1962 SEASON
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Griffith's Season in Review - 1962
A disappointing season after a superb start. On the opening day at our new ground, the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Oval we crushed Whitton by 150 points. Coach Len Sexton was in superlative form, booting 11 of the teams 26 goals.
One of the familiar faces left the Club following the game, Vic Hathaway, such a great ball-getter and thoughtful player, had given his best for nine seasons but, with his future in mind, he accepted the assistant-coach's job at Berrigan.
Despite this early season setback confidence was boosted when we won our next two games, first at Ganmain and then at home against reigning premiers Turvey Park.
Poor finishing proved costly at Matong but we bounced back to defeat the Imperials at Narrandera. In a spiteful game centre half back John Anderson suffered a season ending shoulder injury while utility Kevin Luhrs was reported for kicking. He was found guilty and suspended for three games.
By July we were in with an excellent premiership chance. But we dropped five of our final seven games and slid out of finals reckoning.
During the season we introduced several newcomers to the team. One of them, Allan Hudson, who made such a hit as a boxer proved not only was he tough but a very fair footballer. Hudson along with Len Sexton and Bill Biron represented SWDFL against Sydney at Trumper Park. Len Sexton for successive seasons headed the SWDFL's goalkicker list with 57 goals.
Throughout the season we experienced problems regarding committeemen, not helped by the strangely unusual number of comings and goings. Jim Andrea, John Anderson, Vic Hathaway and Fred Gordon having left town. Clive Lane for health reasons while Norm Coleman and Jack Slattery were released for poor attendance. Nevertheless, capable men in Roy MacKenzie, Mick Newman, Fred Savage and John Reed were elected to a committee which had become depleted and well below strength. (Compiled by Trevor Harrison).