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1984 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 8, 1984 - No. 1
Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 15, 1984 - No. 2

Another season begins and as usual a big welcome to our new players and hope you have a happy and successful season with the Griffith Swans. Hello again to our regulars of all grades, we wish you all a happy, successful and injury free season.

We wish our three coaches the very best for the season, Bob Greenwood non-playing coach for his second season with the 1st 18, Roy Agresta, after many years playing 1st grade, now coaching and playing with 2nd 18 and Len Threlfall, who coached the Under 19's in 1979-80 and club worker over many years will again coach the U19s in '84. Good luck to these men and their teams.

The new committee and social committee have been active through the off-season in preparation for the '84 season and in future additions social dates will be publicised. We hope you will all support the efforts of our hard-working social committee.

To 'Owen Toyota', who are our sponsors for the next three seasons, we say a sincere thank you.

Many thanks also to the many people who support us year after year both financially and by attending our functions regularly, we need you. Swans To Soar in '84!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 22, 1984 - No. 3
The Swannies got off to a bad start when they're Under 19's had no answer to the more consistent Leeton Redlegs, given the opportunity with more players at training coach Lennie Threlfall will improve on this. Best players were Anthony Blackshaw and Paul Romagnolo.
A disappointed Roy Agresta couldn't believe what had happened, after leading all day the Second XV111 went down by 6 points. No-one tried harder than Roy himself with great help from Rob Sjollema, Garry Owen and Trevor Harrison to stem the tide.
What a change of fortune for the First XVIII when in the first 10 minutes Leeton looked set for a big win but the Swannies had other ideas and with each player doing his bit turned the tables. With a finish that would raise the blood pressure of any true Griffith-fan, held that winning 4 points. Best players out of a good team effort were Wayne Bottcher, Robbie Owen, Gerry Toscan, Scott Barber and Glen McLeod.
I hope all supporters took notice of the honour board of past presidents, secretary, treasurer since 1947 and positions finished on ladder, a tremendous amount of work went into this and our grateful thanks to Bill Biron who did most of the work. Thanks Bill.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 29, 1984 - No. 4

Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 6, 1984 - No. 5

It was the day that the 'Lion Roars' and went home with three wins, but the Swans were not left without their moments of glory. Our Under 19's started well and at half time were only down 4 points, but were unable to hang on, and lost on the day. Best players were Roger Biron, Anthony Blackshaw and Paul Josling.
The Second XVIII struggling for players and even with the return of veteran Terry Bennett and (coming and going) Chris Scobie, who played a great game after so long away were no match for the more organised Lions. Best players were Roy Agresta, Chris Scobie, Mike Thompson and Greg Collins.
The First XVIII started the day without utility player Darrell Collins and Tony Dillon, both out with leg injuries. At half time the Lions look set for a runaway win, but the Swans had other ideas and with a really great fight back hit the front which stirred the supporters along but G.G.G.M. were not finished and ran out to win the day. Swans' best players were Garry "Muddy" Waters, Scott Barber, Scott Morphett and Stephen "Tich" Buchanan. Congratulations to Helen & Damien Ryan on the birth of a daughter (another member for the ladies auxiliary).
Saturday, May 25 is the night of the 50/50 dance, something for everyone to support our hard-working social committee and book now ring 623350.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 13, 1984 - No. 6
Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 20, 1984 - No. 7

With the big loss to Narrandera the previous week, and seven more than average players either side-lined with injury or unavailable, not even 'star' Second grade player and First grade coach Bobby Greenwood could have imagined that Sunday's game against East Wagga-Kooringal could have been so close, and not just on the scoreboard but in the fact that we had 20 contributors who nearly clinched victory. To single out the best players in such a fine team effort would be a crime, but Scott 'Pretty Boy' Morphett, Scott Barber, Lynton Nugent, Tony Dillon and 'Tich' Buchanan did shine a little more than the others.
Roys Boy's Second grade were so undermanned that such legendary greats as Bob Greenwood and Under 19's coach Lennie Threlfall joined spear-head Stephen 'Octopus' Crack in comebacks so great that they'd make a boomerang shudder, but even with such an influx of experience, the side failed to register their first win. Craig Brand celebrated his twenty-second birthday with the 'man of the match' and was supported by Ian 'Sheeds' Wade and Greg 'Splash' Collins who hasn't played a bad game yet.
The only worthwhile trip for Lennie's Under 19's who won convincingly after their poor performance at Narrandera. Ray Monahan and Mick Agnew played so well that Lennie had something good to say. But they must realise that they must keep on winning and against the physical sides as well. Today we welcome the Wagga Tigers to Griffith.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 27, 1984 - No. 8
Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 3, 1984 - No. 9
After weeks of frustrating losses, we finally notched up our second (long awaited) win. The side was boosted by the return of several key players and put together some good team play resulting in Drew Hicks kicking six goals and new boy Ken Collier kicking four goals. Gerry Toscan just edged Glen McLeod for the award followed by Robbie Owen, Ken Collier, Drew Hicks and Steve 'Tich' Buchanan.
The Second Grade were able to break the ice and record their first win of the season which made coach Roy Agresta as content as seeing Robbie Flower win the Brownlow Medal. Poor kicking marred the game and hopefully it will not be repeated this week. Maxie Turner won the award with Simon Henderson winning the Coaches' Award followed by Ronnie Murray, Damien Ryan, Bobby Greenwood, Stephen Crack and Roy Agresta.
Lennies' U19's boys kicked the day and the dew off well with a very good win - sitting only percentage out of the four. If they get behind Len they could be in for a very good year. Best players were Robbie Bagatella, Brendan Browne, David Gee and Mick 'Tape It' Agnew.
We regretfully see a great clubman and player in Max Turner leave us this week, and no doubt he will be dearly missed both on and off the field. Best of luck Max. This week we invade Ardlethan and come away with wins in all three grades again (we hope).

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 10, 1984 - No. 10

The trip to Ardlethan on Sunday proved worthwhile for two of the three sides that went across. Bob Greenwood's First grade side won a close finishing game aided by the return of Darrell Collins who finished the match with a sore face and 5 goals. But it was Paul 'Space Nuts' Sparks who won the Pewter for the week and apparently went nuts over it till the early hours of Monday morning. Robert Prest, Garry Waters, Damien Ryan and Darrell Collins also put in efforts worth mentioning. It was good to see Mark Bowen return to the side.
The Second-grade encounter left a lot to be desired, and many players seemed to play by Jack Dyer's theory of 'being where the ball isn't'. Indirect play and lack of commitment seemed to be the order of the day and no doubt the boys will be out to reverse the result this week. Ronnie Murray won the award for the second week in a row, followed by Greg 'Splash' Collins and Brett 'General' McAlister.
The Under 19's win puts them in the four although it was a costly win with some Ardlethan 'clown' cowardly hitting several of our players and getting reported himself. While it might seem the big thing? to do, he must realise that he represents Ardlethan on the ground and is doing the clubs name dishonour more than his own. Best players were James Price (shoulder injury), Mike 'tape it up' Agnew (broken nose) and Dennis Collis more commonly known as just Collis. This week we welcome Coolamon Hoppers to Griffith and let's have three wins.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 24, 1984 - No. 12
A bad display of kicking last Sunday week saw a disappointed Swans side leave the ground after going down to Coolamon by one point, and having registered twenty-three behinds, with five shots hitting the post in the process. It wasn't until half time that the side began to play the dominating style of football that helped put them back in the game. Greg 'Scenic' Hill winner of the best and fairest award, led the second half revival which enabled the boys to come so close to a victory, with tight defence along with good play by Glen McLeod, Steve Buchanan, Mark Tyndall and 'Scottie' Barber.
A disciplined Seconds side showed themselves what they can do when they apply themselves. This good team effort left coach 'Rocket' Roy Agresta undoubtedly very happy. Greg 'Splash' Collins who was inspired by a visit from ex-coach Glen Harrison, earned his man of the match award, and a foreign pewter which was put to very good use later on in the evening, leaving the pewter still standing and 'Splash' on the ground. An excellent team effort made it difficult to select individual players from the team. Footnote: Ex-West Torrens star Leonard 'E.H.' Brown was the third best player as 1st grade coach Bob Greenwood was well informed of on Sunday night.
The Under 19's cemented their spot in the four with another convincing win, although missing six players through injury and other commitments. Lennie Threlfall has enticed the boys to those good wins with the lure of a Melbourne trip which they no doubt deserved. Best players on Sunday were Dennis Collis, Anthony 'Leigh Matthews' Blackshaw, Lou Testoni and the 'Coburg Kid' Paulie Romagnolo.
Congratulations to Simon Hicks and Roger Biron on being selected in the Combined High Schools state side.
This week we take on Turvey Park and three wins hopefully.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 1, 1984 - No. 13
Scottie 'Bla Bla' Barber's ten goals last week enabled us to record our first win against Turvey Park away from home since Leo O'Dwyer was a kid. While the brilliant performance by the scruffy looking centre half forward was no doubt a match-winning effort, many chances went begging in front of goals, but this time we came away with the vital four points. Scott Barber was the obvious choice for Man of Match award with good games from Greg Hill, Paul Sparks, Ken Collier, Scott Morphett and Garry Waters, while Robert Prest received the umpires award.
Roy's Second Grade boys won their first match of the season away from home. Man of the Match, Ian 'Sheedy' Wade would have put Royce Hart out of the Richmond side with his performance at centre half forward. Greg Collins again was one of the better players along with Tony Dillon and Ronnie Murray, although most of the side was very quite up till half time, apart from Leonard 'E.H.' Brown who picked up his usual 30 kicks, 15 marks and 25 handballs (each quarter) to be amongst the top players again. On a serious note, though if the boys can keep winning there is still a chance for the finals.
Usually, we look to the Under 19's for the good news but last week too many players must have had jetlag from the Melbourne trip and efforts like Dennis 'Basketball Jones' Collis were few and far between. The Turvey Park boys capitalised on the small half time lead and ran away with the match, much to the displeasure of hardworking coach Lennie Threlfall. Master Collis was the only player worth mentioning and won the award. This week we tackle Leeton and although they might appear to be on a downer we must not take them lightly.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 8, 1984 - No. 14

A magnificent win was recorded last week against a dismal Leeton side. Ken Collier won the Man of the Match award and Scott Barber put in another outstanding performance with 8 goals. Gerry Toscan and Damien Ryan dominated the rucks as well we had winners all round the ground which enabled us to record our best win against Leeton for years.
The Second grade side was beaten by a stronger finishing Leeton side. Roy Agresta played a true captain's game to win the award and Brett 'General' McAlister won the Coach's award. Greg 'Splash' Collins, Paul 'Free Kicks' Mcleod and Phil 'Harmesy' Purtill also played good games.
Lennie Threlfall Under 19's played a very strong Leeton side and lost their second game in as many weeks. Brian Bellincanta, who must be one of the most dedicated players in the club, won the award while Dennis Collis and Paulie 'Coburg Kid' Romagnolo also put in worthwhile performances. Mike Agnew and Robert Bagatella reportedly played the games of their lives as an unknown source was told on Monday night at the Coro Club. This week is a real test when we take on Ariah Park-Mirrool on our home turf.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 15, 1984 - No. 15
Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 22, 1984 - No. 16
Another cliff hanger and once again we were on the losing end and by the barest of margins. The closeness of the game indicated that we have the 'right stuff' to mix it with the best teams and hopefully with a few more wins we will be there during the finals in September.
After starting off on the wrong foot it was a credit to the boys to come back and be in front at halftime, although bad kicking by Ariah Park did give us a chance to stay in touch during the day. Best players were Darrell Collins, Glen McLeod, Scott Barber and Steve Buchanan.
The Seconds game was another dull display, as many of the players seemed to play for only three of the four quarters to allow Ariah Park to take a match winning lead during the quarter when most players were taking a breather . Wally Foy won the Pewter in sterling 'Bruce Doull' display at centre half back, although only an apprentice compared to his opposition. Phil 'Harmies' Purtill, Ian 'Sheeds' Wade and Roy 'Boy' Agresta also contributed in a disappointing game with the only highlight worth mentioning being a brilliant goal kicked by a virtually unknown star wearing No. thirty one.
The Under 19's steamrolled a depleted and undermanned opposition and this enabled many players like Anthony Blackshaw to display some of their abundance of skills normally reserved for the elite few from Glenferrie Rd., Hawthorn. The win put the boys back on their winning way, but like the rest of the club this week against Narrandera will show if we are real contenders - just the thought of a thrashing received in the first round must stir some players up?!
During the last month the club has farewelled a quiet achiever in Mark Buchanan who has moved to live in a small town which brother 'Tich' could not pronounce, also we welcome Maxie Turner back.
Overdue congratulations must go to Gerard Toscan on being selected in the Rep games and to Barry Ough and the Rep team on its victory last weekend. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 29, 1984 - No. 17
Welcome back after the break. The only person content with last Sunday's weather would have been a mud-wrestling promoter, as the Ex-Serviceman's Oval was as wet as the St. Kilda ground before a home game, but despite the gloom, the rain and the cold we emerged from the quagmire victorious and still remain in the race to the finals. Best players were Robert Prest, Glen McLeod, Darrell Collins, Gerry Toscan and Scott Morphett.
The Second grade game was a top exhibition of wet weather football with Narrandera finishing on a little stronger and taking the points. Thanks must go to the ladies for the lovely breakfast before the match - delicious! Best players were Greg 'Splash' Collins (again), Ian Wade, Drew Hicks and his brother Ugene. Coaches award went to Andy Henderson and Pete Casey.
History was made in the Under 19's match as Lennies' boys kept the usually strong Narrandera Under 19's side scoreless for the entire match. Ever since time began the Under 19's Narrandera side have been a force to be reckoned with. Well done boys! Best players were Michael 'I'm not in Luv' Agnew, Anthony 'Jaws' Blackshaw and Collis, who also participated in the 2nd grade due to lack of members in that grade. This week is another G.F. (Grand Final that is), as we take on East Wagga-Kooringal. A win will put us right in contention, while a loss will ruin us.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 4, 1984 - No. 18
Losing our third game less than a goal is just enough to make you cry. Yes, folks the power and the passion of football was felt last Sunday afternoon as another gallant effort went unrewarded and we emerged second best. Heartbreaking stuff indeed when one thinks that if lady luck had shone our way a little we could have been sitting pretty in the top four.
Player of the Week was Darrell Collins, Robert Prest, Glen MacLeod, Scott Barber, Kenny Collier and Robbie Owen.
The Second Grade left a lot of people wondering how could a side in which Lennie Brown wins the coveted Coaches Award after nominating himself as coach on Friday night, picks up more than two kicks and doesn't bounce the ball in the mud, and lose?
Only Roy Agresta must know how it feels when unselfish play saw one player who shall remain nameless (no not Lennie Brown), attempted to kick a goal for the opposition and another tried to even up the score by taking the field as 19th man. It's just not cricket is it!
Anyway, Tony Dillon won the best player, Lennie Brown won the coaches award, Greg 'Splash' Collins, Phil Purtill and Ian Wade also played well. The little ray of sunshine in the club's otherwise dismal day was the Under 19's good win which showed that this side, now in the four, can go on to bigger and better things. Best players were Andrew 'Racehorse' Smith, Mark Gullifer and Glen Ceccato.
Our very last chance this week as we play our only Saturday game against the Wagga Tigers. So, Up the Mighty Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 12, 1984 - No. 19

Club notes not available at time of printing

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 19, 1984 - No. 20
We apologise for the lack of notes in last week's Record, those responsible have been sacked.
Welcome to Coolamon after a week when the L.A. Olympics seemed to overshadow almost everything, except young Michael Agnew's first grade debut. Yes, the lad who has worked his way up from the running boundary for the Under 19's to winning numerous awards at last year's Presentation Night to captaining the Under 19's this year.

And while Carl Lewis was in the news in L.A. Mike Agnew was in Griffith's news.
All grades recorded big wins against a depleted Ardlethan outfit. Scott Barber, while being restricted to only two goals, was instrumental in helping the side to a good win as was captain Robert Prest but it was Gerard Toscan who won the award. Ardlethan did come back at a few stages but our boys subdued any comeback and played very well. Today hopefully they can reverse the first round result which has cost us dearly.
The crushing win by the Second Grade was only overshadowed by Len Brown's one-handed mark, this prompted young Len to say the side had more endeavour than one of Captain Cook's ships. Ex-Country & Western star Mousey T. Harrison kicked a goal which was as good as any Bernie Quinlan has ever kicked. The win to Roy Agresta was almost as good as Melbourne winning the grand final, as the whole team played together for about the only time this season.
Can they make it two in a row? Find out at noon today. Best players award was won by Drew Hicks, the Coaches Award went to Max (a million kicks) Turner and a newly implemented award kindly donated by a Len Brown understudy Damien Ryan went to a very talented footballer who was almost as good as Len Brown - John Bordignon.
Now to the Under 19's who put in an effortless win against only fourteen Ardlethan players to cement their spot in the top four. Barry 'kum head' Spry won the award with many new players improving with every game. Len has really gt the team going well but numbers at training could still improve.
A coming event is the Swans 'Come as You Are' Night on Friday, August 24 at the Griffith Hotel 'Tramps' admission only $4. Until next week 'Up the Swans'!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 26, 1984 - No. 21
Gidday ... last Sunday was one of our most successful outings at Coolamon and won the Trifecta with wins in all grades. While U.S. President Ronald Reagan had jokingly said he'd bomb Moscow, our Ronald Reagan none other than Mr. President Graeme Leask was serious as his troops annihilated Coolamon.
Yes what a win it was, as everyone from 1st Grade Man of the Match young Gerry Toscan right through the 2nd Graders and Under 19's to trainer and well-known pensioner Rajah and his assistant Wayne played their part in the fantastic wins.
With twenty contributors throughout the day winners were made so much easier.
The 2nd Grade fixture saw Max Turner win the Mug with a faultless performance and big Drew Hicks who had also played in the U19s earlier turn in a powerful display of marking and kicking not usually seen in 2nd Grade. Craig Murray played outstandingly on the half back flank but it was capt. coach Rocket Roy-Boy Agresta who put in the most gutsiest performance by returning to the field after receiving eight stitches and playing a leading hand in the narrow win.
The Under 19's also won and now are certain of a finals berth but they cannot relax yet as they still have the finals to play and must get greater numbers to training. Lou Testoni won the award in a great team effort from everyone, with Glen Ceccato and Ray Monahan also playing well. This week we try to take the 'Woof' out of the Bulldogs. Up the Swannies!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" September 2, 1984 - No. 22
If there ever was a game this season that we should have done, a game with so much depending on it, well last Sunday's game against Turvey Park was it. But somehow a more determined Turvey Park side was able to defeat us and ruin any chance, however, so slim it might have been, we had of competing in this year's finals.
Paul (Spaceman) Sparks won the mug, and as previous occasions made good use of it until early Monday morning.
The Second Graders won their encounter with a lowly Turvey Park side. Wal Foy was awarded the mug with Tony Dillon and Craig (Muzza) Murray also playing well, but it was Phil Purtill who won the golden gloves award.
The Under 19's, under Lennie, continued on their winning way towards the finals as they recorded a very good win against a strong Turvey Park side. Brendan Brown won the award but Mick (Sludge) Agnew played very well, or so I was told.
This week the Firsts and Seconds it's our las t appearance and for some maybe their last for Griffith, so let's make it a worthwhile trip to visit 'Ducky' at Ganmain.

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