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1966 SEASON
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SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 24, 1966 - No. 13
The Griffith team turned on one of their very best efforts to move up into top place last Sunday (thanks to Coolamon) and our sights are now set on winning the Dal Williams Trophy three times in a row.
From a lot of good players Bob Little was tops, but he was well supported by all other players.
Worthy of special mention was Joe Whyte, who took over the centre wing, where he participated in many Griffith moves to turn in his best game.
Thanks to a couple of good supporters and some Turvey fans, who had some extra dollars, our players enjoyed a niner after training on Wednesday.
The second 18 game was a dour struggle, and the draw was a fitting result, as both teams would have been unlucky to lose. Mick Newman and Brian Jones were our best.
Despite having only 16 players, our third 18 played gallantly to be beaten by only a point in a very low scoring game. Best were Les Hodson, Garry Owen, Noel Brown.
Congratulations to Bruce Waters (Narrandera) on reaching his 250th game.
HIGH MARKS AND FUMBLES
By Neil Griggs
Sunday was a big day for Griffith stalwart Vic Hathaway, who played his 200th first grade game with the club. With Ganmain co-operating willingly both team teams and the umpires lined up inside the entrance gate to applaud Vic and his achievements and after he had been congratulated by President John Lane he led the Swans out onto the field to the plaudits of the crowd, who are always ready to recognise a top class, clean footballer. Members of the Griffith Club committee conducted a blanket collection which resulted in Vic receiving quite a tangible memento of the special occasion.
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Centre half back Sid Robins and ruckman Bob Little shared the honours as best player for Griffith in last Sunday's tough game against Ganmain. Sid was a veritable Rock of Gibraltar and many threatening attacks perished of his brilliant defence which combined, pace, anticipation and many brilliant marks, while Bob rucked very strongly all day and highlighted his game with many brilliant marks. Both will again have a key role to play at Narrandera next Sunday.
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Young Griffith ruckman John Higgins showed at a vital stage in the last quarter of Sunday's game when he grabbed the ball from the throw-in on Griffith's half forward line, swung away from the pack and sent a long accurate hand pass to Bill Tyndall, who ran in to kick a valuable goal, that he is steadily improving with experience and will be a very handy player in the not too distant future.
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Umpire Yendle, who did quite a good job in the main game last Sunday, showed his years of experience when three Ganmain players, with their sights set on Kevin Kirkpatrick, flattened the Griffith coach. Giving the man going for the ball the advantage the umpire in awarding Kevin a free, told him he had all the time he wanted to be fully recovered before he took his kick.
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Top point scorer in the Griffith first 18 Col Longobardi Point Score award last Sunday was sterling defender Sid Robins with 5 points, Bob Little was close behind with 4 and then came Mal Russell, Frank Conlan 3, John Foley, Joe Whyte 2 and Kevin Kirkpatrick, Vic Hathaway, Don Best, Bill Biron and Angie Maloni with 1 each.
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Voting in the Col Longobardi award in the second 18 indicated that the most serviceable players were fairly evenly matched. Denny Dreyer led the way with 4 points, closely pressed by Jim Eley, John Mitchell, Ray Smith and Mick Newman on 3, who were followed by Terry O'Connor, John Crump, George Schlitz and Bob Carroll with 2 points.
Riverina Advocate - Wednesday July 27, 1966
JUBILEE YEAR WEEKLY SPORTS AWARD
Sid Robins wins Ron Dalla trophy
Griffith Australian Rules team's centre half back, Sid Robins wins the weekly trophy associated with Ron Dalla Jubilee Year Sports Award for an outstanding and sustained exhibition of brilliant and very safe defence which contributed quite a lot to Griffith's win in last Sunday's important SWDFL competition game in which Griffith defeated old rivals Ganmain.
It was a valuable win too as it took the Red and Whites to the top of the competition point score ladder. A strong blustery wind blowing slightly across the Ex-Servicemen's Oval handicapped the judgment and handling of most of the players and the difficult conditions really sorted out "the men from the boys". That Sid rated as the Griffith team's best player by most critics and supporters illustrates just how well he adapted himself to the conditions in his key defensive position.
Sid was at his best in the vital last quarter when Griffith, leading by 14 points, faces a strong challenge from a confident Ganmain, who had the last use of the strong breeze. With strong lively defence he quite often reversed defence into attack and his inspiring football was a major contribution to Griffith's splendid effort in this decisive term. His weekly trophy awaits Sid at Mr Dalla's shop. Riverina Advocate - Friday July 29, 1966