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1975 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - by Swan

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 20, 1975 - No. 1

Today sees the beginning of the 1975 season and as it is our first game, I would like to welcome on behalf of our Club, our new players from Darwin, namely Bob McKenzie, John Tye, Arch Wilkey and Colin Borlace. We hope your stay with us is a happy and rewarding one.

The Jackpot Competition will be drawn on May 16th and all will be keen to see the results.

There will be a social after the game today and as it is our first game social, we are hoping to have a big roll up of players and supporters.

Today we play Turvey Park and although the two coaches are brothers, I am sure that both are determined to have a win. This is an important game for us as it will be a big morale booster for the start of the season. UP THE SWANS!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 27, 1975 - No. 2

Well now - let's forget last week and start again as far as the First XVIII is concerned.

A great win by our Second XVIII - they certainly started the season in fine fashion. How well would they have gone if the coach had been present. A tremendous effort by Trevor "Sep" Reed. Skeeter Milne was another who turned in a great game.

They must make it awfully hard for some of the failures in the Firsts. Peter Woodland at full forward, kicked a bag full of goals. Rover Garry Owen also showed that he will be hard to keep out of the Firsts.

Congratulations to Tony Agresta on being appointed captain of the Second XVIII and also Gary Gardner as vice-captain. Arch Wilkey was elected vice-captain of the First XVIII.

Congratulations to you Arch, who was one of the few players to show any form last week.

Our Third XVIII waited in vain for the Turvey Park boys to arrive - however, a practice match was hastily arranged, and a good training run was enjoyed - let us hope that Turvey Park can get their Thirds organised - the league needs them.

The drawing of the club's Jackpot Competition will be held in the clubrooms on May 16th - all ticket holders are invited to attend and enjoy drinks and eats provided.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 4, 1975 - No. 3

Two big wins against Whitton last week but still little to enthuse about as far as the First XVIII is concerned - there seems to be very little teamwork or even enthusiasm amongst our players at this stage. Congratulations to Frank Valeri who played his first full senior match and kicked four goals to round off a great effort on his part. Glen Harrison had another good match - just a word about the statistics that are being kept, it is not the quantity of kicks that is important, it is how, where and when you get them and what you do with them that's counts.

Another good match from big Arch Wilkey - wish we had another three like him. Grant Luhrs was the Griffith Co-op Shirt award winner.

Peter Woodland kicked twenty "sausage rolls" in the Seconds and established what I think to be a new club record for one match. He was ably assisted by promoted young players Greg Savage, who kicked six goals, Graham Manning and Greg Hill, who both played really well.

The club's 200 Club competition is now pretty well sold out and will be drawn on May 16th in the club-rooms - a feature of the drawing this year will be the order of drawing the major prize in that all numbers will be drawn from the barrel and the last remaining number will win first prize, the second last number, second prize and the third last, third prize.

All 200 marbles will be drawn so members who have a ticket, come along and join the fun - food, drinks and games in the club rooms on May 16th.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 11, 1975 - No. 4

It was most pleasing to see Ariah Park fielding a Third 18 team - great for them and also the League. To be a strong club you need depth, and the only way to achieve this is through your Reserves and Third Eighteen teams. Congratulations to you, Ariah Park. The Griffith Co-op shirt award, First 18, was won by Glenn Luhrs, for an excellent effort at fullback against Ardlethan last week.

The Warburton Construction cash award for the Second 18 was won by Mick O'Brien, who must have got a hundred kicks last week. John Corbett, who is a new player in the Third 18 showed a lot of potential to win the Neville Dawson's Menswear award for the best player on the day. Other Thirds players to show out were Chris O'Dwyer, Garry Cranston, John "Duck" O'Donnell and Shane Best.

It was interesting to read the Wagga Advertiser report on Monday morning - not a word about how well Griffith might have played, yet a lot of excuses for Ardlethan, who did play well. Surely, we deserve some small credit, after all - we did win.

To this writer, some small bias against Griffith seems apparent by this paper over the years. Still, I suppose they obtained their report from a Ardlethan supporter.

Don't forget - the Clubs Jackpot is to be drawn on Friday, May 16th. All ticket holders welcome in the Club Rooms at 8.00 p.m.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 25, 1975 - No. 6

Well, the Swans continue to improve, a good solid win over Ganmain on Sunday last. It was very pleasing to note a large dose of teamwork and backing up creeping into the side.

Great games by John Tye, Bob McKenzie and, of course, Arch Wilkey - pound for pound Garry Parslow must be the hardest player in the side. Today we see the return of Sid Robins - let's hope so.

The Griffith Co-op Shirt Award was won by Garry Parslow and the votes in the Cottees award went to John Tye 5, Arch Wilkey 4, Grant Luhrs 3, Gary Owen 2, Darryl Collis 1.

The Warburtons Cash Award for the 2nd 18 was won by Graham Manning with a tremendous effort.

Others to play well were Richard Turner and Gary Gardner. Votes in Bob Carroll Menswear were Richard Turner 5, Graham Manning 4, Frank Valeri 3, R. Smith 2, Neil Thompson 1.

Rumours has it that John Foley may begin training in the near future - John and Terese recently became the proud parents of a future footballer.

The poor old Third 18 finally have another competition match today - we realise how annoying it must be to train week after week and not get a match on Sundays - but from now on things will improve vastly and they will only miss one week between now and the finals, so stick to it you guys.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 1, 1975 - No. 7

Black Sunday - that's what last Sunday could well be called so far as the Griffith club is concerned. Narrandera took us apart in no uncertain manner in both First and Second Eighteen matches. The Griffith Swans certainly played like very soft, docile Swans, indeed, and offered only a token resistance to the ferocious Narrandera Foxes.

If last week's effort is to be taken as a guide for the future performances this season, then those players who have been only interested in what they can get from the club, and I refer mainly to the locals, had best change their attitude and give something in return, else there may well be a rather violent revolution within our ranks.

Too many players are more concerned with what other people may or may not be doing, rather than minding their own business and giving of their best.

Congratulations to the Third 18 on a fine win - a pity the more senior players don't follow their example of dedication at training. Best players for the Thirds, Kelvin Turner, Drew Luhrs, Robert Owen, John O'Donnell and Robin Parisotto.

The Griffith Co-op Shirt award for the First 18 was won by Ralph Robins who battled all day under difficulty.

The Warburton Construction Cash award for Second 18 was won by Neville "Mops" Hall, the lone good player in the 2nd 18.

If there had been a 2nd and 3rd place, Mops would have won these as well.

The Club's 200 Club Jackpot competition was drawn last Friday and won by Col. Thomson and 2nd prize went to Oscar Chandler.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 8, 1975 - No. 8

How the once mighty have fallen. It would be nice to be able to write something good about our efforts of late, but unfortunately, I can't think of anything. Voting in the Cottees First 18 best player Award; 5 Arch Wilkey, 4 John Tye, 3 Garry Parslow, 2 Ralph Robins, 1 Trevor Miller. The Griffith Co-op Shirt award, First 18: "Skeeter" Milne with a great game.

Garry Gardner won the Second 18 cash award from Warburton Constructions.

Voting in the Cottees Award to date:- John Tye 15, Arch Wilkey 13, Grant Luhrs 11, Glen Harrison 11, Trevor Miller 9, Bob McKenzie 5, Ralph Robins 4, Glen Luhrs 4, Darryl Collis 4, Garry Parslow 4, John Candusso 3, Garry Owen 2, Roy Agresta 2, Neville Brand 1, Colin Borlace 1. Bob Carroll Menswear - Glenford Suit Award for Second 18 voting:- Graham Manning 13, Peter Woodland 12, Tony Agresta 11, Richard Turner 6, Ian Hamilton 5, Mick O'Brien 5, Neville Hall 5, Garry Gardner 5, Vic Wilson 4, Terry Hughes 4, Greg Savage 3, Neil Thompson 3, Frank Valeri 3, Garry Parslow 2, Kevin Kirkpatrick 2, R. Smith 2, Denis Tyndall 2. What about a squawk from the Swans this week.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 15, 1975 - No. 9

A much better effort last Sunday - our players looked as though they wanted to win and played with much enthusiasm than other matches. Great games by Bob McKenzie, Garry Parslow, Glen Luhrs and Kevin Kirkpatrick, who won the Griffith Co-op Shirt award with a determined display of roving. Also, a good game by Sid Robins on his return to senior football, welcome back, "Bones".

Warburtons Cash award for the Second 18 was won by Ivan Nancarrow with a tremendous effort in a team full of good players - Colin Borlace and Vic Wilson pressing for First grade spot.

The Thirds continued on their winning way with a fine match, young rover, Robert Owen played well along with Garry Cranston, Robin Parisotto and Chris O'Dwyer.

A Social will be held at the Club rooms after the match and everyone is welcome, especially the visiting players and officials. The Club is a present conducting another Jackpot 200 Club competition with tickets available from any committeeman. If you missed out last time, then get in early and don't miss the boat this time.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 29, 1975 - No. 11

What a battle we now on our hands - Coolamon today - you could say its grand final day for our First 18 - that's how important this match and next week also, are to us. Lose either of these matches and we can almost write off 1975. Ralph Robins won the Griffith Co-op Shirt award against Leeton with a grand effort and six goals.

The Cottees' award votes went to Arch Wilkey 5, Bob McKenzie 4, John Candusso 3, Kevin Kirkpatrick 2, Sid Robins 1.

In the Second 18, who continued on their winning way, the Warburtons Cash award was won by Trevor Reed and must rate a real chance for promotion on recent form. The Bob Carroll Menswear Suit award voting: Trevor Reed 5, Neil Thompson 4, Ian Hamilton 3, Gary Gardner 2, Neville Hall 1.

The Neville Dawson Award for Third 18 was won by Garry Cranston with a dominating display. Joe Catanzariti had a great game also, along with Robin Parisotto and Robert Owen. Alan Hicken in his first match this season showed he will be a valuable player.

Supporters at recent home matches, may have noticed our new "Hooter" which is a tremendous improvement on the old job. This is thanks to Mrs. Betty Griggs who donated the cash and also to committee member Jack Burton who assembled the machine - a big thanks to you both.

Tickets in the current "Jackpot 200 Club" are almost sold out and will be drawn on August 8th - get your ticket now.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 6, 1975 - No. 12

None issued in The Aussie Ruler No. 12

Coolamon notes (By Grasshopper): Trevor Miller's Swans picked, punished and publicised the Hoppers at Kindra Park last Sunday, showing a great desire to get the ball. They had winning players in many positions and led from go to whoo, Lance Crocker, John McKenzie, John Chamberlain, Rob Garrett played well, but it was no avail, it was a day out for the Swans.

The Coolamon reserves, strengthened by John Kew, "Pussy" Hilton, "Strop" McKenzie had an unexpected victory, and are now only out of the four on percentage. Griffith had lost only one game prior to Sunday.

Winner of the blankets was Miss Anne Maloney of Griffith, while the double went to ex-player and life time supporter Ted Smith.

At the half way mark of the season it could be considered a bad year for injuries, no club has escaped, and broken bones, are common. The lack of rain to soften the playing area is no doubt, one of the reasons.

The thanks of the Rovers and Committee of the "Blue" Patterson Appeal are extended to the Riverina Australia Football Club for allowing the Rovers to run a raffle at the Club on 21st June. It netted $270 for the appeal.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 13, 1975 - No. 13

Well now - three great wins last week and we are back in business again. Big "Nifty" Brand dazzled them in the mud to win the Griffith Co-op Shirt award. The votes in the Cottee's cash award went to Trevor Miller 5, Bob McKenzie 4, Darryl Collis 3, Neville Brand 2, Richard Milne 1.

In the Second 18, Terry Hewatt won the Warburtons Constructions cash award and votes for the Bob Carroll Menswear-Glenfold suit award went to Greg Hill 5, Denis Tyndall 4, Neville Hall 3, Ivan Nancarrow 2, Terry Hewatt 1.

The Neville Dawson Menswear award for Third 18 was won by John "Duck" O'Donnell with a great effort.

The Thirds are going from strength to strength with some really big wins. Alan Hicken kicked 12 goals, again, and now leads the goal kicking list for the competition.

Our thanks to the Whitton Club for allowing us to transfer today's match to the Whitton Oval - owing to an important Schoolboys fixture on the Ex-Services Oval we are displaced for the day. However, we really appreciate the Whitton's Club's co-operation.'

They tell me that Terry Hughes and Don Coleman, those well-known 2nd 18 speedsters, are in strict training for next year's Stawell Gift. Should do well too, as long as they don't receive too great a handicap. Bob Spears will be coaching them.

The Social club are finalising arrangements for the Club's Annual Ball at the end of August, in the Yoogali Club.

So, start getting those flocks ready girls. Tickets are still available in the Club's current 200 Club competition, which will be finalised shortly - see any committeeman if you wish to buy one at $10.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 20, 1975 - No. 14

The Griffith players wish to express their appreciation to the very kind ladies of the Turvey Park Women's Auxiliary who supplied a most welcome dish of soup when we played at Gissing Oval recently.

The day was most wet and cold and the soup, most delicious, once again, our sincere thanks.

A couple of suggestions for the new name for the Aussie Ruler. How about the "South West Preview", or "South West Review" or perhaps, "South West Recorder".

The dedicated band of young men known as the Griffith Third 18 team are certainly killing the opposition of late. With really big wins over all other teams in the competition, coupled with their dynamic will-to-win they must surely go far this season.

It was nice to see a match on the Ex-Services Oval again - it's been a long time. For one reason or another let's hope we can celebrate with three big wins today.

The usual after match Social will be on again tonight - as soon as the match finishes. All visitors are welcome.

The Griffith Co-op Shirt award at Whitton last week was won by John Candusso who has certainly played well during recent weeks. In the Second 18 Warburton's Cash award went to Steve Best at centre half back - we could see Steve in the First 18 before long. Neville Dawson's Menswear Third 18 award was won in fine style by Kelvin Turner. Keep up the good work Kel.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 27, 1975 - No. 15

August 29th - that is the date for the Annual Club Ball - to be held at the Yoogali Club. A great orchestra has been engaged, so organise your party now as tickets are limited. Well, it rained goals last week, congratulations to our three full forwards on their efforts. Ralph Robins got 17 goals, won 5 votes in the Cottees' award and also won the Co-op Shirt award. Not bad! Other votes in the Cottees' award went to Grant Luhrs 4, Darryl Collis 3, Trevor Reed 2 and Bob McKenzie 1.
"Horse" Gardner won the 5 votes in the Bob Carroll Menswear 2nd 18 Suit award, Denis Tyndall 4 votes, Neil Thompson 3, Greg Hill 2, Laurence Candusso 2. "Horse" also won the Warburtons Constructions cash award.
The Neville Dawson Menswear 3rf 18 award was won by Alan Hicken - he had to - other 3rd 18 players to star were Robert Crowe, John O'Donnell and Peter Carey and about 14 other players.
Have you noticed the speed with which certain players can get changed after training on Friday nights, wish they were that fast on Sundays, but I will guess the same attraction isn't there.
The Clubs current 200 Club will be drawn on schedule on August 8th with refreshments provided for ticket holders. A few tickets still are available from committee members. Be quick though. Committee meeting, Tuesday, July 29.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 3, 1975 - No. 16

Little to say about last week, the only bright spot was another great win by our dynamic Thirds at Narrandera where they kept the opposition goalless for the match. Greg Savage won the Neville Dawson award for the best player, the "Black Cat" (Joe Catanzariti) also had a fine match, as did Kelvin Turner and Greg Hill, but really these guys all play so well it is difficult to name many players that are better than any of the rest.

After the Second 18 team's exhibition last week, the Thirds are going to request that their match be played prior to the senior match, instead of the Seconds - be much better to watch.

Votes in the Cottees' Award went to Arch Wilkey 5, John Tye 4, Grant Luhrs 3, Sid Robins 2, Kevin Kirkpatrick 1. Kevin Kirkpatrick won the Griffith Co-op Shirt award with a gutsy, determined effort. Pity others don't follow suit.

In the Seconds, "Mops" Hall received maximum 5 votes in the Bob Carroll Menswear-Glenford Suit award, with Denis Tyndall 4, Tony Agresta 3, Gary Gardner 2 and Graham Manning 1. Tony Agresta won the Warburton's Construction Cash award.

The Club is now selling tickets in a raffle with furniture of your choice to the value of $1000 from the Griffith Co-op Store as the prize - tickets are $1 and may be obtained from any committee member right now. Drawn at the Presentation Dinner in October. The usual social tonight - everyone is welcome. Remember the Ball, August 29th at Yoogali Club. Supper and drinks all provided.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 10, 1975 - No. 17

How the mighty have fallen - it's been many a day since we won all three matches against Narrandera, well done, chaps.
Drew Luhrs was the winner of the Neville Dawson 3rd 18 award, with great games from John O'Donnell, Alan Hicken, Greg Savage, Steve Knox, Robert Crowe, Robert Crowe and Robin Parisotto.
Denis Tyndall won the Warburton Construction Cash award in the 2nd 18 - voting for the Bob Carroll Menswear-Glenford Suit award went to "Mops" Hall 5, Neil Thompson 4, John Foley 3, Tony Agresta 2 and Denis Tyndall 1.
Cootees Soft Drinks award votes were awarded to big Arch Wilkey 5, "Bubba" Tye 4, Darryl Collis 3, Sid Robins 2 and "Killer" Kirkpatrick 1.
Best wishes of the club to Don Coleman who is in hospital after an operation on his injured knee. Hope he's out in time to dance a Tango at the Ball on August 29.
Supporters, tickets are now available in a new club raffle for furniture worth $1000 of the winner's choice from the Griffith Co-op store - tickets $1 from any committee member. Committee meeting, August 12.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 17, 1975 - No. 18

I can't stand whingers - and a certain leading club have certainly been doing their share and more and more of late. One would think that the only players to get injured all wear blue jerseys the way these people carry on.

I take particular offence to their mention in last week's notes where a player was referred to as "The Kicker".

In fact, the incident in which Cecil Lyons was injured happened directly in front of the Umpire and in his view, as well as everyone else, there was no foul intent whatever.

I would like to think that the views expressed in last weeks notes are only the very much biased and narrow minded opinion of the person who writes these notes and not the opinion of the majority of the people concerned with the club.

Onto more pleasant matters - the Club Ball will be held on Friday, August 29th. Tickets $15. Doubles, all inclusive, in Yoogali Club. Last weeks award winners were Griffith Co-op Shirt, First 18 was won by "Bubba" Tye. Warburton Plumbing Service cash, Second 18 was won by Shane Best. Neville Dawson Menswear, Third 18 was won by Peter Carey.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 24, 1975 - No. 19

Players, supporters, committee, everyone - the club's Annual Ball is on this coming Friday, August 29th at Yoogali Club. Tickets available at Bob Carroll's Menswear, so slip in tomorrow and pick up yours. Votes in the Cottees' Cash Award last week were won by Arch Wilkey 5, Bubba Tye 4, Nifty Brand 3, Bones Robins 2, Spotlight Collis 1.

In the Second XVIII Bob Carroll's Menswear Suit award, Terry Hughes 5 votes, Shane Best 4, Greg Hill 3, Horse Gardner 2, Mops Hall 1.

The First XVIII Griffith Co-op Award was won by Garry Parslow and Terry Hughes won the Warburtons Plumbing Service Cash award in the Seconds. John Corbett won the Third XVIII Neville Dawson Menswear award with a great match - John, like so many of our Thirds players, is getting better every week.

I see a great career as a journalist for Trevor Miller after his efforts in the Area News this week - he will probably have this job too.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 31, 1975 - No. 20
None issued in Aussie Ruler No. 20

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 7, 1975 - No. 21

Must apologise for no notes last week, but due to a mix-up, they were not compiled.

What a way to make the final four, 0.6 per cent. Congratulations to Leeton, Turvey Park and Ariah Park and commiserations to remaining teams. Great to see Ariah Park in the finals after so many years in the wilderness.

A magnificent effort by our players, particularly in the second half. Anybody's game at half time.

Coach Trevor Miller stirred the boys, and they did the rest.

Winner of the Griffith Co-op Shirt was John Candusso with a magnificent game. Others to show out in a great team effort were Arch Wilkey, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Bob McKenzie, Garry Parslow, Ralph Robins and Vic Wilson.

The Seconds had another big win, but their play left a lot to be desired. A big improvement in the finals is necessary.

Winners of Warburton's award was Stephen Brand with a great game. Other to play well were Stephen Best, Denis Tyndall, Shane Best and Peter Woodland.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 21, 1975 - No. 23

Firstly, congratulations Leeton on your fine win last week semi final - a great game.

Bob McKenzie won the Griffith Club best and fairest 1st 18 award - Denis Tyndall the 2nd 18 - and John O'Donnell the 3rd 18. Other club awards have not yet been made but the presentation dinner will be held on October 18 at Yoogali Club Function Room. Tickets will be available at Bob Carroll Menswear from Monday, September 22.
The Cottees Cash Award was won by Arch Wilkey, with John Tye 2nd and Bob McKenzie 3rd. Both Arch and John have now returned to Darwin. The Glenford - Bob Carroll Suit award for 2nd 18 was won by "Mops" Hall with a great season's football.
We take the opportunity to thank Cottees Soft Drinks in particular and also the Griffith Co-op and Neville Dawson Menswear for their weekly awards. Many thanks also to Bill Bock of Bock's Express Freights for providing "boose" for the players night, held recently - was indeed a great night which finished with Macca providing the floor show at the T.T. afterwards.
Congratulations to Bob and Pam McKenzie on the birth of a daughter - both mother and baby are fit and well - Bob was suffering the other morning though.

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