GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 15, 1973 - No. 1 

The 1973 season gets under way today with, we hope, a bang and not a whimper.

With new coaches Trevor Miller and Ralph Todd and new players Terry Bennett, Andy Cook, Norm Anderson and Bob Patterson, the stage is set for a bright year of football, if not a premiership.

Trevor Miller, coming from Jerilderie this year, is the biggest coach the committee has appointed for many years. His ruck work, combined with Todd's pace in the centre of the ground, will be tremendous assets this year.

Their talents were admirably demonstrated in last week's trial game against Jerilderie, with Todd himself gaining 31 touches after half time.

After the games today, there is a social on in the club rooms of the club. All visitors are welcome and music, liquid refreshments and food will be all supplied in abundance.

The trip away for players at the end of the year is being primarily organised by Ian (Waggers) Wade and Roy (Aggy) Agresta.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 22, 1973 - No. 2 

Last week's games, although providing wins for us, left a lot to be desired as far as entertaining football goes.

Lack of match practice and a strong breeze across the ground were, perhaps, the more obvious reason for this.

The first half of the main game was nothing to rave about, with very poor scoring from both sides. The situation improved in the second half and especially in the third quarter.  One quarter of football saved the day for us.

Best players were Ian (Whoopee) Wade, Ralph (Tiny) Todd, Kevin (Kaiser) Kirkpatrick, Norm (Animal) Anderson and Bob (Poochy) Patterson.

The Seconds had a runaway win in what was a very scrambly game.

The one redeeming feature of the game was undoubtedly the effort of young recruit Robert Spears at full forward.

This lad's nine goals have selectors on the horns of a dilemma as to his omission from the First Grade side.

Others to play well were Phil (Bottom) Botten, Tony (Abbey) Agresta, Roy (Ali) Agresta, Bob (Tubby) Taylor and Ivan (Non) Nancarrow).

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 29, 1973 - No. 3 

A dismal performance by the Seniors in the main game last week was somewhat offset by the way in which the Seconds and Thirds gained their victories. Perhaps our First XVIII side could take a huge leaf out of their book for today's important match against Narrandera.

The main game was highlighted by no highlights whatsoever. It was a scrambly, unco-ordinated effort by us with little to please any supporter. Kevin (Kluey Kirky) Kirkpatrick was by far the best player, while Norm (Aadvark) Anderson and Trevor (Mumbo) Miller also tried.

The Seconds' game was an exciting affair with victory being snatched by us in the last minutes of the match.

Inaccurate kicking and the sober efforts of Terry (Humpy) Hughes, the Two Terrible Agresta's, Neville (Hippy) Hall and Glen (Little) Luhrs proved to be the downfall of Turvey Park. 

The Thirds had an easy victory against a depleted Turvey Park side. Best players were Mick (Ogre) O'Brien, Glen (Molly) McNally, Steve (Boppy) Best, Allan (Bippy) Best and Dennis (Smelly) Schmetzer. Of course, their big test will be in the game against Narrandera today.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 6, 1973 - No. 4 

Last week's performance against Narrandera was undoubtedly a tremendous improvement on our game against Turvey.  It was refreshing to see the Seniors produce creative team football, which has been sorely lacking in the past games.

Ian (Wooly) Wade, at fullback, had a successful game, with only four goals being kicked against him - he also won the shirt award.  The team as a whole played well as every player did his share. Bruce (Frucy) Forbes, Bob (Plonk) Patterson, George (Donk-Dunc.) Duncan, Norm (Alley-cat) Anderson and Sid (Riddy) Robins deserve a mention for their efforts.

The Seconds enjoyed a hearty win and showed they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

A suggestion to be put to the committee is that one of the Agresta's dyes his hair pink, so as to avoid identification crisis on the field. However, both played well, as did Denis (Tiny) Tyndall, Erroll Hill, Rodney Dale, Neville (Hopsy) Hall and Richard (Mallee) Milne. Mallee won the towel. Narrandera were too strong for our young Thirds, who still gave a good showing.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 13, 1973 - No. 5 

Two shaky wins last week - a far cry from the exhibitions given the week before.  Only in the last quarter escapade of goals in the main game increased the score to a respectable total.  The other three quarters left a lot to be desired.

Garry (Glippy) Gardner won the Griffith Co-op Shirt Award with his stirling roving exhibition - his diet is obviously doing wonders for his weight problem.  He was ably assisted by Kevin (Kirkin-Kev-patrick) Kirkpatrick, who was consistent in his efforts throughout the whole game. Others to play well were Ralph (Tiddy) Todd, Ian (Whalloper) Wade, Norm (Acky) Anderson and Darryl (Crunchy) Collis.

The Second's victory was not very impressive. The 20-goal winning margin was not a true indication of the ease in which Griffith won. Like the Firsts, they looked a completely different side to the week before - they also had six players out.

Best players were Bill (Bumper) Biron, Bob (Spobby Bears) Spears, Terry (Hacker) Hughes, John (Snogger) Schmetzer and Les (Hoppy) Hodson. Warwick (Crippy) Collis won the towel from Bob Carroll's Menswear.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 27, 1973 - No. 6 

Three wins in three grades in the last competition round with entertaining, constructive football by all three sides.

It was good to see the Seniors improve on their performance of a week earlier, however, the occasional lapse is still creeping into our game, and this could create trouble for us against stronger sides.

Best players were Ralph (Tonky) Todd, Ian (Wippy) Wade, George (Donk Dunc) Duncan, Wayne (Chum-Sum-Plum) Robins and Kevin (Kooky-Kirky-Kooky's) Kirkpatrick kicking lessons are going well and will continue on Friday.

The Griffith Co-op Shirt Award was won by Grant (Hairy) Luhrs.

The Seconds produced some scintillating football to continue their unbeaten run. Roy (Ripper) Agresta won the towel with good support coming from Bob Spears, Tony (Tiny) Agresta, Ivan (Nun) Nancarrow and Ian (Hammy) Hamilton.

The Thirds won in fine style against a young and keen Ardlethan. If they continue this style of football, they will test Narrandera next round. Best players were Donald (Killer) Coleman, Ian (Woody Woodpecker) Wood, Glen (Dally) McNally, Alan (Bish Bash) Best and Lawrie (Can) Candusso

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 3, 1973 - No.7 

Two big wins last week against the Whitton Tigers with 60 goals being scored by us on the day.

The one goal that captured the imagination of the crowd was that of Sid Robins. Running 50 yards against a 30 knot breeze and with seven players hanging off him, he kicked the ball 100 yards for a goal - well done Sid.

Others to well besides goal-sneak Robins were Bruce (Fripsy) Forbes (Griffith Co-op Shirt Award), Martin (Jill) Jackson, Terry (Berry) Bennett, Ralph (Tiddly) Todd, Bob (Pongo) Patterson and Norm (Aspro) Anderson.

The Seconds' victory was marred by inaccurate kicking in front of goal. Their score could have been considerably higher than it was. Perhaps the best on the day was Trevor (Ripper) Reed, who was just as strong in attack as he was in defence.

Best players were Bill (Boppy) Biron, Garry (Glippy) Gardner, Reg (Hiccup) Higgins, Neville (Brandy Brandy) Brand and a special mention for Bill (Boppy) Biron winning the Bob Carroll towel award.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 17, 1973 - No.9 

One quarter of football saved the day against Leeton in the last competition round two weeks ago. We were very lucky to win that game, with virtually the last kick of the match putting us in front. Wayne "Chummy" Robins won the Griffith Co-op Shirt Award and is to be congratulated on his four quarters of football. Others to play well were Bruce (Friddle) Forbes, Garry (Gonky) Gardner, Ian (Woddles) Wade, Kevin (Krunky) Kirkpatrick and Trevor (Mumpher) Miller.

The Seconds had the closest battle to date against the determined Leeton side. They managed a 33-point win with the game really only being decided in the last quarter.  Best players were John (Hunky) Higgins, Ian (Hamish) Hamilton, John (Smittzy) Schmetzer and Bill (Bonkers) Biron.

The Thirds' game was a battle for second place with Leeton proving too strong in the finish. The game was by far the best spectator value on the day. Best players were Stephen (Smelly) Best, Dennis (Swiddle) Schmetzer, Neil (Jock-scrap) Jackson, Duncan (Schilly) Sharpe and Ian (Woeful) Wood.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 24, 1973 - No.10 

A good win last week against a weakened Grong Grong side put us on top of the ladder again.

Let us hope that this time we can stay there.  The Seniors played particularly well with Trevor (Mugsy) Miller and Bob (Poodle) Patterson proving enormous drive from the ruck.

Disappointment of the match was Sid Robins, who was kept goalless for the whole game - bad luck, Sid.  Others to fire were Phillip (Snippy) Smith, George (Danky Doodle Dunc) Duncan, Kevin (Patrick Kirkevin) Kirkpatrick and Ralph (Frog) Todd.

The Seconds again had an easy win but did not play the football that they have shown against stronger opposition.

The Griffith side owes a debt of gratitude to young Ian (Hogwash) Hamilton, who valiantly and single handed held up the goal posts at both ends of the ground throughout the entire game.

Other useful players were Roy (Racehorse) Agresta, Reg (Rubber Duckie) Higgins, Neville (Hanwood) Hall and the effervescent Bob (Spiro) Spears. The Bells Soft Drink award leader at the moment is Ralph Todd.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 1, 1973 - No.11 

Top class football from both sides, a heart stopping tug-o-war at least until three quarter time and a gallop to the line by the Swans to finish 29 points up, were features of last week's thriller at Kindra Park. Only wet - overcast conditions robbed the gate - it should have been twice as big for a game rating as high as this one. The Swans won through with an overall supreme team game but had a great start when replacement for Bruce Forbes and Norm Anderson, in Ralph Robins and Noel Brown clicked.

 Garry Gardner with 5 goals as a result of clever anticipation from the forward pocket rated one of our best, Trevor Miller won the rucks as the best ruckman on the ground; Kevin Kirkpatrick, Ian Wade, Ralph Todd and George Duncan made it easier to win and all played well in the last quarter run home. Richard "Skeeter" Milne gave away a big start to even the card with Lou Alchin; the later a winner in the first half, the former on top in the second.

Our Second eighteen held onto their undefeated run but looked in trouble up until the last change yet came home hot and strong whilst our Thirds were never in any real danger in their big win, to start a winning treble for the day. Our best were Trevor Harrison, Tony Marando, Glen McNally, Don Coleman, Ian Wood and Richie Turner. To our good friends at Ariah Park may we have a good day's football today.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 8, 1973 - No.12 

The Thirds began the new (Third XV111) competition with a victory over Ardlethan. The game was of a high standard considering the conditions of the day. Best players were Allan (Basher) Best and his bad brothers Stephen (Bopper) Best and Shane (Booser) Best. Barry (Nipper) Northeast had a great game and kicked a nice half dozen goals.

All ex-Griffith players, committeemen and supporters now living in other parts, are invited to our Club reunion to be held on Saturday, 21st July at Griffith. Plans are in hand for a match between a couple of ladies? teams, to be coached by Joe Whyte. 

Applications for strappers for this match are now open, but rumour has it that Jake Carter has first option.

Several past coaches are expected to attend, among them Tom Roulent, Peter Morris and Geoff Willis to name a few.

A further match between our champions of the past is also planned and players interested should contact Vic Hathaway or Bob Carroll as soon as possible, so that training sessions, at the Victoria, can be organised.

The Griffith Co-op shirt award last week was won by Bob Patterson, a great player who never stops trying.