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1970 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 12, 1970 - No. 1
Although we have lost a few players and to date attendance at training have not been really good there is no panic in the Swans camp.
The form of the players in our knockout and against North Wagga last Sunday has indicated that we still have plenty of potential and by the time the finalists are sorted out we expect to be in the final four.
New coach, Doug Prior, although a hard taskmaster is proving popular with the players.
From their tough training sessions to date our players should soon be in solid condition and, if all the growing reports circulating around are half correct, they will need to be really fit if we are to get anywhere.
Our knockout Carnival on Easter Saturday was quite a successful promotion even if we didn't make a big profit.
All being well we hope to organise another one prior to the competition start next year.
Today we start off a new competition season. Let's hope it is better and brighter than last year with all teams rewarded for their recruiting, organising, etc by a bigger measure of success.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 19, 1970 - No. 2
It was pleasing to start the season off with a win at Ariah Park last Sunday, but things were "dicey" until the last 10 minutes when we got the winning break. The hard lively game should prove a benefit to the players of both teams. Bruce Forbes and Sid Robins were our stars but they received good support from all the team.
In my humble opinion the Ariah Park judge was on the ball when he named the best player for the Air India - Daily News award as Bruce Forbes, Doug Priest and Blue Walker.
Our Seconds had a big win with Vic and Robert Wilson, David Simmons, Noel Brown and Bob Taylor.
For anyone interested in Air India - Daily News award is a League Best and Fairest award sponsored by Air India and Riverina Daily News, Griffith. Votes will be given by anonymous judges each week and the winner at the end of the season will receive a trip for two to Fiji with accommodation for two weeks at a leading tourist hotel.
The sponsors have given the award for two years to alternate between the SWDFL and Group 20 Rugby League and thanks to Mr. Les Robinson, Griffith who stood in for Jim Quinn and successfully called heads, the South West got the award this season.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 26, 1970 - No. 3
Two out of three was not a bad effort last Sunday even though we lost the main game.
We did, however, give the Bulldogs a bit of a scare but they were too big and strong and wore us down in the last 15 minutes or so.
Despite the 31-point loss our confidence remains high as with Bill Biron, Bob Little and Mal Brauman plus an assistant coach if we can locate one, to come into the team we should have the manpower to match all teams. Bruce Forbes and Sid Robins turned in their usual top efforts, and it was pleasing to see John "Candoos" Candusso back to form and rating amongst our best.
Our young Seconds turned on some brilliant football in their win and this game rated best of the day. Vic Wilson, David Simmons, George Duncan, Glen Harrison and Trevor "Sep" Reed were well in the fore in a grand team effort.
From the training sessions there was some doubt about having a Thirds team but enough were there and this team too had an encouraging win. Here's hoping everyone turns up for training and keeps the various coaches busy.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 3, 1970 - No. 4
Surprising to notice the name Lewin missing from Narrandera's best players last Sunday. 48 free kicks to 16 against us and we still won. Well done fellows. Congratulations to John Candusso and Frank Conlan for really great efforts, don't know what would happen to us if we didn't have a great back line. Incidentally, didn't Phillip Smith burn when shifted to full back for the last half.
What a pity Sharpie isn't a couple of stone heavier. Five goals each for the last three matches, not a bad effort. We surely could use him in the Firsts with a bit more weight.
Reports indicate that we might have Bill Biron, John Foley and Mal Brauman back in the team within a short while, we need these blokes like a mad dog needs shooting, so let's hope the yarns are correct for once.
A big Cheerio to our overworked Secretary, Neil Griggs, who has spent the last week or so in hospital. Everyone connected with the local club sure hopes to see you up and around before too long. I am sure our committee did not realise just how much work Neil actually has done until they've had to fine someone else.
Match report: GRIFFITH vs GANMAIN
An unfaltering Griffith defence, spearheaded by ever reliable Sid Robins, was the cornerstone of Griffith's good win over Ganmain at the Griffith Ex-Serviceman's Oval. The Swans won the match 11.14 (80) to 5.11 (41). Ganmain looked dangerous in only one part of the match, the first quarter when, with the wind advantage, they seemed intent on building a big score.
Sid Robins played a tremendous game, taking mark after mark, and was ably assisted by Frank Conlan, who ran also at will at times, and Bob Little, who took over the fullback berth to give a great exhibition.
Bill Biron made an auspicious return to the Griffith side, and although his kicking was astray, Ganmain could find no counter for him.
Two of the most impressive performances of the day came from young rover John Candusso and half-forward flanker Bob Prenzel. Candusso was rarely beaten all day, and towards the end of the game, seemed so exhausted that his kicking became little better than atrocious. Griffith started the match on the wrong foot when star centreman Bruce Forbes was injured only minutes after the opening. Forbes played on till three quarter time, but then left the field.
In the third quarter, Frank Gumbleton, playing for Ganmain on permit from North Melbourne, kicked his only goal.
In the last quarter Griffith coach Doug Prior scored the goal of the match with a tremendous punt from the half-forward flank. The ball was still high in the air when it went over the heads of defenders waiting in the mouth of goal.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 10, 1970 - No. 5
None published in Aussie Ruler
Match report: ARDLETHAN vs GRIFFITH
Ardlethan, in a good display, sprang a surprise of the South West round by thrashing Griffith 16.21 (117) to 10.8 (68).
Main architects of Griffith's defeat were Ardlethan's ruck-roving combination Brian Delaney and Mick Bradley.
Delaney and Bradley had a great understanding and their drive, especially through Len Lawson at centre half-forward, had the Griffith defence floundering all day.
Griffith took the field without coach Doug Prior, injured at work on Thursday, Bob Prenzel, Bruce Forbes and Bill Tyndall (both injured).
Ardlethan wasted little time getting into the game when they outscored Griffith 23 points to two in the first quarter.
Griffith's answering rally in the second quarter, which took them to a seven-point lead at half-time was quickly nullified by a tremendous Ardlethan burst in the third quarter. Ardlethan completely swamped Griffith to kick 8.9 to 1.3.
Just to put the game beyond doubt Ardlethan against the wind in the last quarter kicked 4.4 to 1.3.
Ardlethan's forward line, for the first time this year, really clicked, and Griffith could not find any counter.
Ardlethan's best tactic was in moving captain Len Lawson alternately from centre half-back when playing against the wind to centre half-forward when playing with it.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 17, 1970 - No. 6
None published in Aussie Ruler
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 24, 1970 - No. 7
By Swan: Congratulations to Whitton on winning their way to the top four - it's a long time since they were up there so it's not out of turn.
We led for three quarters last Sunday but could not withstand Whitton's strong finish.
The loss of Geoff Martin in the first quarter depleted the forwards and the Swans did well to extend the Tigers.
Sid Robins as usual was outstanding but got good support from many teammates.
In their good win our Seconds had several players including Garry Owen and Banjo Davidson, who, surely, caught the selectors' eye.
Congratulations to Joe Whyte and Wayne Robins and their respective wives on the recent arrival of their first born - two footballers.
The Swans, after losses to Ardlethan and Whitton have their feathers a little bedraggled but the likely return of Doug Prior, Bruce Forbes and Bill Tyndall this week followed by John Foley and Mal Brauman may see them preening those feathers before long.
Noticed our treasurer Bill Simmons in hospital for a beauty "Op" a couple of weeks ago. Also at that time, Bruce Forbes and Doug Prior where patients as was Neil Griggs. Lots of other players were sighted there, such as Bill Biron, Geoff Martin etc., but I hope they were only visiting. Secretary Neil Griggs is out of Hospital now and was a spectator (very quiet) at Whitton but after another week's convalescence should be able to lend a hand with arrangements today.
No doubt the First-grade side will be out to dispel the knockers today and fight their way back to the four, so how about plenty of vocal support fans? - Incidentally, Jake Carter got the supporters vote for the fittest man on the ground.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 31, 1970 - No. 8
There is no doubt that, had they been racehorses, the Griffith players last Sunday would have been swabbed.
Their improvement from the third quarter (hopeless) to the fourth when they played like Collingwood had to be seen to be believed.
All's well that ends well, however, and three wins makes it a good day for the Swans.
All three teams had their good players with possibly Sid Robins (Firsts), Joe Whyte (Seconds) and Ian Hamilton (Thirds).
Good news is that Bill Tyndall and Bruce Forbes should be back in the Firsts today, while John Foley may also be available.
Bill Tyndall, who after injury, played with the Seconds last week, had some good fortune just after the game.
Word reached the ground that his house was on fire but when, after a quick trip, he and others got there and the fire, thanks to neighbours, was under control with little damage done.
Bill was noticed buying lottery tickets on Monday. It seems likely that Angie Maloni will also be back with the Swans soon.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 7, 1970 - No. 9
In the past Griffith has never been really happy at Matong but, possibly inspired by their Melbourne counterparts, the players turned on some of their best football for a 2-0 decision in the battle of the birds - Swans v Magpies.
Once again Sid Robins caught everyone's eye with his brilliant football but pressing him closely as our best was John Candusso, whose good performance as a rover should keep him away from the fullback spot for a long time.
Bruce Forbes, doing the sensible thing, was, nevertheless, disappointed at missing another game but he has been training solidly and should be fit for today's big game.
What a natural footballer is John Foley. In his first game of the season, he revealed all his old form to rate amongst our best. He certainly will be a big asset for the remainder of the season.
The Seconds had quite a battle on their hands before gaining a win. In a good team effort Ian Wade and George Duncan were well to the fore.
Match report: GRIFFITH vs COOLAMON
Coolamon broke an 11-year drought at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Oval, when, in a storming finish, it swamped Griffith to win a crowd-pleasing game by 46 points.
The game between the second (Coolamon) and third (Griffith) teams was worthy of the participants high ranking, in fact for the first three quarters it provided possibly the best exhibition of the code seen at the Griffith oval.
The fourth quarter also had its good football but practically all of it came from the Coolamon team which score 7.3 (45) while keeping the Red and Whites scoreless.
Playing his 200th game with Griffith, Bill Tyndall led the Red and Whites on to the ground through a guard of honour formed by Griffith second and third graders.
The good crowd was treated to some outstanding football, highlighted by brilliant marking, good accurate kicking and fast teamwork.
To add interest to the game, if anymore was needed, was the closeness of the scores - Griffith leading by six points at quarter time, Coolamon by one point at half time and Griffith by one at the three quarter mark.
To everyone the scene appeared set for a tense, thrilling finish but the Coolamon team quickly revealed why it rates as a strong premiership contender when it lifted its already high standard.
Griffith had no answer to this super football and the Greens raced away to a most convincing win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 21, 1970 - No. 10
None published in Aussie Ruler
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 28, 1970 - No. 11
The Swans followed their good effort against Coolamon with another lively performance to win over APM last Sunday.
The effort enhanced somewhat by the fact that the last-minute withdrawals of ruckman Bill Biron and Wayne Robins must have had some unsettling effect on the team.
A big juicy steak, barbecued and consumed by Geoff Martin prior to the game obviously did him the world of good as he turned in his best game of the year to rate as our best. Try another steak today, Marto!
Bruce Forbes with six goals in three quarters, after being switched to full forward, could have solved one of our main problems - that is, if the move doesn't become too much of an expensive luxury.
Angie Maloni, back from Coleambally, has been training well for the past couple of weeks and will be fit and keen today's big game.
There is some talk of a game between present and past players next Saturday in aid of the players' trip fund but, in view of the good form of the players at present, the oldies may need more training.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 12, 1970 - No. 13
Sunday June 28 will go down as the Swans best ever day at Gissing Oval with wins in all three games.
Only the diehards thought we had a chance in the main game and even the optimism didn't extend to such a big win.
The inspiration provided by the big three, Doug Prior, Bruce Forbes and Sid Robins, however, saw us break the Bulldogs' winning sequence in no uncertain manner.
Our players' committee staged a most entertaining and successful promotion last Saturday with a ladies' game, past and present game and a game against Binya-Barellan. A good crowd turned up, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon and the trip away funds received a nice boost.
The circle swing and here we are congratulating the SWDFL selectors and players on a job well done and a grand performance against Canberra.
The result was achieved only by 100 per cent will-to-win effort in which the schoolboy's team in its early game set a splendid example.
This morale boosting win and the wealth of talent on show in the two early games portends a bright future for the South West.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 19, 1970 - No. 14
Although many remained in their cars a good crowd turned up last Sunday anticipating a fast and spectacular game.
Griffith had shown dazzling form against Turvey Park and Narrandera's young and improving team, after several promising efforts, was gaining a high rating but, unfortunately, the elements were against good football and all players had a lot of trouble in the bleak, windy conditions. Greater experience enabled the Swans to win by 65 points but, despite this loss, other teams will not want to take the Imps cheaply as the team has a lot of potential.
It was a three-way photo finish for our best between Bruce Forbes, Sid and Wayne Robins and it was pleasing to see "Chummy" (Wayne) continuing the good form he showed in the Colts team at Narrandera.
Our Seconds retained top place with a good win in a crowded, rugged game in which the inimitable "Lager" (Lipscombe) provided the fans with something to scream about in several incidents.
The Thirds just failed to make it a clean sweep when their last kick was a point when a goal would have given them a one-point win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 26, 1970 - No. 15
Another cold windy day made conditions difficult last Sunday but, although none of our team's revealed its best football, three wins made it a successful visit to Ganmain. The First 18 game was generally a scramble with a few hectic incidents, with Bob Prenzel the chief victim, in the second quarter to warm the players up a little.
A good strong last quarter gained us a win and just about put paid to the Maroon's final four hopes.
Despite the fact that he is past his 200 games mark with the club, Bill Tyndall is playing as well as ever and was possibly our best player, although Darryl Collis and John Higgins were strong challengers.
With one carload of late arrivals, the Seconds had to co-opt three players from the Thirds to make up its XVIII and special mention goes to Ian Hamilton, who, saddling up again, rated as one of the Seconds best.
Other to come under notice were Noel Brown, Ian Wade and Neville "Mopsey" Hall. Steven Bicego and "Johnno" Johnson was well to the fore in the easy win by our Thirds.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 2, 1970 - No. 16
Ardlethan offered some pretty rugged opposition last Sunday and our team, even though unsettled possibly by the absence of John Foley, Wayne Robins and David Hall, was not really impressive.
Still, they say winning form is good form and our 23 points win, coupled with Turvey Park's 47 points loss, saw us join them in second place.
Bill Tyndall, who seems to get better with age, shared with Darryl Collis the vote as our best.
The Second's game was a close, rugged struggle, which we managed to win with a couple of goals in the last few minutes.
Angie Maloni, challenging strongly for his old place in the Firsts, Ray Smith and Ian Wade rated our best.
With Garry Parslow, Peter Greedy (six goals) and Graham Malligan setting the pace, our Thirds played good football to score a surprisingly easy 99-15 win.
Congratulations to the John Foley and Malcolm Brauman on the recent arrivals of a daughter for the Foley's and twin daughters for the Brauman's. This trend, however, will have to stop if there is to be any future for Griffith in football.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 9, 1970 - No. 17
By Swan: Turvey Park is not the only team which is in a slump as we have really gone badly in the last three games.
Somehow, we managed to get away with Ganmain and Ardlethan, but the Tigers really burst the bubble last Sunday.
They seemed much keener and played well enough to indicate they can go on and develop into worthy contenders in the finals.
Apart from Sid and Wayne Robins, Darryl Collis and Bob Prenzel, it was difficult to find good consistent players in the Swans' ranks, although junior Denis Tyndall, in his first senior game, set a splendid example in determination and courage.
The Seconds remained at the top of their competition ladder with an easy 58-point win and seem sure to be contesting the second semi final which, on current form, will be on a different day to the Firsts.
Without a great deal of opposition, we had many good players in this game but one who took the eye was "Chatter" Greedy.
Our Thirds didn't have a game, but they continued to turn up well for training and should be fit for today.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 16, 1970 - No. 18
With the finals fast approaching two losses in a row is not really good for the morale so let us hope the Swans can stage a big and quick recovery to top form. To say we played badly, while truthful, would not be fair to Leeton, who played like premiership contenders instead of a ninth-place team. A weary Frank Conlan, back from Queensland on Saturday, found some energy from somewhere and rated with Darryl Collis and Sid Robins as our only shining lights in a blackout and it was thanks to these three musketeers that we managed to get within one point of Leeton.
It seemed there may not be a Second XVIII when the appointed umpire failed to appear but by mutual consent, Frank O'Connell, who had just finished the Thirds trotted out to take over and did a reasonable job. Perhaps a little "cocky" our Seconds struck a snag in the Redlegs and went down by 16-points, so it was left to the Thirds with their win to achieve the only glory for the Red and Whites.
Today it's the Magpies and our Firsts who still have to visit Coolamon, must win, otherwise it could be mothballs "sooner than you think".
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 23, 1970 - No. 19
With rain and wind and some hail, conditions last Sunday were not the best, but football is a winter game and although the players had not had much wet weather experience this season both teams adapted pretty well to provide a keen interesting game.
As could be expected with the result so important to both, pressure was on from the start and for three quarters it was anyone's game until the start of the last term when Griffith found 10 minutes of its Gissing Oval form and scored 5-2 to put the result beyond doubt.
We needed this win badly, but it was bad luck it had to come at the expense of the Magpies and deprive them, after so many years of writing a page in the club's history.
Sid Robins, John Candusso, Vic Wilson and Bruce Forbes shared the vote as our best player. John Foley did well in his first game since injury against Canberra and will benefit from the match practice.
The Second 18 game in addition to rain and wind had a couple of hailstorms to cope with. Despite the conditions they also turned in an interesting game with Griffith eventually winning by 22 points.