After almost 50 years as fierce rivals, the Magpies and Imperials opted to merge after the recommendation was made in the Southern Border Review.

Hamilton's inaugural year in the Hampden resulted in four senior wins, two against Port Fairy and South, finishing 8th.

The drama began early in the 1947 season, when the Hamilton FC was languishing near the foot of the Western District League ladder.

Ted Kenna, who had won the Victoria Cross two years earlier for his bravery during a Second World War battle in Papua New Guinea, booted the winning behind.

But during the season, Hamilton's vice-president, Pat Condon, had approached star Melbourne full-forward Fred Fanning, with a view to him being appointed the Magpies' coach for their 1948 campaign.

The key reason: Fanning had been promised money to play, yet the rules at the time stated only the coach could be paid.