BY KEN CASELLAS 

Colin Tully, who delighted Claremont fans in the early 1970s with his dashing play in the centre, has died in Victoria at the age of 71.

Originally recruited by Collingwood from the South Bendigo club, Tully played 92 matches for the Magpies between 1965 and 1970. He represented Victoria in interstate football in 1967 and he played in two losing VFL grand finals --- in the centre against St Kilda in 1966 and in a back pocket against Carlton in 1970.

He joined Claremont in 1971 and made 53 appearances for the Tigers over three seasons before returning to Victoria. In 1972 he represented Western Australia in the interstate carnival in Perth.

Tully is fondly remembered as possessing a prodigious kick, and in a match against Richmond at the MCG in 1966 he unleashed a magnificent drop-kick from the centre to score a goal. It was estimated that the ball travelled 70-75 metres. He also kicked the ball over long distances with torpedo punts and was a proficient kick with his non-preferred left foot.