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1971 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 12, 1971 - No. 1
Well today is the day of reckoning and although quite a few well-known faces will be missing, our team has shown promising form in two trial games, and we anticipate another good year.
New coach, Ron Russell has had a few players training solidly for four weeks and his methods, varied and interesting, should have everyone reasonably fir for today's opening games.
Although we will be minus a few players and three or four have yet to start training, on the credit side had gained some handy recruits in Skeeter Milne (Whitton), Errol Hill (Cootamundra) and Noel Evans (Ungarie), and have Mal Brauman and Phil Smith back again, which, plus four or five of last year's seconds challenging strongly for a place, should see the firsts soon developing into a good mobile team.
If the club has not yet quite settled down player wise, everything else is going along OK.
Several new members have brought fresh interest into the committee; the Ladies Auxiliary has the biggest and keenest for years, while the unbounding enthusiasm of the social committee is not far behind too, adding their financial support.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 18, 1971 - No. 2
It was a grand start to the new season on Monday when our Firsts and Seconds each had winning margins of more than 100 points over Ariah Park-Mirrool. In the main game our generally young fast team ran the out of condition Bombers ragged but we are not getting carried away although it was a most encouraging effort and indicated better things to come.
Bruce Forbes was the star of the game, and he was well supported by Sid, Wayne and Ralph Robins, Noel Evans and Dave Hall, whilst it was pleasing to see two youngsters coming up from the Seconds, Noel Brown and David Simmons rating amongst our best six.
Coach Joe Whyte, who was one of the two players over 21 in the Seconds' team, must have been well satisfied with the sparkling performance of his players. In a win as big as this (170 to 22) everyone played well but perhaps Garry Parslow, Garry Gardner, Harry Moses and Warwick Dalwood were most prominent.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 25, 1971 - No. 3
Some rather bedraggled looking Swans staggered home after their pulverising from the Bulldogs in both games last Sunday and ego was zero minus on Monday. It was such a big loss it was hard to find any good Griffith players but perhaps Sid Robins, Ian Wade and David Simmons, were the most consistent.
The Seconds also found Turvey Park too strong to go down by 33 points with Geoff Martin, Richard Dalwood, Phil Smith and Alan Best the most prominent.
Geoff Martin incidentally travelled to Wagga on Saturday to participate in the Leagues Club's boxing tournament, but his fame must be spreading as for the second time in a row he failed to get matched.
Turvey, through lack of players had to forfeit the Thirds game but we took a team over and had a game against an over age team in the hope it might stir things along for them. Hope it helped.
Today we welcome "Skeeter" Milne to our team. Skeeter had some trouble getting a clearance from Whitton, but everything is OK, and you will see him in No. 7 guernsey.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 2, 1971 - No. 4
Although beaten by Narrandera last Sunday, the Swans regained some of the prestige lost at Gissing Oval the previous week.
Trailing by 37 points into the last quarter our players won many friends by their courageous fight back and only inaccuracy cost them victory as they had 13 scoring shots (6.7) to the Imperials 2 goals and failed by five points.
After two good efforts at home local supporters knowing we are team building are generally pleased with the performance of our young team which at least is encouraging. In a photo finish John Candusso won the Griffith Co-op Store, Toby Lee weekly award from Sid Robins.
Our Seconds, also at the transition stage, went down to a better organised Narrandera team with Garry Gardner (Bob Carroll award), Garry Owen, Greg Thompson and Trevor Reed prominent.
Having lost 14 of last year's players, our Third 18 is pretty young and inexperienced and were no match for Narrandera going down 147 to 11. A good trier John O'Donnell won the footie sox as our best. Ganmain today, let's hope a win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 9, 1971 - No. 5
After two successive losses the Swans' ego soared when they scored two wins in three games at Ganmain.
The main game was played at finals tension - neither team giving anything away and it was not overdue that we should beat the Maroons on the siren - they have had some close and important wins over us in the past few years.
There was not an outstanding player in our team, but the judges named Ian Wade a real battler as our best and the winner of the Co-op Stores' Toby Lee award from Mal Brauman, Gary Owen, George Duncan, Bruce Forbes and John Candusso.
The Second XVIII was also keenly contested and Joe Whyte's boys used their pace to advantage to cause Ganmain's first loss of the season.
Greg Thompson won Bob Carroll's award and was well supported by Wayne Robins, Terry (Hudson) Hughes, Colin Wood, Garry Parslow and Ian Hamilton.
Our Thirds found Ganmain far too strong but make no mistake, many of these cygnets will be well to the fore in a few more years.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 16, 1971 - No. 6
Prior to the start of the main game last Sunday, players and spectators observed a short silence as a mark of respect to John Candusso's father who had passed away during the week.
After the boost given the Stars the previous week, we didn't envisage such a big win. Ardlethan were unlucky to coach David Cearns with a leg injury - he was replaced at half time, but it is unlikely fit and well he could have altered the result.
Sid Robins just shaded Bruce Forbes for the Co-op Stores Toby Lee award and they were well supported by all players.
The Seconds also had a good win with Paul Savage winning the Bob Carroll award from Greg Harrison, Bob Prenzel and Darryl Collis.
It was pleasing to see Darryl back again in the Swans' colours after his honeymoon. On his form it should not be long before he is back in the Firsts. The Thirds were again downed but they are still keen as ever and 23 turned up for a game. Ardlethan also had some spares so by mutual agreement, everyone was given a run.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 23, 1971 - No. 7
With strong football the Whitton Tigers kept the Swans' fans in nervous suspense for three quarters of the game last Sunday, but it was Griffith who had "a tiger in the tank" in the last quarter to win by 32 points.
The Swans were hot and cold all day and the judges had trouble sorting out the best player for the Co-op Stores Toby Lee weekly award.
They settled on Mal Brauman with Sid Robins, Ian Wade and Ron Russell strong challengers. In his best game for the Swans, Ron Russell ended up with eight goals.
The Seconds had a runaway win 145 to 10, with rucks, centres, and forwards featuring prominently.
David Hall won the Bob Carroll award whilst others to do well included Ian Hamilton, Garry Parslow and Angie Maloni.
Our Thirds had a day off last week, but they are training conscientiously and should be fit for their game today.
Congratulations to Ron Russell, Sid Robins, Bruce Forbes, Mal Brauman and John Candusso on being selected in the South West squad.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 6, 1971 - No. 9
By Swan: We had hopes of three wins at Leeton but finished without a feather with which to fly after three losses, so it wasn't a very good day for the Swans. Our trophy winners for the day were: Firsts, Sid Robins (Co-op Store Toby Lee award); Seconds, Stuart McDowell (Bob Carroll's award); Terry Greedy (Pat Cudmore sox award).
Many of the Swans' fans were not too happy about the umpiring in the main game but "Secco" had an unenviable job and handled it well. He made a few "blues" - who doesn't but he didn't deserve the unfriendly at the end of the game. It is these supporters that keep the game going, however, and I suppose they are entitled to make a few vocal comments for their 50 cents now and then.
It was unfortunate (Inter-league) game played last Sunday was such a bad day as it spoiled the football and did nothing to help league finances, In the battle of the birds today, we hope the Swans can outplay the Magpies.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 20, 1971 - No. 10
By Swan: Things were rather at sixes and sevens for a few minutes after our last competition game against Grong Grong-Matong.
Practically everyone, and that includes the check score, radio commentator, the scoreboard and many individuals had Griffith winning by two points, 108 to 106, but unfortunately for the Swans who had really lifted their game in the last quarter and their jubilant supporters, their cup of joy soon turned bitter when it was learnt that the two that really count, the goal umpires, had agreed on a draw, with each team scoring 107 points.
The result was a bitter pill to swallow but once again, poor goalkicking proved costly as any degree of accuracy in the many easy chances that were missed, we could have scored a convincing win.
The Co-op Stores Toby Lee weekly award went to ever reliable Sid Robins, who outplayed one of the Magpies' big hopes, Greg Sheather.
Our Seconds kept themselves in the four with 80 points win with Bob Taylor, returning to the team after holidays, winning Bob Carroll's trophy as our best in the game.
G.G.-M notes (By Magpie): Having led so well all day it was disappointing to see the Griffith game slip away in the last quarter, but supporters were jubilant to learn that the scoreboard was wrong. Those who bothered to check the score would have known that the board was in error at every interval. A lesson to all clubs - the scoreboard performs a most important service and should not be in the charge of irresponsible juveniles.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 27, 1971 - No. 11
Two wins out of three games made it a worthwhile trip to Coolamon, especially as the win in the main game took us up into fourth place.
The main game provided a lot of interesting football by two good teams but our first quarter burst which gave us an early lead of 34 points proved the match winner.
The Second XVIII game was also hard fought and interesting, but we managed to hang on to fourth place with 72 points win.
Although our Thirds outscored Coolamon in three of the four quarters, a second quarter whitewash when the Hoppers scored 64-0 proved too much of a handicap.
Winners of our awards against Coolamon were Firsts, Co-op Stores Toby Lee award, Bruce Forbes; Seconds, Bob Carroll award, Trevor Reed; Thirds, Pat Cudmore sox award, Fred Schmetzer.
"Magpies" comments about our scoreboard have been noted and we will strive for improvement and accuracy, but I'll bet him a lottery ticket that his conscience, despite the official "draw" will not allow him to say honestly that the board was wrong at the final siren.
It was interesting to see John Foley and Bill Biron back at training last week - they must have smelled the training oil once again.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 4, 1971 - No. 12
Our 105 points win over Ariah Park-Mirrool last week moved us up into third place and gave our percentage a worthwhile boost which in the current "rat race" for the four could prove valuable.
The Seconds, despite some urging by our supporters, couldn't quite make 200 points, finishing with 193 and a winning margin of 171. They are playing well but their big test will come today.
Weekly awards on Sunday were Firsts (Co-op Stores' Toby Lee award) Sid Robins from Bruce Forbes, Gary Owen, "Skeeta" Milne; Seconds (Bob Carroll award) Terry Higgins from Noel Evans, Chris Sharpe, Ray Smith and Geoff Martin.
After four trips to Wagga with the Griffith Police Boys' Club boxers for one fight, Geoff Martin reckons there is no future in boxing so has returned. He did well against the Bombers and will keep some of the First graders on their toes.
At the start of the season, after beating AP-M by 107 points, we went down to Turvey Park by 109. With our improvement and their decline, we are pretty confident there will be no repeat of history today.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 11, 1971 - No. 13
They say there is not much satisfaction in beating a weakened team, but the Swans got plenty of satisfaction in beating the Bulldogs which took them to second place with the top percentage.
A few of our usual top players had relatively quiet games but others "came good" to keep us in front all day.
The Firsts was a pretty dull unenterprising game, but the Seconds game provided lots of good football and a thrilling finish with the lead changing three times in the last ten minutes before the Swans got up by two points.
John Foley had his first run of the season in this game and showed enough good form to indicate he will soon be in line for promotion.
We appreciated the fact that Turvey Park, with only 13 players, fulfilled their commitment in the Thirds.
Winners of the weekly awards were Firsts (Co-op Stores Toby Lee award) John Candusso; Seconds (Bob Carroll award) Ian Hamilton; Thirds (sox award) John Milne. For the Swans, congratulations to friend Bert (Schmidt) on his well merited honour, (VCFL Life member).
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 18, 1971 - No. 14
Another nerve tester against Narrandera but this time the result was in our favour by five points.
Our players were hot and cold in turn - had the game virtually won in the first quarter, almost threw it away in the second and third and then came good again. A bit testing on the nerves but still all's well that ends well.
In the early games our youngsters received a football lesson from Narrandera who also won the Seconds.
In the Seconds game, we led most of the match but for some inexplicable reason were swamped 45 to 1 in the last quarter to go down by 37 points.
The Griffith Co-op Stores Toby Lee award for the Firsts went to Garry Owen; Bob Carroll's award (Seconds) to Noel Evans and the sox for the Thirds to Trevor "The Mouse" Harrison.
Our Annual Ball is listed for Friday, August 6 and the Social Committee expects it to be a real swingin' affair. Tickets are now available at Bob Carroll's. It's Ganmain today and a win is essential if we are to hold our second place coveted by a big field of challengers.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 25, 1971 - No. 15
One win in three games was disappointing last Sunday. We had high hopes of winning the Firsts and Seconds but had to be satisfied with the Firsts, which, after all, is the big "plum".
The main game erupted into a series of all in brawls after 30 seconds - something like the famous Ganmain v A.P.M. battle some years ago and there were more punches thrown in the first ten minutes that a session of TV Ringside, although the contestants may be a little more scientific at Festival Hall.
There were no reports as VFL umpire Whitford said it would take too long to name all 36 players.
Our weekly winners were Firsts (Co-op Stores Toby Lee award) Mal Brauman; Seconds (Bob Carroll's award) Greg Harrison; and Thirds, Steven Murray, who won the footie sox.
Selector Jake Carter proved an ideal ganger, and we now have an all-weather "den" for the timekeepers and press men - not before time, either. Jake and his crew are planning further improvements for next season. We have never been happy at Ardlethan - let's hope for a win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 1, 1971 - No. 16
The Ardlethan hurdle was a stiff one and the going at times was a little bumpy and rugged, but we managed to get over all the obstacles successfully. The Seconds had a scare but a goal in the last minute gave them a one-point win, which with Ganmain and Coolamon defeated, should nearly assure them a place in the finals.
Due to promotions, unavailability and injuries this Seconds team was struggling for players so a couple of retired veterans, members of the 200 club, Bill Tyndall and Bill Biron, came "off the grass" to help out.
Neither set the fans raving but Bill Tyndall managed one goal while big Bill got in the way of two defenders to shepherd the winning goal through. Both have now definitely retired!
Award winners last Sunday: Firsts (Co-op Stores Toby Lee award) Darryl Collis; Seconds (Bob Carroll's award) Glenn Harrison; Thirds (sox award) Neville Brand.
Tigerland has seen the downfall of most teams this year, but we have good form on the board and are hoping there will be no roast Swans on the Tiger menu tonight.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 8, 1971 - No. 17
Whitton again lived up to their reputation of being Tigers at home and our unbeaten eight game sequence came to an end. It was bad luck we had to visit Whitton without Mal Brauman, John Candusso, Bob Prenzel and Geoff Martin but under the conditions and on the day they were too good. Hope we get another chance at them in the grand final.
Mal, John, Bob and possibly Marto will be on deck today when we will have to win against the competition leaders to hang onto second place.
Wayne "Chummy" Robins won the Co-op Stores Toby Lee award for the Firsts at Whitton and Trevor Reed won Bob Carroll's trophy for the Seconds - they must all be good mudrunners.
The Swans are making an all-out effort to get a local schoolboy's competition (Under 11's) organised for next season.
For a starter, there has been one enthusiastic meeting, all primary schools in the area have been contacted seeking teams or players while for all intending players a coaching clinic conducted by senior players, will be held Saturday afternoon, September 4 and this will be followed by a KO competition between selected teams two week later.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 15, 1971 - No. 18
Another valuable feather was added to the Swans' plumage last Sunday with our defeat of comp leaders, Leeton, so we only need one from the Magpies today to complete our collection. Despite seven wins and a draw in our last nine games, we still can't get a firm grip on the double chance, but things could be settled, one way or the other, today.
Match awards for last Sunday were Firsts: (Co-op Stores Toby Lee award) Bob Prenzel; Seconds (Bob Carroll's award) Greg Thompson; Thirds (sox award) Steven Murray.
Our Annual ball on Friday was a swinger with too many contenders for the "belt" for a decision to be made.
There were a lot of tired and queasy footballers around on Saturday, but they were all fit and well on Sunday.
One keen supporter, after the win over Leeton said: "If that's how they come up, let's have a ball every Friday night". Bob Prenzel and Phil Smith, prominent ball contenders, were keen enough to do a spot of training on Saturday afternoon.
From all reports it was really hard on the system but it paid dividends as Bob won our best player trophy and Smithie kicked seven goals.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 22, 1971 - No. 19
Things were somewhat dicey for a while at Grong Grong in the battle of the feathered friends last Sunday but with a marvellous left in form in the last quarter it was a case of "all's well that ends well" for the Swans who should now have won their way to the second semi final.
"Skeeter" Milne won the Griffith Co-op Store's Toby Lee trophy as our best Firsts player while Bob Carroll's trophy for the Seconds went to Joe Whyte.
The Magpies produced a candidate for T.V. Ringside in the Seconds game but after two easy wins with king hits he struck a snag in Bill Tyndall who our chief "Stirrer" Harry Kurtzman claims should be pensioned off.
I wonder if "Silent" Harry changed his opinion after seeing Bill efficiently tame the wild man and also top off a good game with five goals.
Bruce Forbes, who has been battling with a minor but persistent leg injury for a long time had a well-earned spell last Sunday. As a spectator, however, he found the going tough as the players and the strain of the third quarter almost too much.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 29, 1971 - No. 20
For the Grasshoppers it was a case of "do or die" last Sunday and this incentive was just enough for them to win by four points and knock Whitton from out of the final four.
We had 27 shots to 26 and we had our chances but let them slip, mainly because of poor kicking.
Our Seconds made sure of playing in the finals with a big win, while the Thirds, who led at three quarter time, seemed likely to end their season with a win "fell in a heap" in the last quarter when Coolamon outscored them 42-1.
Our trophy winners against Coolamon were - Firsts: Bob Prenzel, Seconds: Greg Harrison, Thirds: Trevor Harrison.
Schoolboy winger, David Simmons, who was a regular First Grader until injured, is out of hospital after, it is hoped a successful cartilage operation. He hopes to be back with the Swans next season.
Chis Sharpe made a welcome return with the Seconds on Sunday after an appendix operation and reported no after effects.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 5, 1971 - No. 21
It says much for the popularity of the code that a record crowd turned up at Ganmain in such miserable conditions. With the promise of more really good games it only needs better weather to bring further record returns which will enable the League to get out of the red.
Congratulations to the Magpies on eventually making the finals and on their good performance at Ganmain.
To Coolamon and the other six teams now in mothball, better luck next year. It only needs a little improvement by couple of teams for the competition to be a beauty.
The loss of Phil Smith with a leg injury is a big blow to our hopes. With his good marking and strong play that gained him 11 goals in the last two games, he seemed the answer to our full forward problem.
Now the problem is still with us but here's hoping our selectors can bob up with another winner.
Good luck to the teams today - may the better one's win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 12, 1971 - No. 22
It seems the week's break didn't do the Swans any good, nor did the stirring bagpipe tune with which trainer, Bill Hardie, led the players on to the ground, as the team had a few players out of touch against Leeton and the loss now means the Swans have to play three games and win the next two to be premiers.
A tough assignment but not beyond the players if they can improve on last week's effort.
At a social in the club rooms last Sunday night the club's best and fairest votes were counted (not quite as efficiently perhaps as was the Brownlow Medal vote) and it is congratulations to the winners - Sid Robins (Firsts), Greg Thompson (Seconds) and Fred Schmetzer (Thirds).
In conjunction with the Schoolboys' Committee, the Griffith Club hopes to organise a local 11-years and under competition next season and after a very encouraging attendance at the first coaching session last Saturday, are confident the competition will become a reality.
A win is a must against the Magpies today if we are to enjoy some of the largess that will best be presented by Amoco next Sunday.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 19, 1971 - No. 23
The Swans came through last Sunday's tough game free of serious injury and three training sessions during the week should have them at their top today.
Our players, set a brilliant example by Sid Robins, really hit their straps against Grong Grong-Matong and if we can find the same form, we will really challenge the Redlegs for the major portion of Amoco's generous prize money.
Congratulations to the Magpies on making the finals for the first time and on the crowd-pleasing football they turned on in their two games. Better luck to them next year.
There is no doubt our lady supporters are providing plenty of colour to the final's scene with their bright red and white outfits - those flaming hot pants should bring a twinkle to even the most tired old eyes.
As this is the last issue of the season, may the Swans congratulate the editor of the Aussie Ruler on his interesting booklet and also extend to all clubs the best wishes for a trouble free and successful season in 1972.