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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 9, 1972 - No. 1
As a starter to the new season may the Swans without prejudice wish all Clubs best wishes for a successful and trouble-free season and lots of good football. Like most of the South West clubs it seems, we have through the mighty dollar, lost a few players from last season but we have gained a few handy recruits and have hopes again being up amongst the top teams once again.
Today we welcome back Kevin Kirkpatrick, who after two seasons in Jerilderie has returned as assistant coach, together with another returnee Roger Thom and a couple of newcomers Martin Jackson and Kevin Vaughan. We are sure all will be acquisitions to the team.
Speedy young winger David Simmons is fit again after missing most of last season with injury.
On the debit side we have lost Ralph and Wayne "Chummy" Robins to Whitton, Bob Prenzel to Dapto and John Higgins has retired.
They will be hard to replace but we hope some of our up-and-coming youngsters will be able to fill the gaps.
Joe Whyte will be carrying on as Seconds coach while Keith Thompson takes over the Thirds.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 16, 1972 - No. 2
The Swans were away to a pleasing start to the new season when they rather comfortably beat Grong Grong-Matong Magpies by 51 points with three quarters of good football and a nonchalant (to say the least) last session. All Griffith fans at least were interested in the performance of our newcomers and generally were impressed enough to feel that with the return to the team of "Skeeter" Milne, Darryl Collis, Gary Owen and possible John Higgins and Mal Brauman we will again be premiership contenders.
Kevin Kirkpatrick back after two years at Jerilderie showed he still has a lot of good football left in him by rating as our best while Martin Jackson and Kevin Vaughan also showed out well.
David Simmons returning to the team after injury last year also had a good game and was amongst our best.
The fact that Phil Smith, whose long-curled locks earned him the nickname of Shirley last year, now has further repute adornment in the shape of a beard makes you wonder if his mates will now refer to him as the "Bearded Lady".
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 23, 1972 - No. 3
Another game, another win and we are still at the top of the ladder but from the results today could be the big test. A close and hard game for three quarters then we did the opposite to the previous week - came home like a train to win by 39 points, which should have been doubled with some straight kicking.
Our Seconds and Thirds were given a football lesson in their respective games although Leeton strained the friendship with some of the "boys" in the thirds team.
Once again, our generous donors the Griffith Co-op Society and Bob Carroll are giving best player trophies each game.
The winners against G.G.-Matong (which missed out last week) were Co-op award (Firsts) John Candusso and Bob Carroll award (Seconds) Trevor Reed while against Leeton the Co-op award went to Sid Robins and Bob Carroll's to Errol Hill.
It was rather disappointing to find a blank space instead of the Leeton team list in the Aussie Ruler, especially as they have many newcomers this year. I understood non arrival of guernseys was the reason.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 30, 1972 - No. 4
No excuses - we kicked 11-6 in difficult windy conditions, had a 50-point lead at one stage and went down by four points.
By their win Narrandera the best team on the day now are clear cut competition leaders after only three rounds.
It is strange, but for the second time this season we have had a "fade-out" at Griffith in the last quarter which makes one wonder if the home ground is an advantage after all.
Narrandera made it a good day by winning the Thirds and Seconds. We hope that after two football lessons in a row our teams benefit and improve by the experience.
John Candusso, who is having a real good year won the Griffith Co-op's award as the best First 18 player while Terry O'Connor in his first game (in year's) won Bob Carroll's Menswear trophy for the Seconds. Noel Haase, having his first game with the Swans shaped quite well against Narrandera's tall timber in the rucks and looks like being a very handy player when he settles down.
Bob Spears and Bill Biron certainly were the two heaviest players in the Seconds game.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 7, 1972 - No. 5
Although of late years we usually have won, our team is never really happy on the small Ariah Park ground, and such was the case again last Sunday when we had to battle for our win after a hard and rugged game.
One of the highlights of the game was the performance of the respective centres Kevin Kirkpatrick and Garry Wynd.
They played wide of each other and were amongst the best on the ground, "Kirkie" may have had the edge.
One cannot understand our Seconds returning to form as the opposition was rather weak, but they certainly kept the flag wavers busy with their mammoth score of 40-25 (265). This against the Bombers seven points gave the percentage a lift.
Our award winners for the day were - First 18 (Griffith Co-op Society Trophy) Noel Haase; Second 18 (Bob Carroll Trophy) Chris Sharpe.
Our 12- and 14-years schoolboys teams made history last Saturday when they defeated Narrandera in the Leeton Zone Comp.
It is believed this is the first time the Narrandera under 12's have been defeated while us under 14's under the expert coaching of Don Best and Bob Carroll are playing excellent team football.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 14, 1972 - No. 6
Three wins made it a big day for the Swans against Coolamon last Sunday and although we had hopes of getting a hat-trick the winning margins were a little beyond our expectations.
Despite the difference in the scores the First 18 game was a real crowd "pleaser" with both teams appreciating and taking advantage of intelligent umpiring that allowed the game to flow.
Bruce Forbes failed to satisfy the selectors, he was fully fit so spent the day doing odd jobs in his capacity of committeeman and then kept details and interesting statistics of our team in the main game. Bruce says he will be back on deck again today in the No. 16 guernsey.
Game awards for last Sunday were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Trophy) Vic Wilson; Seconds (Bob Carroll Trophy) Chris Sharpe; Thirds (socks award) Fred Schmetzer.
Chris Sharpe followed his 10 goals at Ariah Park with 12 against Coolamon but he is happy to remain in the Seconds as he feels it is not so hectic as Senior football where he has had an unlucky trot with injuries.
Congratulations and best wishes to our players David Simmons, Greg Thompson, Bob Hogan, Garry Diggelmann who gained selection in the Riverina Schoolboys team which is playing in Sydney during the school holidays.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 21, 1972 - No. 7
Another three wins highlighted by a not easy but conclusive win in the main game at Whitton, has everyone eagerly awaiting the big clash with the Bulldogs today.
There is little to enthuse about in the main game as it was a rugged scrambly affair with the Swans improving after half time to win well.
Chris Sharpe gave his goal tally another boost with nine more at Whitton in a Seconds game that also helped our percentage a little.
The Thirds made it two in a row when they were too lively for a bigger but slower Barellan team.
Trophy winners for out three teams were Firsts (Griffith Co-op award) Ian Wade; Seconds (Bob Carroll Trophy) Gary Gardner; Thirds (Socks award) Glen Luhrs.
Congratulations to Phil Smith on his engagement. Ron Russell raised quite a cheer when he made the announcement prior to the game at Whitton. Everyone wishes "Shirley" well, but the occasion must have been a little too much as he had a quite game, but he will soon settle down we hope. Congratulations also to David Simmons and Greg Thompson for gaining selection in the N.S.W. carnival.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 4, 1972 - No. 8
Three wins against the Bulldogs made it quite a day for the Swans especially as each win consolidated our position in the top four of the three competitions. The main game was a real crowd "pleaser" with little between the teams and the lead changed several times before we eventually won the four points. It was a game that was always hard and fast with no spite, in fact the kind of game that will attract more spectators - let there be more of them - football instead of foot-brawl.
Our trophy winners against Turvey Park were Firsts: Bruce Forbes; Seconds: Errol Hill and Thirds: Glen Luhrs - all certainly were worthy winners.
Once again Farrer proved their superiority at Yerong Creek in last Sunday's inter-league game, which gives them three wins from four games at the Creek. Although the SWDFL played poorly, we had at least had the satisfaction of knowing our five players were well in the fore.
Congratulations are in order to Bruce Forbes for selection in the N.S.W. squad and to Neville Brand, who won the best SWDFL (Under 16's) player award.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 11, 1972 - No. 9
Bruises and sore spots were as common as 20 cent pieces amongst the Swans after a fierce and rugged game against the Ardlethan heavy weights, but the 15-point win proved a suitable balm.
The early games were also pretty rugged with the honours shared - Griffith winning the Seconds and Ardlethan the Thirds. Players Awards for these games were: Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Sid Robins; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Noel Brown; Thirds (Socks award) Steven Murray.
Despite valuable help from a former experienced SWDFL footballer, VFL umpire Pritchard caused plenty of confusion perhaps he got mixed up with his and his assistant's interpretations.
This is a short story about a lot of bull and a plucky footballer - spirited Swan rover, Gary Owen, was heading homewards in his new utility on Saturday when his right of way was challenged by a large bull. In the resultant collision, the bull, was killed, the utility badly damaged with lucky Gary receiving only a shaking up. Gary showed that the experience did not do him any harm when, against Ardlethan he rated as one of the best.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 18, 1972 - No. 10
The Maroons proved far too good for us last Sunday and really should have had the game well and truly wrapped up by quarter time, had the forwards, especially big Phil (Gehrig), made the most of their chances.
Excuses have been made for our poor showing, such as the loss of drive from Bruce Forbes, but good footballer that he is, Bruce would have needed to be Superman to lift our team into top gear.
Bruce had the satisfaction of playing for N.S.W. team vs Queensland.
The only bright spots in our day were the winning efforts of our Seconds and Thirds, both of whom revealed plenty of determination to win their games against strong Ganmain opposition.
Awards for the three teams went to Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Greg Thompson; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Bob Spears; Thirds (Socks award) Glen McNally.
It seems as if the penalty copped by our Noel Brown for an involuntary burst of bad language is to be taken as a guide, the judiciary, with the help of the umpires, will take a lot of pollution out of the air - and it certainly will not do any harm either.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 25, 1972 - No. 11
How can you put the two games together - one-week no-hopers almost from the start against Ganmain then the next playing like champions against Leeton. Our big win gave our percentage a boost, but it wasn't needed to get us back into second place, thanks to Whitton upsetting Turvey Park. Let us hope we can hold on to that place till the finals come along.
Although he was getting short on petrol and was glad to come off early in the last quarter to give John Higgins a run, Bob "Tank" Spears showed he is still a strong and rugged footballer, and probably earned himself another game or two with the Firsts. Leeton had little trouble in defeating our disappointing Seconds and also the Thirds.
There were a few sparks of interest provided in the game when two of the smaller players who clashed in last year's final and received a week's holiday each decided to carry on their feud, but it was rather tame action and did not give umpire Henderson much worry.
Awards for the three teams went to Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Greg Thompson; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Jeff Evans; Thirds (Socks Award) Nigel Cafe.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 2, 1972 - No. 12
To say our loss at Matong last Sunday was quite a shock would be an understatement of the week, but the result is now history, and the Magpies clearly won the battle of the birds. Full credit to them too for, on the day, they were the better team, and it is a pity some of their enthusiasm and purpose did not rub off on to some of our players.
We missed Ron Russell, who was injured in a motor (cycle) accident and the reshuffled team could not settle down, but we had our chances to win when we hit the front early in the last quarter, only to be swamped by a storming eight goal finish. Our Seconds had a big win, and the highlight of the performance was the 15 goals kicked by Chris Sharpe.
Our weekly winners at Matong were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society Award) Darryl Collis; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear Award) Reg Higgins.
It was pleasing to see the Riverina Australian Football Club received its license. It should now become a popular stop over place for teams visiting Wagga.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 9, 1972 - No. 13
Just as well, there are no stewards in football or our whole First XVIII team would certainly have been swabbed after their two most recent performances at Matong and Narrandera. Down deservedly to the Magpies one week then beating the unbeaten competition leaders the next is almost unbelievable form, but the score is now history.
It was "evens stevens" too with both Ron Russell and Jeff Hemphill featuring in the roll of non-playing coach brought about by injury.
The game was not one for the weak or timid as it was pretty hectic at times in the first half and always rugged but fortunately umpire Quinlivan was equal to the task.
We also upset the Imperials in the Seconds which, with Leeton's big win dropped them down to second place but they were a little too good in the Thirds.
Winners of our weekly trophies at Narrandera were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society Award) John Candusso in a photo finish from four others; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear Award) Ian Hamilton in another close decision and Thirds (Sid Sellars Socks Award) Greg Wade.
It's the Bombers at home today and here hoping we don't turn on another Matong episode.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 16, 1972 - No. 14
The spectators who braved the bleak conditions at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval last Sunday had little to enthuse about as right from the start it was apparent Griffith had the game "in the bag". The Bombers, however, offered enough solid opposition to give the Swans some good solid match practice to prepare them for some tough games which are coming up.
Our Seconds as expected were far too strong for the Bombers and with the aid of another 12 goals from Chris Sharpe, won 205 to 27 to keep up their percentage.
Trophy winners against Ariah Park were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society award) Bruce Forbes; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Jeff Evans.
Ron Russell, with the plaster off his leg, was pretty active and lively last Sunday so may be back "on deck" again today.
Players and supporters are reminded that the popular Club Ball is on Friday, August 4th and that tickets and table bookings are available at Bob Carroll's. The social committee also is arranging another of the popular game's nights in the club rooms next Friday.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 23, 1972 - No. 15
A 75-point win over a team such as Whitton keeps morale high and the players keen and enthusiastic.
Although well and truly beaten the Tigers put up a great battle until half time and even when the Swans got on top in the second half, played on well and strongly enough to make one wonder why they are so low on the competition ladder.
Highlight of the game was the performance of full forward Martin Jackson, who in his best effort of the season, led and marked brilliantly to kick ten goals from all angles including three real beauties.
The Seconds had another big win and again Chris Sharpe was amongst the goals with 12 to bring his total for the season to 91, so with four games to go he should reach the prizes "ton".
The Thirds found Barellan United a fitter and better team than at their last meeting and lost by 22 points.
Trophy winners for our teams were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society award) Martin Jackson; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Phil Botten; Thirds (Sid Sellar's Socks) Glen Luhrs. Supporters and players don't forget our Ball on Friday, August 4.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 30, 1972 - No. 16
By Swan: Coolamon coupled size and strength with football ability last Sunday in their successful blitz of the Swans, were almost at a "plucked duck" stage at the final siren. After being imminent for quite some time the bubble eventually burst midway through the second quarter when a fierce all-in fracas occurred in a matter of a few minutes, followed by another and it seemed Terry Reilly of TV Ringside may have to be called to replace umpire Cameron, who showed lack of experience in this sort of situation and could possibly have averted the two matters with a few more tunes on his whistle.
Fortunately, we came through a tough game fairy well with ruckman Noel Haase the only likely doubtful starter for today's big game.
Our share in the day's honours came with wins in the Seconds and Thirds and we hope to have all three teams, once again, in the finals, although the Thirds have a pretty tough progamme ahead.
Out trophy winners for the Coolamon battle were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Roger Thom; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Kevin Vaughan; Thirds (Socks award) Ian Wood.
Coolamon notes (By Grasshopper): Last Sunday's game should have convinced those critics who said Coolamon couldn't play a hundred minutes of sustained football. Several interesting individual duels around the ground - Ron Moylan and Sid Robins, with Moylan a clear winner; Bruce Forbes and Peter Elliott with the decision going to Forbes and last but not least, the mighty midget, Paul "Snow" Maloney and diminutive Griffith winger, David Simmons - in this case I think a draw would be a fair decision - ball players all of them and good to watch. Lance "Dolly" Crocker was again in superb form at fullback and kept the bearded Jackson down to the very modest total of two goals.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 6, 1972 - No. 17
The return trip home seemed shorter after our successful visit to Gissing Oval last Sunday.
The Firsts and Thirds had reasonable easy wins but the Seconds had to battle all the way before they eventually won by eight points.
Quite a few of our players, Firsts and Seconds, travelled to Wagga on Saturday and that they did the right thing on their overnight stay was shown by the way they played. It was good to see Ron Russell back in action again after his enforced spell and he showed what an asset to the team he will be in the tough games ahead.
Trophy winners for our three games against Turvey Park were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Sid Robins; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Neville "Mopsy" Hall; Thirds (Socks award) Peter Read.
Our Annual Ball on Friday was a real "swingin" affair and a good time was had by all - just how good and how effective are the recuperative powers of youth will be shown by the performance of our team against Ardlethan today.
Our recent TV competition was won by Mrs. Moira Warburton, who was able to send the portable up to to her father (J.J "Digger" Carroll).
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 13, 1972 - No. 18
Three wins gave us another field day at the expense of the Stars last Sunday and lifted all players' confidence another notch for the fast-approaching finals. The First and Seconds had easy wins, but the Thirds had to come from behind at half time to win a tough low scoring game by seven points, which puts them well in the running for a place in the first semi final.
The Stars were unfortunate that a few of their players were not interested enough to turn up and several had to double up, which must be most disheartening to the coaches, the keener players and the hard-working officials.
Best player awards for our teams were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Garry Owen; Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Chris Sharpe; Thirds (Socks award) Terry Hughes.
Chris Sharpe incidentally scored his "ton" in the Seconds game by kicking ten to make his total for the season 105 - an outstanding feat seeing he missed a couple of games.
Our Ball on Friday night was a resounding success with plenty of contenders for the "belt" award.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 20, 1972 - No. 19
By Swan: Two wins from three games was not a bad return for the trip to Ganmain but, unfortunately, victory in the main game went to the home team. It must be admitted, however, that we did not deserve to win this match as we showed little enterprise or purpose and will need to do a lot better from here on.
Winners of the weekly awards were Firsts (Griffith Co-op Society) Ian Wade, Seconds (Bob Carroll's Menswear) Colin Wood, Thirds (Socks award) Terry Hughes. Our grateful thanks to the Co-op Society and Bob Carroll, plus the many donors of socks for their generosity in providing these weekly trophies - their gesture was much appreciated by the club and players.
The great success of the Swans in the League best and fairest awards - congratulations to Mr. Reliable, Sid Robins, on his well merited Gammage Medal win, to Glen Luhrs for winning the Third XV111 Petts Trophy and also to Chris Sharpe, who was equal second in the Second XV111 Lanham Medal and also kicked 112 goals for the season.
Sid Robins capped a real good season by also winning a local Band F award for a portable TV set.
We have two teams - Thirds and Seconds - in today's semi final and we wish them and all the other teams playing today the best of luck.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 27, 1972 - No. 20
It was not the Swan's Day last Sunday when both our Seconds and Thirds packed their guernseys away into mothballs after losing their first semi final games.
The young players of the Third XVIII could not settle down and probably the occasion was a little too much for them and it was only in the last quarter that they showed some of the football expected of them and with good play, outscored Leeton 26 to 2, to fail by two points.
The Seconds, who were strongly fancied, were most disappointing and playing well below form were never in the race against the strong Ganmain combination to trail by 42 points at the final siren.
Our hopes of winning a premiership now lie with the First XVIII and they face no easy task against Narrandera this afternoon. We have, however, broken even with the Imps so far this season and the players are confident they can make it two out of three today.
The popular (Gammage Medal) win by Sid Robins called for quite a bit of celebrating which wound up when his First XVIII team mates on the Friday joined in a niner (plus) after training.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 3, 1972 - No. 21
Narrandera made quite a mess of our hopes of having a spell today, but few will argue that they were not worthy winners last Sunday.
It's Coolamon today and following their powerhouse display against Turvey Park, the Hoppers will not be easy to beat but our coach and players are hopeful and optimistic that they will get another tilt at Narrandera in the final.
We will be without a couple of handy players today with ruck-rover Greg Thompson and winger David Simmons in Adelaide representing N.S.W. in an interstate High Schools carnival.
We will miss these two promising young players but fortunately have a couple of handy replacements available.
These two players plus Bruce Forbes (the idol of Narrandera) gives us three interstate representatives this season which must add another bright feature to the Swans plumage.
After today's game the Griffith players and supporters will combine in a social evening in the clubrooms at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval during which the best and fairest votes for our three teams will be counted.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 3, 1972 - No. 22
Without any serious injuries from last Sunday's tough and rugged preliminary final, the Swans sharpened up with some impressive training during the week and will be at their top for today's big game against Narrandera. The Imperials lead us two to one to date this season, but with a little luck, I feel we can even the scores and return home with the club's third (SWDFL) premiership.
The Swans have had a successful season and all members are happy to see the Firsts at least in the finals and everyone in the town is pleased and proud that two of the Leagues three Best and Fairest winners, who will receive their trophies and do their lap of honour today, come from this club.
At a social function in our club rooms last Sunday night, a big crowd of players and supporters attended to see the Best and Fairest votes for our three teams counted. The winners, who were strongly fancied contenders, were First XVIII, Sid Robins; Second XVIII, Ian Hamilton; Third XVIII, Glen Luhrs.
This being the last issue of the "Aussie Ruler" this year, this club congratulates the editor on keeping us up with news and happenings within the League and extend best wishes to all clubs for another good season in 1973.