Surprises at Swans Presentation Night

By Brian Files

The Griffith Australian Football Club held its presentation night on Friday at the Ex-Servicemen's Club and while the winners of the best and fairest were known, there were some surprises on the night.

One was the awarding of the best clubperson to gatekeeper Neville Gardiner and former committeeman Joe Catanzariti, who has hardly missed a game running the boundary.

Another to have his work around the club recognised was first grade player Greg Collins, who took out the Joan Hicks Memorial trophy for the most conscientious player/clubperson.

Upcoming youngsters who were awarded for their efforts were Kane Duncan, the most promising player and the winner of the Ronnie Williams Trophy.

The Fred Owen Memorial Shield, which is an under 18 encouragement award went to Norm Campbell, who now joins a long list of former players who have gone on to better things.

Another to be recognised was Dean Leask, who took out the Gloria Butcher Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year.

The best and fairest awards went to Brett Davis for the second year running in the seniors, Richard Telfer took out the reserves and Craig Browne was the winner in the under 18's in his first season of Australian Football.

Other award winners in the seniors were David Eichler, who took out the most consistent, Andrew Barber was the most improved, Mark Henderson won the best utility player and Gary Argus was top goalkicker.

The reserves saw Ron Irvin the most consistent, Scott Wade was most improved, best utility went to Chris Noack and top goalkicker was Scott McDermott.

Matt Kenny took out the most consistent in the under 18's, Glenn Vaccari was the most improved, Malcolm Burke was best utility and Brent Harrison kicked the most goals.

The coaches awards went to Graham Foley in the seniors, Steve Cunial took out the reserves and Matthew Thompson in the under 18's while Brett Davis, Mark O'Bryan and Malcolm Burke won the special awards judged by supporters.

Chis Conlan was adjudged best player in the finals.

The netballers had a good season finishing in third spot in A grade and Peta Bennett was best and fairest.

In B grade, Louise Hill was best from Tania Gee.

Others to be recognised on the night were Ricky Burdett and Greg Dreyer, both who reached the 100 game milestone during the season.

Jack and Bobbie Burton, long time supporters of the club (Jack has served as recorder for many years), were given a memento for the years of service as they are shifting to the Gold Coast in the near future.

Keith "Butch" Thompson had a life member badge replaced by the club after it was stolen when his house was burgled while he was on holidays.

The Area News - Wednesday, October 12, 1994