GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - by Swan 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" March 28, 1982 - No. 1 

A new season begins as does a new League, may we wish the new Riverina Football League every success and welcome to the four sides who join the 'old' South West sides to make up a new league.

Good luck to the three coaches and their teams for 1982.

Grant Luhrs and his First XVIII, Ian Wade and Glenn Harrison with the Second 18 and Under 19's respectively.

A special welcome to all new players in the Swans camp may you have a happy and successful season of football.

Tough luck that Griffith start the season without knee victims in Robbie Owen, Darrell Collins, Stephen Best and Joe Catanzariti but our new players will I'm sure fill these vacancies.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 4, 1982 - No. 2
None issued in Riverina Football Record No. 2  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 11, 1982 - No. 3
The Swans started the day with a great win for the Under XIV's. From many good players an extra vote to Tim Johanson, Andrew Smith, Brian Smith and Drew Hicks. The Second XVIII ended on a thrilling note when the score board was incorrect and many supporters thought the Swans were beaten by two points but on checking the officials scores found them in front by eight points. Good players were Trevor Harrison, Ritchie Turner and Mark Tyndall. The First XVIII could not match the speed and general play of the Barellan side. Beaten in most positions they had good efforts from Ian Wade, Glenn Harrison, Grant Luhrs and Peter McGrath. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 18, 1982 - No. 4
Riverina Football Record No. 4 unavailable 
Though the scoreboard did not look good for the Swannies they had no need to be downhearted with the way they played the game out to the end and what a great effort by the younger brigade. Tony Hicks, Micheal Toth, Russell Hicken, ‘Snow’ Taylor all giving their all well backed up by coach Grant Luhrs, Glenn Harrison, Ian Wade and in fact the team as a whole.  To-day is another big game so go too it boys.
The Second XVIll and Under 19's met the same fate as the seniors and went down to a more experienced players. Better players in the Second XVIII - Trevor Harrison, Mark Tyndall and John Garzoli.  Under XIX’s Tim Johanson, Rob Brauman and Ken Skates
A big night coming up for the Swans and supporters our First 200 club on Friday May 7th. Tickets available at the kiosk come along and join the fun.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 25, 1982 - No. 5
None issued in Riverina Football Record No. 5  
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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 9, 1982 - No. 6
Congratulations to the Riverina team who never left any doubt about the outcome of the game against Murray League, it was a great win, and we wish them all the best for next week's game.
What a great last quarter by the Under 19's, unfortunately, it was too late.
Back to the competition games today and Griffith make the trip to Waga to play Turvey Park. Misfortune still follows the Swans with Paul Baldi with his ankle in plaster and doubt as to when he will play again, Phil McGarry who played one game with the Swans will not be returning to Griffith and so it goes on.
On a happier note it is great to see Max Turner out of plaster still it will be a while before he can line up with the Swans again.
Good luck to the three teams lining up today, we know yo will give your best, that's what counts. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 16, 1982 - No. 7
None issued in Riverina Football Record No. 7 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 23, 1982 - No. 8
The sun was shining, the birds singing and all was right with the world - at least the Swans world, and Glenn "Billy" Harrison Under 19's team went out to get the club their first win for the day and did it well by 61 points. A good effort by all - maybe an extra effort from Jamie Alpen, Andrew Smith, Drew Hicks and Paul Baker.
Unfortunately, "Wadies" 2nd 18 couldn't get their game together and were well beaten by the Redlegs. Better players were Craig Brand, Mark Shadbolt, John Toscan,  Chris O'Dwyer and Len Threlfall.
The disappointment of the day would go to Darrell Collins, who travelled home from Melbourne with a signed permit to play his first game after a knee operation last year with the Swans, only to be refused by Leeton on a technicality.
Perhaps this stung his teammates and showed the true colours of Paul Baldi who, ankle injury, dislocated thumb and all, went out and joined every other player to give their fans a day to remember with a victory. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 30, 1982 - No. 9
Last Sunday saw the demise of the Swans in all three grades. The day, however, was not a complete loss as the Swans showed that we have plenty of guts and determination, which will stand us in good stead for our oncoming games.
The day started badly for the Swans when the Under XIV's suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Narrandera. This side can only improve as a number of key players were missing from the side. Best players included Graeme Lyons, Andrew Smith (yet again), Wal Foy and Barry Spry.
The Second XVIII were also soundly beaten by their Narrandera counterparts. However, this was not before our lads gave them a fright Best players for the Swanies included Bob Berton, Russell Hicken, Tony Catanzariti and Anthony Herrick.
Our First grade side showed lots of determination before going down to an extremely talented Narrandera side. With such a young side (the side included six players who last year played Under XIV's) the Swans can only improve. Best players included the mighty "Duck", Marty O'Donnell, Grant Luhrs, "Snowy" Taylor and Rowan Smith.
With any kind of luck at all, the Swans will field strong sides in all grades against the visiting Lions. Best of luck to all three teams and let's record three wins - remember the feeling when we defeated Leeton.  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 6, 1982 - No. 10
Keep your eye on the Red and White. Last Sunday saw the Swans put up yet another great performance to defeat the rugged G-GGM side. 
The win was the result of yet another great team performance with the outstanding players being Paul Baldi, Grant Luhrs, Johnny Seidel and Gerard Toscan.
The form displayed last Sunday could well lead to another victory over the Tigers if it is displayed again today.
The Second XVIII were defeated by a determined Ganmain-GGM combination. After matching it with the Lions for the first half, the Swanies fell away to finally be soundly beaten.
Despite this defeat the Swans showed glimpses of class and with 100 minutes of football should today account for the Tigers. Best players were Phil Purtill, Chris "500" O'Dwyer and Trevor Harrison.
The Third XV111 were unable to match it with the classy Lions. The G-GGM side were too tall for the Swanies in most positions and showed plenty of pace when in possession. For the Swans none tried harder than Barry Spry, Ross Smith (who played his first Under 19's game) and Jamie Alpen.
Congratulations must go to Drew Hicks who had the unique honour of being selected in two state teams, the Under 16 CHS Schoolboys and the Under 17 Teal Cup side - the club wishes Drew the best.
Anyway, today against the Tigers we must have three good wins to keep those relegation worries away - and our final hopes alive. Up the Swanies! 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 13, 1982 - No. 11
Last weekend saw the Swans go down in all three grades against the Wagga Tigers. This was disappointing especially as the Swans were looking forward to having at least a couple of wins.
The Thirds had a big loss at the hands of the Tigers. A huge effort will be needed this week if the boys are to give East Wagga a hiding. However, in front of our home crowd a win should be possible.
Our Second XVIII also suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Tigers. This was a big disappointment as the Swans had a very good team for this game. This week is a must fellas. Best players were Anthony Herrick, Tony Catanzariti and Trevor Brand.
First grade put up a great three and a half quarters but this was not enough to secure us a victory. A bad second quarter was enough to see the Tigers obtain a win over the Swanies. This will not happen today as we take on the talented East Wagga side.  Grant will have us well drilled so as to ensure us a victory against the Hawks. Best players for the Swans against the Tigers were Rowan "Smedley" Smith, Snowy Taylor and John Garzoli.  

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 20, 1982 - No. 12
The Swans had a mixed day last Sunday against East Wagga-Kooringal. The Thirds started the day with a great 36-point win, with Robert "Studs" Brauman scoring five goals for the day. It was a great team effort with Andrew Smith, Brian Smith and Ross Smith being the pick of the bunch.
The Second 18 had easily their best win of the season. In what was a very exciting match, the Swans obtained only their second win of the season to defeat the highly fancied East Wagga-Kooringal side. This, too, was a great team effort, with Ritchie Turner, Peter Arnell, Max Turner, John Toscan and Trevor Brand being particularly outstanding.
The First 18 suffered their second defeat in succession when they went down to a quick moving Hawks side. A bad first quarter enabled the Hawks to obtain a four-goal lead, which was enough to see them victors. Best players for the Swans included "Ducky" O'Donnell, Glen "Billy" Harrison and Gerry Toscan.
This week against Ardlethan three wins is a must in front of our home crowd. Let's all give our supporters something to cheer about. Keep your eye on the Red and the White!  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 26, 1982 - No. 13
So close and yet so far - last Sunday against Ardlethan saw the Swannies unsuccessful in all three grades and yet, with any kind of luck at all, we could have chalked up three wins for the day.
The day started off for the Swans with the Under XIX's going down narrowly to the Stars. The difference between the two teams was the first quarter where the Swans were badly outplayed. However, the final three quarters was a much better effort and a continuation in this vein should see us victorious today against the 'Roos. Best players for the Swans were Andrew Smith, Graeme Lyons and Wal Foy.
Our Second XVII also suffered a narrow defeat. In abysmal conditions the Swans put up a huge effort to try and snatch victory, however, it just evaded them. For the Swannies none tried harder than Max "Wacker" Turner, Ritchie Turner and Trevor Brand. This week should produce another win for the Swans - just as against EWK.
In a match where the Swans First 18 were desperate for a win they went down to Ardlethan by 17 points. With conditions for football at their worst, the Swans never gave in. However, as Grant said, it was a game that we should never have lost. It was up to the whole team to ensure victory this week against Barellan. Best players for the Swans included Robert Prest, Paul Baldi, Peter "Hoot" McGrath, Gerry Toscan and Kelvin Turner.

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 4, 1982 - No. 14
In what must surely rate as the most important game for Griffith for many a year, the Swans dispelled any thoughts of relegation ... at least for the moment, when they defeated the Barellan Ross by 8 points.
It was a game in which many individuals shone - Robbie Owen making his comeback and doing it in a big way, with eight goals.
Paul Baldi booted nine to take him into the leading goalkickers for the league and the dynamic defence of Ian "Dad" Wade, David "Snowy" Taylor and Marty "Ducky" O'Donnell.
The Reserves lost in a hard fought game to the Roos despite them having a big chance to pull of a victory. In what can only be described as an extremely tough game, the Swans had many triers which augurs well for later games.
In the Under 19's the Swanies had a huge win against Barellan. In a match which didn't see the Swanies produce their best form until after half time, they outclassed the Roos by 126 points. Perhaps it was the fact that Billy (Glenn Harrison) was unable to be there that caused that slow start, especially the second quarter, but will be the might of John "Nonga" Bordignon coming to the fore at half time, the Swanies really lifted. Best players were Greame Lyons, Peter "Blue" Casey, Andrew Smith, Greg "Splash - 5-goal" Collins and Jamie Alpen.
This week sees us away to APM. I am sure we can secure three wins if we all put in our best effort.

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 11, 1982 - No. 15
Under 19's coach, "Billy" Harrison, had plenty to be happy about last Sunday when his team had a mammoth win over Ariah Park. Struggling to find 18 players (through injuries and State volleyball) to take the field, every player contributed to a great start for the Swans. Best players: Team effort.
Unfortunately, the Second 18 were unable to carry on the winning run. Best players were Chris O'Dwyer, Craig Brand, Simon Henderson and Stephen Brand.
It was a black day for the First 18. This would have been a tough game with a full side, but with players such as coach Grant Luhrs, Glen Harrison, Tony Hicks and Peter McGrath on the boundary, the job was just too big. Big efforts from Gerry Toscan, "Snow" Taylor, Rowan Smith and Kel Turner.
Ladies, get your ticket today from the canteen for our luncheon and "Prestige" display in the club rooms on Wednesday, 21st July, at 12.30 p.m. Everybody welcome. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 17, 1982 - No. 16
A non-stop gutsy effort by Griffith 3rds, who annihilated Coolamon by 137 points, and keeping Coolamon goal-less, which was the third win on a trot for "Billy's" boys. A mid-week training session and get-together with Kirky really inspired the 3rds. Best players - team effort again.
Even though losing the 2nds, a spirit effort in the first half, which kept them in the running for match honours. But a stronger Coolamon side overwhelmed them. Best players were John Toscan, Chris "Sod" O'Dwyer, Mark Tyndall and Stephen Crack.
Although undernourished with key players out of the firsts, the Swans were never in the race, playing without captain coach Grant Luhrs, Grant Luhrs, Robert Prest and Robbie Owen. Tony Hicks, who answered a mayday call, came back dynamically to win the best and fairest with a classy display of football.
A backline combination led by Marty "Ducky" O'Donnell, Glen "Billy" Harrison and Ian Wade never stopped trying. Paul Baldi played a real captain's game in place of Grant Luhrs.
Today we hope to see wins in all grades to lift club spirit, especially the thirds, because they have the chance to make the finals. Good luck to every Swanee.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 25, 1982 - No. 17
The Under XIX's had a brilliant win over a very depleted North Wagga combination which contained a few "under age" players who sported beards and bald patches to disguise their youthful looks and make up the numbers, which was appreciated by all concerned.
The make shift Reserve grade side which had more members than the Collingwood committee, went down in a gallant effort. Injuries and absenteeism made one think devoted coach Ian "Sheedy" Wade had called a beach party on the Antarctic, not a game of football against North Wagga and so the club had to call on Peter Casey, Graeme Lyons, Rowan Johnstone, Andrew "T.J." Smith, Barry Spry and Robert Brauman to double up to make the numbers to field a side. Those determined young footballers gave it their all, which was a credit to them.
The highlight of the day had to be the First grade win in which the bulky, long kicking Paul Baldi added nine goals to his tally. This much needed win made the trip home more comforting and gave some reason to celebrate. The encouraging win enhanced our prospects for a few more like it in all grades if everyone shows some desperation and will to win in the coming weeks.   
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 1, 1982 - No. 18

The First grade went down in a tough, bone-crunching match, in which Kel Turner put in another gutsy effort only to go off injured later in the game. 
Drew Hicks and Andrew "Racehorse" Smith made their first-grade debuts after both had played in the earlier Under 19's game - an effort equalled by certain anonymous personalities who miraculously fronted for their second "Ball" game in as many days or nights.
The 2nd grade were outplayed by a far more experienced Turvey Park side and once again they were forced to call up a number of Under 19's footballers to fill in; these lads did a commendable job. The game also saw some players make comebacks that would make Lazarus turn in his grave.
It was left to the Under 19's to record the only win for the day, which was the best win recorded against an Under 19 Turvey Park side for quite a while. It seems Glenn "Billy" Harrison's clean "Cut" image is rubbing off on his team. 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 8, 1982 - No. 19

None issued in Riverina Football Record No. 19
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 15, 1982 - No. 20

What a win. The exciting win against Narrandera last week was one of the best efforts seen by the Griffith side all season. The whole team contributed 100 per cent to snatch victory from right under Narrandera's noses. Peter "Hoot" McGrath's goal in the final 90 seconds gave the team the five point win. John Seidel took out the award this week but was closely followed by the man who supports the Melbourne side and weighs as much as half of them, Paul Baldi, who kicked seven great goals after coming on in the second quarter.  
Marty "Ducky" O'Donnell and Ian ‘Sheeds’ Wade also put in great efforts. The Second Grade team battled hard all day but found Narrandera too hard to overcome. Mick Thompson won the 'Man of the Match again and it was good to see Frank "Boomerang" Morgan, the man who makes more comebacks than a boomerang, return to the side.
Lenny Threlfall who is a cross between Leigh Matthews and Kevin Bartlett and is as old as both of them put together, put in a true veteran's game, kicking some valuable goals. The Under XIX’s started the day off in fine form with a convincing win over final five contenders, Narrandera, who, over the years, has never had a bad Under XIX team. The win has strung eight together on end and if the team keeps going and winning, it has every chance of making the finals. 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 22, 1982 - No. 21

A great win by the Thirds against GGGM, the top placed team. The wet conditions did not deter the Swans who have shown plenty of versatility in both wet and dry conditions. Leading the fight was "Studs" Brauman in the rucks with Ross Smith on the wing - a great effort fellas. Best players for the day were Robert Brauman, Ross Smith, Andrew Smith and Mark Tyndall.
In the Seconds, a much stronger and better combination defeated the Swans. The wet conditions did not suit the Swans but a determined defence, led by Crackers at fullback, stopped many GGGM onslaughts. Best players were Stephen Crack, John Bordignon and Phil Purtill.
For the First, the conditions had got much worse with the centre being like a pig sty and the ball harder than a 14 lb. hammer. The Swans effort was a good one with players being right in it until after the third quarter. Top displays were put in our defence, which must be close to the best in the League. Gerry Toscan gave another top display with Max and Kel Turner both playing well.  This week should be a beauty with our Thirds fighting for a berth in the finals. Up The Swans!  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 29, 1982 - No. 22
The First-Grade game proved costly as we have to defeat East Wagga today to lift ourselves from the bottom of the ladder. Bearing in mind, I am sure all players will give a little bit extra effort in today's game.
Marty O'Donnell played a sterling game and was helped by Gerard Toscan, Robbie Owen, Ian Wade and Pal Baldi, who kicked five goals and figured in a few others.
The Second-Grade side notched up one of their football feats - a win - on Sunday to the delight of everyone, including Ian Wade, who feels a bit more like Francis Bourke with every win.
The game was quite close right throughout, but the boys battled it out. Mike Thompson received the B. and F. Mug and was closely followed by Steve Crack, Craig "Marlon" Brand, Shane Best and Chris O'Dwyer.
The Under 19's, who have won nine games on end, have a chance to sneak into the finals, but, after the way they played last week against Tigers, could not only defeat any RFL Under 19's, but the Collingwood side as well. Jamie Alpen played superbly as did, well the whole side and with such dedicated interchange players, we all hope they make it into the finals. 

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