Talking Parrots Podcast

As captain-coach of our first premiership in the Latrobe Valley/Gippsland League—one of the most famous Grand Final victories in Leongatha's history—Terry Benton holds a special place in the hearts of the Parrot faithful. Some still suggest Benton is the club's greatest player and coach, such was his impact during his four years as a player with the club (1970-73). Benton won the League B&F in 1971 and the club B&F in 1972, etching his name into Parrots folklore. He had joined Leongatha after 77 VFL games with North Melbourne, where he won back-to-back night premierships (1965-66). After stints playing and coaching at Alberton League clubs Meeniyan-Dumbalk United and Foster, Benton returned to Parrot Park as non-playing coach for one final year, in 1985.This episode of the Talking Parrots Podcast is proudly brought to you by daneddybooks.com, the good team at All Weather Blinds (allweatherblinds.com.au), and Benton's Plumbing (bentons.com.au).Go Parrots! 

Over generations, the Salmon name has been royalty at Leongatha, and Ian 'Curly' Salmon remains one of Gippsland's greatest sportsmen. Four senior premierships with the Parrots (1970, 1977, 1979 & 1982), four best and fairest awards (1970, 1978, 1980 & 1984), a League B&F (1980) and a Stan Aitken Medal (1982) make for one of the most impressive resumes in LFNC history. Salmon also played 113 VFL games with Footscray (1970-76), coached Fish Creek to back-to-back flags (1991-92), and enjoyed a fine cricket career at Nerrena CC.A private, humble man, Salmon has never told his story in full...until now!So here it is, CURLY TALES: THE IAN SALMON STORY, an extended interview, conducted over two days, which provides a valuable historical record of a remarkable sporting life of a local legend.This podcast is proudly brought to you by daneddybooks.com and the good team at All Weather Blinds (allweatherblinds.com.au)"Up the Parrots!" 

Ross Johnson played seven VFL games with Hawthorn (1971-72), winning the 1972 reserves premiership with the Hawks alongside future Legend, Michael Tuck. In 1975, after two seasons as playing coach of Coleraine in the Western Border League, Johnson was headhunted to coach Leongatha during what proved a transitional period for the Parrots. The club missed the finals in '75, but Johnson blooded several youngsters who went on to win flags in green and gold. He stood down at season's end and was replaced by Angus Hume, then coached at Glen Alvie before returning to Parrot Park during 1979 where he played in a senior premiership under Neville Stone, in one of the greatest teams in Leongatha's rich history. There were further stints at Inverloch (player and president) and Tarwin (playing-coach), before Johnson served as president of the now-defunct Alberton Football Netball League.This episode of the Talking Parrots Podcast is proudly brought to you by daneddybooks.com and the good team at All Weather Blinds (allweatherblinds.com.au)."Go Parrots!" 

As surely one of Leongatha's best ever first-year recruits, WA-born Ben Harding enjoyed a remarkable debut season at the Parrots in 2025. Playing predominantly on the wing, he not only claimed the Gippsland League senior best & fairest award (Trood Award & Rodda Medal), but was a key member of the side that comfortably defeated Traralgon in the Grand Final. For Harding—who quickly became one of the most popular players amongst teammates, coaches & supporters alike—this was his first premiership win throughout his football career, which has included stints in the WAFL & the VAFA. An interesting sidenote: Ben is the nephew of West Coast Eagles' 1992 premiership-winning ruckman, Paul Harding.This episode of the Talking Parrots Podcast is brought to you by daneddybooks.com & the good team at All Weather Blinds (allweatherblinds.com.au).Go Parrots!