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HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1965 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Nel Griggs
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 11, 1965 - No. 1
Our form in the trial games was not so hot, but the loss of Peter Morris and Bob Little, and five other senior players cleared to coaching jobs, and the unavailability of Vic Hathaway, Ian Crewes and Mal Brauman for these early fixtures had the line-up rather unsettled.
Our two new coaches, Kevin Kirkpatrick (Geelong) and Cliff Hawkins (Wangaratta) are classy players, however, and having gained several good recruits, we expect the full team to well again this season.
It was disappointing that we could not arrange a home trial game for our keen supporters and, apart from the valuable practice, all our players gained from two long trips was blistered feet and hard grounds, whilst our own springy turf oval remained unused.
Recruits George Schlitz (ex-Leeton), Claude Smith (Tasmania), seem to have solved our ruck problem caused by the loss of Bob Little and Jim Eley and they, with Bill Biron, coupled with two good rovers, should get us our share of the ball from the packs.
Senior coach Kevin Kirkpatrick takes the big plunge in Geelong next Tuesday and best wishes of the Club and players go to Kevin and Joan on the happy occasion.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 18, 1965 - No. 2
Apologies to all patrons at Leeton on Sunday for the confusion caused by the wrong numbers on our players but you can't wear guernseys still with the manufacturers. With only seven of last year's twenty available, the Red and Whites turn on an astounding team effort to down Leeton and supporters returned home full of optimism for the future.
The team had no passengers and the way players such as Sid Robins, Kevin Luhrs and Lachie O'Dwyer lifted their game was a revelation.
Coach, Kevin Kirkpatrick, who was married in Geelong last Tuesday could not have wished for a better wedding present than such a good win in his first game. After much cogitation the selectors awarded Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt to Sid Robins.
On the second 18, although beaten by a stronger Leeton team we were pleased with their performance and will improve a lot during the season. We were disappointed at not being able to field a third 18 but for various reasons 12 or 14 of our prospective players were unavailable and it was impossible to rake up the minimum of 14 on the day.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 25, 1965 - No. 3
We had been warned the Bombers would be hard to beat, and the prognostication was no myth, as it was only better condition that won us a close, hard game. Bob Spears turned in a brilliant game - his best for the season, and the effort won him Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt award as our best player. Once again John Foley produced an outstanding performance, and it is rather puzzling to Griffith fans that this consistent and brilliant player continues to miss out as a half-forward flanker in the S.W.D.F.L. rep. teams.
It was pleasing news that Claude Smith's ankle was not broken, as first thought. He has a badly sprained ankle, however, and will miss quite a few games. One of the features of the game was the splendid kicking out of our full-back, Lachie O'Dwyer, who repeatedly beat the pack with his long, driving drop kicks.
The 2nd XVIII, showing quite good form, recorded their first win this year. Their kicking generally, and especially in front of goal, will need to improve a lot if they are able to test the stronger teams. Best players were Bob Munnerley, Ron Dreyer, John Kupsch and Bill Tyndall.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 2, 1965 - No. 4
A double win and no serious injuries, but plenty of blisters and sore feet saw a surprisingly small (where were the cheer squads?) contingent return from Matong last Sunday.
Bruce Bryon and Kevin Coleman gave us plenty of trouble with their high marking at Matong, but with George Schlitz countering the bulky Bryon we were able to get on top and record our hat trick of wins - a good start.
Bob Carroll was a popular winner of Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt, while Joe Whyte won the 2nd XV111 award.
Ian ("Killer") Crewes was our star, with nine goals, and he only needs to get the delivery right to be a high scorer in each game. Malcolm Brauman turned in a beauty for his first game of the year and this could be his best season.
The improvement continues in our 2nd XV111, and the good win should give them confidence. Best in an even team were Joe Whyte, Ray Smith, Terry O'Connor, John Higgins and Barry Noonan.
The players took advantage of the holiday on Monday to have a Melbourne-style "Pleasant Monday Morning" before heading to Narrandera for the big game.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 9, 1965 - No. 5
It is strange, but all teams seem to save up their best games till they meet us, and the "Grasshoppers" certainly produced a top-class effort last Sunday. We should have put the result beyond doubt in the third quarter, but with 4-12 the forwards failed to capitalise on a lot of brilliant further afield.
That man, "Mr. Non-stop" John Foley, was a popular winner of Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt, as our best player.
Brian Fitzpatrick improves each week, and was a solid defender all day. With Sid Robins and Vic Hathaway, he jolted many Coolamon attacks in the hectic finish.
Coming on for Mal Brauman after half time, young John Kirkwood went really well and must have impressed the selectors.
The performance of our 2nd XV111 in their good win on Sunday was a pleasing surprise. All players joined in a real team effort to produce a splendid exhibition.
Best players were Bob Munnerley, Joe Whyte (winner of the Club "flag"), Mick Hotschilt, Ray Smith, John Higgins.
We will have three teams in "Tigerland" today and hope to return home with our first hat-trick of the year.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 16, 1965 - No. 6
Five-up and 13 to go is the Red and Whites tally to date and there hasn't been an easy game, either. As anticipated, we had a rugged, lively game in Tigerland last Sunday, and struggled home thanks to some terrific defence in the hectic last quarter.
Our goal kickers were again off bean and it takes grand defence to win when you score 9-20.
Sid Robins, one of the half-backs, won the Dalla's Whitmont shirt.
Our seconds never settled down against the speedy Whitton 18 and were well beaten. Our best were Bob Munnerley, Alan Anderson, Ray Smith and Ron Dreyer.
It was a big rush to get our 3rd 18 to Whitton for a 10.15 start. The game didn't start until 11 o'clock, but it's hard to criticise Whitton for the delay, when our team had no coach or match officials in attendance.
These keen youngsters merit every assistance and it is hoped we can do better in their next game. Players to impress in this game were Phillip Smith, Ken McCudden, Robert Thomson, Ross Ward, John Crump and Max Eldridge.
This week should see Frank Conlan in the Red and White guernsey once again, and "Blossom" is sure of a big welcome from our fans.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 30, 1965 - No. 7
Our win over Ardlethan made it six in a row for the season and we hope seven is our lucky number and not Ganmain's today.
In his first senior game, Griffith High School boy, Bob Munnerley, impressed everyone with his brilliant play and he is a player with a potentially very bright future. Bob won Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt.
Our second XV111 returned to the winning list with a bright exhibition, with Mick Bridges, Ron Dreyer, Reg McCudden and Gordon Brennan being four who played well in bleak conditions.
Griffith supporters at Narrandera last Sunday were delighted with the performance of coach Kevin Kirkpatrick, who rated with most spectators as best of the South West second team. We hope he can repeat his effort today.
Our other representatives, Ian Crewes, Bill Biron, Len Sexton and Vic Hathaway, also did well and justified their selection. We hope to see two or three of them in the Country Championship squad.
Most of our players benefited by last Sunday's break and all (three 18's) are eagerly awaiting the visit today of Ganmain, when the anticipated big crowd should get a feast of football at its best.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 6, 1965 - No. 8
Thanks, Ganmain, for your contribution to a really fine game, played in the spirit all football should be. The game certainly was a crowd-pleaser and impressed everyone, including quite a few Rugby fans.
"Mr. Consistent", Vic Hathaway, turned in a grand effort to take off Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt award, as our best. His tussle with "Turkey" Tom Carroll was a highlight of the game.
Sid Robins maintained his good form and made Frank Hodgkin earn every kick, while young Bob Munnerley again went very well.
The Maroons were a little too good in both the early games. Captain John Kupsch won the trophy as best of the seconds, and Denny Dreyer, Harry Moses and Allan Anderson impressed.
The thirds had a keen tussle, Phillip Smith, Les Hodson and John Crump showed continued good play for our young team.
The first 18 had a convivial Tuesday evening, thanks to the donation of a "niner" by a pleased supporter after their win last Sunday.
We will be flat out to break our Gissing Oval hoodoo today, when we meet the Bulldogs in three games.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 20, 1965 - No. 9
Gissing Oval is certainly not our ground, and our first loss of the season made it seven defeats in a row on that hoodoo ground.
The only bright spot in the day was the impressive performance and good win of our 3rd XV111.
I guess those at Seymour were not the only worried ones last week. South West supporters, too, had there share of worry when, towards the end of the game they saw their team share in a somewhat lucky draw, thus giving both teams another chance. Best players on Saturday were Frank Hodgkin, Bill Thripp and Kevin Kirkpatrick.
It was a different story at Shepparton on Monday, however, when the South West players were much more determined and never looked like losing. It was an impressive team effort with Frank Hodgkin, Vic Hathaway, Noel Anderson and Noel Morrow most prominent, and most of the critics favour the South West to beat the Ovens and Murray League.
Congratulations to Frank Hodgkin for winning a best player trophy for both games - his was a mighty effort.
Our three playing representatives, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Len Sexton and Vic Hathaway, did very well, while Ian Crewes took all honours as an entertainer.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 27, 1965 - No. 10
A tough game and a close win seem to be the pattern of our team this season, and while the percentage is not getting much of boost those valuable competition points keep piling up, which is the main thing.
Tough game? . . . it was torrid, and it was lucky it finished without serious injury.
Ruckman George Schlitz won his second successive Ron Dalla Whitmont shirt as our best, and few would dispute the award, although John Foley, Bill Tyndall and Bill Biron were strong challengers.
Narrandera were a little too good in a bright 2nd XV111 game. John Higgins (another two in a row man) won Ted Withnell's trophy and the club should have a crackerjack ruckman in this lanky youngster in a year or two. Other to do well were John Kupsch, Phillip Smith (first game from third 18) and Gordon Brennan.
Showing the benefit of coaching by Bob Spears, the 3rd XV111 played impressively for an easy win. Best of a good team were Colin Phillis, Gary Owen, Les Hodson and Max Eldridge.
We welcome Leeton today and look forward to another hard and fast game.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 4, 1965 - No. 11
As anticipated, our game against Leeton was a beauty and the big crowd appreciated the spectacular exhibition.
Leeton's strong finish had our supporters on their toes, but everything ended well.
Sid Robins won another Ron Dalla Whitmont shirt, and his effort to keep Ray Dawson out of the game was a mighty valuable one.
Star full-forward, "Killer" Crewes, celebrated his engagement to local lass Pat Chandler with a very good game and four goals. Best of luck, Ian and Pat.
It was pleasing to see Cliff Hawkins come good. He should do much better from now on.
John Higgins (19th) came on in the third quarter for his first taste of senior football. A bright future is predicted for this lad.
Leeton were too strong in a good 2nd 18 game. Allan Anderson won the trophy as our best. Others to do well were John Kupsch, Brian Hawkins, Allan Kenyon and Kevin Luhrs.
Our 3rd 18 made it three in a row with a promising performance. There was keen competition for the club "divies", and the winners were James Browne, Tom Tyndall, Les Hodson, with several others close up.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 11, 1965 - No. 12
No excuses, but about 15 reasons, all of whom had a bad day, for our loss at Ariah Park, last Sunday.
The Bombers gave us a lesson in determination and adaptability and thoroughly deserved their 45 points win.
Barry Rist must be a disciple of Ron Barassi, for, like the inimitable Ron, he gave the umpire a lot of help with his "in-decisions".
The last-minute loss of Ian ("Killer") Crewes was a big blow and the team certainly missed his dynamic play, and the absence of our star junior, winger Bob Munnerley, left another hard-to-fill gap.
We didn't have too many good players, but Vic Hathaway (Ron Dalla Whitmont shirt winner), Bill Tyndall and John Foley were amongst the best of the game.
Our 2nd 18 returned to the winning list with a good performance and these players are still hoping to make the final four.
Brian Hawkins turned in a beauty in this game and was a popular winner of Ted Withnell's trophy, while others to do well were John Kupsch, Terry "Occa" O'Connor, Gordon Brennan and Reg McCudden. We welcome Grong Grong-Matong today and are hoping to win.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 18, 1965 - No. 13
No notes available at time of publication.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 1, 1965 - No. 14
We turned on some good football to defeat Coolamon rather more easily than we expected to do, thus remaining in second place.
Best player were Bob Munnerley (Ron Dalla shirt), Vic Hathaway, Bill Tyndall and Len Sexton.
The 2nd 18 had an easy win - 119 to 13. Best players were Peter Booth (Ted Withnell's trophy), Ray Smith, Gordon Brennan.
John Hudson, a Port Adelaide first grader last year, had his first run with the Club in the second's game.
We welcome another newcomer - Allan Norton-Baker, also transferred in employment - to the Red and White guernsey today.
The overdue Zone final has been played and lost, which was a big disappointment.
The Ovens and Murray, on the day, however, were too good, but there could have been a different result if umpire Montgomery (Ted Whitton's mate) hadn't turned it into a tiggy-touchwood affair. Congratulations to Vic Hathaway on his award as the best South West player.
From reports, however, it seems that apparently it was a rather controversial decision.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 8, 1965 - No. 15
"Bondi, without the bikinis or water" was how the Griffith players described the Ardlethan oval last Sunday, but judging by the amount of sand that came from guernseys, hair, boots, etc., after the game, it must now nearly be no sand or bikinis. It was a tough game and those coaches who called for "guts and determination" would have been pleased with the effort that took Griffith to a 9-point win.
Some of our players didn't handle the heavy going too well, but the two "old reliables", John Foley and Vic Hathaway, were always to the fore, as usual, with John gaining another of Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirts.
Others to go well were Cliff Hawkins, John Hudson (a handy acquisition) and Mick Newman.
After a good game, the seconds won by 50 points and still have hopes of making the final four. Fred Gambell turned in his best effort of the year to win Ted Withnell's trophy, and others to show out were Joe Whyte, Ray Smith, Denny Dreyer and Claude Smith.
We welcome Whitton today and hope for three good games against our neighbouring keen but friendly rivals.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 15, 1965 - No. 16
With Ariah Park-Mirrool no longer breathing down our necks (thanks Ardlethan), we may now be able to play more attractive football from now on. We defeated Whitton by 25 minutes of good football (the last quarter), and 75 minutes of ragged, hesitant play.
But it was worth four points, and they are what counts. Don Best was in really top form and the award to "Matey" of Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt was a very popular decision.
Called into the team when Cliff Hawkins withdrew, Denny Dreyer played very well, being especially lively in the first half.
After hitting the lead in the last quarter, our Seconds became over anxious and allowed Whitton to win with two late goals. It was, however, quite a good effort, with Fred Gambell winning his second successive trophy.
Out 3rds won their game well, with some fast, brought football, with Gary Owen, John Crump and Reg Higgins amongst the best players.
Our Ball last Friday was most enjoyable, but some of the players lacked the recuperative powers of the President and Treasurer (two stayers) and were still somewhat seedy on Sunday.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 22, 1965 - No. 17
In what must rate as possibly their effort of the season, Griffith, last Sunday rewarded their big following of fans by repeating more decisively, their first-round defeat of Ganmain. It was a grand team effort by 18 keen players, but perhaps John Hudson, Sid Robins and Vic Hathaway made the most valuable contributions, with John the winner of Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt.
Weakened by injuries and other circumstances, our seconds had to requisition four players from the 3rd 18, but they did well and were right in the game until the last few minutes. Kevin Luhrs won Ted Withnell's trophy as our best, with Ray Smith, Frank Knox, Ron Dreyer and John Higgins others to do well. It was very pleasing to all concerned, to see really good exhibitions from umpires John Leighton and John Deaton.
Our third XV111 lived up to coach Bob Spears' expectations and toppled Ganmain from their undefeated perch with some good lively football. Our best was Russ Tyndall, "Rocco" Robinson, Gary Owen, Terry Overs and Ross Ward.
Kevin Kirkpatrick gave Bert Schmidt the "right oil" last Friday night, and Bert then went and tipped Ganmain. Some people just won't be told!
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 29, 1965 - No. 18
There were a few hectic incidents, but generally the game last Sunday lacked the fire of our usual tussle with Narrandera.
Our win and Ganmain's loss has lifted us to top place, with bright prospects of retaining the Dal Williams Trophy.
With some early strong and lively play by Narrandera and an injury to the umpire it took our team two quarters to get really going, but they produced some dazzling football in the second half.
When umpire McGough broke down, pulling a leg muscle, it was fortunate that umpire Pigram, who did the Barellan semi last Saturday, was available. Vic Hathaway, "Mr. Dependable", won the "spin" donated by the manager of Geelong 3rd XV111, who was an interested spectator, and Mal Brauman won Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt.
Narrandera were too good in the seconds, but our team tried hard and best were served by Fred Gambell (trophy), Ray Smith, John Higgins and Brian Hawkins.
The thirds defeated Narrandera 62-19, and another good effort has them talking premiership. Best were Ross Ward, James Browne, John Crump, Russ Tyndall.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 5, 1965 - No. 19
Sunday's game gave at least one win over every team in the competition, but there was little kudos gained in defeating such uninterested and poorly supported opposition. John Foley and Len Sexton were the stars of the game, although Mick Newman, on the wing, also went extra well and won Ron Dalla's Whitmont shirt.
Showing a lot more enthusiasm than Turvey Park, our seconds finished the season with a 19-point win, after a bright and interesting game. John Kirkwood turned in a brilliant exhibition to win Ted Withnell's trophy whilst others to go well were Allan Norton-Baker, Ray Smith, John Higgins and Les Hodson.
Turvey Park forfeited the 3rd XV11 game, which was a big disappointment to our keen young players.
Congratulations to Peter Weidemann and Ken Sheather on their splendid achievements in winning the Gammage and Lanham Medals. The Coolamon Club must be justly proud of these two players.
To the clubs which have finished their season we say better luck next year, while we wish the teams in the finals the best of luck.
Today we welcome you to Griffith and hope you have an enjoyable and interesting day.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 12, 1965 - No. 20
Well, the first semi-final has been played and won, with Leeton packing up and Ariah Park-Mirrool moving on to the preliminary final against the loser of today's game.
Our players are all fit and fresh after the break last week and are confident they can make it three in a row over the Maroons.
A party from Hawthorn Club, which included captain-coach Graham Arthur and several players, visited Griffith at the weekend and attended the game on Sunday, but it is doubtful if they gained much for the somewhat disappointing exhibition in the main game.
Mick Newman won the chef's cap for his effort with the hot dogs last Sunday, while Don Best with his persuasive sales talk was top ticket seller. Incidentally, first prize in the competition, a transistor, ticket 1928, was not claimed. Do you have it?
Our thanks to the followers of other club who travelled to Griffith in uncertain weather. Their support was most appreciated and we hope they had an enjoyable day.
We play Ganmain in both firsts and thirds today and hoping the two good games and two wins.