In this episode, we sit down with Tony 'Bluey' Southcombe — a true Bendigo icon whose life has been shaped by hard work, competitiveness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to people.

From playing at Carlton in the 1970s to dominating country footy as a player and coach, and later becoming one of Bendigo’s most recognisable publicans, Bluey’s story is packed with laughs, lessons, and legacy.

This conversation isn’t just about football or pubs.
It’s about standards, resilience, leadership, and what happens when you genuinely look after people.

We dive into:

– Growing up fiercely competitive and confident — and backing it up
– Golden Square, premiership runs, and what made those teams so successful
– Being ahead of his time with fitness, preparation, and standards
– The infamous glasses — and how they became part of footy folklore
– Playing at Carlton: making an impact, settling away from home, and the decision to return to Bendigo
– The Geelong story: what was discussed, what nearly happened, and why it didn’t eventuate
– Coaching philosophy: discipline, culture, and what actually makes a great team
– Life behind the bar: building pubs around people, not just profit
– Generosity to a fault — feeding players, looking after patrons, and why that mattered
– Leadership without ego, success without bragging, and letting actions speak
– Slowing down (or not), legacy, and what he hopes people remember most

If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or appreciate the characters who shape our towns — share it with someone who loves footy, community, or a good story.

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