players the club went from five wins to premiers in 1970.

It was then that the Demons, via Cardwell, spoke with him about returning to coach the Demons.

"You ask do I have any regrets? Yes, I probably do regret not having coached in the VFL but I had my job with Mobil and that was my career path,'' said Mann, 72.

"In 1986 I was asked to nominate for the job that John Northey ended up doing so well.

"I actually coached the thirds in 1987 and spent time on the board.

"I'm terribly disappointed to see where the club is today. I believe it comes down to poor recruiting, not looking to fix up weaknesses.

"Those blokes who have left must thinking they are lucky.''

Best player seen: Wayne Carey. He was able to turn a game off his own boot more frequently than anyone else I have seen.

Best played with: Ron Barassi. He may not have been the most skilful but like Carey he could inspire his teammates through his actions.

Best played against: Ian Stewart. He was quick enough and a very good overhead mark for his size, plus he could cut you to ribbons with his foot skills.