1993 RFL SEASON RESULTS

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PLAYER TRANSFERS

IN: Mark Brown (Barellan), Peter Casey (Ganmain-GGM), Matt Coad, David Dunkley (St Marys, NT), David Dunkley (Devon), Todd Cody (St Arnaud), Brett Davis (Sale), Stewart Egan (St Arnaud), Glenn Garner (Wron Wron Woodside), Chris Noack, Dominic Norman, Mark O'Bryan (Finley), Roger Summers (North Beach, WA), Jason Wescott (St Arnaud).

OUT: Tony Butcher (Coleambally), Tony De Pastina, Tony DeSensa, Christian Files (Coleambally), John Kucinic, Rhett Heffernan, Matt Mamouney (Southport), Matt McGuirk (Southport), Martin O'Donnell, Damien Scott (Coleambally), Dom Spataro, Kevin Trafford; Todd Cody (St Arnaud), Roger Summers.

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 NEW PRESIDENT FOR GRIFFITH SWANS 

THE Griffith Australian Football Club followed the direction of the other football clubs in Griffith and elected a new president at its annual general meeting last Thursday night at the Ex-Servicemen's Bowling Club.
Terry Bennett has taken over the reigns as president and last season's leader Brian Files has moved to the treasurer's position to replace Max Turner.
Secretary for the past few years, Greg Wade, resigned his position and Darrell Collins and Brett McAlister have taken on the job jointly. Vice-president's for the coming year are life members Steve and Shane Best, while last season's junior vice president Len Sexton declined nomination.
Mr Sexton said he will be involving himself heavily with the Past Players Association next season, which will be holding a big reunion during the long weekend in June.
Prior to that, there is a sportsman's night with Peter "Crackers" Keenan, Mick Mallyon and Peter Booth at the Ex-Servicemen's Club on Friday, November 18.
Members heard at the meeting that the club had a good year financially and is in the throws of selecting a coach and assistant for the 1993 season and hopes to make an announcement in the near future.

 (The Area News - Monday, October 26, 1992).

 SWANS SIGN COACH AND TWO NEW PLAYERS 

AFTER months of searching and interviewing, the Griffith Australian Football Club has appointed a coach for the 1993 Riverina Football League competition.
Former Sale player, in the Latrobe Valley Football League in Victoria, Peter Dunkley was signed by the club on Sunday to replace Matthew McGuirk as coach. McGuirk told the club before the end of last season he wouldn't be coaching again next year, but is prepared to play if his business keeps him in town.
Dunkley is 26 years-old, 185 centimetres tall and has a reputation from Sale as no-nonsense centre halfback. It was this ability to find the hard-ball which saw him represent both the Latrobe Valley and Alberton Football Leagues, where he has been coaching the last two seasons.
He coached the under 18's at Devon, in the Alberton Football League, while playing in the seniors before switching to the stronger league with Sale for two years. He returned to Devon in 1991 and 1992 as coach and took the team from the bottom of the ladder to just missing the finals last season, after defeating the premiership side in the last round.
He said he had came to Griffith for success and was happy with the attitude of the players he had met. "They all give you the idea they want success and with that feeling in the club, it should be in for a good year," he added.
With that in mind, Dunkley has brought two other players with him and a third is expected to come as well.
Glen Garner, who was in the top five of the Australian Football League draft in 1991, has declared he will be playing in Griffith next season. The 19 year-old has big wraps on his ability and he played against Dunkley for Wron Wron Woodside in the Alberton League. He only played three matches last season due to an ankle injury, but kicked 17, 10 and nine goals in those three matches from full forward.
In 1991 he was selected in Gary Ayres squad in the Shell Series, which is for the best 18-year-old boys in the country so that the AFL clubs can have their last look at the quality around before the November draft.
"I want to play in Griffith in a stronger league in the hope I can get back into the draft in 1994. "While I was up at the top of the list, the players from Western Australia came into the draft and instead of 60 per cent of the 18-year-old's going into the draft, only 10 per cent were taken.
I was told by some clubs if I was in a major league I would have a better chance and that's why I am looking forward to moving to Griffith," he said.
The third player is the 22-year-old brother of Dunkley, David. The 188 centimetre utility player, like his brother, spent most of his time at Sale and Devon with a stint in Darwin in the off-season earlier in the year.
He played for the strong St Mary's club in Darwin and was a member of the reserve grade grand final winning side. He played in the centre during the season, but can also slot into any position on the goal-to-goal line.
President of the Griffith club, Terry Bennett said he was pleased the coaching position had been filled and now the players can settle down to the task at hand. "We had a lot of interviews with a lot of players, but the committee came to the decision on Sunday that Peter Dunkley would be the best for the Griffith Football Club.
"We are still looking for other players, which we feel we need to fill in the gaps and hopefully an announcement of their availability will soon be made.  "Peter and the other players, will be in Griffith permanently in mid-January and he will be starting pre-season later that month," Mr Bennett added.    (The Area News - Nov, 1992). 

 SWANS FINALISE COACHING STAFF FOR 1993 SEASON 

THE Griffith Australian Football Club finalised its coaching staff for this season at it's monthly meeting Tuesday night at the Ex-Servicemen's Club. The announcement of Peter Dunkley as senior coach and Gary Argus as his assistant was made earlier in the year and training under Dunkley for all grades has been in progress for more than a month. The reserve grade coach Mark O'Bryan is new to the club from Finley and club stalwart Adrian Pavese in the under 18 mentor.  O'Bryan is a 200 game plus veteran with Finley in the Murray Football League and is expected in Griffith within a fortnight. He was represented the league and is a multi best and fairest winner with the Finley club. Pavese has come up through the Griffith juniors and was a member of a premiership under 18 side. He coached the under 13's last season to a premiership and holds a Level 1 coaching certificate.  (The Area News - February, 1993)

 SWANS START SEASON WITH WIN IN ACT 

THE Griffith Australian Football Club started its quest for the Riverina Football League premiership with a convincing win over Australian Capital Territory side Belconnen on Saturday at Jamieson Oval, ACT.
Griffith started the match slowly, but played better in the second half to run out winners 14.14.98 to 8.13.61.
The side took time to settle down and get used to the new combination, with most of the new players in the club showing they will be an asset.
Centreman Brett Davis, who comes from Sale with coach Peter Dunkley, got plenty of kicks before leaving the ground with a corked thigh, but gave plenty of drive from the centre.
Glen Garner, another who came with the coach, started well as ruck rover, before shifting to half back flank in the second half, repelling attacks from Belconnen.
Others to stand-out were new player Scott McGowan at fullback, Ricky Burdett, who hardly ever puts in a bad one, while Chris Conlan and Jamie Bennett picked up plenty of kicks around the ground.
A big plus for the Swans was the return of Mark O'Connor, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but put that all that behind him on Saturday to kick five goals. He was virtually unbeatable on the forward line and took some excellent marks to earn his score. The match wasn't without some cost as Shane Ruyg has an ankle injury, Jamie Bennett has a niggling groin injury and Jamie Reid bruised his when he bounced off the cement gutter surrounding the ground.   (The Area News - Monday, March 22, 1993).

 SWANS GOOD WIN AFTER BLAST FROM COACH 

After a rousing speech at quarter time by the Griffith Australian Football Club's coach Peter Dunkley, the Swans got their minds on the job at hand and easily defeated Berrigan at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval on Saturday. Playing in its second practice match of the year, the Swans kicked 25. 20. 170 to 10.10.70 with all of the new players in the club showing out.

Glen Garner led the way with six goals as an on-ball player and Jamie Bennett made his presence felt with four majors. Griffith won in nearly every position on the ground and got plenty of drive from centreman Brett Davis,  who did many good things as well as picking up two goals.

David Dunkley showed he will be a great asset to the club with his versatility. He took many good marks at centre half forward before being shifted into the ruck where he stood out as a tap ruckman. 

This allowed rovers Scott Angrove and Jamie Bennett to shine, as did ruck-rover Chris Conlan.

While Griffith  had an abundance of talent, it has picked up a couple of new recruits from St Arnaud in Stewart Egan and Jason Wescott, who both showed they will be handy acquisitions.
While it was a good win, the Swans will not be getting carried away with the victory as the Berrigan side was noticeably underdone and it will have a good tester next weekend when it journey to McPherson Oval, North Wagga  to take on the strong Farrer League side North Wagga.   (The Area News - Monday, March 29, 1993).

Round 1 - Sunday April 18, 1993 at Ganmain Sportsground 2.10pm

Ganmain-GGM ... 5.5 .. 7.8 .. 10.11 .. 17.14 (116)

Griffith ................ 1.1 .. 5.10 .. 7.17 .. 8.21 (69)

Goals: GGGM: P Hatty 5, T Hughes 2, J Crozier 2, N Carroll 2, J Hamblin, P Walsh, M Rava, D Walsh, M Walsh, Jed Lawton

Griffith: P Dunkley 2, G Collins, B Davis, G Toscan, D Dunkley, S Angrove, J Bennett

Best: GGGM: Jed Lawton, T Hughes, G Evans, W Cox, P Walsh, M Walsh

Griffith: S Ruyg, G Argus, B Davis, G Dreyer, J Agresta

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley*, C Conlan, S Egan*, J Reid, B Davis*, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c)*, G Collins, D Gee, G Argus, T Cody*, S Angrove, M Coad*, M O'Connor, O Brown, J Agresta

Umpires: B Smedley, T Doherty (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 17.11 (113) d Ganmain-GGM 7.4 (46)

Goals: D Alpen 10, G Foley 3, D Norman 2, P Casey, J Wescott

Best: A McCashney, D Alpen, G Foley, I Geddes, D Overs

Under 18: Griffith 15.10 (100) d Ganmain-GGM 8.8 (56)

Goals: B Harrison 9, G Vaccari 2, M Burke, S Taylor, M Henderson, B Hathaway

Best: P Vardanega, M Rovere, B Harrison, W Donetto, M Burke

Match report: Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong combined the unfurling of its 1992 Riverina Football League premiership flag with a convincing 47-point win against Griffith at Ganmain Sportsground. The coveted pennant was unfurled by life member Ray Davies shortly before the Lions' successfully began their campaign for a third successive premier.  Ganmain-GGM was put under pressure in the second term but regained momentum to account for a wayward Griffith 116 to 69. The Lions booted five majors in the opening term and led comfortably by 28 points at quarter time. But Griffith bounced back in the second stanza and two goals in quick succession to captain-coach Peter Dunkley put the Swans in reach of Ganmain-GGM.
The Swans trailed by 10 points at half-time and the margin was further reduced when Dunkley's brother, David, goaled five minutes into the third term. Ganmain-GGM steadied with majors to rover Michael Rava, utility Dennis Walsh and forward Jamie Crozier and held a 12-point advantage at the final break.
The Lions completely overshadowed Griffith in the final quarter as late replacement Phillip Hatty went on a goal scoring spree. Ruck rover-defender Jed Lawton was outstanding for the Lions, captain-coach Tony Hughes was a consistent ball winner in the centre and Glenn Evans was rock solid in defence. Griffith was best served by half forward Shane Ruyg, ruck rover Gary Argus, centreman Brett Davis and defender Greg Dreyer.

(The Daily Advertiser - Monday, April 19, 1993).

Round 2 - Sunday May 2, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ............................... 3.3 .. 8.8 .. 18.13 .. 24.17 (155)

East Wagga-Kooringal ... 4.3 .. 10.6 .. 12.9 .. 16.13 (109)

Goals: Griffith: J Bennett 6, G Toscan 5, G Garner 4, S Angrove 4, G Argus 2, C Conlan 2, T Cody

EWK: J Boneham 5, B Page 4, C Pavitt 3, N Graetz, M O'Leary, B Suckling, J Ross

Best: Griffith: O Brown, B Davis, G Argus, G Toscan, J Bennett

EWK: M O'Leary, B Page, B Suckling, P Whittle, C Pavitt

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, C Conlan, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, G Garner*, G Argus, T Cody, S Angrove, M Coad, M O'Connor, O Brown, P Casey, J Agresta

Umpires: P Beckwith, B Smedley (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 19.20 (134) d East Wagga-Kooringal 4.8 (32)

Goals: D Gee 5, J Reid 5, A Pavese 4, J Wescott 2, D Alpen, A McCashney, M Teffana, S McDermott

Best: J Wescott, J Reid, D Gee, A McCashney

Under 18: Griffith 13.10 (88) d East Wagga-Kooringal 6.8 (44)

Goals: M Reid 4, B Harrison 2, M Kenny 2, S Clarke, G Foley, W Donetto, M Burke, M Rovere

Best: M Rovere, M Reid, M Burke, B Hathaway, P Rovere

Match report: One of the biggest turnabouts even seen at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval, the Griffith Swans came from the point of despair to defeat East Wagga-Kooringal by 55 points in the Riverina Football League match.

After an even first quarter, East Wagga ran away to a 28 point lead mid-way through the second term, but Griffith bounced back in the remaining two-and-half quarters to win 162 to 109.
The big crowd at the match, which paid nearly $1,400 at the gate, excluding membership tickets purchased, were ready to pack it in at the 15 minute mark of the second quarter with East Wagga Hawks well on top, through former St Kilda big man Mark O'Leary having the better of the centre knock tussle, which was giving Barry Suckling, coach Peter Whittle and Damien Graham, an easy passage to goal.   
The Swans coach, Peter Dunkley, shifted himself into the ruck and put Chris Conlan on the ball and within minutes, Griffith had brought the deficit back to 10 points. From this point on Griffith never looked back and in a 10 goals to two third quarter, virtually locked up the match and its first points of the season.

Griffith kept up the pressure in the last quarter, kicking the first two goals through Jamie Bennett and Chris Conlan and when Corey Pavitt picked up and goaled for the Hawks, it was the first time since the 14th minute mark of the third quarter.  
Griffith had plenty of good players, but none better than Matt Coad, who stemmed the tide on his own during the East Wagga onslaught and then to the match up to the opposition. Jamie Bennett was dangerous around the goals, while Peter Dunkley got it going in the right direction with some good ruck play. Glen Garner and David Dunkley showed plenty as the match progressed, while Scott Angrove and Ricky Burdett don't know how to play a bad game. Stewart Egan and Greg Dreyer were solid in the backline and Todd Cody did well on half back line.
The Hawks had good players in Peter Whittle, Corey Pavitt, Jamie Ross and Damien Graham, while Michael McPherson left a hole when he came off the ground. Brett Page showed he will improve with some match practice under his belt, as he virtually came from cricket to the football field.

(By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, May 3, 1993).

Round 3 - Sunday May 9, 1993 at Kindra Park 2.10pm

Coolamon .... 5.3 .. 10.4 .. 14.5 .. 15.9 (99)

Griffith ......... 2.5 .. 5.9 .. 13.12 .. 16.15 (111)

Goals: Coolamon: D Gillett 6, P Kew 4, P Sutton 3, B Buchanan, W McLoughlin

Griffith: G Toscan 3, J Bennett 3, S Ruyg 3, G Garner 2, B Davis, D Dunkley, S Angrove, M O'Connor, M Coad

Best: Coolamon: M Buchanan, J O'Connell, J Anderson, N Pleming, A Pattison

Griffith: S Egan, G Collins, M Brown, O Brown, G Toscan

Griffith: S Ruyg, J Bennett, D Dunkley, C Conlan, S Egan, I Geddes, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, G Garner, G Argus, T Cody, S Angrove, M Coad, M O'Connor, O Brown, P Casey, M Brown*

Umpires: N Maraldo, S Miller (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 22.25 (157) d Coolamon 5.7 (37)

Goals: D Alpen 8, D Gee 4, A Pavese 3, A McCashney 2, B Hathaway 2, S McDermott, S Collis, J Reid

Best: M Cameron, D Gee, C Noack, J Wescott, S Collis

Under 18: Griffith 10.15 (75) d Coolamon 4.5 (29)

Goals: B Harrison 5, P Rovere 2, S Taylor, M Reid, A Forster

Best: G Foley, B Hathaway, M Kenny, M Burke, B Harrison

Match report: Griffith had to call on all its reserves of skills and character to overshadow Coolamon by 12 points in a hard fought Riverina Football League encounter at Coolamon on Sunday. The Swans were in serious trouble at half-time when they trailed by 25 points but they fought back tenaciously to record a 16.15 (111) to 15.9 (99) win. After kicking inaccurately in the early stages, Griffith changed the complexion of the game by piling on eight goals in the third quarter. Griffith only added three goals in the last quarter but it was enough to seal victory and cement the team's position in the RFL top four.
Coolamon had by far the better of the play in the opening half and appeared on their way to its first win of the season. With David Gillett a focal point in attack, Coolamon booted five majors in the first term and led by 16 points. The Grasshoppers produced an almost identical performance in the second stanza - they kicked 5.2 to Griffith 3.4 - and they held a comfortable advantage at the long break.
On-ball players Michael Buchanan and John Anderson were giving Coolamon the edge out of the centre.  Griffith stayed in touch through the deeds of defender Stewart Egan, ruckman Greg Collins and utility Mark Brown.
The tide turned dramatically in the third quarter, with the Swans making better use of the opportunities. Griffith kicked eight goals from 11 scoring shots and restricted Coolamon to four majors.
The Swans held a one-point at three quarter time and their fitness edge was a telling factor in the last quarter. Griffith gradually built on its lead in the final stanza as Coolamon wasted its chances. The Hoppers were successful only once from five scoring attempts, whereas Griffith kicked 3.3.
Stewart Egan and Greg Collins stood out for Griffith and Mark Brown, defender-wingman Owen Brown and key forward Gerry Toscan were also leading contributors.
Apart from Michael Buchanan and John Anderson, the Hoppers had good players in ruck rover James O'Connell, halfback flanker Neil Pleming and wingman Andrew Pattison.

(The Daily Advertiser - Monday May 10, 1993). 

Round 4 - Sunday May 16, 1993 at Leeton Showground 2.10pm

Leeton ...... 2.3 .. 7.6 .. 10.9 .. 16.14 (110)

Griffith ..... 4.4 .. 5.9 .. 7.12 .. 9.13 (67)

Goals: Leeton: A Wakeman 5, H McRae 2, D Breed 2, L Anderson 2, R Smith, G Blum, W Armstrong, J O'Connell, S McCarten

Griffith: G Garner 3, S Ruyg 2, G Toscan 2, R Burdett, M O'Connor

Best: Leeton: A Wakeman, D Lang, H McRae, A Soley, S Henley, R Smith

Griffith: B Davis, M Brown, G Dreyer, G Collins, D Gee

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, D Gee, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, G Garner, G Argus, T Cody, J Wescott*, M Coad, M O'Connor, O Brown, P Casey, M Brown

Umpires: R Lescun, P Smith (AUL)

Reserves: Leeton 16.9 (105) d Griffith 13.11 (89)

Goals: S Angrove 5, P Lonergan 3, D Norman 2, B Hammond, D Alpen, A Pavese

Best: A McCashney, S Angrove, D Alpen, D Norman

Under 18: Leeton 15.17 (107) d Griffith 4.3 (27)

Goals: B Harrison, K Duncan, M Reid, M Olney

Best: M Kenny, G Foley, P Crowe, G Vaccari, B Harrison

Match report: Leeton emerged from the Riverina Football League's cellar to spring the biggest surprise of the season with resounding 43-point win against Griffith at the Leeton Showground. The Redlegs have been the wooden spooners for the past two seasons and were win-less for 1993 until yesterday triumph, wining 16.14 (110) to 9.13 (67). Leeton appeared to have the odds stacked against them going into the encounter with fourth-placed Griffith. But the Redlegs played more like the favourites than the underdogs in recording one of their most convincing wins for three years.
Centre half forward Anthony Wakeman was hailed as a hero for Leeton following his best on ground performance. Wakeman provided the Redlegs an avenue to goal and finished with five majors. 
Griffith had the better of the play in the opening quarter, kicking four goals to establish a 13-point lead by the first change. Leeton made some elementary mistakes early and the Swans were quick to capitalise.
However, the Redlegs atoned with an excellent display in the second term. Leeton's running players - particularly Ross Smith, Andrew Soley and Warwick Armstrong - came to the fore and the Redlegs won the ball out of the centre consistently. The Redlegs, who kicked 5.3 for the term and held Griffith to 1,5, enjoyed a nine-point advantage at half-time.  Griffith cause was not helped by the ankle injury suffered by fullback Stewart Egan midway through second quarter.
While Leeton added only three goals in the third stanza, its tight defence made certain the home team maintained the edge. Leeton went into the final quarter leading by 15 points and had victory firmly in their sights. The Redlegs continued to widen the margin in the last stanza, compiling six goals in their most productive period of play. Wakeman, teenage forward Damien Lang and attacking player Harvey McRae created havoc for the opposing team throughout. Soley and assistant-coach Gary Blum, who played on a half forward flank, were also among Leeton's top players.
Griffith were best served by centreman Brett Davis, defenders Mark Brown and Greg Dreyer, ruckman Greg Collins and utility David Gee.    (The Daily Advertiser - Monday May 17, 1993).

Qualifying Round N.S.W. State Championship - Saturday May 22, 1993 at Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Oval

Riverina F.L. ... 1.1 .. 5.2 .. 10.6 .. 13.9 (87)

Farrer F.L. ...... 4.3 .. 5.9 .. 6.14 .. 8.15 (63)

Goals: Riverina: Daniel McPherson 3, Darren Brookes 3, Tony Hughes 2, Barry Suckling, Bill Veale, Peter Dunkley, Brad Seymour, Michael Buchanan

Farrer: Dick Carey 2, Scott Barber 2, Greg McKelvie, Phillip Cohalan, Mark Kreutzberger, Kerry Brain

Best: Riverina: Ken Howe, Luke Carroll, Brad Seymour, Cameron Mitter, Tony Hughes, Jeremy Masterson, Daniel McPherson

Farrer: Robbie Harper, Scott Macklin, Wade Jones, Paul Williams, Scott Barber, Dick Carey

Umpires: Bedri Sainovski (ACT), Frank Kalayzich (Sydney)

ACTAFL ....... 3.4 .. 11.8 .. 13.10 .. 22.13 (175)

Sydney FL .. 1.1 .. 4.3 .. 6.3 .. 6.5 (41)

Goals: ACT: Peter Wallensky 7, David Skuta 4, Jeff Mohrwinkel 3, Aldo Dipetta 2, Tony Wynd, Gerard Zockling, Lee Cannon, Dean Starr, Dario Postai, Jason Gilbert

Sydney: Simon Wilson, Cun Pahl, Stefan Carey, Adam Barnett, Greg Dimery, Stephen Marchant

​

Final  N.S.W. State Championship - Sunday May 23, 1993 at Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Oval

ACTAFL ........... 3.1 .. 5.3 .. 10.5 .. 14.7 (91)

Riverina FL .... 1.4 .. 6.8 .. 8.8 .. 8.9 (57)

Goals: ACT: L Cannon 4, D Skuta 4, P Wallensky 3, D Starr, D Postal, R Neill

Riverina: T Daniher, B Seymour, B Veale 2, T Hughes, M Buchanan
Best: ACT: J Baulch, B Matthews, A Di Petta, D Skuta, T Wynd, J Garnaut
Riverina: K Howe, J Morton, L Carroll, J Baker, T Daniher, B Seymour 
ACTAFL  team: Michael Goiser, Tony Wynd, Gerald Zockling, Peter Wallensky, Tim Wynd, Simon Desovza, Lee Cannon, John Garnaut, Dean Starr, David Skuta, Dario Postai, Terry O'Kane, Robbie Neill, Aldo Di Petta, Jeff Mohrwinkel, Tim Brown, Brett Matthews, Jason Gilbert, Jason Baulch, David Cloke. 
Riverina FL team: Gary Blum, Tony Hughes, Barry Suckling, Bill Veale, Terry Daniher, Jeremy Masterson, Daniel McPherson, Jed Lawton, Simon Black, Cameron Mitter, Peter Dunkley, Jarrod Baker, Scott Bourne, Brad Seymour, Jason Morton, Ken Howe, Keith Hanna, Grant Regan, Michael Hopwood, Michael Walsh, Michael Bucahanan, Luke Carroll
Umpires: Frank Kalayzich (Sydney) and Bedri Sainovski (ACT).

3rd/4th Playoff: Sydney FL 23.13 (175) d Farrer FL 7.3 (45)

Report: The ACTAFL won its third NSW championship in a row by defeating the Riverina League 14.7 (91) to 8.9 (57) at Griffith. ACT official Steve Dobbie said the first quarter was a torrid affair with errors from both teams. The Riverina players had more time with the ball but the ACT made better use of it. In the second quarter Riverina had a loose man in defence which bottled up the ACT's running style of football. Riverina went to the main break 11 points up. Dobbie said although the Riverina had made a good start, the superior fitness of the ACT started to come through in the third quarter. As the quarter wore on the ACT got on top and David Skuta started to create good forward action, kicking two goals. In the final quarter, fitness and skill told with ACT runners creating their own opportunities (Canberra Times).

 SUMMERS HERE FOR WINTER 

THE Griffith Australian Football Club have added to the playing numbers with the signing this week of Yarram ruckman Roger Summers.
Summers, who played against Griffith coach Peter Dunkley in the Alberton League in the Gippsland area in Victoria, will be a big plus for the side.
The rangy 27 year-old player was with Yarram for most of his football career and was runner-up in the club's best and fairest in 1987.
Most recently he has been playing with North Beach in the Western Australian Amateurs, while waiting to commence work on an oil rig.
The rig has had a few problems in its initial set-up and the job isn't available for 12 months, so Summers decided to spend the balance of this season with Griffith.
He said he has played in various positions, but is prepared to play where the coach puts him.
Hopefully, the clearance for Summers will come through quickly and he can line-up with the Swans against Narrandera at Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday.    (The Area News, Wednesday, May 26, 1993).

Round 5 - Saturday May 29, 1993 at Narrandera Sportsground 2.10pm

Narrandera .... 2.3 .. 6.6 .. 8.8 .. 14.11 (95)

Griffith ............ 6.3 .. 13.5 .. 20.13 .. 22.15 (147)

Goals: Narrandera: D Brookes 5, N McCallum 3, G Clarke 2, V Hugo, P Bloomfield, G Nielsen, T Ryan

Griffith: M O'Connor 5, B Davis 4, G Argus 3, G Garner 2, G Toscan 2, M Coad 2, D Dunkley 2, G Collins, O Brown

Best: Narrandera: M Thornton, P Bloomfield, G Clarke, G Nielsen, J Vearing, M Clark

Griffith: B Davis, G Argus, M Brown, J Bennett, J Wescott, R Summers

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, D Gee, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, G Garner, G Argus, R Summers*, J Wescott, M Coad, M O'Connor, O Brown, B Hathaway, M Brown, P Rovere*

Umpires: P O'Donoghue, G Frater (RUL)

Reserves: Griffith 12.9 (81) d Narrandera 10.7 (67)

Goals: C Cassidy 3, P Young 2, S Angrove 2, D Norman, A McAshney, D Alpen, J Reid, unknown

Best: S Angrove, M Cameron, C Noack, J Reid, G Cameron

Under 18: Griffith 8.9 (57) d Narrandera 6.9 (45)

Goals: M Burke 3, D Clark 2, S Sargent, B Harrison, M Rovere

Best: G Foley, N Campbell, M Burke, R Best, M Kenny

Match report: The Griffith Australian Football Club bounced back into the winning way against Narrandera at the Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday, despite putting three quarters of football together. In what could have been classed as rare, the Swans led the match at every change to run out winners, 147 to 95.
Griffith after its shocking loss to Leeton in the last round prior to the state championships in Griffith, came out in a different frame of mind to block Narrandera out of the match until three quarter time. Early in final quarter the Swans had an 84 point lead over the struggling Eagles, but to the home team's credit it didn't lay down and added six goals in 20 minutes while Griffith struggled for two.
Griffith won the match due to the brilliant play of Brett Davis in the centre, who showed form which heralded his arrival in town. Davis collected many kicks and fought hard under packs in an attempt to get the ball moving forward and with Owen Brown let off the leash, Griffith moved the ball well.  Brown usually lines-up on the halfback flank, but won the job of first rover on Saturday and allowed to roam free, he created plenty of havoc.
Glen Garner was another to stand-out and like Davis, had plenty of kicks, but was prepared to do the hard work.
In the absence of Stewart Egan, Mark Brown was given the job on the Riverina Football League's top goalkicker, Darren Brookes. While Brookes kicked five in the losing total, Brown lost nothing in the final duel and risked life and limb in his attempt to stop the Narrandera late onslaught.

He was well backed up by Rick Burdett, Shane Ruyg and Brent Hathaway on the backline.
New boy on the block, Roger Summers showed glimpses that he will be a handy acquisition to the side, keeping Tony Ryan quiet at centre halfback before having a run in the ruck during the final term.
Apart from those mentioned, Gerry Toscan doesn't know how to play a bad game, Greg Collins worked hard in the ruck, while Matt Coad showed plenty of class on the wing as he repeatedly drove Griffith forward into attack and kicked two goals.
All of this action doesn't take place without a linkman and Gary Argus showed why he is one of the best in the business as he picked up kicks on every square inch of the large Narrandera Sportsground, finishing off the day  with four goals. Another plus for Griffith is continuing good form of full forward Mark O'Connor, who with his high flying ability, picked up five goals in the match.
Narrandera had plenty of good players and among the best were John Vearing in the centre, Darren Brookes, Tony Ryan, Peter Bloomfield and three youngsters, Heath Hopwood, Brett Wadelton and Glen Nielsen, who did do well, even when Griffith was on the rampage. The Eagles also had a new player on the paddock in Greg Clarke from the Northern Territory and he showed he will be a handy player when he settles into the club.

(By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, May 31, 1993).

Round 6 - Sunday June 6, 1993 at Maher Oval 2.10pm

Turvey Park ... 5.2 .. 11.4 .. 13.8 .. 20.13 (133)

Griffith ............ 5.0 .. 11.4 .. 13.5 .. 17.9 (111)

Goals: Turvey Park: M Flanigan 6, S King 3, W Sykes 3, T Lloyd 3, D Lewington 2, G Vardanega, K Johnstone, T Melican

Griffith: D Dunkley 9, G Toscan 3, J Bennett 2, P Dunkley, B Davis, G Argus

Best: Turvey Park: K Howe, M Flanigan, D Lewington, T Ness, J Masterson

Griffith: D Dunkley, B Davis, G Argus, G Toscan, G Dreyer, S Egan

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, D Gee, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, R Summers, J Wescott, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, P Rovere

Umpires: N Maraldo, K Wink (AUL)

Reserves: Turvey Park 32.17 (209) d Griffith 3.3 (21)

Goals: P Lonergan 2, P Vardanega

Best: D Alpen, B McAllister, S Cunial, P Lonergan, P Vardanega

Under 18: Griffith 10.11 (71) d Turvey Park 10.6 (66)

Goals: B Harrison 5, S Sargent, P Vardanega, M Reid, S Taylor

Best: G Foley, S Sargent, G Vaccari, M Burke

Match report:  Turvey Park received its first serious scare of the season before a late flurry of goals sealed a 22-point win against Griffith in a tense Riverina Football League game at Maher Oval, Wagga. The undefeated Bulldogs faced their moment of truth when the scores were locked together midway through the last quarter and they responded with four successive goals to overpower Griffith 133 to 111.
Griffith took the challenge up right up to Turvey Park from the middle stages of the opening term and no more than three points separated the pair at each of the intervals. The Swans hit the lead the lead 11 minutes into the final stanza but had no answer to Turvey Park's barnstorming finish.
Turvey Park, considered the league's yardstick, had not been forced to withstand as much pressure in any of its previous five matches this season. "This was our first close game of the year and it's probably what we needed," said Turvey Park captain-coach Glen Vardanega. "It will bring a few of the players down to earth and make them realise there are areas where we have to improve."Vardanega said the match was a valuable learning experience for last year's grand finalist.  "We learn a lot from what happened today," he said. "We found our importance of concentrating on the game and not let other things distract us."
Griffith stamped itself as a genuine premiership contender, even through it was unable to maintain its pressure in the crucial final quarter. "We've made a few people sit up and take notice of us," said Swans' captain-coach Peter Dunkley. "There are a lot of good players in this team and it's about time the top sides realised we are a threat. Dunkley said the Swans brought about their own downfall by failing to kick long and direct in the last stanza. "We were our worse enemy in the last quarter - we lost the game by going short," he said. "I don't know how many times I've told them not to do it, but I can't get through."
Ken Howe, Warren Sykes, Michael Flanigan and Dale Lewington had major bearings on the Bulldogs win. Terry Ness and centre half back Jeremy Masterson also turned in valuable contributions.
David Dunkley, who bagged nine goals, Brett Davis and Gary Argus tried hard to swing the game in Griffith's favour. Gerard Toscan was solid in the ruck and at centre half forward, and Greg Dreyer and Stewart Egan played well in defence.  (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Monday May 17, 1993).

 SUMMERS WALKS OUT ON GRIFFITH 

GRIFFITH is reeling from the news centre halfback Roger Summers has walked out on the club leading up to ts crucial Riverina League game against Wagga Tigers tomorrow.

 Swans' officials were shocked to learn Summers had left the area during the week and their attempts to locate the talented defender have been fruitless."He has disappeared without telling us anything and at this stage it looks as though he has gone for the rest of the season," said Griffith secretary Darrell Collins.

 "We have tried to get in contact with him, but we haven't had any luck."
Summers spent the early part of the season in Perth before linking up with the Swans at the end of last month.
He made his debut for Griffith in its 52-point defeat of Narrandera on May 29 and then played a solid game in defence against Turvey Park last Sunday.
Collins said the reasons for Summers disappearance are a mystery. "Why he left Griffith has got us beat," Collins said. "It's a blow to the club, but there's is nothing we can do about it."
Collins is confident the loss of Summers will prove only a minor hiccup for the Swans.
"There is plenty of depth in the club and we consider we have the players to cover his loss," he said.
Former representative player Shane Ruyg has been moved to centre half back for Griffith's showdown with the Tigers at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval, Griffth. The Swans suffered a further setback when outstanding centreman Brett Davis was ruled out of the match. Davis injured his back during the second quarter of last weeks game.
His place will be taken by Chris Conlan, who is returning from a four week lay-off which was forced by a leg injury. Key forward Mark O'Connor and wingman Joe Agresta were notable additions to Griffith line.
The Tigers had three forced changes to the team which destroyed Narrandera by 137 points last weekend. Youngsters Brad Seymour and Darren Cook are unavailable through representatives commitments and wingman Clay Barber is ill.   (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Saturday, June 12, 1993). 

 FIFTY-FIVE 0N - AND IT'S A GRAND REUNION 

WHAT we need is a reunion," said long time Griffith Swans, coach and player, Len Sexton to a group of Swans supporters after the team's defeat in the 1991 Grand Final. 
"With a long history like that of the Swans, and the region's massive support of the Code, this is the time for all of us to get together again. "The Club need it."
The idea was an instant success. The initial meeting attracted 16 people, from which a committee of five was formed. Len Sexton, Bob Spears, Gordon Browne and Rob Sjollema, with Graham Gifford volunteering to take on the duties as secretary. Over the ensuring long months the plan took shape.
No less than four Sportsman's Nights, with special guest speakers, were organised to raise funds.
At least 700 members and supporters from the Club's inception in 1938 were mailed and more contacted by phone.  The concept gained momentum. Suddenly, the idea was longer a dream but a reality.
And this weekend, it all happens. Swannies' players, coaches, club members and supporters will converge from all corners of Australia to celebrate their involvement with the club and the fun and mate-ship of the magnificent game of Aussie Rules. 
It will all start happening during Saturday afternoon when the Swannies' start converging on Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club. In the evening, at a special dinner, club members and past players themselves will be the guest speakers and, as Len Sexton put it, "What a night it will turn out to be."
Nostalgia - as well as hope for match success in the future of the club - will unashamedly be the order of the day. At the time of writing, 450 Swannies had pledged attendance.
The next day, Sunday, an all day barbecue will run at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval where Griffith Swans play the Wagga Tigers. "We have been delighted with the response," said Len Sexton.
"People are coming from all over Australia, and many of whom have not seen each other for years. "Yarns will be swapped, and a lot of history remembered. "Above all, I would like to thank everyone for their support, which just proves the very special role played both by the Club and the Code.

(The Area News - Friday, June 11, 1993).

Round 7 - Sunday June 13, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ................ 0.5 .. 3.9 .. 7.10 .. 11.13 (79)

Wagga Tigers .... 3.4 .. 6.8 .. 10.9 .. 14.14 (98)

Goals: Griffith: G Collins 3, D Dunkley 3, G Toscan 2, S Ruyg, M Coad, C Conlan

Wagga: R Willis 3, G Pieper 3, S Black 2, A Watson 2, T Daniher, P Hawke, C Bocking, R Colvin

Best: Griffith: G Dreyer, S Egan, O Brown, G Collins, C Conlan

Wagga: G Regan, T Grimmer, R Willis, J Morton, C Bocking, T Daniher

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, C Conlan, D Gee, S Egan, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, M O'Connor, O Brown, M Brown, J Agresta

Wagga: G Regan, J Baker, M Condon; A Lyons, G Doswell, P J Irvine; R Willis, J Morton, P M Irvine; G Pieper, S Schultz, P Hawke; R Colvin, A Watson, M Hundy; S McDermott, T Daniher (c-c), S Black; A Grimmer, C Bocking

Umpires: B Smedley, T Doherty (AUL)

Reserves: Wagga Tigers 23.18 (156) d Griffith 6.2 (38)

Goals: D Norman 2, C Cassidy 2, B Hammond, S McDermott

Best: J Reid, C Cassidy, B McAllister, R Irvin, G Cameron

Reports: D Prest (Griffith) and M Barber (Wagga) for allegedly striking each other

Under 18: Wagga Tigers 10.15 (75) d Griffith 8.1 (49)

Goals: B Harrison 2, P Vardanega 2, B Hathaway, M Rovere, S Sargeant, M Reid

Best: W Donetto, G Foley, G Turner, G Collis, P Vardanega

Match report: Supporters of the Griffith Swans who have watched the side go around for the past two weeks, would have thought they were at a replay on Sunday, except the jumper colours were different. Last week, the Griffith Australian Football Club went down to Turvey Park by 22 points, after giving the league leaders a big start and did the same against Wagga Tigers yesterday. The Swans got to within five points during the last term, but allowed Wagga to slip away and win by 19 points, 98 to 79. 
In front of a large crowd, it was nearly a case of whether the Swans would even kick a major in the match, as it took them until the 19 minute mark of the second term, when Shane Ruyg was shifted to centre half forward from the backline, took a mark 40 metres out to bring up the first major, but Griffith was down 29 points at that stage. Coach Peter Dunkley was critical of his players at the first change, saying all of the week's training was going out the window. "We have been running the long kicking game drill for weeks now and yet we are still getting trapped into three or four silly handballs," he told the players.

Griffith had played catch-up football all day and it was going to be a test of its nettle to see if it could stand the onslaught of the fresher looking Tigers in the final stanza.

Tigers coach Terry Daniher asked his players to find a bit more and run in defence and attack, while playing good positional football, while Dunkley hadn't given in and told his players so.

Wagga opened up with two minor scores and then Ray Colvin took the margin to 25 points when he picked up a kick-in goal. From this point on until the 20 minute mark it was all Griffith and the large crowd, which included former players from the 1938 era, could sense a win. Greg Collins started the comeback when he marked a kick-in from the previous minor score and stuck his big number 15 into the ball from 65 metres out, spiralling it through post high.  Peter Dunkley had a chance of closing it up even more from 30 metres and missed, but made up for it soon after with a left foot snap out of a big pack of players.
He became the bad boy again three minutes later when he missed from a pass from Glen Garner, but Griffith was back in the match with only 11 points separating the sides. When Chris Conlan broke free on the flank and steered through a major on the run from the pocket, Griffith was only five points in arrears and playing the better football. It took the coolness of Gerald Pieper to steer a pass to Jason Morton to open the gap, but Griffith was let off when Colvin and Paul Hawke missed easy shots. Two goals in as many minutes from Ray Willis, who had just returned from on the bench, saw the gap spread to 25 points and Greg Collins had the honour of kicking the final goal for Griffith after the siren.
The locals showed plenty of heart when the chips were down, but will have to overcome the slow starts against better side who will not allow them to get back in, and it will have to start next week against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.     (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, June 14, 1993).

Round 8 - Sunday June 20, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm
Griffith ................. 3.4 .. 8.9 .. 12.14 .. 21.18 (144)
Ganmain-GGM ... 4.1 .. 6.2 .. 8.8 .. 12.14 (86)
Goals: Griffith: D Dunkley 7, G Toscan 7, C Conlan 2, M Coad 2, J Bennett, G Argus, J Agresta 
GGGM: D McPherson 5, S Hamblin, P Hatty, M Walsh, M Parmenter, D Milne, A Carroll, Jed Lawton
Best: Griffith: G Toscan, G Collins, C Conlan, P Young, J Agresta, O Brown
GGGM: M Walsh, D McPherson, D Walsh, G Hughes, L Carroll, D Milne
Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, C Conlan, D Gee, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, C Noack*, J Agresta
Umpires: P Morey, K Wright (AUL)
Reserves: Ganmain-GGM 13.13 (91) d Griffith 9.3 (57)
Goals: C Cassidy 3, D Alpen 2, J Barry, S McDermott, M Cameron, M Thompson
Best: B McAllister, M Cameron, G Cameron, A McCashney, D Alpen
Under 18: Ganmain-GGM 7.4 (46) d Griffith 4.13 (37)
Goals: M Reid, A Forster, P Vardanega, G Foley
Best: P Crowe, G Foley, G Vaccari, P Vardanega, P Rovere

Match report: The Griffith Swans showed it can keep up with the top sides in the early part of the match, rather than playing catch-up football, they are definite premiership material in the Riverina Football League. Playing against third placed Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong Lions at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval yesterday, the Swans never looked like losing the match and made sure by kicking nine goals in the final stanza to win, 144 to 86.
Led by 217 game veteran Gerry Toscan, who finished the match with seven goals, the Swans reversed the first round defeat at Ganmain and now sit comfortable with the demise of East Wagga-Kooringal.
Griffith trailed at the first quarter break, but worked its way into a winning margin when it went to a 30 point lead at three quarter time. Two passages of undisciplined play in the final quarter saw the Lions receive 50 metre penalties and goal from not far out, both which took the lead to under 20 points. From this point on it was all Griffith, as it added seven goals in the final 10 minutes and shut the door on the reigning premiers.
Best man on the ground, Gerry Toscan, had a hand in four of them as he marked and kicked his sixth, handballed to Joe Agresta for another, drove one in to the goal to watch David Dunkley mark on the line and added his seventh soon after. What Toscan didn't get, Dunkley picked up and along with Toscan added seven along side his name in a good showing at full forward.
The experiment of Gary Argus at centre half forward paid off, even though he had trouble holding his marks he got better as the match went on.  While Argus did it well at one end, captain-coach Peter Dunkley slotted nicely at centre halfback, his favourite position, repelling attack after attack and keeping the Lions at bay.
Ganmain-GGM took the ground without coach Tony Hughes, who sat on the bench until just before half-time, but the side lined up not as would be expected. John Lawton was at fullback, Jed Lawton in a forward pocket, while Daniel McPherson, arguably the best winger in the competition, started in the other pocket.
Looking for someone to aim at up forward, Hughes moved Scott Hamblin into full forward, moved John Lawton to the ruck to try and curb Greg Collins and youngster Luke Carroll to fullback.

None of these were successful and while he told the players not to worry about the scoreboard at three quarter time when the side was trailing by 30 points, wholesale changes, too many too list, were the order of the day. The only one which worked was the McPherson move as he finished the match with five goals, but was swung on the ball in the last quarter.
Griffith didn't have a losing player in any position, but apart from Toscan and David Dunkley, Joe Agresta, Chris Conlan, Jason Wescott, when he came on and Paul Young stood out. 
Daniel McPherson battled hard all day for the losers, but finding mates was a hard task, especially in the second half. Jed Lawton tried all day, Scott Hamblin worked hard, Dennis Walsh kept Brett Davis reasonably quiet and evergreen Michael Walsh never puts in a bad one.

 (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, June 14, 1993).   

Round 9 - Saturday June 26, 1993 at Gumly Oval 2.10pm

East Wagga-Kooringal ... 2.1 .. 7.4 .. 11.9 .. 15.12 (102)

Griffith .............................. 3.3 .. 10.7 .. 13.8 .. 19.11 (125)

Goals: EWK: J Charlton 4, N Graetz 4, C Mitter 3, D Graham, B Page, B Suckling, J Boneham

Griffith: D Dunkley 8, G Toscan 4, M Coad 2, G Argus 2, J Bennett, D Gee, G Collins

Best: EWK: B Suckling, C Pavitt, J Charlton, M O'Leary, J Ross

Griffith: G Argus, J Wescott, D Dunkley, B Davis, J Agresta

Griffith: R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, C Conlan, D Gee, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, M Cameron*, J Agresta

Umpires: J McDonell (RUL), P DeBeus (ACT)

Reserves: East Wagga-Kooringal 10.9 (69) d Griffith 10.6 (66)

Goals: J Vaccari 4, Shane Best 2, D Alpen, C Cassidy, M O'Connor, B Hammond

Best: A McCashney, D Alpen, J Vaccari, J Reid, Shane Best

Under 18: Griffith 11.7 (73) d East Wagga-Kooringal 2.1 (13)

Goals: B Harrison 8, P Vardanega 2, S Taylor

Best: P Vardanega, P Rovere, B Harrison, M Burke, M Kenny

Match report: Griffith strengthened its hold on fourth position on the Riverina Football League ladder with a 23-point victory against East Wagga-Kooringal at Gumly Oval, Wagga on Saturday. The Swans took another positive step in their march towards a finals berth when they accounted for East Wagga 125 to 102.
Griffith's win has intensified the pressure on teams outside the top four - in particular East Wagga. The Hawks have loomed as one of the biggest threats to Griffith in the finals race but have now slipped eight competition points behind the Swans.
Griffith full forward David Dunkley had an eight-goal haul on Saturday, although best on the ground honours went to Swans' ruck rover Gary Argus. Argus was in dynamic form around the ground and capped off his performance with two majors.
East Wagga was within eight points of Griffith at quarter time before conceding seven goals in a high-scoring second stanza. Argus, half forward Jason Wescott, centreman Brett Davis and wingman Joe Agresta were the leading ball-winners for the Swans, who led by 21 points at half-time.

East Wagga kicked 4.5 to Griffith's 3.1 in the third term and was still in contention at the final change when it trailed by only 11 points. But the Swans regained momentum in the last quarter, booting six goals to edge clear of the Hawks. David Dunkley and forward pocket Gerry Toscan, who finished with four goals, were lethal in attack.   (The Daily Advertiser - Monday, June 28, 1993).

Round 10 - Sunday July 4, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ......... 3.3 .. 5.7 .. 8.9 .. 12.11 (83)

Coolamon .... 2.6 .. 6.8 .. 8.13 .. 11.16 (82)

Goals: Griffith: D Dunkley 4, G Toscan 2, M Cameron, J Wescott, O Brown, J Bennett, G Argus, G Collins

Coolamon: S Bradley 4, B Buchanan 2, K Hanna 2, W McLoughlin, P Kew, P Hurst

Best: Griffith: G Argus, J Wescott, R Burdett, M Brown, P Rovere

Coolamon: N Pleming, A Driscoll, D Gillett, R O'Brien, A Pleming

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, S Egan, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, S Angrove, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, M Cameron, P Rovere, G Foley*

Umpires: P Beckwith, K Wink (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 17.11 (113) d Coolamon 3.3 (21)

Goals: J Reid 4, C Cassidy 4, S Gee 2, B Hammond 2, S Angrove 2, W Tyndall, S McDermott, S Aubrey

Best: D Norman, J Reid, C Noack, J Castle, N Creighton

Under 18: Griffith 14.11 (85) d Coolamon 7.4 (46)

Goals: B Harrison 8, G Foley 2, P Vardanega 2, A Sara, C McDermott

Best: M Reid, B Harrison, A Sara, K Duncan, M Kenny

Match report: Griffith pulled out all stops in the last five minutes of play to stave off Coolamon's challenge by one point in a heart-stopping Riverina Football League game at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval. The Swans hit the lead approaching the time-on period of the last quarter with a goal to ruckman Greg Collins and held on desperately for a, 83 to 82 victory.
In a see-sawing affair, Coolamon was four points in front at three quarter time and the lead changed hands a number of occasions during the final term. "The players really dug deep in the last quarter and showed a lot of professionalism," said a relieved Swans' captain-coach Peter Dunkley. "A bit more consistency from our senior players made the difference in the end. "The game was a good character builder for us," he said.
The Swans' preparation was disrupted by the late withdrawal of wingman Joe Agresta and David Gee, and they were further weakened by injuries to defenders Paul Young and Stewart Egan. Both players suffered concussion when they received heavy knocks during a fiery second quarter. Young was taken to the Griffith Base Hospital for observation, while Egan returned to ground during the second half.
Coolamon rued missed opportunities after having four more scoring shots than Griffith for the match. The Hoppers, who needed to win to stay within range of the RFL's top four, are now 12 competition points behind fourth-placed Griffith on the ladder. 
Griffith held a slender three-point lead at quarter time but was overhauled by the Hoppers in the second stanza. Coolamon kicked 4.2 to Griffith's 2.4 and the visiting team was seven points ahead at half time. Numerous scuffles broke out during the third quarter as tensions mounted between the teams; there were no reports.
With ruck rover Gary Argus and centreman Jason Wescott leading the way, the Swans marginally outscored Coolamon in the third term. Griffith added three goals, whereas the Hoppers were burdened by inaccurate kicking and converted only twice from seven attempts. 
A titanic struggle unfolded in the last quarter as no more than one straight kick separated the teams. After Collins goaled from a set shot with five minutes remaining, the Swans played with enormous desperation to maintain the advantage. Argus lifted Griffith to victory with his best on ground performance. Wescott, wingman Ricky Burdett and Paul Rovere, and back pocket Mark Brown also gave outstanding displays for the Swans.
Coolamon received a lot of drive from in-form centreman Neil Pleming and wingman Andrew Driscoll. David Gillett, Rod O'Brien and Anthony Pleming were all rock solid in defence for Coolamon.

(By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Monday, July 5, 1993).

Round 11 - Sunday July 11, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith .... 3.3 .. 8.8 .. 13.9 .. 24.12 (156)

Leeton ..... 4.4 .. 7.4 .. 7.10 .. 10.11 (71)

Goals: Griffith: D Dunkley 8, S Ruyg 6, M Coad 4, J Bennett, G Argus, D Gee, G Collins, G Garner, R Burdett

Leeton: H McRae 2, D Breed 2, C Howe 2, L Anderson, G Henman, A Wakeman, R Smith

Best: Griffith: G Garner, G Argus, R Burdett, G Collins, M Cameron, M Brown

Leeton: R Smith, H McRae, D Meline, G Henman, D Irvine

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, D Gee, S Egan, J Reid, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, S Angrove, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, M Cameron, P Rovere

Umpires: R Bartholomew, M Maloney (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 21.12 (138) d Leeton 4.8 (32)

Goals: C Cassidy 4, S Aubrey 3, S Gee 2, B Hammond 2, C Noack 2, S McDermott 2, N Creighton 2, P Woolnough, K O'Driscoll, Shane Best, S Collis

Best: C Noack, G Cameron, S Collis, D Norman, K O'Driscoll

Under 18: Griffith 10.11 (71) d Leeton 9.4 (58)

Goals: B Harrison 4, M Burke 3, C McDermott, M Kenny, A Poole

Best: G Foley, M Reid, B Hathaway, M Kenny, M Burke

Match report: The Griffith Swans returned to some resemblance of good form when they ran over Leeton Redlegs in the final two quarters of the match at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval to win by 85 points. The Swans have been winning of late, but haven't been playing good football, but after the long break kicked 16 goals to Leeton's three to win, 156 to 71. The Leeton Redlegs could have proved a danger for the Swans in the Riverina Football League, especially since they defeated Griffith by 40 points in the first round. 
Griffith battled hard in the first two terms against a willing Leeton, which took the game up to the home side, but with some straight kicking during the final terms, the Swans may have had a comfortably lead. 
Full forward David Dunkley was the main problem, kicking five behinds before registering his first goal, but when he straightened up the radar in the second half, finished the match with eight.
Shane Ruyg also found some long lost form on the half forward line, finishing the match with six goals, but also picked up many kicks around the ground.
Again it was Gary Argus who led the way for Griffith, for his third best on ground in as many weeks, not too far behind in front of Ruyg. Greg Collins started slowly, but overcame the opposing ruckman and picked up many kicks around the ground, earning a rest in the final term. 
Glen Garner played his best game for the club this season and it would be a toss-up between him, Argus and Ruyg for the best player, but Argus stayed at it when Grifffith was battling.
Captain-coach Peter Dunkley, Stewart Egan and Mark Brown were solid in defence, while Mark Cameron again stood out. David Dunkley, Ruyg, Gerard Toscan and Matt Coad gave the players further downfield plenty to aim at and when they were on top, brought others into the game.
The usual faces popped up for Leeton with captain-coach David Meline, Graham Henman, Harvey McRae, Dennis Irvine and Ross Smith featuring. Terry Lyons worked hard on the half back line against inform players and Warwick Armstrong also played well. (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, July 12, 1993)

Round 12 - Sunday July 18, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ............. 5.5 .. 8.10 .. 12.13 .. 16.15 (111)

Narrandera .... 3.0 .. 4.4 .. 9.9 .. 13.11 (89)

Goals: Griffith: D Dunkley 5, S Ruyg 3, J Bennett 3, M Coad 2, G Toscan, G Collins, G Argus

Narrandera: N McCallum 6, D Brookes 2, B Sargeant, T Ryan, R Durnan, G Clarke, P Bloomfield

Best: Griffith: G Argus, G Dreyer, G Garner, J Wescott, M Cameron, G Collins

Narrandera: H Hopwood, G Clarke, B Wadelton, D Matthews, P Bloomfield, N McCallum

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, D Gee, S Egan, J Reid, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, S Angrove, J Wescott, M Coad, M Brown, M Cameron, P Rovere

Umpires: P Argall, N Isaac (AUL)

Reserves: Narrandera 17.6 (108) d Griffith 8.10 (58)

Goals: M O'Connor 4, C Cassidy 3, Shane Best, J Agresta

Best: N Creighton, C Noack, D Norman, G Cameron

Under 18: Griffith 9.8 (62) d Narrandera 8.8 (56)

Goals: B Harrison 3, S Sargeant 2, M Reid 2, D Clark, G Foley

Best: S Taylor, A Forster, G Foley, B Hathaway, M Kenny, M Burke

Match report: Finals contender Griffith got more than it bargained for on its way to a 22-point win against Narrandera in the Riverina Football League at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval. The Swans were expected to cast aside the lowly-ranked Narrandera with relative ease but they had to fight an uphill battle to register a, 111 to 89 victory. Although they had led throughout, the Swans' advantage was never more than five goals.

Griffith had been hoping for a big win to boost its percentage but in the end was thankful to come away with the four competition points. The Eagles' effort was full of merit considering they were without dual best and fairest Mark Quilter for the majority of the game. Quilter, who plays on a halfback flank, dislocated his shoulder during the first quarter and had to be transported to the Griffith Base Hospital.
Outstanding ruck rover Gary Argus featured in his third best on ground performance from the Swans' past four matches. Argus, shaping as a candidate for the RFL's Jim Quinn Memorial Medal, had a huge work-rate and picked up possessions in all parts of the ground. 
Griffith had 10 scoring shots to Narrandera's three in the opening quarter but the difference was only 17 points at the first change. The Swans gradually built on their lead in the second stanza and went into the half-time break 30 points in front. However, Narrandera indicated it was not a spent force by outscoring Griffith in the third quarter. The Eagles kicked 5.5 to Griffith's 4.3 and was still within striking range at three quarter time, trailing by 22-points. Griffith put the issue beyond doubt when it booted three goals in quick succession in the fourth quarter. While they were never likely to overhaul Griffith the Eagles kept pressuring up to the final siren.
Gary Argus was matched in his consistency by Swans' defenders Greg Dreyer and Glen Garner, centreman Jason Wescott, centre half forward Mark Cameron and ruckman Greg Collins.
Teenager Heath Hopwood underlined his potential with a brilliant display on the halfback flank for Narrandera. Eagles' centreman Greg Clarke, half forward Brett Wadelton and wingman Dwayne Matthews were creative players. Rover Peter Bloomfield was elusive around the packs for Narrandera and Neil McCallum landed six goals from full forward.   (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Monday, July 19, 1993).

 BENNETT 'SUMS UP' SWANS' RFL HOPES 

GRIFFITH'S Jamie Bennett has been studying facts and figures from the Riverina Football League and can find no reason why the Swans will not secure the double chance in the finals. 
Bennett, an accountant with Bartters Enterprises, says bridging the deficit on the second-placed Turvey Park is not a "mathematical impossibility" for the Swans. "Getting the double chance in the finals is a major aim of ours and it's certainly not beyond our reach," said the rover-forward.
"As long as we keep winning like we have been, we will give second place a big shake."
Two wins and percentage separate Griffith and Turvey Park on the ladder, with the two teams meeting in a vital game at Ex-Servicemen's Oval, Griffith, tomorrow. "This could be make or break time for us," Bennett pointed out. "The difference between winning and losing will mean a lot to us."
Griffith, coached by Peter Dunkley, is riding high on confidence after cementing fourth position with five consecutive wins. "We are improving all the time and there is a good feeling in the club at the moment," Bennett said. "And the best part is we haven't reached our full potential yet."
The Swans first grabbed the RFL spotlight when they disposed of defending premiers Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong by 58 points on June 20. Griffith have subsequently accounted for East Wagga-Kooringal (by 23 points), Coolamon (one point), Leeton (85 points) and Narrandera (22 points).
While the Swans have been sweeping all before them, Bennett admits he needs to lift on a personal level. "Consistency was one of my strong points in previous seasons, but I have been a bit up and down lately," he said. "Hopefully things will come together for me on Sunday."
Bennett said tomorrow's match will give the Swans a guide to their premiership prospects. "We will get a good indication of how we are going to fare in the finals," the 24-year-old said. 
Bennett progressed through the Swans' junior ranks before making his senior grade debut in 1988. He has been a regular member of Griffith's team ever since and played in the RFL finals in 1991 and again last year.
The Swans suffered a 48-point loss to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the grand final two years ago and then finished fourth on the ladder in 1992.   (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Saturday, July 24, 1993).

Round 13 - Sunday July 25, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ............ 1.0 .. 2.2 .. 5.3 .. 7.6 (48)

Turvey Park ... 2.2 .. 4.5 .. 9.7 .. 15.9 (99)

Goals: Griffith: D Dunkley 2, G Argus 2, J Bennett, S Angrove, J Wescott

Turvey Park: W Sykes 7, K Johnstone 3, T Ness 2, M Flanigan, S Bourne, P Noack

Best: Griffith: G Garner, P Dunkley, J Wescott, S Egan, D Dunkley

Turvey Park: K Howe, D Wallett, S Bourne, G Vardanega, W Sykes, P Noack

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, S Egan, J Reid, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, S Angrove, J Wescott, M Coad, M Brown, M Cameron, J Agresta, P Rovere

Umpires: N Pattison, P Morey (AUL)

Reserves: Turvey Park 12.8 (80) d Griffith 2.3 (15)

Goals: Shane Best, M Teffaha

Best: S Collis, G Cameron, B McAllister, R Agresta, C Noack

Under 18: Griffith 10.8 (68) d Turvey Park 1.3 (9)

Goals: D Clark 4, B Harrison 3, M Burke, P Vardanega, M Reid

Best: G Foley, B Hathaway, D Clark, S Taylor, P Vardanega

Match report: Turvey Park showed the Griffith Swans what determination is all about when it comes to winning football matches as it set about demoralising Griffith at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval. The Turvey Park Bulldogs gave the Swans a lesson in wet weather football after the skies opened up early in the morning to turn the ground into a quagmire, to win 99 to 48.  The scoreboard actually flattered the Swans as they were second to the ball all day and didn't have the desire of the Turvey Park side.

Warren Sykes capitalised on the good work of the players upfield and finished the day with seven goals and in fact was only three points short of kicking Griffith's score on his own. Turvey Park had winners all over the ground and hunted in packs all day, used the boundary line successfully to lock the ball into the forward line and had runners on each and every line. The big thing in the Bulldogs game was the tackling which unsettled the Griffith players and set up many a loose ball for them to run into the forward line.
The Swans running players were nearly non-existent and it was a case of getting a kick when you could and drive it forward with no set plan. When this wasn't happening, it was the case of going sideways with a short pass, or handballing behind the player wanting the ball or to one standing still.
Michael Hewitt did well for the winners, picking up kicks at will on one wing and not wasting too many in the conditions, Sykes showed his class and Kane Johnstone relished his return to the top grade, kicking three goals from the pocket.  Darren Wallett burrowed under the packs all day to win kicks, Jeremy Masterson was solid at centre halfback, Terry Ness won on the wing and kicked three goals, while Heath Mooney and captain-coach Glen Vardanega gave solid displays.
Griffith didn't have too many winners and it was only Glen Garner, Griffith's best player on the day, Stewart Egan and Mark Brown who kept them in the match. Griffith's aim of taking second spot and the double chance looks to be out the window at this stage as it had to defeat Turvey, the side lying second, yesterday to have any chances.  (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, June 26, 1993)

Round 14 - Saturday July 31, 1993 at Robertson Oval 2.10pm

Wagga Tigers .... 3.7 .. 9.12 .. 13.20 .. 17.28 (130)

Griffith ................ 2.4 .. 3.4 .. 6.6 .. 6.7 (43)

Goals: Wagga: A Priest 4, P Hawke 3, D Cook 3, B Seymour 2, G Pieper, M Barber, D Pleming, P M Irvine, T Daniher

Griffith: D Dunkley 2, S Egan 2, J Wescott, M Cameron

Best: Wagga: D Cook, G Regan, B Seymour, D Pleming, S Priest, M Barber, G Doswell

Griffith: M Brown, G Argus, J Bennett, P Rovere, S Ruyg, G Collins

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, S Egan, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, S Angrove, J Wescott, M Coad, S Collis, M Brown, M Cameron, G Cameron, P Rovere

Umpires: S McDonell (RUA), B Sainovski (ACT)

Reserves: WaggaTigers 25.26 (176) d Griffith 1.2 (8)

Goals: A Forster

Best: B McAllister, N Creighton, A McCashney, Shane Best, C Noack

Under 18: Wagga Tigers 12.10 (82) d Griffith 1.2 (8)

Goals: P Vardanega

Best: G Foley, G Toscan, M Reid, S Taylor, P Vardanega

Round 15 - Sunday August 8, 1993 at Ganmain Sportsground 2.10pm

Ganmain-GGM ... 5.5 .. 8.8 .. 16.13 .. 20.18 (138)

Griffith ................ 1.1 .. 3.4 .. 3.5 .. 5.10 (40)

Goals: GGGM: N Carroll 4, T Hughes 3, M Parmenter 3, S Hamblin 2, D McPherson 2, J Crozier 2, M Walsh 2, L Winter, D Harris

Griffith: J Bennett 2, D Dunkley, J Wescott, A McCashney

Best: GGGM: D McPherson, M Walsh, M Parmenter, A Carroll, N Carroll, J Crozier

Griffith: G Dreyer, J Bennett, M Brown, J Wescott, M Coad, P Rovere

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, S Egan, J Reid, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, S Angrove, J Wescott, M Coad, M Brown, M Cameron, P Rovere, A McCashney

Umpires: T Doherty, K Wright (AUL)

Reserves: Ganmain-GGM d Griffith on forfeit

Under 18: Griffith 6.7 (43) d Ganmain-GGM 3.3 (21)

Goals: B Harrison 2, D Clark 2, C McDermott, M Kenny

Best: M Henderson, G Foley, G Vaccari, M Reid, M Rovere, D Clark

Match report: Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong will carry a huge psychological advantage into the Riverina Football League first semi-final after demolishing Griffith by 98 points at Ganmain Sportsground. The defending premiers made a mockery of Griffith's top four ranking by recording a 138 to 40 win in a farcical affair which had been billed as the league's match of the round. Ganmain-GGM will meet the Swans again on September 5 in the first semi-final and is certain to be a raging favourite on the strength of yesterday's effort.
The Lions' form has been "hot and cold" of late but captain-coach Tony Hughes is confident his team is now on the road to a third successive premiership. "Our performance was a big improvement on last weekend's game against Turvey Park," Hughes said. "We still make a few mistakes, but nowhere near as many as we have been making." "These days you have to run to win, and our running game was almost non-existent in the second quarter. "We picked up the tempo in the second half and overall I was pleased with the win."
Griffith captain-coach Peter Dunkley blamed a combination of injuries and "bad attitudes" for his team's humiliation loss. "We have to get our injured players back on the track and we need to change our attitudes," Dunkley said. "At the moment the players don't care if they win or lose." 
Griffith injury woes went from bad to worse when fullback Stewart Egan collided with the wooden fence surrounding the ground in the time on period of the first quarter. Egan sprained his left ankle in the incident and took no further part in the game. 
After dominating the opening quarter, Ganmain had a slack period in the second stanza when it did little more than go through the motions. But a half-time blast from Hughes ignited the Lions and they reaped an eight goal harvest in the third term. The Swans' spirit was broken at three quarter time when they faced an 86 point deficit. With such a huge difference between the teams, the last term was virtually a non-event. Ganmain capped off its mammoth victory with a four-goal-quarter, while inaccurate kicking prevented the Swans from adding some respectability to their score. 

Daniel McPherson shone for the Lions, Michael Walsh turned in his usual consistent performance and Mark Parmenter was creative. Schoolboy, Anthony Carroll better known as a forward, was solid at centre halfback and Nick Carroll and Jamie Crozier were also among Ganmain's top contributors.
Greg Dreyer tried hard throughout and was rated Griffith's best afield ahead of Jamie Bennett, Mark Brown, Jason Wescott and Matt Coad.    (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Monday, August 9, 1993). 

 GRIFFITH FORFEITS RESERVE GRADE 

GRIFFITH sunk to a low point in the Riverina Football League when it forfeited the reserve grade game to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong at Ganmain Sportsground yesterday.
The Swans notified Ganmain-GGM of the forfeit after only eight players from the reserves team arrived at the ground. "I can't remember us forfeiting in the reserves before today," said Griffith secretary Darrell Collins.
"Even when we were on the bottom of the ladder we could find enough players to field a team."
Griffith officials attributed the player shortage to injuries, illness and the unwillingness of players to travel to away games. The Swans hold down fifth position on the ladder in the reserves and would have forced their way into the top four had they won yesterday.
Griffith will be fined $50, required to pay the umpires' fees and lose two competition points for the forfeit.
Ganmain-GGM reserves played an unofficial game of four 15-minute quarters against a Griffith team which mainly comprised players from the under 18's.      (The Daily Advertiser, Monday, August 9, 1993). 

Round 16 - Sunday August 15, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ............................... 2.4 .. 7.6 .. 11.6 .. 15.11 (101)

East Wagga-Kooringal ... 0.4 .. 0.5 .. 2.10 .. 6.10 (46)

Goals: Griffith: M Coad 4, G Argus 2, J Bennett 2, J Agresta, G Toscan, B Davis, G Garner, G Dreyer, G Collins, M Burke

EWK: J Boneham 3, D Graham, B Page, C Mitter

Best: Griffith: J Wescott, G Garner, G Collins, G Dreyer, G Argus

EWK: B Page, J Ross, C Davis, J Charlton, M Hounsell, P Whittle

Griffith: R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, M Brown, M Cameron, C Noack, J Agresta, M Burke*, P Rovere, A McCashney

Umpires: P Beckwith, G Foster (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 12.11 (83) d East Wagga-Kooringal 3.14 (32)

Goals: S Angrove 2, R Agresta 2, D Norman 2, C Cassidy, J Vaccari, B Hammond, M Teffaha, G Robinson, K O'Driscoll

Best: J Vaccari, S Angrove, S McDermott, B Hammond, G Robinson

Under 18: Griffith 8.15 (63) d East Wagga-Kooringal 6.9 (45)

Goals: B Harrison 3, P Vardanega 2, W Donetto, M Reid, M Kenny

Best: P Vardanega, A Forster, M Rovere, B Hathaway, M Burke

Match report: Griffith appear to have "turned the corner" in its build-up to the Riverina Football League finals after accounting for East Wagga-Kooringal by 85 points at Ex-Servicemen's Oval. The Swans were coming off three big losses and desperately needed the 15.11 (101) to 6.10 (46) win against the Hawks.
Griffith has struggled with injuries during the second round and was down on morale following a 98-point loss to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, the previous weekend. However, the Swans answered the challenge and recaptured the form which made them a permanent fixture in the league's top four.
Griffith's only cause of concern was the injury suffered by wingman Joe Agresta. Agresta has been plagued by a shoulder problem and he aggravated the injury during the second quarter.
The Swans led by 12 points at quarter time before seizing full control of the game in the second stanza, which was played in heavy rain. Forward pocket Gerry Toscan led Griffith's charge when he kicked a miraculous goal over his head. Majors followed to ruck rover Gary Argus, centreman Brett Davis, rover Jamie Bennett and halfback flanker Glen Garner. East Wagga did not kick its first goal of the match until full forward Jason Boneham was successful 24 minutes into the term. The Hawks' cause was not helped when they lost valuable ruckman Mark O'Leary during the term through injury.
Griffith led by 37 points at half-time and put the issue beyond doubt by booting four majors straight in the third term. The Hawks wasted their opportunities - they had 2.10 to their name at the last change - but they managed four goals from as many attempts in the final quarter.
Griffith on-baller Jason Wescott edged out Glen Garner and ruckman Greg Collins for best on ground honours. Defender Greg Dreyer and Argus also played leading rolls in the Swans' win.
Centre half forward Brett Page, who was switched to the ruck in the second half turned in a big effort for the Hawks. East Wagga defenders Jamie Ross and Michael Hounsell, wingman Chris Davis, half forward flanker Jamie Charlton and rover Peter Whittle were consistent contributors.

(The Daily Advertiser - Monday, August 16, 1993). 

Round 17 - Sunday August 22, 1993 at Kindra Park 2.10pm

Coolamon ..... 4.0 .. 8.2 .. 11.6 .. 15.9 (99)

Griffith ......... 7.5 .. 14.10 .. 19.14 .. 25.18 (168)

Goals: Coolamon: G Adams 4, B Buchanan 3, K Hanna 2, J O'Connell, J Anderson, N Pleming, D Gillett, D Maloney

Griffith: D Dunkley 6, J Bennett 5, G Toscan 4, P Dunkley 3, B Davis 3, J Agresta, G Argus, G Garner, M Coad

Best: Coolamon: G Adams, T Morris, N Pleming, J Anderson, P Hurst

Griffith: B Davis, J Bennett, M Brown, D Dunkley, G Collins

Griffith: R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, S Egan, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, C Noack, J Agresta, P Rovere, A McCashney

Umpires: T Doherty, A Beard (AUL)

Reserves: Coolamon 10.8 (68) d Griffith 7.8 (50)

Goals: Shane Best 3, W Donetto 3, S Angrove

Best: G Cameron, R Agresta, J Reid, W Donetto, A Gannon

Under 18: Griffith 11.25 (91) d Coolamon 3.1 (19)

Goals: B Harrison 10, M Reid

Best: G Vaccari, B Harrison, B Hathaway, M Kenny, R Best, S Taylor

Round 18 - Sunday August 29, 1993 at Ex-Servicemen's Oval 2.10pm

Griffith ...... 5.2 .. 8.6 .. 10.8 ..13.13 (91)

Leeton ...... 3.5 .. 5.11 .. 9.17 .. 12.19 (91)

Goals: Griffith: J Bennett 4, G Argus 3, P Dunkley 2, D Dunkley, B Davis, G Toscan, M Coad

Leeton: L Anderson 3, A Wakeman 2, G Henman 2, H McRae, D Mann, D Lang, A Soley

Best: Griffith: J Bennett, M Brown, G Argus, J Agresta, G Collins, G Dreyer

Leeton: R Smith, D Lang, A Solley, H McRae, W Armstrong, D Breed

Griffith: S Ruyg, R Burdett, J Bennett, D Dunkley, J Reid, B Davis, G Toscan, G Dreyer, P Dunkley (c-c), G Collins, P Young, G Garner, G Argus, J Wescott, M Coad, O Brown, M Brown, M Cameron, J Agresta, P Rovere

Umpires: K Gogoli, A Lade (AUL)

Reserves: Griffith 19.18 (132) d Leeton 4.9 (33)

Goals: N Creighton 5, Shane Best 4, B Carmichael 3, D Gee 3, S McDermott 2, S Angrove, J Castle

Best: A McCashney, G Cameron, N Creighton, S Angrove, B Carmichael

Under 18: Leeton 9.11 (65) d Griffith 6.6 (42)

Goals: B Harrison 3, P Vardanega 2, M Reid

Best: P Vardanega, M Kenny, M Burke, D Clark, M Henderson

Match report: Griffith Swans coach Peter Dunkley is under enough pressure with his side in the minor semi-final next week without watching his players play undisciplined football seven days from the event. This is what happened at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval yesterday when the side took on Leeton and were lucky to come away with a draw, 13.13 (91) to 12.19 (91).  On top of that he has Ricky Burdett reported for allegedly striking a Leeton player and he will have to face the RFL tribunal on Thursday night.

In fact the sin-bin looked like a revolving door as Leeton's Andrew Soley and Griffith's Greg Collins were sent from the field for 15 minutes at the seventh minute mark of the second quarter. As they returned, Burdett got a stint after being reported and before he got back on, Griffith's Jamie Reid and Leeton's Allan McPhee joined him. Reid never returned to the game and he went to hospital with a head wound and the side never got back to 18 men on the ground until the 11 minute mark of the third quarter.  Jason Wescott left three minutes later with a back injury and didn't return and the Swans were down to the bare number.

Dunkley showed his displeasure at all of the breaks and after the match, but the players didn't respond and as said were lucky to get the four points.
It was only Leeton's inaccurate kicking in the early parts of the match which saw them score 1.4 in the first eight minutes allowing Griffith to keep in touch. The Swans battled back and took a nine point lead at the first change, thanks to some accurate kicking which saw it add five goals before the first minor score. It was seven scoring shots to eight in the second term and with the Swans kicking the straightest, held a 13 point lead at the long break. Leeton playing the better football and having an extra player on the field, had the better of the third quarter and again had the opportunities to take the match away from Griffith. Again kicking at goal was astray and it held a lead at the final change. 
Griffith opened an 11 point lead at the 18 minute mark of the final term and looked like it was going to run away, but Leeton youngster Damien Lang had other ideas. He won the ball on the half forward line at the 22 minute mark, ran through and around four or five would be defenders and kicked accurately to bring the margin to five points. From the ensuring ball up, Gary Argus was fed the ball but missed and soon after a clever handball under the pack to Paul Rovere saw the player hit the post. 
Lang again was in the match when he sharked the ball from a boundary throw in and kicked a minor score to make the difference six points. With less than 20 seconds remaining the ball was in the hands of Soley, who kicked straight and the scores were tired.  (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday August 30, 1993).

* Deducted Points (Forfeits), Griffith 2

1993 RFL NETBALL Ladders

A grade: Turvey Park 56, Narrandera 56, Wagga Tigers 54, East Wagga-Kooringal 40; Coolamon 38, Griffith 20, Ganmain-GGM 10, Leeton 10.

B grade: Turvey Park, Narrandera, East Wagga-Kooringal, Wagga Tigers; Coolamon, Leeton, Ganmain-GGM, Griffith.

C grade: Turvey Park, Narrandera, Leeton, Ganmain-GGM; Wagga Tigers, East Wagga-Kooringal, Coolamon.

Juniors U15's: Narrandera 60, East Wagga-Kooringal 54, Wagga Tigers 36, Ganmain-GGM 34; Turvey Park 18, Coolamon 10, Leeton 4.

 GREG COLLINS CAN SEE 'TURN IN THE ROAD' FOR GRIFFITH 

UNDERRATED ruckman Greg Collins admits Griffith has trodden a rocky road towards the Riverina Football League first semi-final against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong at Narrandera Sportsground on Sunday.
Collins pointed out the Swans have fully tested the league's "super powers" - Wagga Tigers, Turvey Park and Ganmain - but have also battled to beat teams at the opposite end of the scale.
However, the 29-year-old is adamant Griffith will rise to the occasion under the pressure of finals football and follow a path to its first premiership in 25 years.
"Nobody should be counted out yet - we have to be a big chance of beating Ganmain," Collins said. "And once we get over the first hurdle there is no reason why we can't go all the way."
Collins said the Swans have only themselves to blame for not reaching greater heights during the home and away series. "Most of the time we have played to the standard of the team we were up against, instead of taking the initiative and getting on with the game ourselves," he said.
We have matched it with the big guns, but we have also struggled against the teams below us on the ladder. 
The Swans' unpredictable nature has been highlighted in the past fortnight. After blitzing Coolamon by 69 points, Griffith squandered a 13-point lead with three minutes remaining to draw with Leeton last Sunday. 
"We were a bit lackadaisical on the weekend," Collins conceded. "Our biggest problem was we had our minds on the first semi-final and forgot about the job at hand." 
Collins has experienced his share of disappointments in finals matches and says it is time the trend was reversed. He played in the Griffith teams which were beaten in the 1990 and '92 first semi-finals, and he was also a member of the Griffith line-up beaten by Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the 1991 grand final.
"I suppose our record in the finals is against us, but it's not going to have any bearing on Sunday's game.
"We have a completely different team this year and everything will depend on the way we play on the day," Collins said. Collins, who made his senior debut in 1984, has enjoyed one of the most consistent seasons of his career. "It's has probably been my best year in the RFL," he said. 
Ranked in Griffith's best in 10 of its 18 matches, Collins is certain to be a key player on Sunday when he is pitted against the likes of Scott Hamblin, David Logan and possibly John Lawton.
Meanwhile, Collins team-mate Ricky Burdett will appear before the RFL tribunal on a striking charge at Ganmain Bowling Club tonight. Burdett was reported for allegedly striking an unknown player during the second quarter of last Sunday's game.  (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Thursday, Sept 2, 1993).

First Semi Final - Sunday September 5, 1993 at Narrandera Sportsground 2.30pm

Ganmain-GGM ... 6.4 .. 12.6 .. 15.9 .. 18.14 (122)

Griffith ................. 3.5 .. 8.6 .. 15.7 .. 22.8 (140)

Goals: GGGM: Anthony Carroll 5, Lewis Winter 3, Michael Walsh 3, Daniel McPherson 2, Mark Parmenter 2, Jamie Crozier, David Harris, Greg Menzies

Griffith: Gerard Toscan 7, Jamie Bennett 6, David Dunkley 3, Joe Agresta 3, Matt Coad, Shane Ruyg, Gary Argus

Best: GGGM: Lewis Winter, Anthony Carroll, Daniel McPherson, Michael Walsh, Luke Carroll, David Logan

Griffith: Greg Collins, Gerard Toscan, Brett Davis, Jamie Bennett, Joe Agresta, Stewart Egan, Paul Young, Shane Ruyg

Ganmain-GGM: Greg Menzies, Col Carroll, John Lawton; Luke Carroll, Peter Walsh, Jed Lawton; Jason McPherson, Tony Hughes (c-c), Jason Hamblin; David Harris, Lewis Winter, Mark Parmenter; Jamie Crozier, Anthony Carroll, Michael Walsh; David Logan, Daniel McPherson, Grahame Hughes; Dennis Walsh, Wayne Cox

Griffith: Greg Dreyer, Mark Brown, Mark Cameron; Paul Young, Stewart Egan, Paul Young; Rick Burdett, Brett Davis, Owen Brown; Shane Ruyg, Peter Dunkley (c-c), Joe Agresta; Matt Coad, David Dunkley, Gerard Toscan; Greg Collins, Gary Argus, Jamie Bennett; Jamie Reid, Andrew McCashney

Umpires: S McDonell (RUA), B Bird (ACT).   Gate: $5040

Reports: Gary Argus (Griffith) for allegedly using abusive language towards the umpire during third quarter.

Reserves: Narrandera 14.11 (95) d Ganmain-GGM 11.11 (77)

Under 18: Griffith 8.9.57 v Narrandera 6.6.42

Goals: Griffith: Damon Clark 3, Glenn Vaccari 2, Brenton Harrison 2, Michael Reid

Best: Griffith: Brent Hathaway, Graham Foley, Mark Henderson, Malcolm Burke, Michael Reid, Peter Vardanega, Glenn Vaccari

Griffith: D Norris, W Donetto, M Rovere; G Collis, M Henderson, P Crowe; M Kenny, G Foley, A Forster; G Vaccari, M Reid, S Taylor,; D Clark, A Poole, B Harrison; B Hathaway, M Burke, P Vardanega; C McDermott, R Best, B Toscan, Kane Duncan 

Match report: Seven goals in the final 12 minutes of the third quarter saw the Griffith Swans get back in the minor semi-final against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, at the Narrandera Sportsground. The Swans were down 24 points at the half-time break and watched the Ganmain-GGM Lions increase it to 42 points at the 17 minute mark, before an avalanche of goals and gutsy efforts in the final term produced a Griffith victory, 140 to 122. Griffith's win was even better than the scoreboard showed, as it was one player short from the 10-minute mark of the second term until the 22-minute mark of the third quarter.

 But it could have problems in the preliminary final in two weeks time, with ruck-rover Gary Argus reported and sent from the ground for 15 minutes and due to face the tribunal on Thursday. Apart from Argus, Greg Dreyer also had a rest in the sin-bin, as did the eventual match winner, Gerry Toscan.
Griffith coach Peter Dunkley was overcome in the rooms after the match and was lost for words. "You blokes are unbelievable and while I can pick out players for their effort, it was a brilliant team performance, he said in the crowded change room which resembled a grand final atmosphere. The players were escorted from the ground by a large portion of the Swans supporters who travelled to the match, while there was hardly a dry eye in the house amongst those in the stands. 

While Griffith started slowly, it was a herculean effort against a side looking for its third premiership in a row. 
Once the first half was out of the way, Griffith had good players on every line. Brett Davis was the best of them, Joe Agresta was not far behind, Shane Ruyg stood out on the half forward flank and of coarse Gerard Toscan,  Jamie Bennett, Greg Collins and the Dunkley brothers have to mentioned in what was a magnificent team effort. The Lions had plenty of good players in Michael Walsh, Daniel McPherson, Lewis Winter, Anthony Carroll and captain-coach Tony Hughes.   (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, September 6, 1993).

Second Semi Final - Sunday September 12, 1993 at Robertson Oval 2.30pm

Wagga Tigers .... 4.4 .. 6.4 .. 9.7 .. 12.9 (81)

Turvey Park ...... 3.1 .. 12.7 .. 16.11 .. 19.14 (128)

Goals: Wagga: Andrew Priest 3, Ray Willis 3, Damien Pleming 2, Corey Bocking 2, Terry Daniher, Gerard Pieper

Turvey Park: Heath Mooney 5, Warren Sykes 3, Kane Johnstone 3, Michael Hewitt 2, Dale Lewington 2, Troy Maiden, Terry Ness, Bill Veale, Tony Melican

Best: Wagga: Terry Daniher, Anthony Lyons, Jason Morton, Andrew Priest, Brad Seymour, Steven Priest

Turvey Park: Kane Johnstone, Ken Howe, Glenn Vardanega, Heath Mooney, Jeremy Masterson, Paul Noack

Wagga Tigers: G Regan, S Schultz, A Lyons; A Grimmer, G Doswell, S Priest, P M Irvine, J Morton, D Pleming; C Bocking, G Pieper, M Hundy; R Willis, A Priest, D Cook; T Daniher (c-c), B Seymour, P Hawke; S Blak, A Watson

Turvey Park: S Woods, T Ashcroft, D Wallett; G Vardanega (c-c), J Masterson, S Bourne; T Ness, M Flanigan, M Hewitt; D Lewington, H Mooney, P Noack; K Johnstone, T Melican, S King; K Howe, W Sykes, W Veale; T Maiden, N Francis 

Umpires: P DeBeus (ACT), T Beard (RUA). Gate: $6930

Reserves: Wagga Tigers14.7 (91) d Turvey Park 13.8 (86)

Under 18: Wagga Tigers 19.12 (126) d Leeton 2.6 (18)

Match report: The Griffith Swans will have to overcome the Riverina Football League favourites for the flag, until yesterday, Wagga Tigers in the preliminary, next Sunday at Narrandera Sportsground.  The Tigers have taken all before them this season to yesterday's opponents, the Turvey Park Bulldogs, who bounced back to win 128 to 81. The win sees the Bulldogs first into the 1993 grand final and they will be out to avenge the defeat by one point at the hands of Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong last season. The two sides met in the second last round of the competition and Wagga took the honours that day with a five goal win. Turvey officials made the comment after the match that the side was underdone with many players out and others suffering from the flu, but at full strength yesterday they were too good for the home team on Robertson Oval, Wagga.
In a hard fought first quarter, Turvey Park our bustled the Tigers, even though it trailed on the scoreboard by seven points, but the match revolved around the second quarter.  By the time the long break arrived, the Bulldogs had ripped the strips off the Tigers with a nice nine goal burst, which could have been bigger for more accurate kicking. The winners had 15 scoring shots during the term to the Tigers two in a complete demolition job led by Heath Mooney. The centre half forward was unstoppable in the match and it was his three goals in the second quarter and a hand in many others, which saw the Bulldogs take the ascendancy.
Wagga tried everything to stop the onslaught, but was lucky to win the ball from the centre bounce once during the quarter. Wagga coach Terry Daniher tried his heart out for his side, but didn't have too many helpers and best players for the Tigers could be counted on less than one hand. Daniher was defeated by Ken Howe in the ruck duels, but picked up many kicks around the ground, while back pocket Anthony Lyons and centreman Jason Morton tried hard. 

Mooney controlled the match for Turvey, picking up five goals for the game, the return of Warren Sykes also made an impact for the winners with three goals, Kane Johnsone kicked three and his roving partner Dale Lewington kicked two. The Bulldogs captain-coach Glenn Vardanega, in the unusual position of half back flank, gave the side plenty of drive, setting up plenty of attacking moves.
Once Turvey had set up the lead at half-time, all that was required was to match the Tigers in the final two quarters for an easy passage to the grand final. This they did, adding four goals to three in the third term and three goals each in the final quarter wasn't enough for Tigers to fight back.

(The Area News - Monday, September 13, 1993).

SWANS RUCK-ROVER GETS REPRIMAND

THE Griffith Autralian Football Club had a reprieve last Thursday night at the Riverina Football League's tribunal hearing.
Assistant-coach Gary Argus was reported in the first semi-final against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong for allegedly swearing at the umpire.
Arguis pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty by the tribunal and to Griffith's plus for the preliminary final against Wagga Tigers on Sunday, was given a reprimand.
It was Argus' good record over some 250 games in his career which saw the tribunal lenient on the ruck-rover. 
The club will be training tonight, Wednesday and Friday for the preliminary final and all supporters are welcome to the club rooms on Friday from 5pm onward for the team selections of the seniors and the under 18's.     (The Area News - Monday, September 13, 1993).

 QUINN MEDAL TO GARY ARGUS 

GRIFFITH'S widely travelled ruck rover Gary Argus was thankful the umpires saw the 1993 differently to the way he had after winning the Jim Quinn Memorial Medal at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club last night.
Argus was almost lost for words when he polled 23 votes to win the Riverina Football League's best and fairest award by five votes from Wagga Tigers' centreman Jason Morton.
The 27-year-old, who originated from Whyalla in South Australia, said he never considered he was a chance of taking out the coveted medal. "I thought I had played consistently throughout the season without standing out," he said. "Obviously different people see the games in different ways and I'm happy the umpires saw it this way."
Argus felt he had a much better chance in the league's vote count in 1992 - his first season with the Swans - but he finished fourth to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's Shane Lenon. "I though I played a few more outstanding games last year," he reflected.
Argus partly had the RFL tribunal to thank for being able to accept the medal. He was found guilty last Thursday of using abusive language towards the umpire in the first semi-final on September 5, and was given a severe reprimand. Had he been suspended, Argus would have been ineligible for the best and fairest award. 
Argus' tally comprised five best on ground and four lots of two votes.
Morton's effort was outstanding considering his season was plagued by a hamstring injury and he had players of Terry Daniher' calibre to take votes away. Turvey Park' ruck rover Warren Sykes finished third on 14 votes, despite missing the last five matches with a fractured collarbone. Tigers' ruck rover Simon Black and Turvey Park centre half-back Jeremy Masterson tied for fourth with 13 votes. Coolamon rover Michael Buchanan, Turvey Park forward Dale Lewington and East Wagga-Kooringal Mark O'Leary who was ineligible, were among the leading vote getters on 12. 
Daniher, the Tigers captain-coach was expected to poll better than the nine he received. 
Argus first played seniors with Androssan in South Australia at the age of 15 and linked up with Sturt and the Darwin club Waratahs before joining Griffith at the start of last year. "Griffith has been a great club to me and I'll be back again next year," he said in his acceptance speech.
Argus is no stranger to the limelight, having won the South Australian National Football League's under 19's best and fairest in 1984 when playing with Sturt. 
He was setting his sights on gaining selection in the RFL representative team next year. "I couldn't even make the 35-player squad this season - I was fairly cut up about that."
Argus has more pressing things on his mind at the moment as the Swans' prepare for Sunday's preliminary final clash with Wagga at Narrandera Sportsground. "Obviously any player is going to say winning the premiership is the ultimate - hopefully we can do it this year," he said. Argus received a trip for two to Noosa Heads courtesy of Harvey World Travel as part of his award.

(By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Wednesday, September 15, 1993).

 HIT TIGERS HARD, SAYS SWANS' SPEARHEAD 

CLASSY full forward David Dunkley has no doubts Griffith have the strength to out-muscle Wagga Tigers in the Riverina Football League preliminary final at Narrandera Sportsground on Sunday. Dunkley says the Swans will be using their bodies as well as their brains in a bid to oust the much vaunted Tigers in the premiership race. "We have to stop their runners, cramp them up and hit them hard," said the league's equal second highest goalkicker in 1993. "At the same time we can't afford to be undisciplined."
Griffith played aggressively against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the first semi-final on September 5 and achieved the desired results, defeating the defending premiers by 18 points. "We used a physical style against Ganmain and it worked," Dunkley pointed out.

"If we play the same way on Sunday we will finish the game on top."
Dunkley said the Swans have come a long way this season but they cannot be satisfied with themselves yet. "It's no good wasting the season by thinking we have done enough already," he said. "I've been playing long enough to realise you have to make the most of it while you can. "We have to switch on and get fair dinkum about things right from the start - the game is there to be taken if we want it," Dunkley added.
The 24-year-old has played a majority of his football with Devon in the Victorian-braced Alberton League and last tasted premiership success in 1987. He gained experience with St Mary's in the Darwin summer competition in 1990 and became acquainted with current Griffith star Gary Argus. "Gus (Argus) was playing up there when I was there and it was a good learning experience for me," Dunkley said. 
Dunkley was enticed to the Swans this season by his brother Peter, who was appointed captain-coach of the team. He was troubled by a knee injury early in the season and admits he battled to find form. "It took me a while to get going - the style of football is a bit different and I also struggled with strained cartilage in my knee," he said. The turning point for Dunkley came in round six when he was switch from a half forward flank to full forward and he bagged nine goals against Turvey Park. Dunkley has subsequently been a regular at full forward, although he has occasionally been given on-ball duties.
He finished the home and away series with 60 majors - second only to Narrandera captain-coach Darren Brookes (71 goals) on the goalkicking table. "I won the goalkicking at Devon one year and I would have liked to have been the league's top goalkicker this season. "But a month of wet weather went against me," he said.
Dunkley was wayward in kicking 1 goal 3 behinds in the opening quarter of the first semi-final but redeemed himself with a top display of ruck roving in the second half.
He said the Swans will maintain their winning form as long as they have 20 players supporting each other. "If we play to our potential and everyone puts in, they (Tigers) won't be able to stop us," Dunkley declared.

 (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Thursday, September 16, 1993).

 TOSCAN VOWS TO END HIS FOOTY CAREER ON A HIGH WITH SWANS 

GRIFFITH'S key forward Gerry Toscan has made almost as many comebacks as Dame Nellie Melba, but he promises there will be no more after this season is finished.
Toscan says the time has come for him to hang up his boots and he wants to go out on the biggest possible note - with a Riverina Football League premiership.
"I have retired three times before and played again, but this is definitely it," said the 32-year-old. "I've got a lot of work and family commitments and I can't put enough time into my footy anymore."
Toscan is hoping his career with not end in the RFL preliminary final against Wagga Tigers at Narrandera Sportsground on Sunday. "Hopefully we will finish the season off by getting over the Tigers and then beating Turvey Park in the grand final," he said.
Toscan, who made his senior debut in 1979, first contemplated retirement in 1990 when Griffith was beaten in the first semi-final."I live 30 miles out of Griffith and I was sick of the travelling," he said. "But I got itchy feet in 1991 and things started looking up for the club, so pulled the boots on again."
Toscan second retirement plans were put on hold after Griffith went down to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong by 48 points in the 1991 grand final. "I didn't want to go out that way," he reflected. 
Toscan lined up for his 14th senior season last year and found training harder than ever. "The grind of training was worse than it had ever been and I intended to retire at the end of the year," he said.
"But when captain-coach Peter Dunkley came to town at the start of this season and brought about nine players with him, I changed my mind again."
Toscan has no reason to regret his decision after producing some of his best performances of his career in 1993. He was seen at his best against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the first semi-final on September 5 when he inspired a remarkable comeback. After being sent off for 15 minutes in the second quarter for unduly rough play, Toscan bounced back to kick six goals in the second half.
The Swans finished with a wet sail to down the defending premiers by 18 points. "As far as the turnaround was concerned, I have never played a game which could be compared to it," Toscan said. 

"I was upset at getting sent off and knew I had to do something when I returned to the field. "In the end I was lucky a few breaks went my way."
Toscan said the game had a better finish than any of the other first semis he had played in with Griffith. "It was nice to finish on top for a change." "I had previously played in three first semi-finals and our average losing margin was about 80 points."
Toscan said the Swans would appreciate plenty of support from their home town on Sunday. "A lot of people stayed away when we were in the first semi-final because they expected us to get beaten," he said.  "Hopefully they will come along for the preliminary final and get right behind us."

(By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Friday, September 17, 1993).

 SWANS RECALL GEDDES TO 'STABILISE BACKLINE 

Griffith have recalled veteran Ian Geddes in a bid to add greater stability to its backline for the Riverina Football League preliminary final  at Narrandera Sportsground tomorrow. The 37-year-old made his debut 21 years ago, will go into the sudden-death encounter with only two first grade games under his belt.
Geddes' wealth of experience swayed Swans' selectors to include him in the line-up on the interchange bench. "I pushed to have Ian in the team," said Griffith captain-coach Peter Dunkley. "I feel the backline has been undisciplined and we need Ian's experience and stability back there."
Geddes a member of the Swans' team which went down to Turvey Park by 130 points in the 1992 first semi-final, played the first two games of the season before travelling overseas.  He returned to the playing ranks in the final round of the home and away series in Griffith's reserves. "Ian has been back training for the past five weeks and he played a good game in the reserves against Leeton," Dunkley said. 
Griffith have named a similar team to the one which upset Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong by 18 points in the first semi final on September 5. Geddes and wingman Jason Wescott were the only two additions for the Swans. Wescott sustained bruised kidneys in Griffith's draw with Leeton on August 29, forcing him to miss the first semi. The pair was selected at the expense of utility Andrew McCashney and defender Jamie Reid.
Dunkley said the Swans will advance to the grand final against Turvey Park if they maintain the form they displayed on the training track. "Training has been excellent and hopefully we play the same way on Sunday," he said.
Wagga had one forced change following its 47-point loss to Turvey Park in the second semi-final last Sunday. Defender Tony Grimmer was concussed when he received a heavy knock in the last quarter and will be rested tomorrow. "Tony trained tonight but we felt we couldn't risk him in this situation," Tigers' selector Barry Walker said last night.  Wagga named a three-player interchange - Matthew Hundy, Corey Bocking and Clay Barber - with one to be omitted tomorrow morning.

 (By Scott Sanbrook - The Daily Advertiser, Saturday, September 18, 1993).

Preliminary Final - Sunday September 19, 1993 at Narrandera Sportsground 2.30pm

Wagga Tigers ... 5.4 .. 7.7 .. 13.11 .. 19.12 (126)

Griffith ............... 0.3 .. 5.5 .. 6.6 .. 8.9 (57)

Goals: Wagga: Ray Willis 3, Terry Daniher 3, Gerald Pieper 2, Paul Hawke 2, Corey Bocking 2, Darren Cook 2, Simon Black 2, Paul M Irvine, Jason Morton, Grant Regan

Griffith: Gerard Toscan 3, Jason Wescott, David Dunkley, Gary Argus, Brett Davis, Owen Brown

Best: Wagga: Paul Hawke, Jason Morton, Terry Daniher, Ray Colvin, Corey Bocking, Stephen Priest, Paul M Irvine

Griffith: Gary Argus, Mark Brown, Greg Collins, Rick Burdett, Stewart Egan, Greg Dreyer

Wagga Tigers: Grant Regan, Stephen Schultz,  Anthony Lyons; Steven Priest, Grahame Doswell, Damien Pleming; Paul M. Irvine, Jason Morton, Ray Colvin; Ray Willis, Darren Cook, Brad Seymour; Simon Black, Andrew Priest, Gerard Pieper; Anthony Watson, Terry Daniher (c-c), Paul Hawke; Mathew Hundy, Corey Bocking

Griffith: Greg Dreyer, Mark Brown, Owen Brown; Paul Young, Stewart Egan, Glen Garner; Jason Wescott, Brett Davis, Rick Burdett; Shane Ruyg, Peter Dunkley (c-c), Joe Agresta; Matt Coad, David Dunkley, Gerard Toscan; Greg Collins, Gary Argus, Jamie Bennett; Mark Cameron, Ian Geddes

Umpires: J Dudenas, K Wink (AUL).  Gate: $6833

Reserves: Turvey Park 16.15 (111) d Narrandera 6.6 (42)

Under 18: Leeton 12.7 (79) d Griffith 9.9 (63)

Goals: Griffith: Damon Clark 4, Mark Henderson 2, Peter Vardanega, Steve Sargeant, Brenton Harrison

Best: Griffith: Brent Hathaway, Matthew Kenny, Peter Vardanega, Glenn Vaccari, Damon Clark

Griffith: M Rovere, W Donetto, R Best; G Collis, M Henderson, P Crowe; P Vardanega, G Foley, S Taylor; M Kenny, M Reid, A Forster,; S Sargent, B Harrison, D Clark; B Hathaway, M Burke, G Vaccari; C McDermott, K Duncan, B Toscan, A Poole

Match report: The final two Griffith sides in the race for the flag bowed out at the Narrandera Sportsground when the Griffith Swans' seniors went down to Wagga Tigers and the under 18's lost to the Leeton Redlegs.
The seniors took the match up to the Tigers in the first two quarters of the Riverina Football League preliminary final, but the lack of a functioning forward line saw them go down, 126 to 57. The under 18's side was defeated in eight minutes of football in the third quarter when Leeton added six goals and go on to win, 79 to 63.
In the senior match, Wagga got the jump on the Swans to go to a 31 point lead at the first change, but the Swans put on another of its comebacks in the second term to trail by 14 points at the long break.
The performance in the second quarter was reminiscent of the third quarter against Ganmain-GGM in the semi final, but unfortunately, the locals couldn't keep up the impetuous in the final half. Griffith came out in the third term and did what it had to do, score first. It happened in the third minute, but it took until the 20th minute of the last quarter before the Swans kicked its next major score and at that stage was 62 points in arrears.
Wagga coach Terry Daniher, who closed the dressing room to the media after the match, said the Swans never really gave his side any peace. "It was a battle, they really had a go and it was winning the toss at the start which was probably the difference. "We kicked with the wind in the first quarter to get the break, but they didn't go away and came back well in the second term. "After halftime, they were still in it, but our runners got going, if fact the match came down to whoever could have a good third term would win," Daniher said.

While he said the runners got going, it was one man who changed the game and that was former AFL star Paul Hawke, who got the scoreboard ticking over in the third quarter. There were good players all over the ground for Wagga and as said, none was better than Hawke, Ray Willis did plenty of damage in the forward pocket, Andrew Priest did well when shifted off Mark Brown to a flank and Paul M Irvine gave a lot of drive from the wing. Rovers Simon Black and Corey Bocking, who started on the bench, gave plenty of drive from the centre.
The Griffith side was very willing and lost nothing in pride as the players put life and limb on the line, but they lacked class in the wash-up. Ruck-rover and Quinn Medal winner, Gary Argus was tireless for the Swans, as was fullback Mark Brown. Greg Collins put in another solid performance in all the positions he played, while Greg Dreyer was one who was prepared to sacrifice the body. Others who battled the match out were Brett Davis, Shane Ruyg, Matt Coad and Stewart Egan. (By Brian Files - The Area News, Monday, Sept 20, 1993).

 'SWAMPY' DAVIS WINS SWANS' BEST & FAIREST 

CENTREMAN Brett Davis' season of missed fortunes will end on a high when he receives Griffith's best and fairest award at the presentation night at Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club on October 8.

Davis missed eight matches through injury but still was able to poll 28 votes in his club's top award and win by one vote from ruck rover Gary Argus.

Argus has gone on to comfortably win the Riverina Football League's  Jim Quinn Memorial Medal.

Defenders Greg Dreyer (25) and Mark Brown (24), and wingman Jascott (20) also polled well in the Swans'  count.Tough utility Andrew McCashney won the Griffith reserve grade best and fairest, while Graham Foley took out the under 18's award.
Griffith top vote-getters were: 
Seniors: Brett Davis 28, Gary Argus 27, Greg Dreyer 26, Mark Brown 25, Greg Collins 24, Jason Wescott 20, Glen Garner 18, Jamie Bennett 16, Stewart Egan 16.
Reserves: Andrew McCashney 25, Brett McAlister 23, Chris Noack 21, Grant Cameron 20, David Alpen 18, Jamie Reid 18, Mark Cameron 17.
Under 18s: Graham Foley 46, Peter Vardanega 25, Malcolm Burke 21, Brent Hathaway 18,  Brent Harrison 17.