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1985 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 14, 1985 - No. 1

This Sunday commences the 1985 RFL season. After an up and down season last year the Owen Toyota Swans under coach Ian Geddes are looking forward to home and away matches. Once again, we welcome Scott Barber from unemployment paradise in Darwin. Kevin Trafford, with features of the girl on redhead matches, has come to the Swans for the season.

We also welcome Peter Telford (Broken Hill) and Neil Bruce (Western Suburbs) to the Owen Toyota Swans.

After taking off the Whitton Knockout defeating Leeton in the final, the Swans were left looking like the main street of Tibooburra in the drought at the hands of the Coolamon Grasshoppers - trial game defeat.

This Sunday we meet the reigning premiers Ganmain at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval. With a mobile side the Swans will play havoc with the Lions and give them a warm welcome to 1985. Up The Swannies!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 21, 1985 - No. 2
Riverina Football Record No. 2 unavailable.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 28, 1985 - No. 3

Last Sunday saw the Swans travel to Wagga. The Under 19's set the stage by nearly overhauling Wagga. Coach Garry 'Horsey' Gardner no doubt has some prospects in Jamie Bennett and Darren Prest. The Griffith Record Centre award went to Jamie Bennett. The Club thanks Leo & Eleanor Salvestrin and the Record Centre for their support in Junior football.
Dad's Army overcome a spirited Tigers outfit to win the Reserves in a dour struggle. Not to confused with a senior citizens picnic the experience of John Seidel, 'Pres' Mick Thompson, Ian 'Sheeds' Wade along with their younger counterparts pipped the Tigers on the post by two points. A welcome return to Stephen Crack (erbarrel) who made the 'one legged bandit' look quick.
The Firsts came from 28 points deficit at half-time and a heart in the mouth final quarter to beat a gallant Tigers outfit. Coach Ian Geddes was obviously pleased with his charges who stuck to their guns like a thirsty man at the bar. Darrell Collins (best on ground) and new recruit Kevin Trafford shone as the Swans swooped on Tigerland.

The small brigade in Robbie Owen, Peter Telford and the 'quite achiever' Neil Bruce lent good support. Today we meet the Turvey Park Bulldogs at home, so come on Swans let's put 100 minutes of guts into a good win. Go Swannies!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 5, 1985 - No. 4
Last Sunday with three good wins sees the Swans moving up the ladder. In a dogged affair in the Under 19's, the young Swans, led by the Italian stallion Paul Romagnolo and Jamie Bennett, won by 4 goals. Coach 'Horsey' Gardner relishing the fact he didn't have to play in the Reserves, must be pleased with his young side who showed great endeavour . The Record Centre award courtesy of Leo & Eleanor Salvestrin goes to Mark Gullifer who proved back pocket players can kick, dobbed a 6-pointer.
Dad's Army, after a close win against the Tigers, blitzed the toothless Bulldogs in a great team effort. Not to be outdone by his son T.B. (Silver) Bennett kicking five goals and Ritchie Turner (Dons Pewter) shone out. Just to prove that archaeology and ancient history is still alive it was noted that the odd dropkick stab pass was used to good effect.
Coach Ian Geddes and assistant coach Scott Barber (Don's Pewter) and the sides humiliation of a brave Bulldog was the highlight of last Sunday. An all-round effort saw a good 8 goal victory. Geddes at C.H.B. obviously showed organising ability and instilled great confidence into his younger brigade. The high-flying Barber with 5 goals and having hand in several others was back to crowd pleasing best.
Today we bomb the Bombers. Up The Swannies!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 12, 1985 - No. 5
After a great start last Sunday, the Swans nosedived at Ariah Park. Coach Ian Geddes must have felt like a Biafran at Buckingham Palace during the final quarter. The Firsts need to develop a little more desire than their efforts on Sunday. Lapses in concentration like that make the finals a distance glimpse. Wayne Bottcher stuck to his man like superglue and won the Don Buchanan Pewter. He was well supported by Ian Geddes, Greg Hill and Simon Hicks.
The Seconds (alias Dads Army) cruised into the top four with a sparkling win over the Bombers. 'Silver' Terry Bennett kicking ten goals including a drop kick, shone. He was well supported by the dirtiest (as in mud or dust) player on the field Richard Turner. A solid display of team football was the result, and a 93-point win eventuated. John Seidel will hope the form continues today.
The Under 19's, with the return of David Alpen and David Gee from Teal Cup trials, won comfortably by 94 points. It was noted one player had that many kicks he had to change boots at half time. The Italian Stallion had a great game in the centre as did David Alpen and centre half forward and Jamie Bennett kicked three goals from the forward pocket.
Two out three last week - let's see three wins today. Up The Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 25, 1985 - No. 7
A solid performance last start saw the Swannies creep back into the four. The Seniors approach was business-like and their execution devasting considering four new players in the side. Throwing all before them the Swans continually bombed the goals to leap by 92 points at half time. The Redlegs looked like the Statue of Liberty after a pigeon attack. Key players Scott Barber, Ian Geddes and Kevin Trafford revelled the handball and long kicking of their teammates. Greg Hill's best on ground performance won him the 'Don Buchanan Pewter'.
Dad's Army, boasting 103 years of experience on its half forward line, overcome Leeton to consolidate third spot position in the Reserves. Although missing several players to the Firsts, the side combined well with ruckman Lou Testoni dominating the centre as well as he plays darts, Garry Gardner kicking six goals from the half forward line and 'the General' (McAlister) organising the backline.
The Thirds continued their push towards a top four spot with a good win over Leeton. Coach Garry Gardner (who will be happy that his name appears twice this week) voiced some concern over the team's performance to half time. However, a good second half saw his charges rise to the occasion. Today we travel to Gumly Oval. Let's see the Swannies get amongst the Hawks. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 2, 1985 - No. 8
The trip to East Wagga proved a good one with a win to the Seniors. Before commenting on the game, I take time to thank, on behalf of the Swans, the trainer from East Wagga Hawks who assisted a badly cramped Swans' player. His errand of mercy again to Peter Telford who had a bad cut above his eye was well appreciated by the Swans, not to mention Peter, and goes to show the genuine approach of trainers to all players. His actions have not gone unnoticed. A sincere thank you.
Coach Ian Geddes must have wondered before Saturday's game how things would pan out. Bomber (or perhaps Bummer) Browne twisted his ankle before the game, Peter Telford was cut badly above his eye in the first 10 minutes, and Gerry Toscan was nursing a broken bone in his hand. Despite this, Teal Cup rep. Simon Hicks and compulsive chatterer Snowy Taylor, along with Kevin Trafford turned in a good performance to assist in a good win. Not to be outdone Glen MacLeod's speculator (mark) over Hawks coach Andrew Vanderfeen would rate better than Bo Derek although not as attractive. The 'Buchanan Pewter' went to Simon Hicks.
Reserves coach John Seidel must have felt like Custer during his last stand whilst watching his teams' demise at the hands of the Hawks. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians for the Swans. The less said the better.
Today it's Coolamon Grasshoppers at home, so come on Swannies - 3 wins only. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 16, 1985 - No. 10
A cold blustery day that would have had a nudist colony in trouble saw the Swans plucked by the Grasshoppers in two of the three games. Keeping their momentum the Under 19's won well in the open game with 'Jim Bob' Bennett, undoubtedly the smallest player on the track, bag four majors. A good first half swung the young Swannies into a solid win.
John Seidel's 'Dad's Army' slumped to their second successive defeat. Poor conversion in the first quarter did not help. All's not lost, the weeks bye will help the tired legs. 'T.B.' continues his straight kicking with three goals.
Coach Ian Geddes had his problems against Coolamon. His charges looked as energetic as a tortoise at vital stages of the game. The State Rail Authority certainly could keep the trains running with the number of passengers standing around at times. With an open forward line the Swans played well but congestion became constipation in the second period. When the effort was needed the side created problems for themselves. The dynamic duo Scott Barber and Kevin Trafford kicked four each. The Don Buchanan Pewter went to Peter 'Scar' Telford.
Up and coming events are the Swans premiere night for the movie 'Starman' on Thursday, June 20. Don't miss it. 300 Club tickets are also available. Today we meet the Imps. Let's get amongst 'em. Up The Swannies!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 23, 1985 - No. 11
Club notes not available at time of printing.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 30, 1985 - No. 12
A welcome return to the winners list for the Swannies from last Sunday's round. Once again, our Firsts fired for the majority of the match but let themselves down in the final term. A welcome return to his best saw Robbie Owen wins the 'Don Buchanan Pewter'. Glen MacLeod showed glimpses of brilliance, as did Kevin Trafford and Simon Hicks. Greg 'Splash' Collins got his act together with a solid performance around the ground. All players needed the win and look forward to today's match against Ganmain-GGM with renewed vigor.
Our Seconds returned to form was a fine farewell to John Seidel, who due to business and family commitments, leaves the area. John as many footy followers would remember was a fine centreman for the Swans. On behalf of the club John, we wish you well.
The Thirds line-up for what could be a dress rehearsal for the flag this year. A good commitment by them should see a high standard game with a close result. Traditionally a good game at Ganmain. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 7, 1985 - No. 13

Club notes not available at time of printing.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 14, 1985 - No. 14
Well, what can you say? A great display of football from two grand sides. A fast and furious game saw the Swans go down by one kick. Congratulations to the Swans for a display that showed our critics that football is alive in our young side. Best players were coach Ian Geddes, Gerry Toscan, Scott Barber and Neil Bruce.
Our seconds were outgunned by a well drilled Wagga unit, who showed more desire than a newlywed.
Meanwhile the Thirds, who could display a bit of desire as well, wore town the Tiger pups to consolidate their finals claim. Coach Garry Gardner begged his players to lift after the first half and finally they did. His concern is evident as the young Swans have a few problems up front but should consolidate in the remaining matches.
Up and coming events include our auction sale which is still in need of articles for sale. I believe we are to auction anything from the President's glasses to the Secretary's wheelchair. The recent gala night to premiere the movie "Starman" was a great success. Other clubs should note that our car raffle is only available until the season's close and for $2 you could win a Toyota Corolla.
Today we meet the Bulldogs, so let's see three grades fire up. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 21, 1985 - No. 15
Gissing Oval and Turvey Park Bulldogs made my predictions look like Lou Richards smile last Sunday. A lack lustre effort by three Swans sides made the finals a dim thing of the past. However, back in the real world with six rounds remaining all sides can make the finals.
Today we meet the Ariah Park Bombers who started the rot in the first round. A little more application from the Seniors could easily turn the tables at the Exies Oval. A great effort by full forward Greg 'Splash' Collins with six majors certainly illustrated the coaching of Ian Geddes. Ian knows his side must have 18 players teaming together rather than 18 blind men playing darts. I'm sure today can prove him right.
New Seconds coach Terry Bennett has his own problems. His side's slump has hit the pits and today he will be hoping for an improved effort.
Garry Gardner's Under 19's showed little desire in their match against an improved Bulldog side. A good win today will certainly restore the young Swans pride. We welcome the Ariah Park Bombers here today. Let's make it a good one. Up The Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 28, 1985 - No. 16
Club notes not available at time of printing.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 4, 1985 - No. 17
Three good wins on Sunday keeps the Swans in good stead to creep in the back door for the finals. The competition in all grades is still up for grabs, so keep it up Swans. Coach Ian Geddes would be pleased with the Firsts effort, especially with Kevin Zuccato and Darren Prest who played their first senior game. Greg Hill stood out like 'Father Time' as one of the most consistent players this season and along with Neil Bruce, never stops trying.
The Seconds showed again that Dad's Army is alive and well and still capable of good footy skills. Coach Terry Bennett has instilled new confidence in his charges. It is believed that actors equity wishes to interview Wayne "Whippet" Gaske after his dramatic attempt to get off the field.
Our Thirds consolidated their third place in the four with a good win over Leeton who are now four points behind them on the ladder. Garry Gardner has the side well poised to push first and second teams, Ganmain-GGM and Turvey Park. The Thirds have the break this week.
Today we welcome the East Wagga Hawks to the Exies Oval. Let's see two good wins. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 11, 1985 - No. 18
Two from two was last week's result. A good result for both First and Second grades. In our Firsts we again saw the promotion of four Under 19's players for the day. Congratulations to Darren Prest (2 goals), Roger Biron, Robert Bagatella and Kevin Zuccato, who rose to the occasion and helped Neil Bruce, Darrell Collins and Greg Hill overcome a determined Hawks outfit in a lack lustre game. Coach Ian Geddes confidence in the young brigade was well founded with Zuccato playing well at centre half back and Prest, Biron and Bagatella, along with Peter Telford and Kevin Trafford (5 goals) adding spark to the forward line. Once again, we saw the opposition concentrate on blotting out Scott Barber and failing to pick up the runners.
In the Seconds, Dad's Army made hard work of the game early to finally outpoint East Wagga. Atrocious kicking was the order of the day with 23 shots from 35 shots at goal. Sporting a newly acquired Oscar, Wayne Gaske went for broke in the ruck and ended up with a sore jaw. The honours for the day went to Shane Best who proved unbeatable at centre half back. The Club was saddened during the week with the passing away of Jan Power, the wife of Bill Power from the G.A.F.C. committee and on behalf of the club we pass on our sincere sympathy to Bill and his children. Today we visit Kindra Park. So come on Swans, let's see three wins. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 18, 1985 - No. 19
A superb game of football last week nearly saw the Coolamon Grasshoppers knocked from their second spot. All round performances were put in by Gerry Toscan, Scott Barber and Darrell Collins. Coach Ian Geddes was and should be concerned with our goal kicking. When we consider no fewer than 12 of the 18 behinds were off the boot, one could nearly apply to join the Mafia. Andrew Romagnolo certainly didn't worry about his lost dog "Tiffany" on Sunday, instead, his game was spot on.
The Seconds showed little desire to attack the ball on Sunday. Unlike the Firsts, their disposal of the ball was appalling. Dad's Army looked pretty ragged after chasing all day. Again "Bat" (Shane Best) best displayed all the skills and was solid in defence while the "Whippett" (Wayne Gaske) was still at the dog track chasing bunnies.
The Thirds showed great determination to overcome a sometimes more desperate Grasshoppers outfit. David Alpen stood head and shoulders over everyone with a fine display of overhead marking and long kicking. Kevin Zuccato proved his versatility with a fine game at centre half back then kicking goals at centre half forward.
Today the Imps visit us at the Exies Oval, so let's prove a point and kick some goals. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 25, 1985 - No. 20
Forgetting burnt pies and footballers walking backwards tackling Swahli last Sunday was bliss. Three good wins against traditional rivals, the Narrandera Imperials. 'Persistence Pays' must be thought of all First Graders for the mighty Swans.
Leading the charge, Pewter winner Neil 'Deception' Bruce showed the supporters than an expectant father is on top. Surely a candidate for the Jim Quinn Medal next week. Neil has proven that the man who goes in for the ball usually comes up with it.
Peter 'Hooter' McGrath has had his left boot gold plated after his 35 metre winning kick. Other good players included Scott 'Bla Bla' Barber, Kevin 'Psycho' Trafford and Gerard Toscan.
Our Seconds crept into 5th position and looked like a champion team on Sunday. Terry 'Silver' Bennett bagged five goals Shane 'Bat' Best again played well. Adjourning to 'Blue Cuddies' Cattle Truck they wiped themselves and 50 lamb chops out and were vocal during the Firsts win over the Imps. Whippet Gaske was heard praising an umpire and was banned from the player's bar.
The Under 19's with one game remaining are our only final side for '85 and will push for the flag. Last Sunday they demolished Narrandera and today look at the game as a tester for the finals.
Tonight, we have our vote count at the Swans Den after the game, so all you supporters come back after the game to the clubrooms for a few ales and a feed. Up The Swans!!!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" September 1, 1985 - No. 21
Congratulations Under 19's you have kept the flag flying again. Today, Garry Gardner and his Under 19's line-up at Narrandera for the First Semi-Final against Wagga Tigers and the best wishes of club and supporters goes with them.
Though the 1st and 2nd XVIII did not make the final four, both teams finished on a strong note and looks well for 1986.
Congratulations to coach Ian Geddes on his reappointment as 1st XVIII coach for 1986. Ian pleased all involved with the club in '85 and it was a happy reappointment.
To the winners of the best and fairest awards counted last Sunday night we say well done. Firsts Ian Geddes, Seconds Roy Agresta and Under 19's David Alpen, may you continue this form in '86.
Best wishes to all teams in the finals. May you have a rewarding and injury free final series. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" September 15, 1985 - No. 23
Well done Swannies you move another game closer to the big one! We must give a special pat on the back to those boys who played with painful injuries but went out and gave their all. This is what premiership sides are made of. After solid training this week and ready to take on Turvey Park in the preliminary final at Ganmain today. Good luck fellas.
A reminder to all players and supporters - don't forget Saturday, October 12 is Presentation Night. Let's make this a fitting end to a good season. Up The Swans!

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