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1969 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 13, 1969 - No. 1
Greetings and salutations to all players and followers of Aussie Rules. Today we have the start of a new season and we of the Swans are confidently anticipating another successful season.
We have an enthusiastic new president in Les Robinson, a keen committee, new handsome clubrooms and above all, a good team which, despite some lack of interest in trial games, we expect to be right up there amongst the top pennant contenders once again.
From a 24-man man final squad last year we have lost Bob Spears, Roger Thom, Reg Higgins and Ray Schodde but have gained three top players in Bruce Forbes (South Broken Hill), Mal Brauman and Bob Prenzel and several up and comers from the Seconds challenging strongly for promotion, so things are pretty rosy in the Swans camp.
Despite some indifferent form in pre-season trials, the Red and Whites have trained well and solidly and, while aware that the Hoppers are always tough to beat at Coolamon, we hope to get away to a flying start with four points today.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 20, 1969 - No. 2
Things were rather "dicey" for quite a long time at Coolamon last Sunday until eventually experience won out and we got on top in the last quarter to win by a shaky eight points. Coolamon played the better football, but we got the points and for those four points we can thank our defenders, led by Frank Conlan, Sid Robins and Phil Smith.
Others to do well were Geoff "Marto" Martin, Darryl Collis and Bruce Forbes, who had a great tussle with Allan Hayes.
Our Seconds were far too solid for the young and promising Coolamon team and had an easy win with Mick Newman, Warwick Collis, Denis Tyndall, Bob Wilson and Grant Luhrs showing good form.
We left Coolamon with a couple of "walking wounded" - Noddy O'Neill (2) bumped his eye against a seat and Bill Biron bumped his nose against someone's elbow, with the result both received two stitches.
With last Sunday's solid workout and some strenuous training during the week we hope to win again today but, win, lose or draw, we hope the Magpies will mingle with the Swans for a friendly "taste" in the new clubrooms after the game.
Best player: Frank Conlan, very solid and determined defender, unbeaten all day.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 27, 1969 - No. 3
The Swans won the first "battle of the birds" last Sunday but, despite the loss of a few feathers, the Magpies went home with their heads unbowed and hoping to do better in round two. Although a little slow to get going and trailing by 11 points in the first quarter, our fellows turned on some dazzling football to outscore GG-M 110 to 18 in the next 50 minutes and wrap up their 15th straight win.
Our best - the whole 18 with Peggy and his 14 goals leading the way, while the "mutton chop" boys Marto and Smithy also came under a lot of notice and for their hirsute adornments either. We were pleased to have the Magpie players and officials with us for a chat and a sip or two in the first after game get together in our new clubrooms.
Our Seconds, paced by coach Les Collis and Ralph Robins, also won rather comfortably although had GG-M kicked straighter the difference would not have been so great. It was pleasing to see two teams of under 12 having a practice game early on Sunday morning and this growing interest amongst the young fry is most encouraging.
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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 4, 1969 - No. 4
The "battle of the full forwards" proved a bit of a flop last Sunday, as both Ron O'Neill and Eddie Rogalski had a bad day and missed far too many easy chances for goalkickers of their calibre. "Peggy", however, took the honours, seven goals to three.
On the day Leeton proved the better team, and we couldn't match their mobility around the flanks which proved their winning asset. We hope to have revenge at Griffith next time. It was a good game with close scores and Leeton only winning in time on, so the big crowd surely got their money's worth. Our best were Bruce Forbes, Frank Conlan, Sid Robins and Geoff Martin.
Our one win for the day came in the Seconds when the Les Collis trained lads had a comfortable margin and the coach received good support from Dave Hall, Denny Dreyer and Bob Harris.
In a game between "minnows" and "whales", the Leeton "whales" proved too big and strong for our youngsters in the Third 18 game although our boys played the better brand of football. A team such as Leeton fielded in this game defeats completely the aim and objects of these Third 18 games. Today we honor Don Best who will be playing his 200th game.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 11, 1969 - No. 5
After a somewhat ragged and hard fought first half our team finished on splendidly to defeat the Tigers on Sunday and scoring 16-7 in the last two quarters boosted our percentage enough for us to regain second place. We had a lot of good players in the second half but for a four-quarter effort Bruce Forbes, Geoff Martin and Frank Conlan were tops.
Spectators in the first half saw the unusual spectacle of Ron O'Neill missing "sitters" but he found his radar after half-time and retained his goal kicking lead with 9 goals.
Although his ration has now been reduced Scottie with two of the longest goals of the day emphasised his claim that malt is strengthening food (drink?). Our thanks to Whitton for joining in the ceremony to mark Don Best's 200 games.
Our Seconds had things pretty easy in their 164-23 win with John Candusso, Bob Harris and Ray Smith setting a fairly lively pace.
Bruce Forbes was married yesterday and our best wishes go to him and his bride. We will miss Bruce today but feel confident we can dim some of the Stars a little Swansdown. Last week's star player Bruce Forbes: Full 100 minutes of strong purposeful football.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 18, 1969 - No. 6
Well, the Stars proved too good in the big game last Sunday. On the day they were the better team and as the win broke a 13-year drought for them at Griffith it certainly was not out of turn. With Bruce Forbes unavailable and Ron O'Neill out of action before half-time our attack was rather unsettled, and we hope for better things where later we visit the Tin Mines Town.
It was pleasing to see Kevin Kirkpatrick back to top form and he with the consistent Sid Robins rated as our best.
John Scott had things other than football on his mind as early Sunday morning his wife presented him with their first child - a daughter. Scottie was so sure the new arrival would be a footballer that he lost about 6 months beer ration.
Our Seconds showed terrific will-to-win to beat Ardlethan by one-point in a stirring finish. It was a really good game and had the crowd on their toes to the siren.
In only their second game for the season our Thirds showed improved form to make it two out of three. Selected by Ron O'Neill their best were Glen Harrison, Trevor Reed and Terry Higgins.
A report on Ron O'Neill on Monday is that he had five stitches in a long, deep gash behind the knee and will be out for 3 weeks.
Last week's star player was Kevin Kirkpatrick: Tireless game in centre always to the fore when the team needed rallying.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 25, 1969 - No. 7
Just as well for us that Bruce Forbes interrupted his honeymoon to call in at Ganmain on Sunday as he turned in a blinder and supplied the drive that was lacking in the attack against Ardlethan. In good winter conditions the game was played at almost grand final pressure and in such tough football there had to be a couple of flare ups, but they were quickly broken up.
Some people even saw humour in the 5ft. 8ins. Bill Tyndall and Phil Gehrig sparring around each other.
The Seconds game with top place at stake was also keen and hard fought and in doubt right to the finish with bad kicking dissipating our winning chances. The Thirds, however, were much more on target in their 31 points win.
It seems this team have a budding Ron O'Neill in Chris Sharpe, whose tally from 10 shots was eight goals two.
Bill Biron no longer a "gentle giant" was handling around cigars last Sunday night, the occasion being a baby daughter.
If this daughter trend continues, we will have all barrackers and no footballers in another couple of decades.
Last week's star player: Bruce Forbes, who was on top in several positions and capped an outstanding game with five goals.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 8, 1969 - No. 8
The bleating of Ganmain "Lion" (25-5-69) should not be dignified with a reply but sufficient to say - "you appear remarkably uninformed Mr. "Lion" and we can only assume your near libelous comments were your personal opinions and not those of your club.
[Ganmain "Lion" comments: The cowardly act by one Griffith player to try and cripple our coach behind play leaves a nasty taste in one's mouth about some players, especially the way he ran off like a mongrel dog with his tail between his legs].
After reading reports of Narrandera 'softening up" Leeton to "servile submission" everyone expected to see some fireworks in the last comp round at Griffith. But the powder must have been damp - even their unofficial coach couldn't raise much enthusiasm for his usual stirring.
The results from the round are now history and we are back in second place.
Our thanks to Jack Luhrs for some good umpiring in the Thirds game. He was always up with the play, something which couldn't be said for the other two whistle blowers.
The is little to say about the trip to Canberra last Sunday except that the home team were too well prepared although they were helped considerably by the shocking inaccuracy of our goal kickers who were hopeless in windy conditions.
Griffith fans at the game considered our players justified their selection but were disappointed at the omission of Phil Smith the "form" full back (ask any of the full forwards).
Last week's star player was Kevin Kirkpatrick - seldom beaten all day in a strong lively performance.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 22, 1969 - No. 10
It was pleasing to see for once Gissing Oval in tip top condition for our game against Turvey Park, but it was disappointing to lose the four valuable competition points which would have given us the No. 1 place.
We though we had the game "in the bag" half way through the last quarter but the bag must have had a hole in it for Turvey Park, in the true tradition of the Bulldog breed, would not except defeat and got up for a meritorious win.
It was some small consolation to win the Thirds and Seconds games.
What a splendid day's football was turned out for the big crowd in all games at Narrandera last Sunday.
The No. 2 team especially was a real crowd pleaser and a worthy introduction to the Country Championship game.
Our three players in the main game, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Bruce Forbes and Darryl Collis fully justified their selection.
Most scribes and commentators listed Kevin and Bruce amongst the best players and Darryl, in his first experience of the "big time" also played well. Congratulations to Kevin on winning the trophy as the best SWDFL player.
Since our last issue Kevin's wife Joan has presented him with a baby daughter and, after daughters to Scotts and Birons, if this trend continues, we will be out of footballers by about 1990.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 29, 1969 - No. 11
Three wins, three century scores and 392 points to 101 gave us a good percentage boosting day against A.P.-Mirrool last Sunday.
Although A.P.M. were without Ricky Quade we were not over confident as we were without two ruckman John Higgins and Wayne Robins and also John Scott but after a hard battling first half we proved too fit and strong for the Bombers.
We had many good players but features of the win were Ron O'Neill's 13 goals, the return of John Foley for a good first-up game and the grand rucking of Bill Biron and Mal Brauman.
Highlighting our Seconds big win (144-4) was the goalkicking of Grant Luhrs (9) and David Hall (8).
This team is keeping the Firsts on their mettle with their team spirit and fast play-on football.
Our Thirds also played well with Gary "Horse" Gardner starring with 7 goals.
Ruckman John Higgins was married last Saturday, and all players and members extend congratulations to John and bride.
On a sadder note, sympathy goes out to John Scott whose mother passed away last Saturday in Melbourne. John naturally was in Melbourne and missed the game against A.P.M.
During our after-game social on Sunday we said farewell to Jim Eley who after being a player, selector and good clubman is now in Melbourne. Last week's star player was Bill Biron. Dominated rucks, marked brilliantly all day.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 6, 1969 - No. 12
Although we defeated Leeton by 43 points some of the sceptics reckoned it was not a very impressive effort. Our team certainly has played better, but without four regulars, to beat the No. 3 team so well, was quite an encouraging performance.
Our half-back line, Frank Conlan, Sid Robins and Bob Prenzel kept Leeton's scoring thrusts well under control and were on top all day. Deputising for the injured Darryl Collis on the wing, Jeff Evans up from the Seconds turned in a pleasing effort in his initial First 18 game.
Grant Luhrs continued his splendid goalkicking form in the Second 18 game and with 7 goals rated as one of the teams best in their clear-cut win. Others to do well in a crowded game were Mick Newman, John Mitchell and Bill Tyndall.
Allowing Leeton to score only in the second quarter (2-2) our Thirds turned on a very good second half to win by 48 points to start us off on our second successive hat-trick of wins.
With no competition game today for his team coach John Scott was happy to accept the offer of a game with Ardlethan Thirds which will be played at Ganmain, the half-way mark between Matong and Coolamon.
Come on all you scribes let the Editor have the details wanted of your Third 18 - these lads love to see their names in the paper.
Last week's star player was Angie Maloni - played a strong intelligent game on the half forward flank.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 20, 1969 - No. 13
Knowing that the Magpies always go well at Matong we expected a tough game and that is just what we had.
After trailing most of the day, with a little luck and better conditions perhaps, to finish the stronger and collect the four points.
A word of appreciation to SWDFL umpire, Gus Dalitz, who, after doing the Second 18 game, carried on after half time when VFL umpire Turner couldn't continue. The players seem to go better with local umpires and good control and more consistent decisions and even in the hectic stages everyone concentrated on the ball. It was a photo finish between Mal Brauman and Sid Robins for our best with good games also from Kevin Kirkpatrick, Bruce Forbes and Ralph Robins.
Our Seconds had another big win and the Thirds also won against Ardlethan in a practice game at Ganmain.
Thanks to the Ganmain Club for making their oval available for this game.
The South West's elimination from the Country Championship at Albury last Sunday increased our poor average against the Ovens and Murray and again illustrated the difference in standards.
Our team's performance was pretty lifeless with only Allan Hayes and, after half time, Frank Conlan revealing much spirit.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 27, 1969 - No. 14
It was water, water everywhere with plenty of mud mixed with it and no doubt there was plenty of Bio-Add, bleach, etc., used in Griffith wash tubs in the past week trying to restore some whiteness to the brown mud soaked guernseys.
How successful the treatment was will be seen today. Spoilt as a spectacle by the waterlogged, muddy ground this important game was just a case of the players doing what they could with Griffith doing just that little bit better overall.
On the day we had two match winners in Sid Robins and promoted winger Dave Hall and although where our best basically to win in such conditions took a really good team effort.
The Seconds and Thirds made it a clean sweep in muddied style by winning their respective games. Seconds aroused their coach's blast restricted Ardlethan to six points (one goal) in the second half and by adding 7.2 (44) went on to win by 24 points and reach the No. 1 spot.
Our best mud runners in this game were Ray Smith, Joe Whyte, Wal Clark and John Mitchell.
Now that we have reached first place in the First and Second competitions, we will be flat out to hold that position if we can get over the Maroon hurdles today, our chances seem pretty good.
Last week's star player was Dave Hall - dominated his wing position in his best performance to date.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 3, 1969 - No. 15
Well, we have very little to skite about this week as Ganmain took most of the honors last Sunday.
After winning the Thirds and leading 42-3 at half time in the Seconds, we were confidently anticipating another big day, but our ego was somewhat deflated when Ganmain, with a very strong finish, got up to win the Seconds game and it was not long in the main game before our hopes were a dime a dozen.
There is a common saying of "You can't win them all" and it was brought home to us most forcible last Sunday when the Maroons gave the tame Swans a lesson in fast play-on football.
Our defenders had to do most of the work so naturally they included our best player, namely Frank Conlan, Bob Prenzel, Sid Robins, Phil Smith, with "Matey" Best lending timely assistance.
After apparently having their game "in the bag" at half time our Seconds were pretty dejected as they walked off after their 10 points loss, but they can put it down to just one of those days.
There are a lot of teams below them on the ladder so they must be pretty good team, something they can prove today at Narrandera where we hope to get a few more points on the board again.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 10, 1969 - No. 16
The highlight of our visit to Narrandera last Sunday was the performance of our Thirds who with good intelligent football brought about Narrandera's first defeat of the season - in fact it was their first loss in three years.
It was a grand effort and full credit to coach John Scott and his Cygnets.
In the main game neither team was particularly impressive, but our bigger incentive and better condition enabled us to finish with a 46-point margin in a scrambly game.
It wasn't easy to find outstanding players but perhaps John Foley, "Peggy" O'Neill and Bill Biron were the most noticeable.
Our Seconds turned in another chameleon performance - dazzling for the first 45 minutes when they led 9.3 to 0.1 then as dull as dishwasher for the next 35 minutes then arousing a little and battling on for a 32-point win.
"Monty" Forrester played his best game to date and tied with Les Hodson for our best player vote.
Congratulations to Ricky Quade on scoring his 100 goals - at the rate he is going he could establish an all-time SWDFL record. It was rather co-incidental that he and a former Bomber, Barry Walker (The Rock-Yerong Creek) reached the century on the same weekend.
We anticipate that Ron O'Neill will also be well past the century before the finals come along.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 17, 1969 - No. 17
A return to fine weather and a fast-playing surface saw all three Griffith teams really "hitting their straps" last Sunday to score impressive wins over Turvey Park. The Third XVIII set the pattern for the Red and Whites with a brilliant exhibition of team football for the second week in a row and the effort possibly encouraged the other two teams to a top performance.
Although they never stopped trying the Bulldogs expected strong challenge failed to eventuate and the game was in the Swans keeping at half time. Interest, however, was maintained right to the end by Ron O'Neill's steadily mounting tally of goals.
Ron finished with 10 for a total of 98 and only failed to reach his century by the obvious tactics of the Griffith forwards and determined efforts of Turvey defenders who were not playing Santa Claus. With three more games and only two goals to get Ron is a "past the post" proposition to score his second successive hundred but it would have been nice to see it happen at home.
Our Seconds played most consistently for the full game to achieve their 40-point win. Les Hodson at centre half back upset many Turvey attacks with devastating football and clearly rated as our best and he was well supported by Ron Dreyer, Wal Clark and Jeff Evans.
Good news for Griffith supporters is that Ron O'Neill has decided to have another year in Griffith with the aim of trying to score a hat-trick of centuries in goals. Last week's star player - too many.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 24, 1969 - No. 18
All's well that ends well - but there were some worried Swans supporters at Ariah Park last Sunday when the Bombers turned on a seven-goal blitz to hit the front towards the end of the third quarter. They ran out of puff, and we were able to kick on to a 26-point win.
It didn't take Ron O'Neill long to reach his 100 goals - the first quarter in fact - and his nine for the game took his tally to 107 - four behind Ricky Quade, who, although unable to score a goal in the first half, ended up with six for a total of 111.
Sid Robins won the trophy, donated by a Geelong visitor, Brian Fitzpatrick, for our best player but the decision must have been a photo finish with Frank Conlan.
Our Seconds, scoring a handsome 1-5, apparently used up most of the first quarter of their game summing up their opposition then got on top gear to finish with 20-16 and a winning margin of 95 thanks to good play by Mick Newman, Reg Higgins, Ron Dreyer, Warwick Collis and Grant Luhrs.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 31, 1969 - No. 19
Whitton gave us a good solid workout last Sunday in a game that was marred as a spectacle by a lot of fumbling caused by a tricky fluctuating breeze. As a result of the games last Sunday, we gained a handy break on Ganmain and our advantage of 11 per cent should assure us, as minor premiers, of retaining the Dal Williams Trophy.
We had quite a few good players with Phil Smith (fullback) in possibly his best performance of the year and Kevin Kirkpatrick, who starred in several positions, being outstanding.
The Seconds were far too strong for Whitton winning 143 to 4. Coach Les Collis set his team a splendid example and was well supported by Reg Higgins, Wal Clark, Gary Owen and Warwick Collis.
Grant Luhrs was one player who had to earn his kicks but finished with 6 goals for a total of 72 for the season.
The Seconds now seem sure of contesting the second semi-final, so with the Firsts and Thirds already qualified we will have all three teams engaged in the semis on September 14.
There has been a big demand for tickets for our Ball next Friday, Sept 5 and it seems certain the function in the Motel will be a sell-out.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 7, 1969 - No. 20
The best that can be said about last Sunday's game against Coolamon is perhaps that at least it gave us our fourth minor premiership in the last six years.Coolamon in the first half, although we led narrowly at half time, took all he honours but could not capitalise on their better play due to our very solid defence.
Coach Ron O'Neill had a few pertinent things to say during the break so to get him "off their back" the players turned on some really good football in the third quarter to settle the issue.
Kevin Kirkpatrick running into top form at the right time, was possibly our best although Phil Smith and John Foley also had strong supporters. Congratulations to Kevin on being our top player in the Gammage Medal voting.
Our Seconds scored their biggest win ever when they beat Coolamon by 239 points. Despite the glut of goals (38.25) our full forward Grant Luhrs could only manage 8 for a season total of 80 - not a bad effort for a schoolboy.
Our Thirds compensated a little for no comp games with a pretty lively scratch match between 32 players and if these lads happen to be a little short on match practice, they certainly will be fresh and fit for their second semi against Narrandera.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 14, 1969 - No. 21
What bad luck it was that last Sunday's game struck such bad weather. It is to credit all teams, however, that they did their best in the conditions and the dampened spectators must have appreciated the teams' efforts and the three thrilling finishes.
It says much for the enthusiasm of the supporters of all teams that they came out on such a dismal day in numbers to give the League it best semi final gate for six years.
Congratulations to Denis Tyndall on winning the Petts Trophy for Best and Fairest in the Third XVIII competition - a bright future predicted for this lad. Congratulations may also be in order for Grant Luhrs and Chris Sharpe for being leading goalkickers in the Second and Third comps respectively, but they will have to wait until the official figures are released.
Our ball last Friday week was a happy swinging affair with radio commentator, Jim Ryan, taking all honours in his tuxedo, which would have put Joseph's coat of many colours to shame.
With all three teams engaged today it is a big occasion for Red and Whites and will be bigger if, as we hope, we can score a hat-trick of wins against our three worthy opponents.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 21, 1969 - No. 22
By Swan: Last Sunday must surely go down as Griffith's day with three wins in the second semi finals and all three red and white teams moving into the grand finals. Let us hope we can repeat the efforts at Narrandera next Sunday.
Another shocking day which makes one wonder if somehow the footballers of the area have offended Jupiter Pluvius
Let's hope for a couple of fine weekends to finish off the series really successfully.
Last week we said we were hoping for three wins in the semi-finals and its now history that those hopes are realised as was the prognostication of President Les Robinson at a steak night last Friday week when he forecast the hat-trick.
We may have been a bit lucky to achieve the two wins though, the Seconds only fell over the line in the last 25 minutes thanks to the trusty boot of Mick Newman.
Our Club Best and Fairest awards have been announced and are Firsts: Sid Robins, runner-up: Frank Conlan. Seconds: Mick Newman, runner-up: Les Hodson. Thirds: Denis Tyndall, runner-up: Jay Cullen.
Congratulations to these players and also our South West Award winners - Denis Tyndall (Best and Fairest, thirds), Grant Luhrs (goalkicking, seconds, Chris Sharpe (goalkicking, thirds). Best of luck to all teams today.
