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HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1967 SEASON
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SWANS CLUB NOTES by Neil Griggs
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 9, 1967 - No. 1
Despite the absence of a few players tied up with fruit and rice harvesting and a couple of late starters, attendance and enthusiasm at training sessions has been really good and chief selector, Jim Eley, has recorded 85 names in his "little black book".
We have played three trials with varying success, but last Sunday's game against The Rock- Yerong Creek was a good, solid pipe-opener for today's game.
Missing from our line-up this year are Vic Hathaway and Bob Little, coaching at Weethalle and Whitton respectively, and Len Sexton and Gordon Browne umpiring, and they will all be greatly missed.
We have, however, gained Wayne Bromley (Mentone), replacing Bob Little, Roger Thom, from Northern Riverina, Geoff Martin, a rangy convert from Rugby League, and also John Scott, from (Morningside) Brisbane, and Bill Biron when he starts will think it's Christmas having Bromley, Thom, Martin and John Higgins, all 6ft. plus, to help him with rucking.
Congratulations to the Aussie Rules basketball team on their premiership win last Sunday. Let us hope it will be habit forming.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 16, 1967 - No. 2
A hat-trick of wins at Ariah Park was a really bright start to the new season.
The ground was hard and dusty, but the early arrivals saw the efforts officials made to improve the conditions as much as possible and their work was appreciated.
Taking over at centre half forward in the absence of John Foley, coach Kevin Kirkpatrick turned in a brilliant exhibition, highlighted by some spectacular marking and gained an early lead in the Ernest Hillier-Co-op Menswear suit award.
Malcolm Russell also started the season off well with a lively performance, plus 7 goals, and he, too, seems destined for a good season. Others to have good games included Angie Maloni, Geoff Martin, a real find this lad, John Higgins, Mick Newman and Denny Dreyer. New assistant coach, Wayne Bromley, had a quiet day in unfamiliar conditions but, at times, showed that better things are to come.
The seconds played well for their 39 points win with Max Eldridge, Ray Smith and Darryl Collis giving notice to the first graders to keep on their toes. Highlight of our third 18 was the six goals kicked by Jim Portolesi who could be a handy forward in a year or two.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 23, 1967 - No. 3
Coolamon offered very strong opposition for three quarters at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval last Sunday but had "no petrol left in the tank" for the final term and by adding 8.4 to 2.1 the Red and Whites were 44 points up at the final siren. Once again coach Kevin Kirkpatrick was an inspiring leader and rated best afield. His brilliant play won him his second successive three points vote in the Co-op Menswear-Ernest Hillier suit award and he now has a handy early lead.
Angie Maloni gained two points for his good play in the centre and Brian Fitzpatrick took the one point for some very solid and safe defence. Others under notice for a lot of good football were John Higgins, John Fitzpatrick and Bob Spears.
With Bill Biron, Joe Whyte and Jim Eley, all of whom played in the first 18 grand final, having their first run of the season, and Les Collis, the second 18 was a pretty strong one, but although their winning margin was 74 points, they never really assumed full control. All four "new" players had good games, whilst Darryl Collis and Garry Owen also played well.
The cans from the Supporters Club were certainly most welcome after the game.
GRIFFITH NOTES "The Aussie Ruler" April 30, 1967 - No. 4
Beaten, battered and bruised, describes the Griffith team after Sunday's rugged affair at Ganmain. All players, however, will survive to play again. Our most pleasing recollection from the black day is the fright the previous 2000 per cent competition leaders got in the second 18 game - a little luck and we could have won this one.
Ganmain had too much understanding in the third game and won easily. Our best were Wayne Robins, Ken McCudden and Pat Richardson.
Our first 18 had their first experience with a SWDFL "umpire" and to say the least everyone would be relieved if it was our first and last such experience.
The lack of umpire control and protection saw Fred Mundy's "mate" in form with elbows, but he wasn't the only one swinging freely and the chief sufferer was "giant" Mal Russell.
Sid "Bones" Robins was right at his best again to rate our best player and collected three points in the Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award, with Angie Maloni gaining two points and Bob Spears one.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 7, 1967 - No. 5
After a game that was close and interesting throughout, we just managed to outclass the Bulldogs last Sunday.
Sid Robins, once again, was our star, and his sparkling effort won him his second successive major vote in the Co-op- Ernest Hillier suit award.
Roger Thom, who played well all day, gained two points, and Mal Russell recieved one for his lively roving. Wayne Bromley played his best game to date and gave promise of better things to come.
Unable to match Turvey in the air our Seconds, after a good, game effort, went down by 18 points, with Darryl Collis, Terry O'Connor and Ray Smith going well.
The first game of the day, the Thirds, was close and exciting with Turvey under vociferous urging by their keen President, getting home by two points. Amongst our best in the game were Wayne Robins, Allan Hickey and David Forrester.
The after game refreshments provided by the Supporters Club were again much appreciated by all players.
Whilst agreeing with Turvey Tidbits scribe about Ivan Carroll's long kicking ability, quite a few Griffith supporters would have a modicum on Turvey coach Eric White in a long kicking contest.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 14, 1967 - No. 6
Our win at Whitton last Sunday was not achieved as easily as the scores would indicate. It was generally a rugged, scrambly game, not helped by the umpiring (Melbourne) and we were pleased to come out of it with four competition points and no serious injuries.
Our young Rugby League convert, Geoff Martin, who has improved with every game, turned in a beauty to rate best afield.
Geoff's good game gained him a major 3 points in the Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award and he is one of the early picks to win the handsome trophy.
John Higgins gained two points in the award and Kevin Kirkpatrick one. Others to do well were Sid Robins, John Scott, Mal Russell and Brian Fitzpatrick.
With some extravagant inaccuracy our Seconds rattled up 9.22 in their 63-point win and this was another case where bad kicking was bad football. Our best were Les Hodson, Terry O'Connor, Frank Conlan (first game for the year - welcome back), and John Mitchell, who also appeared for the first time.
We hope to burst Leeton's bubble today but from all reports they are going well, and we will need to do everything right.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 27, 1967 - No. 7
We started the day off well against Leeton with a good win in the Third 18 game, after which the Seconds turned on their best performance of the year to score an easy 74 points win after kicking 1.10 in the first quarter.
Our best in these games were "Rocco" Robinson, David Forrester, Warwick Collis (Thirds) and Darryl Collis, Ray Smith, John Mitchell (Seconds).
Unfortunately the hat-trick eluded us when Leeton finished too well in the last few minutes to win by 13 points.
Taking out points in the Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award for our best players were Bob Spears ("the tank") 3, Kevin Kirkpatrick 2 and Sid Robins 1.
Congratulations from players and members to Wayne Bromley and Eva McKeirhan on their marriage last Saturday. They say the "bucks" party was a "real ball".
Everyone is happy Mal Russell escaped from his bout with a train last Friday without serious injury. If he is as lucky with his lottery ticket, he may be able to replace his car which ended up a heap of mangled junk.
Sufficient to say of last Sunday's (South West League) debacle at Ganmain that only a very few, including replacement Kevin Kirkpatrick, emerged with their playing reputation unblemished.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 4, 1967 - No. 8
Our supporters expected us to beat Ardlethan last Sunday, but no one was optimistic enough to suggest it would be 127 points.
Such was the case, however, and it was achieved by good, strong football against a team which never stopped trying.
John Scott, rover and forward, was our best although he only kicked 7 goals from 19 scoring shots.
John took the major three points in the Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award, with Angie Maloni, who controlled the centre all day, receiving two points and Brian Fitzpatrick, a strong defender, getting one.
Denny Dreyer and Les Collis turned in their best games of the year, whilst others doing well included John Higgins, Bob Spears and Mick Newman.
In their game our seconds set the tempo for the day with a 170-14 win to make our aggregate score for the day 324 points to 41. Bob Prenzel, who was the star of the third 18 last year, had his first game of the season with the seconds and rated our No. 1 player and he was well supported by Joe Whyte, Max Eldridge and Ray Smith. We welcome Narrandera today and hope to reverse the result.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 11, 1967 - No. 9
The Second 18 game stole all the thunder at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval last Sunday, and many good judges from both clubs rated it as one of the best seconds games for years. It had everything, even an exciting finish with Griffith lucky enough to win by 7 points and thus win one of the six games against Narrandera over the weekend.
Seconds coach Don Best set his team a spirited example in this game, and he was well supported by Phillip and Ray Smith, James Browne and Bob Prenzel.
This win over the hitherto unbeaten Imps will give our improving team a good boost.
The main game was not a very inspiring spectacle but to Narrandera's credit they did reveal some team-work against a team of individuals. Apparently our fellows haven't yet learnt that a champion team will beat a team of champions.
Turning in his best game of the year, Mick Newman gained the major 3 points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier shirt award, with Brian Fitzpatrick gaining two points and Geoff Martin one.
Our thirds found Narrandera too good and went down 34 to 68, with our best being Geoff Reed, Allan Hickey, John Crump and Terry Overs.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 18, 1967 - No. 10
Three wins were achieved against A.P.-M. last Sunday despite some atrocious kicking that saw our aggregate tally for the day 25 goals 58 behinds, certainly some "fancy" kicking.Claiming the SWDFL record for 14.32 which saw premiership football inaccuracy the first 18 ended up with a go down the drain with bad kicking.
Coach Kevin Kirkpatrick, rated as best afield and with three points, went further ahead in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award with the other points going to Roger Thom (2) and John Fitzpatrick (1).
Tried at centre forward, Roger Thom, with some splendid marking and good understanding, featured in most of our scores but not in the inaccuracy, kicking 5.5.
Our half back line of Sid Robins, John and Brian Fitzpatrick were on top all day and made scoring hard for the Bombers.
Apparently top of the page last week went to the head of our Seconds, as despite winning by 67 points (75-8), they did not play really well.
In his first game this year Ray Davies, rated No. 1 player with Don Best, Joe Whyte and Darryl Collis also going well.
Scoring 1.11 (17) to 1.1 (7) , our Thirds won "somehow" with Wayne Robins, Geoff Reed and Danny "Knosie" Knox best.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 2, 1967 - No. 11
A walk off by Fred Mundy which was followed by a sensational last quarter by G.G.-Matong highlighted an incident packed game at Matong.
Set an inspired example by Merv Sellars, the Magpies showed they can play really good football and there were many relieved Griffith supporters when the siren ended that devastating last quarter burst.
The reliable Sid Robins just shaded Kevin Kirkpatrick as our best and gained 3 points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier Suit award. Kevin Received two points and John Fitzpatrick one.
Ray Davies after only on second 18 game this year showed with a good effort what a handy player to the firsts he will be this year.
The seconds had a very big win and it was hard to sort out the best players perhaps John Mitchell, Phillip Smith (6 goals) and Reg Higgins were the most noticeable.
What a splendid game last Sunday's Country Championship was and what a grand performance the S.W.D.F.L. players turned in after conceding such a big start.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 9, 1967 - No. 12
Coolamon proved to be an easier hurdle than expected last Sunday, although the scores 133-53 were not a true indication of the game.
It was not a good exhibition, far too much mishandling and poor kicking but the 80-point margin helps our percentage.
Coach Kevin Kirkpatrick, once again set the tempo and rated as our best afield thus collecting another 3 points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit wear.
For his brightest performance to date John Scott received two points in the award with Wayne Bromley's solid effort earning him the one point. Others to do well included Geoff Martin, Sid Robins, Roger Thom and Bob Spears.
To make a big aggregate for the day of 310 to 66 our seconds won 177-13.
Coach Don Best, however, wasn't really satisfied and reckons a big improvement in teamwork is still needed.
Prominent second 18 players were Darryl Collis, John Foley (first game for season), Les Collis and Ralph Savage.
In this game Wally Clark was unlucky enough to suffer, purely accidentally, a fractured jaw and everyone hopes his recovery will be complete and speedy.
Our thirds have not had a game recently but are still well represented each training night although the recent steak night brought out more than the average. It was opportune however, as they were able to congratulate their coach Bob Spears on the birth of his second footballer.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 16, 1967 - No. 13
A strong near gale force wind diagonally across the ground marred our game with Whitton and in impossible conditions good football was at a premium. Whitton inspired by coach Bob Little tried hard but Griffith were too strong and had little trouble winning by 32 points.
Conditions didn't make for outstanding players but just about everyone gave Geoff Martin the vote as our best. Geoff took the three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award with Mal Russell next best getting two and Robert Prenzel one.
It was strange to see Sid Robins (indisposed) in the role of onlooker, but Bob Spears filled in solidly at centre halfback.
In a completely foreign position, John Foley, good footballer that he is, did reasonably well in the back pocket but will undoubtedly be much more at home on the half forward line.
Without eight of their regulars' players the second 18, with recruits from the thirds, had a comfortable win, 66-18, but their team game also suffered with the wind. Experienced players Mick Newman and Bob Carroll handled the conditions well and were the team's best.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 23, 1967 - No. 14
Turvey Park proved a stumbling block last Sunday and were too good. Our players, however, helped bring about their own defeat by not adapting themselves to the umpire's rulings, and also by foolish frees.
Still a one-kick defeat (5 points), after conceding 32 points start to a team such as Turvey in the last 15 minutes is quite a good effort.
The "Tank" left little doubt as who was our best player, but it was hard to seek out the next best.
Voting in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award for Sunday were Bob Spears 3 points, Ray Davies 2, Kevin Kirkpatrick 1.
Others to do well were John Foley, Bill Biron, Bob Prenzel and John Fitzpatrick.
The second 18 turned on a splendid effort to gain our only win on Sunday. It was an outstanding game, and our best were Les Hodson, Garry Owen, Darryl Collis and Reg Higgins. The team is now in second place, and in their present form must rate a definite premiership chance.
After a long break without a game our thirds were unable to get going and Turvey were easy winners. Our best were Mervyn Brill John Candusso, Ray Bortolazzo and Wayne Robins.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 30, 1967 - No. 15
The Red and White confounded quite a few critics by defeating Ganmain last Sunday and also pleasantly surprised all their supporters with the ease of their win. Coach Kevin Kirkpatrick proved an inspiring leader and rated as best in a team in which everyone played well.
For his grand effort, Kevin won another major award in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit trophy; the points allotted being Kevin 3, John Scott 2, Bill Biron 1. Sid Robins, featuring in a new role as full forward, just managed to kick his first ever goal before switching to the other end to replace fullback Frank Conlan, who was taken off with a finger injury.
Our seconds appeared too tense and didn't settle down until the last quarter when they showed some of the football expected of them, but it takes more than one quarter to beat teams such as Ganmain. Our best in this game were Joe Whyte, Reg Higgins, Don Best and Darryl Collis.
The thirds, benefitting from their game against Turvey Park, showed improved form to win well.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 6, 1967 - No. 16
Leeton made it two out of two last Sunday, but our performance, ragged as it was, gave hope for the future and, we feel, if we meet the Redlegs in the grand final that we may win that long overdue pennant.
There was little doubt, however, that on the day Leeton were the better team and in view of their shaggy effort Griffith didn't deserve to win.
Roger Thom, who never fails to turn in a 100 per cent effort, rated as our best and took the three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernst Hillier suit award, with John Scott's lively game gaining him two points and consistent defender Bob Prenzel getting one.
Don Best and the Second 18 continues to go from strength to strength and recorded a crushing win over the Redlegs.
After a lot of experimenting someone finally woke up to the fact that Phillip Smith was a goal-kicker and his nine goals against Leeton certainly justified the move.
Our Thirds and Leeton staged a very even game and in an exciting finish the result was a draw - 31 points each. Best in our team, with everyone trying hard, were David Forrester, Wayne Robins, Garry Gardiner and Mervyn Brill.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 13, 1967 - No. 17
With an aggregate of 286 to 52 we had two percentage boosting wins over Grong Grong-Matong last Sunday.
Although inconclusive in the first half our firsts made sure the Magpies didn't stage the Bernborough finish that almost upset us in our last game by outscoring them 103 to 13 after half-time.
New full-forward Phil Smith followed his nine goals at Leeton with the Seconds with seven against G.G.-M to justify his promotion and make a strong claim for a permanent place in the firsts.
Sid Robins, back in his right position at centre halfback, and flanker Bob Prenzel were our best defenders, and especially in our weak second quarter effort they were outstanding.
Points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award went to Sid Robins 3, Bob Prenzel 2 and Kevin Kirkpatrick 1.
Our Seconds also had a big win 144 to 7, but they also had to get the needle from coach Don Best at half-time to get into top gear. Ray Smith turned in a bright display of roving, highlighted by 5 goals and all he lacks to be a real star is weight. Others to do well included Max Eldridge, Reg Higgins and John Mitchell.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 20, 1967 - No. 18
On a bleak, windy, miserable afternoon, Ardlethan were unlucky to strike Griffith in both games (firsts and seconds) on a scoring rampage and an aggregate of 428 to 28, we maintained our high percentage. The firsts in their 197-28 win, played much good football to hearten their fans, while Ardlethan, to their credit, tried hard right to the end.
As the scores indicate, everyone with a chance played well. Returning to his lively best, Mal Russell rated tops and took out the three points in the Griffith Co-op / Ernest Hillier suit award, with John Foley getting two points and Kevin Kirkpatrick one.
The Seconds exceeded their coach's simple request by 31 points, winning 231 to nil.
Ray Smith with some lively sharp shooting, kicked 14 goals to be our best, while Max Eldridge, Les Collis and Garry Owen were always prominent. By performances on Sunday, it seems our annual Ball on the Friday didn't do the players any harm, although there were a few seedy boys around on Saturday.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 27, 1967 - No. 19
Last Sunday was a black day for the Red and Whites and the loss of Kevin Kirkpatrick and Ray Davies and possibly Bob Spears greatly lessons our premiership chances, but that the way the "cookie crumbles".
Unsettled after the injuries, our team had no answer to Narrandera's strong play.
John Foley, in two separate votes, rated as our best and took the last three points allocation in the Co-op / Ernest Hillier suit award, with Brian Fitzpatrick getting two points and Bill Biron one.
Our Seconds gave us something to cheer about by defeating the competition leaders in an outstanding 2nd XV111 game. Our best were Ray Smith, John Mitchell, Gary Owen, Les Hodson and Don Best.
If they do not have supply replacements for the 1st XV111, this team would be hard to beat for the premiership, as they are really going well.
After leading Narrandera until half time, our Thirds couldn't keep up the pressure and lost by 28 points. Best were Wayne Robins, Mervyn Brill, Alan Norton-Baker and David Forrester.
Congratulations to all teams who made the finals - commiserations to those who missed out, and to all, best wishes for a better and brighter 1968 season.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 3, 1967 - No. 20
Well, it was not our day last Sunday with one win and two near misses. Despite the bleak, windy conditions, it was a day of grand football with three really good games and three exciting finishes well worthy of much better support. Players, officials and supporters of several clubs were conspicuous by their absence, and it is supporting such as this that has put the League where it is today.
Unable to adapt to the conditions, Griffith lost the advantage of the wind in the first quarter, and this tardy start possibly made the difference between defeat and victory. Ganmain, however, on the day were the better team.
Sid Robins won the trophy donated by generous supporter, Col Longobardi, for our best player, while other to do well were Bill Biron, Geoff Martin and Brian Fitzpatrick.
Our Seconds went down gallantly. Had they won, we may have won a premiership at long last - even if it was a Second XV111 one. Top players were John Mitchell, Don Best, Les Hodson and Ray Smith.
Our Thirds scrambled home for our only win, achieved mainly through the efforts of John Candusso, Wayne Robins and Geoff Reed.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 10, 1967 - No. 21
It was certainly Narrandera's day at Ganmain last Sunday with the three blue and gold teams winners their way to the grand finals.
Kept in the game by accurate kicking until half time, Leeton found the pressure a little too much and wilted, but this game and the two early fixtures provided the good crowd with a lot of interest and entertainment.
Let us hope the same sort of football comes up again today.
Our Thirds hope to topple Turvey Park today to achieve the honour of playing in the grand final.
With our season just about ended, we would like to thank you to the other nine clubs for helping us enjoy our season and in closing may we extend best wishes to each and all for a happy and successful season in 1968.