1961 SWDFL SEASON RESULTS
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PLAYER TRANSFERS
IN: Ian Buck (Mentone), Jim Eley (Yarroweyah), Robert Evans (Sandy Creek), Jack Kloot (Yenda), Kevin Luhrs (Leeton), Len Sexton (Berrigan), Alby Sutton (Manuka, ACT), Royce White (Darlington Point).
OUT: Don Bitcon (Collegians), Max Goodger (Western Suburbs), Don Keyter (Nhill), Charlie Owen (Corryong).
Round 1 - Sunday April 9, 1961 at Grong Grong Oval Match Report
Grong Grong-Matong ... 4.2 .. 7.5 .. 10.6 .. 13.8 (80)
Griffith ............................ 5.4 .. 7.9 .. 11.12 .. 13.15 (93)
Goals: GG-M: G Mack 4, M Pieper 4, P Box, P Hogan, A Jones, A Rava, W Walsh
Griffith: L Sexton 3, V Hathaway 3, J Eley 2, G Browne, D Geddes, R Spears, K Rowston, W Tyndall
Best: GG-M: P Box, P Hogan, M Pieper, C Wines, G Mack, R Walsh
Griffith: L Sexton, R Spears, A Biron, D Best, M Newman, V Hathaway
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; R Davies, R Spears, M Newman; D Geddes, K Rowston, R Evans*; R White*, J Eley*, W Tyndall; A Biron, L Sexton (c-c)*, V Hathaway; J Kloot
Umpire: --------
Reserves: Griffith 7.14 (56) d Grong Grong-Matong 2.5 (17)
Goals: E Wade 3, M Brauman, J Diggelman, D Pannan, K Stevenson
Best: J Forbes, A Sutton, E Wade, K Savage
Round 2 - Sunday April 16, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ....... 4.9 .. 5.14 .. 13.19 .. 16.20 (116)
Ganmain ... 1.5 .. 4.6 .. 4.6 .. 8.6 (54)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 6, A Biron 3, W Tyndall 3, K Rowston 2, J Kloot, V Hathaway
Ganmain: L Stephenson 3, Garry Carroll, L Carroll, J McCaig, W McCaig, B Dillon
Best: Griffith: L Sexton, A Biron, K Rowston, R Spears, W Tyndall, G Browne, R Tyndall
Ganmain: Jim Crouch, Des Carroll, W McCaig, B Logan, H Boardman, Gerald Carroll
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Eley, D Best; R Davies, R Spears, M Newman; D Geddes, K Rowston, L Sexton; J Kloot, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, R Evans, V Hathaway; R White
Umpire: --------. Gate: £95/17/-
Reserves: Griffith 10.16 (76) d Ganmain 1.3 (9)
Best: J Bortolazzo, D Dreyer, E Wade, J Forbes, I Buck
Round 3 - Sunday April 23, 1961 at Kindra Park
Coolamon ..... 0.2 .. 3.10 .. 5.13 .. 7.17 (59)
Griffith ......... 3.7 .. 3.10 .. 6.12 .. 10.12 (72)
Goals: Coolamon: I Gillett 3, T Tipping 2, R Pieper, R Inch
Griffith: L Sexton 4, V Hathaway 3, D Koehler, M Newman, W Tyndall
Best: Coolamon: I Gillett, R Pieper, K Tipping. R Hilton, R Jolly
Griffith: A Smith, V Hathaway, F Conlan, D Best, L Sexton
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Fielder, D Best; R Davies, R Spears, M Newman; D Geddes, K Rowston, L Sexton; J Kloot, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, R Evans, V Hathaway; R Carroll, E Wade*
Umpire: --------
Reserves: Griffith 30.14 (194) d Coolamon 3.9 (27)
Goals: I Buck 12, R White 4, A Sutton 3, L Collis 2, M Brauman 2, C Holt 2, A O'Brien, W Thompson, B Young, 2 short
Best: J Bortolazzo, C Holt, I Buck, R White, L Collis
Round 4 - Sunday April 30, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ............ 4.2 .. 7.5 .. 12.7 .. 15.15 (105)
Turvey Park ... 2.5 .. 7.5 .. 8.8 .. 12.10 (82)
Goals: Griffith: D Koehler 5, L Sexton 4, V Hathaway 3, J Eley, K Rowston, A Biron
Turvey Park: F Gallagher 3, A Grentell 2, J Wright, R Nolan, D Baker, B Conway, J Keating, R Small, P Wilkins
Best: Griffith: V Hathaway, D Best, K Rowston, A Biron, L Sexton, D Koehler
Turvey Park: D Baker, N Morrow, F Gallagher, W Priest, R Thomson, J Wright
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; J Bortolazzo, R Spears, M Newman; D Geddes, K Rowston, L Sexton; J Eley, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, R Evans, V Hathaway; R Davies, M Brauman*
Umpire: Jack Hayes (VFL). Gate: £103/16/3. Debut: Mal Brauman (15 years)
Reserves: Griffith 11.15 (81) d Turvey Park 5.9 (39)
Goals: J Kloot 5, A Sutton 4, Tyson, I Buck
Best: A Sutton, C Holt, L Collis
Round 5 - Sunday May 7, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ........ 7.4 .. 9.6 .. 13.11 .. 18.15 (123)
Ardlethan ... 1.1 .. 3.7 .. 3.8 .. 5.8 (38)
Goals: Griffith: D Koehler 5, L Sexton 5, L Collis 3, V Hathaway 2, K Rowston 2, J Fielder
Ardlethan: L Romari 2, J Stout, R Smith, R Stewart
Best: Griffith: L Sexton, V Hathaway, R Spears, F Conlan, J Eley, M Newman
Ardlethan: F Martin, R Smith, F Thompson, L Romari, S Wykes, Barry Carroll
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; J Bortolazzo, R Spears, M Newman; L Sexton, K Rowston, R Davies; J Eley, D Koehler, L Collis; A Biron, J Fielder, V Hathaway; D Geddes, C Holt
Umpire: Webster (VFL). Gate: £97/10/-
Reserves: Griffith 13.12 (90) d Ardlethan 5.9 (39)
Goals: J Kloot 5, I Buck 4, R Carroll, E Wade, A Sutton, F Gambell
Best: K Savage, A Sutton, F Gambell, J Kloot, B Young
Round 6 - Sunday May 14, 1961 at Mirrool Oval
Ariah Park-Mirrool ... 2.4 .. 5.7 .. 7.15 .. 11.16 (82)
Griffith ...................... 4.4 .. 6.5 .. 8.12 .. 11.14 (80)
Goals: AP-M: P Quade 4, J Hawke 2, J Dunn 2, T Connors, Barry Walker, Bernie Bryce
Griffith: L Sexton 4, D Koehler 3, L Collis, A Biron, A Sutton, K Rowston
Best: AP-M: R Peacock, P Quade, N Breust, J Hawke, J Dunn, J Quade
Griffith: V Hathaway, L Sexton, F Conlan, J Eley, J Bortolazzo, D Geddes
Griffith: G Browne, F Conlan, J Eley; A Smith, J Anderson, R Davies; J Bortolazzo, V Hathaway, M Newman; A Sutton*, K Rowston, D Geddes; J Kloot, D Koehler, L Collis; A Biron, C Holt, V Hathaway; K Savage, R Carroll
Umpire: Jack Walsh (VFL)
Reserves: Griffith 10.12 (72) d Ariah Park-Mirrool 5.9 (39)
Goals: F Gambell 3, B Young 2, R White 2, R Potter, K Kesby, D Dreyer
Best: F Gambell
Round 7 - Sunday May 21, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ...... 5.6 .. 8.12 .. 12.19 .. 16.20 (116)
Whitton .... 1.5 .. 2.8 .. 3.9 .. 7.14 (56)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 7, K Rowston 3, J Eley 2, D Koehler 2, V Hathaway, A Sutton
Whitton: K Rodgers, P O'Connell, B Weaven, Dudley Dunbar, A Mann, J Clayton, E Williams
Best: Griffith: V Hathaway, J Bortolazzo, R Tyndall, A Smith, K Rowston, R Davies
Whitton: K Rodgers, J Asmus, B Weaven, M Tuckett, E Reynolds, G 'Red' Kelly
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; L Collis, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; R Davies, K Rowston, L Sexton; J Eley, D Koehler, A Sutton; A Biron, J Fielder, V Hathaway; Gambell, J Kloot
Umpire: W J Gould (VFL). Gate: £97/8/-
Reserves: Griffith 17.15 (117) d Whitton 4.4 (28)
Goals: I Buck 9, C Holt 4, J Ford 2, F Knox, D Dreyer, E Wade, K Kesby
Best: D Dreyer, F Knox, I Buck, R Carroll, J Forbes
Exhibition Match - Sunday May 28, 1961 at Narrandera Sportsground SWDFL TEAM PHOTO
S.W.D.F.L. ... 5.4 .. 7.6 .. 9.13 .. 12.16 (88)
Geelong ...... 2.2 .. 6.11 .. 8.15 .. 12.22 (94)
Goals: SWDFL: J Bloomfield 3, D Lyons 3, L Stephenson 3, L Sexton, F Fitzpatrick, L Romari
Geelong: John Helmer 2, Gary Harmer, John Yeates, George McGrath, Fred Wooller, Tony Polinelli, Peter Walker, Paul Luttrell, Bob Norman
Best: SWDFL: F Thompson, R Pieper, V Hathaway, F Conlan, F Fitzpatrick, L Romari
Geelong: John Helmer, Tony Polinelli, Bill Miller, John Devine, Roy West, Bob Norman
SWDFL: Frank Conlan (Gri), Fred Thompson (Ard), Pat Quade (APM; Clinton Wines (GGM), Max Kruse (Leet), John Cornish (Narr); Noel Morrow (TP), Peter Box (capt, GGM), Ray Pieper (Cool); Ike Whittaker (Narr), Des Lyons (Leet), Len Sexton (Gri); Bill Biron (Gri), Laurie Stephenson (Gan), Vic Hathaway (Gri); Frank Fitzpatrick (Leet), Ian Gillett (v-c, Cool), Jim Bloomfield (Narr); Les Romari (Ard), Kevin Rodgers (Whit)
Umpire: Stan Fisher (VFL). Gate: £886
SWDFL No. 2 ...... 2.5 .. 6.8 .. 9.10 .. 12.12 (84)
Central Riverina ..... 1.2 .. 2.4 .. 5.9 .. 7.12 (54)
Goals: SWDFL: John Hawke 3, Gerald Carroll 2, Merv Pieper 2, Ted Kirsopp, Don Allen, Barry Carroll, Des Carroll, George Mack
Central Riverina: Des Healy 5, T Morris, D Smith
Best: SWDFL: Athol Jackson, Don Allen, Geoff Nye, John Hawke, Gerald Carroll, Des Carroll
Central Riverina: Des Healy, K Drew, Peter Wilson, Charlie Blackburn, Neale Rutzou, M Cousley
Umpire: W Andrew (VFL)
Round 8 - Sunday June 4, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ............ 4.5 .. 8.7 .. 10.11 .. 12.14 (86)
Narrandera ... 5.3 .. 9.7 .. 13.11 .. 15.11 (101)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 6, J Eley 3, D Geddes, V Hathaway, D Bitcon
Narrandera: K Podmore 5, K Male 4, J Bloomfield 2, B Rava 2, B Waters, R Turner
Best: Griffith: V Hathaway, A Biron, J Bortolazzo, L Sexton, J Anderson, L Collis
Narrandera: J Cornish, J Bloomfield, A Jackson, P Pledger, E Kirsopp, E Duffy
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; L Collis, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; D Geddes, K Rowston, L Sexton; J Eley, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, J Fielder, V Hathaway; D Bitcon, A Sutton
Umpire: Jack Gray (VFL). Gate: £172/14/-
Reserves: Narrandera 10.10 (70) d Griffith 10.7 (67)
Goals: I Buck 4, J Kloot 2, C Holt, J Ford, F Gambell, R Carroll
Best: J Diggelman, C Holt, F Gambell, K Savage
VCFL Caltex Country Championship - Saturday June 10, 1961 at Narrandera Sportsground
S.W.D.F.L. .............. 3.6 .. 6.7 .. 9.10 .. 10.13 (73)
Ovens & Murray ... 2.1 .. 7.11 .. 9.14 .. 13.21 (99)
Goals: SWDFL: D Lyons 2, L Stephenson 2, L Romari 2, I Gillett, J Bloomfield, R Pieper, V Hathaway
O & M: R Rose 4, R Constable 2, R Hempel, J Deane, L Clarke, N Waller, G Holmes, S Sargeant, L Cooke
Best: SWDFL: P Box, I Gillett, J Cornish, L Romari, F Fitzpatrick, I Whittaker
O & M: J Sandral, R Rose, L Burgess, K Mack, J Deane, R Constable, K Ellis
SWDFL: Frank Conlan (Gri), Fred Thompson (Ard), Pat Quade (APM; Kevin Rodgers (Whit), John Cornish (Narr), Bob Spears (Gri); Noel Morrow (TP), Peter Box (capt, GGM), Ray Pieper (Cool); Les Romari (Ard), Des Lyons (Leet), Len Sexton (Gri); Ian Gillett (Cool), Laurie Stephenson (Gan), Vic Hathaway (Gri); Frank Fitzpatrick (Leet), Ike Whittaker (Narr)), Jim Bloomfield (Narr); Fred Gallagher (TP), John Hawke (APM)
Ovens & Murray: B McCoy, R Ronnfeldt, Kevin Mack; K Ellis, Jim Sandral, H Davies; B Bourke, Jim Deane, Terry Burgess; Bob Hempel, Stan Sargeant, Lionel Ryan; Neville Waller, Bob Constable, Bob Rose (capt); L Cooke, Don Ross, Gary Holmes; Les Clarke, T Putt
Umpire: Dudley Ridley (VFL). Gate: £581
Schoolboys: Leeton Zone 13.18 (98) d Ganmain Zone 10.13 (73)

Round 9 - Sunday June 11, 1961 at Leeton Showground
Leeton ...... 4.2 .. 7.5 .. 9.6 .. 9.10 (64)
Griffith .... 1.4 .. 2.5 .. 4.7 .. 7.10 (52)
Goals: Leeton: A Waters 3, N Stockton 2, L Stockton 2, J Foley, R Vivian
Griffith: J Kloot 2, R Davies 2, A Sutton, L Collis, R Davies
Best: Leeton: M Kruse, Sid Fell, J Walsh, J Lewis, R Stockton
Griffith: J Eley, J Anderson, J Bortolazzo, R Tyndall, L Collis, W Tyndall
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, R Carroll; A Smith, J Anderson, F Gambell; F Knox*, W Tyndall, J Bortolazzo; D Koehler, K Rowston, R Davies; D Geddes J Eley, A Sutton; A Biron, J Kloot, L Collis; B Young, K Stevenson*
Umpire: Rowe (VFL)
Reserves: Leeton 6.15 (51) d Griffith 3.6 (24)
Goals: J Ford 2, K Savage
Best: J Diggelman, K Savage, Tyson, R McCudden, F Lodding
Round 10 - Sunday June 18, 1961 at Ganmain Sportsground
Ganmain ...... 2.4 .. 2.6 .. 4.11 .. 6.14 (50)
Griffith ......... 2.2 .. 5.6 .. 7.11 .. 11.14 (80)
Goals: Ganmain: L Stephenson 3, D Carroll, R Holgate, Gerald Carroll
Griffith: L Sexton 4, J Eley 2, R Davies 2, D Geddes, V Hathaway, J Kloot
Best: Ganmain: Gerald Carroll, W McCaig, Joe Crouch, M Reiher, J McCaig, Jim Crouch
Griffith: F Conlan, J Eley, D Best, V Hathaway, D Geddes, R Davies
Griffith: G Browne, F Conlan, R Carroll; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; L Collis, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; D Geddes, R Davies, L Sexton; J Kloot, D Koehler, W Tyndall; J Eley, A Sutton, V Hathaway; B Young, F Knox
Umpire: R N Boyack (VFL)
Reserves: Griffith 8.7 (55) d Ganmain 3.4 (22)
Goals: I Buck 2, C Holt 2, M Brauman 2, D Dreyer, R Evans
Best: R Ramsay, M Newman, M Brauman, D Pannan, F Lodding
Round 11 - Sunday June 25, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith .......... 5.2 .. 6.5 .. 9.8 .. 11.10 (76)
Coolamon .... 0.3 .. 1.8 .. 4.10 .. 7.12 (54)
Goals: Griffith: A Biron 4, L Sexton 2, L Collis 2, V Hathaway, J Eley, R Davies
Coolamon: G McCarron 2, T O'Brien, T Tipping, A Tipping, T Patterson, A Curtis
Best: Griffith: V Hathaway, J Bortolazzo, A Biron, R Tyndall, L Collis, F Conlan
Coolamon: I Gillett, B Bradley, R Pieper, T Tipping, B Browne, R Inch
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; M Newman, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; D Geddes, R Davies, A Sutton; L Sexton, A Biron, L Collis; J Eley, R Carroll, V Hathaway; J Kloot, K Savage
Umpire: John Gambetta (VFL). Gate: £90/8/-
Reserves: Griffith d Coolamon on forfeit
Round 12 - Sunday July 2, 1961 at Gissing Oval
Turvey Park ... 3.2 .. 4.4 .. 8.6 .. 13.9 (87)
Griffith ............ 0.0 .. 2.0 .. 3.3 .. 5.5 (35)
Goals: Turvey Park: F Gallagher 7, J Wright 3, R Nolan 2, N McLennan
Griffith: L Sexton 4, D Koehler
Best: Turvey Park: J Wright, B Conway, R Nolan, R Small, F Gallagher, G Nye
Griffith: J Anderson, V Hathaway, A Smith, R Carroll, D Best, J Bortolazzo
Griffith: R Carroll, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; G Browne, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; D Geddes, R Davies, D Koehler; L Sexton, A Biron, W Tyndall; J Eley, V Hathaway, L Collis; A Sutton, I Buck*
Umpire: -------
Reserves: Griffith 11.11 (77) d Turvey Park 5.10 (40)
Goals: J Kloot 5, K Savage 3, F Gambell, D Dreyer, C Holt, R Evans
Best: C Holt, M Brauman, J Kloot, F Gambell, J Forbes
Round 13 - Sunday July 9, 1961 at Ardlethan Recreation Ground
Ardlethan .... 3.5 .. 3.7 .. 10.8 .. 12.10 (82)
Griffith ........ 2.0 .. 6.3 .. 8.5 .. 11.11 (77)
Goals: Ardlethan: R Stewart 3, J Stout 3, L Romari 2, Barry Carroll, P Smith, S Wykes, J Coombs
Griffith: L Sexton 3, V Hathaway 2, R Spears 2, R Davies 2, A Biron, D Koehler
Best: Ardlethan: P Smith, R Stewart, J Stout, Barry Carroll, B Lang
Griffith: J Anderson, V Hathaway, D Geddes, L Sexton, R Davies
Griffith: R Spears, F Conlan, R Carroll; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; G Browne, V Hathaway, J Bortolazzo; R Davies, J Eley, D Geddes; L Sexton, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, C Holt, L Collis; D Dreyer, K Stevenson
Umpire: Gibbs (VFL)
Reserves: Ardlethan 8.6 (54) d Griffith 5.16 (46)
Best: F Gambell, J Kloot, A Sutton
Inter League (Neville Nesbitt Trophy) - Sunday July 16, 1961 at Kindra Park, Coolamon
S.W.D..F.L. ..... 2.4 .. 8.10 .. 9.10 .. 16.16 (112)
Farrer FL ...... 5.8 .. 9.15 .. 15.21 .. 19.28 (142)
Goals: SWDFL: F Gallagher 7, I Whittaker 4, F Fitzpatrick, K Rodgers, C Morrow, G Carroll, R Spears
Farrer: B Sculley 5, W Box 3, W Barton 3, V Lawrence 2, J Bradley 2, H Gardiner, G Hodges, L Salter, C Griffith
Best: SWDFL: F Conlan (Dal Williams Trophy), M Kruse, F Gallagher, R Turner, I Whittaker, V Hathaway, R Pieper
Farrer: B Sculley (trophy), W Barton, S Wornes, M Schultz, G Hodges, H Gardiner, L Salter
SWDFL: Geoff Nye (TP), Max Kruse (Leet), Colin Morrow; Bob Small (TP), John Cornish (Narr), Frank Conlan (Gri); Ted Kirsopp (Narr), Vic Hathaway (Gri), Ray Pieper (Cool); Barry Walker (APM), Ike Whittaker (Narr), Kevin Rodgers (Whit); Russ Turner (Narr), Fred Gallagher (TP), Gerald Carroll (Gan); Frank Fitzpatrick (Leet), Les Stockton (Leet), Don Allen (Leet); Noel Morrow (TP), Bob Spears (Gri)
Farrer FL: Alan McPherson, Bruce Murray, Mal Reid; Murray Schultz, M Wyatt, Lyndsay Salter; S Wornes, Harry Gardiner, Charlie Griffith; Bernie Sculley, Bill Barton; John Bradley, Vic Lawrence, Tom Preston; Bill Box, Lyle Parslow, Gresham Hodges; Milton Breust, Gerald Willis
Umpire: Kevin Jackson (VFL). Gate: £760
Farrer FL No. 2 . 15.15 (105) d SWDFL No. 2. 15.9 (99)
Umpire: McLeod (VFL)
Schoolboys: Farrer FL 7.6 (48) d SWDFL 5.4 (34)
Round 14 - Sunday July 23, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ............................ 2.3 .. 6.8 .. 10.11 .. 12.12 (84)
Grong Grong-Matong ... 2.4 .. 3.6 .. 7.11 .. 11.16 (82)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 5, W Tyndall, A Biron, D Koehler, D Geddes, K Rowston, J Eley, J Bortolazzo
GG-M: M Pieper 3, P Dunn 2, C Wines 2, J Crawford, P Hogan, G Mack, W Walsh
Best: Griffith: V Hathaway, L Sexton, J Bortolazzo, R Tyndall, D Best, J Anderson
GG-M: P Box, G Mack, P Hogan, P Dunn, L Wall, N Russell
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; R Davies, L Sexton, J Bortolazzo; D Geddes, K Rowston, L Collis; J Eley, D Koehler, W Tyndall; A Biron, R Carroll, V Hathaway; C Holt, R Ramsay*
Umpire: A R Raphael (VFL). Gate: £75/9/-
Reserves: Griffith 16.5 (101) d Grong Grong-Matong 5.7 (37)
Goals: I Buck 4, A Sutton 4, J Kloot 3, E Wade 2, M Brauman, K Savage, B Young, F Gambell
Best: F Gambell, A Sutton, J Kloot, J Forbes, F Lodding
Round 15 - Sunday July 30, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ......................... 5.1 .. 8.4 .. 10.10 .. 11.14 (80)
Ariah Park-Mirrool ... 2.5 .. 3.11 .. 5.16 .. 7.16 (58)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 4, R Davies 3, J Eley 2, V Hathaway, L Collis
AP-M: J Dunn 4, J Hawke, P Quade, T Connors
Best: Griffith: J Bortolazzo, L Sexton, D Geddes, J Anderson, R Davies, J Eley
GG-M: N Walker, T Connors, I Wason, J Dunn, P Quade
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; D Geddes, L Sexton, J Bortolazzo; R Spears, K Rowston, R Davies; J Eley, D Koehler, L Collis; A Biron, R Carroll, V Hathaway; A Sutton, J Kloot
Umpire: Ron Warwick (VFL). Gate: £100/2/-
Reserves: Griffith 13.23 (101) d Ariah Park-Mirrool 4.6 (30)
Round 16 - Sunday August 6, 1961 at Whitton Recreation Ground
Whitton ... 2.5 .. 5.10 .. 8.11 .. 10.12 (72)
Griffith .... 1.4 .. 4.9 .. 8.13 .. 11.18 (84)
Goals: Whitton: B Weaven 4, G Williams 2, K Rodgers 2, P O'Connell, J Tuckett
Griffith: V Hathaway 4, L Sexton 3, D Koehler 2, K Rowston, R Davies
Best: Whitton: K Rodgers, D Dunbar, M Tuckett, R Lloyd, N Williams
Griffith: J Bortolazzo, V Hathaway, R Tyndall, D Best, A Smith, A Biron
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; A Sutton, L Sexton, J Bortolazzo; R Davies, K Rowston, R Spears; J Eley, D Koehler, L Collis; A Biron, R Carroll, V Hathaway; K Stevenson, F Gambell
Umpire: Kevin Doolan (VFL)
Reserves: Griffith 17.20 (122) d Whitton 0.2 (2)
Goals: J Kloot 5, I Buck 3, M Brauman 3, R White 2, R Evans, K Luhrs, D Dreyer, V Budd
Best: J Kloot, R White, C Holt, K Luhrs, F Knox
Round 17 - Sunday August 13, 1961 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ..... 1.2 .. 3.7 .. 6.10 .. 8.15 (63)
Leeton ..... 3.3 .. 5.6 .. 6.7 . 11.13 (79)
Goals: Griffith: L Sexton 3, A Sutton 2, V Hathaway 2, J Eley
Leeton: N Stockton 3, D Gladman 3, R Vivian, D Lyons, D Allen, A Poulsen, F Fitzpatrick
Best: Griffith: A Smith, G Browne, J Bortolazzo, V Hathaway, F Conlan, J Anderson
Leeton: M Kruse, R Vivian, B Fell, F Fitzpatrick, J Walsh, D Lyons
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, D Best; D Geddes, R Spears, J Bortolazzo; R Davies, K Rowston, R Carroll; J Eley, D Koehler, A Sutton; A Biron, L Sexton, V Hathaway; K Stevenson, K Luhrs*
Umpire: Martin (VFL). Gate: £200/11/1
Note: Last SWDFL game on Griffith Showground and last goal kicked by Frank Fitzpatrick
Reserves: Griffith 6.14 (50) d Leeton 6.6 (42)
Best: F Gambell, L Collis, F Lodding, J Diggelman, M Brauman, J Kloot
Round 18 - Sunday August 20, 1961 at Narrandera Sportsground
Narrandera ..... 2.1 .. 2.1 .. 5.1 .. 7.4 (46)
Griffith ........... 4.3 .. 5.3 .. 7.4 .. 8.6 (54)
Goals: Narrandera: B Waters 2, K Male 2, K Podmore, R Turner, J Bloomfield
Griffith: J Eley 2, R Spears 2, J Kloot 2, L Sexton, R Carroll
Best: Narrandera: P Pledger, K Male, R Turner, J Bloomfield, B Waters, A Jackson
Griffith: V Hathaway, J Bortolazzo, D Best, A Biron, J Eley, F Conlan
Griffith: G Browne, R Tyndall, F Conlan; A Smith, J Anderson, K Stevenson; D Best, L Sexton, J Bortolazzo; R Davies, K Rowston, A Sutton; J Eley, R Spears, J Kloot; A Biron, R Carroll, V Hathaway; D Koehler, D Geddes
Umpire: Val Hocking (VFL)
Reserves: Narrandera 6.14 (54) d Griffith 6.12 (52)
Best: K Luhrs, M Brauman, L Collis, M Newman, F Gambell
First Semi Final - Sunday August 27, 1961 at Whitton Recreation Ground Match Report
Narrandera ... 3.2 .. 7.6 .. 8.8 .. 12.9 (81
Griffith ........... 3.5 .. 4.10 .. 8.14 .. 9.18 (72)
Goals: Narrandera: K Podmore 3, B Waters 2, K Male 2, J Bloomfield 2, G Botten 2, K Osmond
Griffith: V Hathaway 3, R Spears 2, A Biron 2, J Eley, L Sexton
Best: Narrandera: K Male, J Cornish, T Sheather, B Waters, B Rava, C Briggs
Griffith: V Hathaway, A Biron, F Conlan, L Sexton, D Best, R Davies
Narrandera: Paddy Pledger, Athol Jackson, Gerald O'Brien; Ian Hinchley, John Cornish, Tom Sheather; Cedric Briggs, Peter Mellington, Ted Kirsopp; Bruce Rava, Kevin Male, Jim Bean; Gil Botten, Kerry Podmore, Bruce Waters (capt.); Russ Turner, Ross Forbes, Jim Bloomfield; Keith Osmond
Griffith: Frank Conlan, Bob Tyndall, Jim Eley; Alan Smith, John Anderson, Bob Carroll; John Bortolazzo, Bill Tyndall, Don Best; Len Sexton, Kevin Rowston, Ray Davies; Jack Kloot, Bob Spears, Alby Sutton; Bill Biron, Les Collis, Vic Hathaway; Doug Koehler, Doug Geddes
Umpire: Jack Walsh (VFL). Gate: £603
Reserves: Ardlethan 9.18 (72) d Griffith 9.7 (61)
Goals: Griffith: Kevin Luhrs 4, Mal Brauman 2, Ian Buck 2, Colin Holt
Best: Griffith: Kevin Luhrs, Vic Budd, Odey Biron, Robert Evans, Don Pannan, Fred Gambell
Second Semi Final - Sunday September 3, 1961 at Matong Sportsground
Turvey Park ..... 6.0 .. 8.7 .. 13.9 .. 15.12 (102)
Leeton .............. 6.3 .. 10.4 .. 18.9 .. 23.16 (154)
Goals: Turvey Park: N McLennan 5, R Nolan 4, F Gallagher 4, R Small, K Whitlock, J Wright
Leeton: D Lyons 6, D Allen 6, G Schlitz 5, N Stockton, F Fitzpatrick, A Poulsen
Best: Turvey Park: R Nolan, B Conway, N McLennan, G Nye, J Martin, F Gallagher
Leeton: F Fitzpatrick, R Vivian, J Walsh, D Allen, L Stockton, D Lyons
Umpire: Peter Watt (VFL) Gate: 819/-/-
Reserves: Narrandera 8.11 (59) d Leeton 7.12 (54)
Preliminary Final - Sunday September 10, 1961 at Ardlethan Recreation Ground
Turvey Park ........ 1.2 .. 4.3 .. 5.5 .. 10.10 (70)
Narrandera ......... 0.4 .. 3.5 .. 5.7 .. 6.10 (46)
Goals: Turvey Park: A Grentell 4, R Small 2, N McLennan 2, F Gallagher 2
Narrandera: E Duffy, K Podmore, B Waters, G O'Brien, P Pledger, K Male
Best: Turvey Park: G Nye, B Conway, R Nolan, R Small, J Keating, R Langridge
Narrandera: R Turner, A Jackson, J Bloomfield, B Waters, J Quilter, C Briggs
Umpire: Jack Stanton (VFL) Gate: 662/-/-
Reserves: Leeton 8.9 (57) d Ardlethan 5.10 (40)
Umpire: Treseder (VFL)
Grand Final Sunday September 17, 1961 at Narrandera Sportsground
Leeton ............... 2.5 .. 3.9 .. 9.11 .. 12.13 (85)
Turvey Park ..... 2.3 .. 11.10 .. 13.15 .. 17.23 (125)
Goals: Leeton: N Stockton 6, G Schlitz 3, A Waters, D Lyons, A Poulsen
Turvey Park: N McLennan 5, R Small 3, F Gallagher 2, A Grentell 2, P Wilkins, J McNamara, L Cox, J Wright, R Thomson
Best: Leeton: N Stockton, J Breed, F Fitzpatrick, A Waters, J Lewis, L Stockton
Turvey Park: N McLennan, B Conway, R Small, L Cox, G Nye, J Martin
Leeton: Kevin Jones, Max Kruse, Bob Stockton; John Breed, John Lewis, Ed Gladman; Ron Vivian, John Walsh, Bernie Scott; John Foley, Des Lyons, Alan Waters; Alan Poulsen, George Schlitz, Neil Stockton; Frank Fitzpatrick (c-c), Les Stockton, Don Allen; Doug Gladman, Terry Foster
Turvey Park: Geoff Nye, Jack Keating, Ron Langridge; Geoff Peake, Jack Martin, John Stapleton; John McNamara, Lou Cox, Noel Morrow; John Wright, Bob Small, Allan Grentell; Fred Gallagher (c-c), Norm McLennan, Peter Wilkins; Barry Conway, Warwick Priest, Rob Nolan; Bob Thomson, Bill Gallagher
Umpire: Kevin Jackson (VFL) Gate: 1720/-/-
Reserves: Narrandera 8.11(59) d Leeton 6.7 (43)
Schoolboys: Leeton Zone 6.4 (40) d Ganmain Zone 6.2. (38)

1961 SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS
First Grade: Best & Fairest - Gammage Medal
24 - Vic Hathaway (Griffith); 21 - Fred Thompson (Ardlethan), Gerald Carroll (Ganmain); 15 - Pat Quade (Ariah Park-Mirrool); 13 - Des Lyons (Leeton), John Walsh (Leeton: 12 - Bill McCaig (Ganmain), Don Allen (Leeton), Max Kruse (Leeton), Jim Bloomfield (Narrandera); 11 - Trevor Tipping (Coolamon); 10 - Neville Thompson (Coolamon), Clinton Wines (Grong Grong-Matong), Robbie Nolan (Turvey Park), John Wright (Turvey Park);); 8 - Noel Morrow (Turvey Park), George Williams (Whitton); 7 - Bruce Lang (Ardlethan), Jim Dunn (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Brian Browne (Coolamon), Will Kember (Ganmain), Colin Morrow, Merv Pieper (Grong Grong-Matong), Paddy Pledger, Bruce Waters (Narrandera), Ted Reynolds (Whitton); 6 - Barry Carroll (Ardlethan), Frank Conlan (Griffith), John Cornish, Ted Kirsopp, Kevin Male (Narrandera), John Stapleton (Turvey Park), John Asmus (Whitton); 5 - Bill Biron, Kevin Rowston (Griffith), John Lewis (Leeton), Russ Turner (Narrandera), Alan Taylor (Whitton); 4 - Neville Breust, Barry Walker (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Bob Patterson (Coolamon), Des Carroll, Joe Crouch (Ganmain), Les Wall (Grong Grong-Matong), Peter Mellington (Narrandera), Ron Langridge, Norm McLennan, Geoff Nye (Turvey Park), Dudley Dunbar (Whitton); 3 - Tom Connors (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Ross Inch, Tom O'Brien (Coolamon), Frank Crouch (Ganmain), Don Best, Jim Eley (Griffith), Pat Dunn, Pat Hogan, Pat Quinn, George Mack, Dud Mattingly, Des Murrell (Grong Grong-Matong), John Breed, Neil Stockton (Leeton), Gerald O'Brien (Narrandera), John Tuckett (Whitton); 2 - Finlay Martin, Colin Spencer (Ardlethan), Bernie Bryce (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Brian Bradley, Tony Curtis, Ron Hilton, Bob Jolley (Coolamon), Garry Carroll (Ganmain), John Bortolazzo, Doug Geddes (Griffith), Alan Jones (Grong Grong-Matong), Les Stockton (Leeton), Ross Forbes, Athol Jackson (Narrandera), Lou Cox (Turvey Park), Richie Lloyd, Max Tuckett (Whitton); 1 - Richard Cassin, Bob Henry, John Kelly, Graham Stout (Ardlethan); Alan Chalmers, Ron Peacock, John Quade, Noel Walker, Ian Wason (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Mick Carroll, Pat Crouch (Ganmain), Bob Spears (Griffith), Alan Rava (Grong Grong-Matong), Brian Fell, Ed Gladman, Ron Vivian (Leeton), A. Absolum, Alan Grentell (Turvey Park), Trevor Hyde (Whitton). Note: Club coaches ineligible between 1960-64.
Second Grade - Lanham Trophy
29 - John Pursehouse (Ardlethan; 13 - Fred Gambell (Griffith); 10 - Keith Osmond (Narrandera); 9 - Michael Horan (Ardlethan), Colin Holt (Griffith), Tony Woods (Leeton). Other Griffith players to receive most votes were: 7 - Denny Dreyer; 6 - John Bortolazzo; 5 - Jack Kloot.
First Grade: Top Goalkickers (h/a) - Kiesling Trophy
69 - Len Sexton (Griffith), 62 - Laurie Stephenson (Ganmain), 60 - Fred Gallagher (Turvey Park), 49 - Neil Stockton (Leeton), 48 - Alan Grentell (Turvey Park), 43 - Kerry Podmore (Narrandera), 41 - Barry Walker (Ariah Park-Mirrool), 39 - John Hawke (Ariah Park-Mirrool), 36 - Ian Gillett (Coolamon), 34 - Merv Pieper (Grong Grong-Matong), 33 - Jim Dunn (Ariah Park-Mirrool), 32 - Les Romari (Ardlethan), 32 - Gerald Carroll (Ganmain), Clinton Wines (Grong Grong-Matong), 30 - George Mack (Grong Grong-Matong). Norm McLennan (Turvey Park), 29 - John Wright (Turvey Park), 28 - Robert Stewart (Ardlethan), 26 -Paddy O'Connell (Whitton), 25 - Vic Hathaway (Griffith), Des Lyons (Leeton), 24 - Tom Connors (Ariah Park-Mirrool), Don Allen (Leeton), 23 - Russ Turner (Narrandera), 22 - John Foley (Leeton), 21 - Doug Koehler (Griffith), Ike Whittaker (Narrandera), 19 - Bob Patterson (Coolamon), Jim Bloomfield, Kevin Male (Narrandera), Robbie Nolan (Turvey Park), John Asmus (Whitton).
Media award
Daily Advertiser Footballer of the Year - Vic Hathaway (Griffith).
1961 SENIOR DEBUTS & FINAL SENIOR GAMES / GOALS
Debuts: Malcolm Brauman, Ian Buck, Jim Eley, Robert Evans, Frank Knox, Kevin Luhrs, Bob Ramsay, Len Sexton, Ken Stevenson, Alby Sutton, Ernie Wade, Royce White.
Final Games / Goals: Don Bitcon (79 / 138), Robert Evans (4 / 0), Bob Ramsay (1 / 0), Kevin Rowston (51 / 77), Alby Sutton (12 / 5), Royce White (2 / 0).
ALSO PLAYED FOR GRIFFITH IN 1961
Reserves: Odey Biron, Vic Budd, Ron Cross, John Diggelmann, John Forbes, Jim Ford, Keith Kesby, Fred Lodding, Reg McCudden, Terry Myers, Tony O'Brien, Don Pannan.
1961 Griffith Australian Rules Football Club Awards
Thursday 14th September, 1961 at Police Boys' Club Hall
First XVIII
Best & Fairest: Vic Hathaway
Runner-up: John Anderson
Most Improved: John Bortolazzo
Second XVIII
Best & Fairest: Fred Gambell
Runner-up: Ken Stevenson
Most Improved: Malcolm Brauman
Special Awards
Best Club Man: Bob Carroll
1961
Griffith's Season in Review - 1961
Finals football at last! After eight years of endeavour and disappointment we finally won our way into the finals with a magnificent late run which saw us win 4 of our last 5 matches. It was a close struggle all the way through, with Turvey Park, Leeton, Narrandera and Ariah Park-Mirrool, all maintaining a strong challenge. On the Sunday before the final round matches, the leading positions were: Narrandera 52 points 128.2%, Leeton 48 124.9, Turvey Park 48 122.9, Griffith 44 120.0, Ariah Park-Mirrool 42 117.8.
By winning 54-46 at Narrandera, we made sure of fourth place and in doing so propelled Turvey Park and Leeton into the top two final ladder positions. Both teams having recorded massive wins against Ardlethan and Grong Grong-Matong respectively to edge out the Imperials on percentage.
It was a remarkable season in many ways. Who, for instance, will ever forget that final competition match played against Leeton at the Showground. Jack Luhrs broadcasting live on 2RG radio certainly got himself off on the wrong foot with Redlegs fans over a kicking incident involving Brian Fell and Bob 'Chow' Carroll. In his on-the-spot description and later in his summing up, Luhrs made frequent use of the words “Fell deliberately kicked Carroll.” But Jack, who calls 'em' as he sees them on this occasion won plenty of praise from Griffith fans.
Finally, extracts from G.A.R.F.C. minutes book of 1961 noted: “In opening the meeting the President, Dick Bitcon extended a welcome to Len Sexton and expressed disappointment that both teams had been eliminated in the semi-finals. The teams and the Club however had a good year – one which was highlighted by Vic Hathaway winning the Gammage Medal for the second time a feat which brought honour to the player and his Club. Fred Gambell, Len Sexton and Frank Conlan had also gained recognition for efforts on the field. The players and Club had also taken an active part in the Boys Club and Festival Gymkhanas and he congratulated all participants on their efforts. - Trevor Harrison.
HEINZ-ADVOCATE SPORTING AWARD - Vic Hathaway
By Neil Griggs
Australian Rules rover Vic Hathaway is the Heinz-Advocate "Sportsman of the Week" achieving this popular weekly sporting award by a brilliant exhibition of non-stop play in last Sunday's SW.D.F.L. competition game at Mirrool when the home team, Ariah Park-Mirrool United, inflicted Griffith's first defeat of the current season.
With five key players unavailable the Griffith line-up was a little disorganised and the occasion called for a super effort from the more experienced members of the team.
Vic, was one who found that little extra something that all good footballers, athletes, etc, can produce for special occasions and with a superlative and tireless exhibition of intelligent and constructive football rated as the best Griffith player.
Combining cleverly with coach Len Sexton in quick positional changes Vic was unbeaten all day in whatever position he occupied and highlighted his good general play with fast, keen anticipation, sure handling and grand marking.
One feature of Vic's play was the great improvement evident in his delivery and disposal of the ball and this accurate kicking from him created many breaks for his fellow players.
In the last few exciting minutes of the hard fought game Vic literally ran himself to a standstill as, with other members of the team he battled desperately in an endeavour to gain the day for Griffith.
Vic has been in wonderful form this year and in each game has rated as one of the team's best players and so consistent is he that he must be given an excellent chance of again being voted the S.W.D.F.L. Best and Fairest player with its Gammage Medal award - an honour he achieved in 1957.
Vic has always been a keen Aussie Rules player and followed a promising schoolboy career in which he gained interstate representation, by moving into senior football with Beelbangera.
He joined Griffith in 1953 and on Sunday will be playing his 149th game with the Club.
Apart from playing Vic also takes a keen interest in the affairs of the Club and for quite a few years has been an executive member of the players committee.
The Heinz basket assortment, the award to each weekly "Sportsman" awaits Vic at the Advocate office.
(Advocate - Thursday May 18, 1961).
HEINZ-ADVOCATE SPORTING AWARD - Frank Conlan
By Neil Griggs
Virile Griffith Australian Rules defender, Frank Conlan, is the Heinz-Advocate "Sportsman of the Week" winning this weekly sporting award with an outstanding exhibition of resolute and purposeful defence in the S.W.D.F.L. competition game played at Ganmain last Sunday in which Griffith defeated the home team by 80-50 after a hard game.
Deputising for regular full back, Bob Tyndall who was unavailable, Frank was opposed to the high flying Ganmain coach, and former St Kilda player Laurie Stephenson and his complete domination of the Ganmain spearhead was a major contribution towards Griffith's first victory at Ganmain since 1953.
Revealing superb anticipation and timing, Frank time and time again repulsed dangerous Ganmain attacks with purposeful clearances and long driving kicks.
Known as the "iron man" of the Griffith team Frank plays hard vigorous, but scrupulously fair football and no criticisms were levelled at him last Sunday as he jolted and unsettled the Ganmain sextet with robust play and crashing clearing dashes to rate as the best Griffith player of the game.
Frank has been in grand form right throughout the season and has been the outstanding member of the competent and solid Griffith defence which has the enviable record of having the lowest aggregate score recorded against it to date in the ten team S.W.D.F.L. competition.
His consistently good play has gained Frank representation in the two combined S.W.D.F.L. teams this year and against both Geelong and Ovens and Murray he rated high amongst the best players.
In his present form he should be one of the first players chosen for the final representative game to be played against the Farrer League on July 16, at Coolamon.
Frank is also a better than average cricketer and has an outstanding record as a representative player of the Ardlethan Cricket Association.
Frank can collect his basket assortment of Heinz products at the Advocate Office.
(Advocate -Thursday, June 22, 1961.)
HEINZ-ADVOCATE SPORTING AWARD - Bill Biron
By Neil Griggs
Grifffith Australian Rules player, Bill Biron is this week's Heinz-Advocate "Sportsman of the Week", winning the award with a superb exhibition of sustained brilliant play in last Sunday's vital first semi-final of the S.W.D.F.L. competition, which was played before a large crowd at Whitton.
With the losing team dropping from the scene until next year this crucial game between Narrandera and Griffith really provided a great incentive for all players to give of their very best.
Bill a Griffith ruckman rose to the occasion nobly and gave such a grand performance that he was freely rated as the best player afield.
Whilst on the ball he gave a tireless display of virile rucking and created numerable opportunities for his team-mates and when resting he also contributed more than his share to the general play of the team.
The Griffith team made its big bid for victory in the third quarter and Bill was right to the fore in every effort whilst on the ball and it was two brilliant marks and two goals by him that gave the team a decisive break and a grand chance to win the game.
Narrandera however had other ideas and staged a very strong finish and although Bill was still one of the dominant figures of the game, opposition was too solid and Narrandera won a hard fought game by eight points.
Although defeated the Griffith team had given their Club a wholehearted courageous effort and Bill had the personal satisfaction of knowing that he in his endeavour for his team and Club had played a game rated by many local followers as his best ever and one which earned him widespread acclaim and commendation.
Bill whose football prowess won him a Heinz award last year retains touch and condition by playing basketball during the summer and this sport he also ranks as an outstanding exponent.
The Weekly Basket prize with its variety of Heinz product awaits Bill at the Advocate office.
(Advocate - Thursday, August 31, 1961).