GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 8, 2001 - No. 1 

FIRSTLY, congratulations to Peter Royal (Narrandera) on being appointed to the MVAFA Board - it will be good to have a voice from this end of the League.
Well, it's finally here, the day we've been working towards since August last year - the first round of 2001 and we are looking forward to a much-improved season. There is a very positive feeling around the club, and we believe that we will make the finals and will be very competitive.
It's great to have Jon O'Dwyer with us for the second season - a luxury we have not had since Les Parish. Once again Adrian Pavise will have charge of the Reserves and hopes that they can take the extra step this year, having lost the grand final last year in extra time. Former player Peter Casey has taken on the arduous task of coaching the Under 18's and we wish him well.
We also want to welcome all those new players to the club and those who have been missing for a year or two for various reasons and who now have come back to the fold. The new players are Jeremy Way from Jerilderie, Sam Kennedy from Ballina, Peter Thornton from Narrandera, Hamish Munro and Michael Harris from Coleambally, Pat Connell from Yarrawonga, Paul Rogerson from the VAFA. We also welcome back former players Jamie Bennett, Gary Argus, Malcolm Burke, Owen Brown, Rodney Simpkin, Tony Butcher, Luke Testoni, Brent Hathaway and Jeff Harris, and it's great to see them back in the red and white colours.
We also lost a few. Jason Vant to Urana, Jake Maguire to Wangaratta, Matt Waide to Wodonga, Shane Russell to Ardlethan, Jeff Inglis, Peter Hunt, Luke Irons, Paul & Jamie Kite to Barellan, Daniel Tuohey to Coleambally and Kane Bannam to Tyntynder. We wish them all well with their new clubs.
Once again, we have weekly awards winners and we wish to thank the following businesses for their continued support: Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club, Snuggle-In, Donaldson's Mitre 10, McDonalds, Ron's Auto One, Fred & Rod McNabb, Autobarn, Griffith Laundry Service, Il Corso Pizza, Video Ezy, Hair Do.
As an added incentive for the players, the Club has instituted a 'Player of the Year' competition with Alf Trefilo from Traveland and The Area News. Traveland have organised the prize of a trip for two to the Gold Coast and three nights' accommodation. All players in all grades will be eligible and it could be won by an Under 18's as easily a senior. They will receive 3, 2 or 1 votes - for each grade and the results will be published in Wednesday's Area News with the progressive totals. In the event of a draw there will be a count back.
For the first time since inception, the Swans have three teams in the RFL Netball competition - A, B and Juniors, and they have been sponsored by the Griffith Newsagency, the Crown Hotel and Danny's Store respectively and thanks to all those businesses.
Once again there are many businesses and individuals that have agreed to be game sponsors for the seniors and today's game sponsor is George Duncan Electrics and we thank George and Donna for their support.
Today is a feast of football with the juniors also playing Ganmain-GGM too, and like Daniel we meet the Lions in their own den. Let's do what Daniel did and tame the Lions and start the season with a win. Go the Swannies.

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