Swans On Screen
HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
2016 RFNL SEASON
Apr 16 bye Apr 23 TP (h) May 1 CR (a) May 7 LW (a) May 15 CGP (h) May 21 Rep May 29 GGGM (a) Jun 4 NI (a) Jun 11 MCUE (h) Jun 18 WT (h)
Jun 25 bye Jul 2 TP (a) Jul 10 CR (h) Jul 16 LW (h) Jul 23 CGP (a) Jul 31 GGGM (h) Aug 6 NI (h) Aug 13 MCUE (a) Aug 20 WT (a)
Finals - Aug 27 QF Aug 28 EF Sep 3 SF2 Sep 4 SF 1 Sep 11 PF Sep 18 GF
Click on image to enlarge
PLAYER TRANSFERS
IN: Alex Birch (Ainslie), Jordan Iudica (Ainslie), Kyle Lynch (Port Macquarie Magpies), Guy Orton (N.T. Thunder), Vincent Pecora (Devon-Welshpool-Won Wron Woodside), Beau Rees (Northern Jets), Jordon Wood (Ungarie).
OUT: Chris Cerato (Coleambally), Henry Delves (Ainslie), James Fallon (Coleambally), Michael Griffiths (Katunga), Tom Groves (Coleambally), Joshua Hamilton (Coleambally), Riley Holland (Canberra), Che Jenkins, Tim Matheson, Brandon Mathews (Coleambally), Joseph Schirripa (Hanwood SC); Kyle Lynch (Port Macquarie Magpies), Vincent Pecora, Jordon Wood.
PAVESE ON DECK – By Matt Malone
Experienced coach Adrian Pavese will return home to Griffith next season. The Swans have announced Pavese as their senior coach for 2016 as he plans to fulfil the dream of his late father Ray and return to Griffith to lead the club. Desire to spend more time in Griffith with family after his father’s recent passing paved the way for Pavese to take the Swans’ top job. “It was something my dad had always been keen on, me coming home eventually to coach Griffith,” Pavese said. “Unfortunately he’s not going to be around to see it but it’ll still fulfil his dream by coming home and coaching the club where it all started.”
Griffith have opted to follow in the footsteps of Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes with a similar coaching structure. Pavese is based in Canberra and will travel to Griffith in the week for the final training and game days. He replaces Brandon Mathews after his two seasons in charge. The Swans will now appoint two senior assistants coaches to run training during the week. Pavese says a big part of his role will be to develop the club’s next coach from within the playing group. His main focus is to steer the Swans back to finals for the first time since 2006. “The goal is to get back to finals, it’s been a fair drought,” he said. “They’re had some very good coaches in Guy Orton, Brandon Mathews and Damien Scott, but we’ve just got to get back to finals. “There are some great people involved who have the club going in the right direction, now the next thing is to get back into finals action.”
Pavese arrives after coaching Gungahlin this year in their promotion to AFL Canberra division one. He spent six years at Queanbeyan, where he coached the club to three division one titles, as well as serving as NEAFL assistant coach. Pavese coached Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray in 2013, and for the past two years has been assistant coach of Melbourne’s women’s team. Griffith president Jeff Harris was pleased to welcome a coach back to the club with so much coaching experience. “Being where we are, there is only limited opportunities to get experience coaches, especially as much as he had done,” Harris said. Griffith confirmed the losses of ruckman Michael Griffiths to Victoria and Tom Groves to Coleambally. (The Area News - Friday October 2, 2015).
ORTON SIGNS WITH SWANS FOR 2016 SEASON – By Ben Jaffrey
Guy Orton will once gain don the red and white with the Griffith Swans in 2016. The midfielder will return to Griffith for work reasons after spending last season with the Northern Territory Thunder. Orton expected to touch down in Griffith late November. “Can’t wait to get back into the red and white,” Orton said. “I obviously missed last year and it was good to see a few more new faces that we’ve got coming plus the old faces from when I was there. “It will be good to have a coach like Adrian Pavese there at the Swans and I’m looking forward to playing under him.” Pavese excitement reflected that of Orton’. He can’t wait to get to work with the champion midfielder who played four season at the Swans from 2011-14. “We’re pretty pumped,” Pavese said. “He’s right up there with the Griffith legends. He’s a two time Jim Quinn medal winner and a former coach of the club. “Knowing his credentials in the RFL – someone of his calibre is great to have on board.”
The Swans has several more players they are looking to sign. Pavese hoped Orton’s signature would be the first of many. “Guy was the one we wanted first and foremost and now we’re hoping that leads to a couple more signatures over the next couple of days,” Pavese said. Monday and Tuesdays will be taken by the leadership group headed by Will Griggs and then, hopefully, barring any major things with work, I’ll take the last session on Fridays. “We hope to get 12 good sessions in through Christmas to work on our skill level.” Pavese gave a simple reason why the Swans would start so early. “Just a change of game plan,” Pavese said. “Under Brandon Mathews they had a particular style. “I’m coming in with a different style,” The pre-Christmas stuff will be working to the new game style.” The first grade side’s full coaching staff is still to be finalised but the coaching structure in the lower grades will likely remain the same. The Swans will train at 6pm on Mondays and Tuesdays while sessions on Fridays will start at 5.30pm. (The Area News - October 30, 2015).
SWANS ANNOUNCE SIGNINGS – By Ben Jaffrey
The Griffith Swans have added two players to their list after exciting prospects Alex Birch and Jordan Iudica joined the club last week. Both players join the club from North East Ausralian Football League club Ainslie. The pair will remain based in Canberra before they travel to the Riverina for games on the weekends. The signing coup excited Adrian Pavese who said there would be no added pressure on the new recruits. “They are two quality blokes, really ripping guys,’ Pavese said. “They will add a bit of culture to the club. “We have about six former NEAFL, second tier (of the AFL), footballers who have been at that level and have the experience. “We don’t want to rely on those guys, we want an even spread across the team.”
Birch will provide Griffith’s midfield and back-line with a sizeable target in the forward line. The 194-centimetre Canberra native has the ability to play in the back-line as well but is looking forward to plying to playing in his preferred position. “Centre half-forward would be a preference,” Birch said. “I played a fair bit in the back and have changing over the last couple of seasons. “I really don’t mind either way.” Iudica will join Griffith’s impressive midfield of Ben King, Guy Orton, Will Griggs and Mick Duncan. Originally from Essendon and District League club Keilor, Iudica will also provide Pavese with an extra forward if needed. Both Iudica and Birch spoke to a number of AFL Riverina clubs before Griffith snapped up the pair. “Alex is a mate with Sam Daniel, Will Griggs and Ben King and he got a call because they knew we were looking for somewhere to play,” Iudica explained. “We came down and met the boys, had a look at the club and had a look around and met the people involved. “They made it a pretty easy decision in the end.”
The signings come after Griffith lost their third player to Farrer League club Coleambally. Chris Cerato, who joined the Swans in 2015, followed Josh Hamilton and Tom Groves to Coleambally from Griffith. Griffith president Jeff Harris was disappointed in the tactics of the Farrer League club. “We’re certainly disappointed with (Josh) Hamilton. He’s a player we brought to town and found employment for,” Harris said. “For a club that’s cashed up, like Coly are it seems, to come in and cherry pick players as their recruitment, that aspect of it is certainly disappointing.” (The Area News - Monday November 9, 2015).
SWANS SIGN NEW RUCKMAN – By Riley Krause
The Griffith Swans have filled their vacant ruckman position with the signing of big man Jordan Wood. Wood played a key role for his Ungarie side which won the Northern Riverina League premiership, but opted for a change of scenery this year. At six foot eight inches tall with a tough spirit about him he was eager to see what the Riverina Football League had to offer. “I’ve got a few mates over there and I really just wanted to see what it’s all about,” Wood said. “It’s (RFL) is a better league and I’m looking forward to it.” The Swans lost Joshua Hamilton and Michael Griffiths this off-season which opened up a spot for Wood. “He thinks he’s got a bit to bring to the table. “I’ve got a bit of height on my side, not so much speed though,” he joked. “I was down at a training session and watched the boys and they look like they’re going fairly well at the moment.” Before he won a premiership with Ungarie, he was tearing it up for East Wagga-Kooringal reserves when he was named best on ground for their 2014 premiership winning side.
Griffith Swans director of coaching Adrian Pavese said the addition of Wood would provide the team with flexibility in the midfield. “The way our midfield was coming together this year, we were lacking that big man in the middle. “Shane Russell (coach) spoke to Jordan and he happily agreed to come over. “We had plans in place in case we couldn’t nail a ruckman, but now what we have allowed us to finalise other positions.” He said Wood would bring a lot of grit and determination to the Swans team. “He’ll bring a bit of hardness from all reports,” he said.
“He competes very very well and hates to get beaten and that’s what we want. “If they’re able to dominate a game, great, but we don’t want or need anyone thinking they have to be a superstar. “You need to contribute to the team as a whole and I’m trying to make sure everyone knows that.” (The Area News – Monday January 25, 2016).
GRIFFITH SWANS LOSE IN CAPITOL – By Ben Jaffrey
The new-look Swans out-fit’s first match together ended in a loss but director of coaching Adrian Pavese knows what he’s working with now. The Swans were on the end of a 103-35 drubbing on Sunday but it must be noted that opponents Gungahlin play in the strong Canberra league and Griffith had as many as 12 players missing. Pavese said the Swans were thereabout in the opening stanza but when the fitness came into the equation, the Jets ran away with it. “Our first half was strong, we were really competitive around the stoppages and clearances,” Pavese said. “The game plan was going OK but in the second half we dropped off. “Fitness is always a problem in the first game. We missed a few targets through fatigue but we’ll improve as we gain match fitness.” Injuries to Ben McRae and Shane Russell also added to the score.
The injuries, whilst not ideal, gave Pavese a chance to gauge the side’s versatility “We had a couple of injuries in the second term but that showed we have some good depth,” Pavese said. “We played seven or eight players who haven’t played senior football and they all did their job in the first half.” Along with the depth, Pavese said there was a lot to like from the performance. Griffith’s ball movement was a highlight for Pavese whilst Jono Gastin, Alex Blissett, Alex Birch and Jordan Iudica all impressed the coach. The Swans now look forward to their second trial against the Northern Jets on Thursday night on Exies No. 2 Oval at 6.30pm. The Area News – Monday March 21, 2016).
DESIRE TO PLAY IN FINALS – By Ben Jaffrey
Playing finals football – that is what drives the Swans in 2016. It’s been 10 years since Griffith played finals football in the Riverina Football League and director of coaching Adrian Pavese has that goal firmly rooted in the minds of his players. “We’ve talked a lot over the pre-season about creating history for ourselves,” Pavese said. “It’s (Griffith Swans) a proud club that has had a lot of success. “We want to play finals football and get their club back to where it belongs.” After receiving the first round bye, the Swans are raring to get their RFL campaign started against Turvey Park at Exies Oval on Saturday. “It was pretty tough last week to watch pretty much every competition in the country start and we had to wait another week,” Pavese said. “It’s a bit frustrating but everyone’s keen, it’s been a good pre-season and a big one. “The boys have improved a lot and the game plan’s solid, it’s just a matter of getting on the ground and implementing it.”
Despite the good shape o the game plan, Pavese will give the players plenty of time to adapt. “We’re not expecting everyone to be all over it straight away but by mid-year, it should be well and truly entrenched,” he said. “The first few weeks we are relying on our instincts and the players hopefully have that belief in the process because that’s what going to take us further.” Griffith’s opponents Turvey Park head into the game on the back of a win-less wooden spoon-winning 2015 and an 80-point first round loss to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
Even though Turvey Park’s recent form isn’t stellar, Pavese doesn’t buy into it and will take the game on its merit alone. “One thing the Swans can’t do is take anyone for granted,” Pavese said. “The club hasn’t played finals for a long time and we respect every opposition we come up against. “This game is going to be interesting. “I know they (Turvey Park) were well beaten last work but they led at quarter time, we have to be at our game. “They also have a game under their belts and we don’t.” (The Area News – Friday April 22, 2016).
RICHARDS FLIES FLAG IN CLASH – By Ben Jaffrey
Anzac Day in 2016 will be one that Nathan Richards never forgets. Richards kicked off his Anzac Day at the dawn service in Auckland after helping Australia under 17s Australian Rules side to a 110-point win over New Zealand the day before. The Swans junior said the combination of factors made it a truly special experience. “It didn’t sink in until I slipped it (guernsey) over my shoulders,” Richards said of playing for Australia. “Once you get a chance to look down at the coat of arms on your chest, it sends shivers down your spine. “Being such a big weekend – with Anzac Day meaning so much to New Zealand and Australia – added a bit to the occasion and made it much more meaningful win for the side.” Being an international fixture, Richards never thought in his wildest dreams the Australian side could secure such a massive win.
The Greater Western Sydney Academy member was prepared for a tough match from the time playing for the Griffith Swans first grade side. But, Richards thought his side’s quickness was the telling factor in the 19.15 (129) to 2.7 (19) win. “Going into the clash, we heard they were a big, mature side,” Richards said. “We really expected it to be quite a close battle but we ran over them with our speed on the outside in the end. “And I think that’s one difference from playing locally for the Swans firsts is the speed and the physicality. Representative 18s is a lot quicker but local football is a lot more physical.”
While Richards enjoyed his time on the field – where he took some solid contested marks and got plenty of football in his hands – it was the moment just prior to the match that sticks out in his mind as a real highlight. “I think having the jersey on, lining up with my teammates and watching the opposition team do the Haka was incredible,” Richards said. “Watching how well they performed it it gives you a rush of motivation. “On TV it’s great to watch, it sets the tone early but being a part of it is something else.” Next up for Richards is matches with the under 18s NSW/ACT Rams side. (The Area News – Wednesday April 27, 2016).
SWANS SHORTEN LAPSES - By Ben Jaffrey
THE Griffith Swans haven't cut out all their bad habits but they are minimising the scoreboard pressure that goes with them, according to director of coaching, Adrian Pavese. The Swans will like to keep the improvement going when they take on Narrandera at the Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday. Griffith has a near perfect record on paper four wins from five starts. However, each of these games have come with lapses in concentration but Pavese said those lapses were shortening each week. "I think the gap between the Swans best and worst is still quite wide but we're adjusting quicker," Pavese said. "When we're at our best, we are as good as anyone and when we are at our worst, I'm finding we're coming out of that phrase quicker. "It was a full quarter against Coolamon but now we get back into the game after four or five minutes, it's still two or three goals but it's getting better." Pavese said it was a credit to the mentality of his troops. "Against Coolamon we had no one take the bit between the teeth but now we have a dozen blokes under the pump who are consistently trying to get the boys back up," Pavese said. Casey Moore - who injured his shoulder at work - was ruled outlast week and will spend a couple more weeks on the sidelines and Alex Birch hurt his AC early in the piece against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong. The key forward will miss one or two weeks. James Toscan and Dean Crack both copped knocks but are set to run out against Narrandera. Nathan Richards is a chance to return to the side after several weeks playing in various representative teams. If Richards is available, Pavese said there were several players knocking on the door. "Cameron Harrison is pushing for a spot. He's been in good form for the two's," Pavese said. "Royce Johns went back to the reserves last week and Kieran Hume went back a few weeks ago and they have been playing well. "We're got some good depth with the boys playing well in the twos and at this time of year, the opportunities are there for them." Narrandera come into the match with just one win so far this season. (The Area News -Friday June 3, 2016).
DOUBLE CELEBRATION AT GRIFFITH'S HOME GAME - By Ben Jaffrey
THIS Saturday, the Griffith Swans will have plenty to celebrate but their minds will be firmly on the goal at hand. The clash against Mangoplah-Cookardina United-Eastlakes doubles as the club's ladies day as well as Dean Crack's first home game since notching up 150 games for the club. Crack - who missed last week's match thanks to a knock-knee - played his 150th against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong a fortnight ago and the club will use the home game to honour the "humble" footballer. "Cracky doesn't want much fanfare - it will just be a chance for the locals to get around him," Swans director of coaching Adrian Pavese said. "He's very unassuming, gets around the boys and is very humble. "Most importantly, he's loyal. He's been at the club since he was a junior, even though he probably had opportunities to try different things. "The fact we could get a win for him against GGGM was really important - just recognise the effort he's put in." This weekend's match against MCUE marks the start of a tough fortnght for the Swans. After hosting the second-placed Goannas, Griffith will host the ladder leading Wagga Tigers. Griffith has enjoyed a 5-2 start of the season and Pavese said the Swans continue to roll on, as long as they iron out a few problems areas. "The fact is we've been up for a while now," Pavese said. "Last week we had to be, but I believe we were still 15-20 per cent off last week. "We made some silly errors but we ground out the win. "We will do a few reviews this week. "The coaches will get around the playing group and get a scale of where we're sitting. "Although we're going well, we don't want to miss an opportunity to work on our game." Pavese said his side wouldn't be lacking motivation for their clash with MCUE. "The best thing about playing one of the top sides is that you know you have to be up," Pavese said. "The boys know that we have to bring our A game. "Do we think we can win this match? Absolutely. "Is it to be all and end all if we don't? Not really." In encouraging news, Jono Gastin will make his return from injury for the Swans. Gastin will line up in the reserves grade side against the Goannas. Kyle Lynch, Alex Birch and Casey Moore will all remain on the sidelines though injury. (The Area News - June 10, 2016).
TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH – By Matt Malone
Two-time Jim Quinn Medallist Guy Orton is confident Griffith can take it right up to Wagga Tigers in Saturday’s top of the table clash at Exies Oval. The Swans have been in brilliant form over the past month, winning four straight, to move into second spot on the ladder ad set up a highly-anticipated clash with the undefeated Tigers. Orton, who returned to Griffith after one season away, revealed there is a strong belief inside the Swans group that they can give Tigers an almighty shake. “We were confident going into the Mango game (last week), we spoke about it after, we didn’t speak up before that we were confident but to ourselves we were,” Orton said. “Training was on Friday night, then we took that into the game. We’re starting to have that feeling already this week. “You have got to be confident going into a game. We know they are going really well this year and playing some good footy, but so are we.” Orton has managed to catch a glimpse of the Tigers this year and believes there are a couple of key areas where Griffith will need to be at their best. “Turnovers are a big thing, they can really hurt you on the rebound,” he said. That’s and their spread from the stoppages with their quick on-ballers. They are the two biggest things we have to be wary of.”
Orton arrived at Griffith in 2011 and has had a huge impact on the club, despite not playing in finals during his time there. He said new director of coaching Adrian Pavese has had a positive impact on the club. “We have structures now, and different structures, too,” Orton said. “Even teaching the guys how to play football the way I was brought up…it’s just second nature to me. “The other thing is the reserves players are actually disappointed when they are not getting a game now, rather than not wanting to play senior football. “Pav’s done a good job.” Pavese also has Orton playing a number of different roles, from defence, the midfield, up forward, even tagging roles. Despite all this, the 30-year-old continues to excel and loves playing a role for the team. “It doesn’t worry me,” he said. “As long as I’m doing my bit for the team, I’m happy to just get a game and do that. Wherever Pav puts me, I’ll play.” (By Matt Malone – The Area News, Friday June 17, 2016).
SWANS PUT ON NOTICE - By Ben Jaffrey
GRIFFITH Swans director of coaching, Adrian Pavese has put his charges on notice about being complacent heading into their match against last-placed Turvey Park on Saturday. Turvey Park haven't registered a win since round 14 of the 2014 Riverina Football League competition, but the closest the Bulldogs have come since then was against Griffith last year in round two, when the Swans snuck home by 10 points. Since then, Griffith has easily accounted for Turvey but Pavese is taking nothing for granted. "It's a simple message, we haven't achieved anything yet. If the boys want to be part of the big picture we don't disrespect anyone," Pavese said. "If we go in there with the wrong attitude, they can stun us." Helping Griffith's cause is the return of several key players. Key forwards Alex Birch and Nathan Richards lead the list of players added to the squad. Birch has not played since injuring his shoulder in the win over Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, while Richards missed the loss to Wagga Tigers due to under 18 representative commitments. Ben McRae and in-form under 17s player Tom Clarke also come into the Swans squad, while Alex Blissett will miss the Bulldogs clash through injury. But what has Pavese most excited is the long-awaited return of James Taylor. The backman will return to the fold, through reserve grade, for the first time this year. "Hopefully James Taylor will make his first appearance with the twos, he's been training for a couple of weeks," Pavese said. "To have him back will be very important to our second half of the year." Having the bye last week gave Pavese the chance to look back and reflect on the season thus far. It's fair to say he's more than happy the way things are going with the Swans sitting in third position. "We're wrapped with not only where we're sitting, you'll take that any day of the week, I'm also pleased with the development of the playing group. "It makes it an exciting time and will give us a couple of headaches at the end of the year." (The Area News - Friday July 1, 2016).
SWANS ARE THE SOLE FOCUS - By Ben Jaffrey
GRIFFITH tall Nathan Richards' focus is completely on the Swans Riverina League campaign after the ruckman's representative commitments wrapped up for the year. The teenager has spent a large chunk of the year training and playing with the ACT/NSW Rams and then the Allies in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Richards last match for the Allies came on June 29 and his attention is solely on the local side now. "I always give the Swans 100 per cent when I play but now, especially, all my rep football is over, I'll be looking to do everything I can to get the Swans as far as possible," Richards said. "From there, we'll see what happens. Winning a flag is always the goal but at this stage we're looking to play well and take it week by week." Griffith suffered a hiccup last week when the side fell to Leeton-Whitton after leading at half-time. The Swans now take on Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Saturday at Crossroads Oval. The reigning premiers have notched two wins in a row as they strive for a spot in the top five. The Demons sit one win off Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in fifth. The Swans claimed a 33-point win against Collingullie-GP in round five but the task will be all the harder away from home. Richards said the loss to the Crows had made the Swans even more determined to get the win against the Demons. "I think everyone was pretty down after the game," Richards said. "We played some of our best footy in the first half and were in control of the game. Then we switched off after Leeton put on a bit of pressure. "That's something we really need to work on if we want to go deep into the finals. "We know we have the talent. We''re very confident we can turn it around against Gullie."
During his playing time time with ACT/NSW and the Allies, Richards racked up some frequent flyer points after having to travel all across Australia. That burden was given some relief after he received a $2500 Carbine Club of NSW Scholarship at the start of the month. Richards said the money would be put towards travel and bettering his football. (The Area News - Friday July 22, 2016).
JONO GASTIN FOCUSES ON MAIN AIM - By Ben Jaffrey
GOING down by 125 points isn't the best way to celebrate 150 first grade games in the Riverina Football League. Griffith Swan Jono Gastin notched the milestone in last week's big loss to Wagga Tigers but as far as Griffith's season is concerned, it was an unfortunate obstacle on the way to September. "Losing in my 150th game wasn't ideal but there's more important things," Gastin said. Things like the Swans preparing to embark on their first finals campaign in 10 years. Griffith will start that journey on Sunday against a rampaging Collingulie-Glenfield Park at the Ganmain Sportsground in an elimination final. Gastin will be one of many Swans playing first grade finals for the first time and was glad to be in the unfamiliar position. "It's a bit of a strange feeling," Gastin said. "We haven't been here in the finals before but it's awesome to be here. "There was a great feeling on the track last night. "There's a bit of nerves floating around but that's to be expected." Swans director of coaching Adrian Pavese has managed to get the best out of the troops all year. Gastin said the structures put in place by Pavese and the coaching staff as a major factor in the side's return to the finals. "We have a pretty good game plan that everyone can stick to it," Gastin said. "It's a good style that fits our team well and anyone can jump in and fill a role." The loss to Wagga last Saturday was a blow to the Swans preparations for week one of the finals. Pavese put it down to being "just one of those days" and implored the Swans to forget about it. Gastin said the side had learnt from that loss. "We have to be ready right from the start," Gastin said. "We have to be on from the centre bounce but we also have to have the belief in what we've done. "We've worked hard and we deserve to be here." (The Area News - Friday August 26, 2016).
Griffith Swans storm to 62-point win over Leeton-Whitton in Under 17 grand final - By Peter Doherty
Rising ruckman Nathan Richards inspired Griffith Swans to the club's first football flag since 2003 with a dominant performance in the under 17 grand final against Leeton-Whitton.
After a tight first quarter, the Swans got on top in the second term and pressed home their advantage in the third on the way to a 15.11 (101) to 6.3 (39) victory over the Crows.
It was also the club’s first under 17 premiership since 1999 and the enormity of their achievement was evident at three-quarter-time when coach Gary Argus implored his players to look around, see how much it meant 'and bring this home to Griffith'.
"It’s just a bit undescribable really, it’s just sensational," Argus said.
"It’s been 16, 17 years since (Griffith) won an under 17s flag, so it means a fair bit to a lot of people I’d say.
"I’m just digesting it at the moment, but it does mean a lot. They’ve been a great bunch of young adults all year and they really deserve this – they’ve worked hard, they’re good mates, they train hard, they play hard, and it’s been a pleasure coaching them."
The Swans went in as red-hot favourites after winning their semi-final against Wagga Tigers by more than 100 points. But it took until 20 minutes into the first quarter before they hit the front against Leeton-Whitton in a high-scoring opening term.
With three goals in the last six minutes before quarter-time, the Swans went to the first break eight points in front.
As the rain set in at a sodden Robertson Oval, Griffith kicked the only two goals of the second quarter but absolutely dominated possession. And they added another four unanswered goals after the main break to lead by 50 points at three-quarter-time.
"The second quarter was great – we closed them down, we had all the footy in our forward line and I think it went down there (Leeton-Whitton’s forward 50) once," Argus said.
"Once they adjusted to the conditions instead of trying to play the dry weather conditions, it was all over."
One of Griffith’s key first graders, Nathan Richards was dominant in the ruck and around the ground and was awarded the Col Kohlhagen Medal as best on ground.
The Crows found a couple of goals in the final quarter, but Griffith still finished off strongly for the 62-point win.
"I always confident today, I just felt good about it, and they were ready.," Argus said.
"They’ve lost their finals in the past and they weren’t losing this one."
The Area News - Monday, September 19, 2016
