When Eric Sarich made the move to Melbourne in 1965 it was with little fanfare, with a record of forty five league games in Western Australia over five seasons not a great resume.   Arriving in Victoria to be greeted by the news that the agreement he had signed to play for Fitzroy had suddenly become worthless, the Roys committee having been sacked, things were looking decidedly grim. It was former East Perth player Graeme John who got the South Melbourne club interested in Sarich, and he became a revelation, serving notice with four goals against Melbourne in his third game.  A low to the ground player, with sure ball handling skills and an excellent mark, Sarich adapted well to the Victorian conditions, and his tough, tenacious style of play served he and the club well. Becoming more a nullifying player, he starred for the red and whites, gaining selection in a State side. Eric Sarich played his junior football with Midland Juniors, who at the time had an extraordinary side, with eight of them advancing to league football and three- Ken Bagley, Ken Cooper, and Sarich- playing interstate football.  A South Fremantle supporter, he played a couple of thirds games for Swan Districts in 1959 before applying for a clearance to the Port club the following year. It wasn’t the smartest move for a budding full forward, however, as John Gerovich was firmly entrenched in front of goal, and Sarich played just six league games over two years. Returning to Swan Districts in 1962, his chances  of breaking into the strong black and white combination were limited, but he showed his ability by winning the Prendergast Medal as fairest and best in the reserves.   Taking his chances as they were presented, Eric played some good games at Bassendean over the following two years without making either of their premiership sides. The offer from Fitzroy came at an opportune time, just having been married and with a hankering to see the country, and the eventual landing at South Melbourne was the beginning of a happy four seasons at the club. “It was extraordinary to be playing at the top level and doing well, and it was a great time over there,” he said. Deciding to return to Western Australia for the 1969 season, Sarich applied for the vacant East Fremantle coaching position, and was successful. “I realise now I was a few years too early to embark on a coaching career,” he said. “I don’t think I was ready for the serious side of the game.” East Fremantle were in the doldrums after a forgettable year in 1968, and it was a tough assignment for a new coach to make immediate inroads. As it was, eight winning games in 1969 was a big improvement, but a disastrous start in 1970 saw the coach replaced by Harry Neesham. Sarich moved to Subiaco for the remainder of the year, and played fourteen times for the Maroons. A thirty year old, Eric went back to the scene of his greatest successes as a footballer, South Melbourne, in 1971, playing out his final games before bowing out late in the season when it became apparent that the club would be better off blooding youth.   He was immediately snapped up by radio station 6KY, who were making a foray into the football scene, and was there for three years before the station decided that was enough football and delved back into the hits. 6PR acquired the dulcet tones of Eric for the following year, before a call from George Grljusich enticed him to the ABC and the wonderful world of television.   “I eventually lost all interest in radio work, and gave it away,” he said. These days, Eric Sarich enjoys life in Fremantle, with a place in the hills a welcome retreat on weekends. He is still hard at work, in the insurance industry, and enjoys the company of his two daughters.He is also keeping a close eye on nephews Luke and Marcus Adams,. Still a Sydney Swans(South Melbourne) man, for whom he has spent time as a talent scout,  he admits to a soft spot for Fremantle.  West Perth defender Brian France was Eric’s toughest opponent, and he rates John Todd as the most gifted, graceful, and natural footballer he has seen, but has plenty of time for Bobby Skilton, his South Melbourne team mate. “A hard working, brilliant rover.”Understudy to Gerovich, breaking into the unstoppable Swan Districts combination, Eric Sarich always tried things the hard way, and to take the VFL on looked like another foolhardy decision. That he bucked the odds and backed his ability was a credit to the man, and a lesson for all aspiring footballers.