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1977 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - by Swan

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" April 10, 1977 - No. 1

Welcome to all our supporters for the season 1977 which promises to be as good as, if not better than 1976.

Lining up for the Swans will be John and Peter Vickery but there is some doubt on Garry Smart as difficulty is being experienced with the clearance from Woodville, S.A. Trevor Miller has returned to the club, and we wish all these players, plus the old ones, all the best for the season.

Dowell Clearbright have sponsored our club for two sets of jumpers with the sponsor's name appearing on same - our thanks go to this firm.

Websters' Orchy have again presented a trophy for the First XVIII and Dowell Clearbright for the Second XVIII.

Weekly awards have been donated by Denim Daks and the oil companies for First XVIII, Charlie Dalton's Bakery for the Second XVIII and Neville Dawson Menswear for the Thirds. Thanks to these firms for their support.

200 Club tickets are available and will be drawn on Friday, 15th April - don't miss out on this great night.

With Bob Greenwood coach and Bob McKenzie as assistant for the Firsts, Kevin Kirkpatrick coach of the Seconds, the club is looking for a big year. The Thirds coach should be appointed by the time of this game.

Congratulations to Doris Nancarrow, President, Iris Savage, Secretary and Beattie Higgins, Treasurer, of our Ladies' Auxiliary on their appointment. Don't forget the social after the game in the pavilion - everyone is welcome to attend. Best luck and good football to all teams.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" April 24, 1976 - No. 3

Griffith started the '77 season on a bright note with good wins in all three grades against Whitton Club on the Services ground. Full marks to Whitton on fielding teams in all three grades. The committee and players are very pleased that Neville "Mopsy" Hall is to coach the Under 19's team, so a rapid improvement can be expected from this side. The Firsts were led by Bob Greenwood (best on ground) with good games also coming from John Vickery, Garry Smart, Shane Best, Terry Bennett and Garry Parslow.

Best in the Seconds were Ian Manning, Roy Agresta, Robert Crowe and Phillip Smith. Under 19's best was captain Maurice Wood closely followed by Glen Hall and Malcolm Clark. Golden Fleece petrol award for the Firsts was won by John Vickery. Denim Daks Award for the Firsts was taken out by Shane Best. Second grade Charles Dalton Award was won by Ian Manning.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 1, 1977 - No. 4

At Coolamon on Sunday the Griffith 1sts had a good win, but kicking for goal let them down badly. Umpiring in this match was first class. Best for Griffith were the Vickery brothers, Shane Best, Joe Box, Bob Greenwood, Sid Robins.

The Mobil petrol award to Shane Best; the Denim Daks award to Joe Box.

The Seconds had to battle hard against good opposition to take the honours and the best for them was Greg Hill, Robert Crowe, Peter Carey, Allan Hicken, with the Dalton award going to the consistent Greg Hill.

The Under 19's went down to a persistent Coolamon and these boys will have to strengthen their kicking to win matches.

Best for the Under 19's were Phil McGarry, Glen Hall, Rod Collier, David Taylor and the Nev Dawson award was won by young Collier.

The double on this match was Coolamon 8, Griffith 8.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 8, 1977 - No. 5

By Swan: Club notes: Leeton were the visitors to play on Sunday, and Griffith won the Firsts and Seconds, but Leeton could not field a full team and forfeited the match to Griffith, but a game was played with the players that were available.

The Griffith Firsts' game was really played like a grand final - hard and fast with plenty of body contact, with Leeton leading for most of the game, and it was only in the last few minutes of the encounter that Griffith hit the front to win by 8 points. Best for Griffith were Ian Wade, John Vickery, Sid Robins and Bob McKenzie.

The Second side played well and had little trouble winning. Best were Norm Alexander, Allan Hicken, Peter Carey and Darryl Collis.

The Petrol award for the 1sts, Glen Harrison; the Demin Daks award for the 1sts, Ian Wade; the Charles Dalton award for the 2nds, Norm Alexander. The double: Leeton 6, Griffith 6.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 22, 1977 - No. 7

Congratulations to Bob Greenwood and all the team for the magnificent effort against Ariah Park.

From all reports the Fancy Dress Cabaret on Saturday night was an outstanding success, apparently some of our he-men footballers looked absolutely gorgeous (no names mentioned).

For those people who don't know the Griffith Football Club is running a competition with the first prize being a Ford Escort and second prize a Colour T.V. Tickets are only $10 or 2 for $20 and can be obtained from any committeeman.

Well, here we are again at Ganmain, all the best to all the teams today. Let's hope we can make this our third win. Once again, all the best to our boys today, may the best team win.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 29, 1977 - No. 8

By Swan: Three important wins to Griffith on their home ground on Sunday leaves us at the head of the competition ladder in the First Grade with the hard game coming up at Turvey Park in Wagga next Sunday.

The First Grade was very even throughout and in the last quarter the Griffith side drew away to win a great but hard fought victory. Denim Daks award to Sid Robins, a great game Sid. Amoco petrol award to John Candusso.

The Seconds had an easy win but must straighten up their kicking to be a threat to Turvey Park on Sunday. Dalton's award to Allan Hicken.

The Thirds also had a good win, and the boys are starting to show some good play with young Michael Faulkner notching 7 goals.

The Nev Dawson award to Faulkner.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 5, 1977 - No. 9

A gloomy day as far as the weather went in Wagga on Sunday and also as far as the football too, because we were defeated in all three grades by teams that handled the conditions better than the Griffith sides.

The Firsts had good opposition and a good game was witnessed by a big crowd with Turvey Park running out winners by 11 points. A depleted side in the Seconds was overrun by a very determined Turvey Park and were soundly beaten. The Thirds could not get into their stride and the taller boys from Wagga were too strong all round.

The award winners were Firsts: Ampol petrol award, Joe Box; Denim Daks, Roy Agresta; Seconds: Charles Dalton Bakery, Greg Hill; Under 19's: Neville Dawson Menswear, Mark Ashton.

This Sunday we are home to Narrandera and if it's a fine day a good game should eventuate as Narrandera will be difficult to defeat on the Ex-Servicemen's Oval, but Griffith should take out the four points to keep them in touch with the leading teams.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 19, 1977 - No. 10

The biggest crowd ever to witness a club game of the national code turned out to see Griffith defeat Narrandera in our last encounter. The Firsts with the Vickery brothers in the forward line showed dazzling form and kicked 9 goals, Bob Greenwood and Bob McKenzie in the centres and Sid Robins and Ian Wade in the backline all played well.

Kevin Kirkpatrick, playing his 200th game for the Griffith club also went well and congratulations Kevin from the supporters and players.

The First grade award winners: Petrol award (B. P. Maggs Service Station) to Peter Vickery. Denim Daks award, Joe Box.

The Seconds had little trouble in their game and ran out easy winners with the best players Darryl Collis, Norm Alexander, Allan Hicken, Greg Hill and Peter Carey. Dalton award went to Darryl Collis.

The Thirds were no match for the strong Narrandera side and were easily defeated. Best for them were Phil McGarry, Maurice Wood, Darrell Collins, with the Nev Dawson award to Phil McGarry.

State championships last weekend and what a fine performance by the tri-colours. Congratulations to all.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 26, 1977 - No. 11

Wins in all three grades against the Stars on Sunday, so that keeps us in the race for the finals with the three teams. Good opposition was encountered in the first two quarters by the Stars, but our team finished well to win by 17 points. Best players were Phillip Smith, Peter Vickery, Bob Greenwood, Bob McKenzie and Ian Wade.

The Seconds had a good win and the best players were Ian Manning, Steve Best, Darryl Collis and Norm Alexander.

The Under 19's played their best game to date as the opposition was good and our boys excelled themselves and the best players were Joe Ammendolia, Maurie Wood, Phil McGarry and Chris O'Dwyer. Under 19's Nev Dawson award: Joe Ammendolia; Seconds Dalton Bakery award: Ian Manning; Firsts Denim Daks: Ian Wade, Caltex petrol: Phillip Smith.

This week the last comp game in the first round so we are hoping for a win in three grades to complete a great first round for the Swans.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 3, 1977 - No. 12

Good wins in the Firsts and Seconds on Sunday against the Magpies, but the Firsts had to pull out all stops to defeat a good team effort from the G.G. Matong boys. Best players in the Firsts were John Vickery, Terry Bennett, Bob McKenzie, Bob Greenwood, Ian Wade and a great game from Garry Smart.

The Seconds were always in control and also won well with good games from Ian Manning, Joe Catanzariti, Norm Alexander, Darryl Collis and Bob Paterson.

Award winners were: 2nds - Dalton award Joe Catanzariti; 1sts - Esso award, John Vickery; Denim Daks award, Garry Smart.

Our game today against our near rivals Whitton and here's hoping for a good day and good games from all teams as Whiitton are showing improvement in the last couple of games.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 10, 1977 - No. 13

Griffith played Whitton at Whitton last Sunday and a win in all three grades was the result.

Whitton field a depleted side in the Firsts and were no match for a very good exhibition from the Griffith boys who had a good ruckman, Bob McKenzie at centre, Bob Greenwood and Kevin Kirkpatrick roving and John Vickery in the forwards playing good football.

The Seconds and Thirds also played well and had no trouble winning both grades with the best players in the Seconds being Darryl Collis, Bob Patterson, Peter Carey and the Manning boys.

The Thirds best were Max Turner, Phil McGarry and Glen Hall. Neville Dawson awards, Max Turner; Dalton's award, Darryl Collis; Denim Daks, Peter Vickery; Golden Fleece, Bob McKenzie. Today we meet the Coolamon Greens and so here's hoping.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 17, 1977 - No. 14

Coolamon were the visitors last Sunday to play on the Ex-Servicemen's Oval, and a great game was witnessed in the Under 19's where Griffith ran out winners by a few points. Best players for Griffith were Maurice Wood and Bill Burton.

The Seconds were easily defeated by a good Coolamon side that could be a big threat if they can field this side in the finals. Best for Griffith were Norm Alexander, Allan Hicken (until injured) and Ian Manning.

The Firsts were never in danger of defeat and played some of their best football of the season to defeat Coolamon very easily. Best were John O'Donnell, Shane Best, John Vickery, Garry Smart and Ian Wade.

Award winners were Neville Dawson award, Bill Burton; Charles Dalton award, Allan Hicken; Mobil petrol award, Bob McKenzie; Denim Daks, John Vickery. On Sunday we play Leeton at Leeton, and we expect hard games from them but hope for three wins.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 24, 1977 - No. 15

Three good wins at Leeton on Sunday before a good crowd at the Showground was a tonic for the Griffith Swans.

The Griffith Under 19's met a good side from Leeton and the game was entertaining and not much in the finish. Best for Griffith were Chris O'Dwyer and Mal Clark.

The Seconds had stiff opposition, but gradually got on top to register a good win. Best for Griffith were Darryl Collis, Steve Best, Mal Clark, Peter Carey, Ralph Robins and Maurice Wood.

The Firsts, despite the loss of John Vickery with injury in the first quarter, went on to a good win over the improved Leeton who finished the game well. Best for Griffith were John O'Donnell, Phillip Smith, Bob McKenzie, Sid Robins, Ian Wade and Kevin Kirkpatrick.

Award winners were Denim Daks, Kevin Kirkpatrick; Shell petrol award, John O'Donnell; Charles Dalton award, Darryl Collis; Neville Dawson award, Chris O'Dwyer. Today we meet Ariah Park and without John Vickery the forwards need to produce the goods.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 31, 1977 - No. 16

The defences of both Griffith and Ariah Park reigned supreme on Sunday at the Ex-Services ground when only twelve goals were registered by both sides, Ariah Park was on target, and 7 goals resulted to 5 by Griffith.

Griffith sadly missed the services of John Vickery at centre half forward. Best for Griffith were Sid Robins, Shane Best, Ian Wade, Garry Smart and John O'Donnell.

The Seconds had a convincing win with many good players. The best were I thought was Bob Paterson, Allan Hicken, Graham Manning, Steve Best and Steve Brand.

The Thirds were never in trouble to run out easy winners and the best was Maurice Wood, Bob Barber and Mal Clark.

The award winners were Denim Daks award, Sid Robins; Total petrol award, Shane Best; Charles Dalton award, Graham Manning; Neville Dawson award, Bob Barber. Today the journey to Ganmain and now they have established themselves in the four, the game will be hard but will be looking for the four points.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 7, 1977 - No. 17

Ideal weather conditions at Ganmain last Sunday and a good first game resulted with the home side winning a closely contested game all day. Griffith had their chances in the last quarter but only points were registered.

The best I thought were Trevor Miller, Bob Greenwood, Sid Robins and Garry Smart.

The Seconds played good team football all day and had little trouble beating the home side very convincingly. The best I thought were Ivan Nancarrow, the Manning boys, Steve Best, Norm Alexander and Allan Hicken.

The Thirds were also victorious by a big margin and have hopes of playing in this year's finals.

The award winners for the week are Denim Daks, Bob McKenzie; Petrol award, Glen Harrison; Charles Dalton award, Graham Manning; Neville Dawson award, Maurice Wood. Today we are playing Tuvey Park, and a win is a must for us and we hope that John Vickery will be available today to bolster the forward attack.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 14, 1977 - No. 18

Football at its best on Sunday when Griffith were winners over a Turvey Park side at the Ex-Services Oval.

Griffith played good football for the first two quarters to lead by a big margin at half-time, but a great fight back in the last half saw Turvey go down by 11 points. Best for Griffith were Trevor Miller, Bob McKenzie, Sid Robins, Ian Wade and John Candusso, and Terry Bennett and John O'Donnell played well in the forwards.

The Seconds starter well but the bigger opponents gradually got on top and raced out easy winners. Best for Griffith were Peter Carey, Norm Alexander, Joe Box, John Seidel and Graham Manning.

The Thirds was well contested, and good football was witnessed with Griffith the victors. The best I thought was Billy Burton, John Toscan and Doug Betts.

Award winners: Ampol petrol, John Candusso; Denim Daks, Roy Agresta; Dalton's award, Peter Carey; Neville Dawson award, John Toscan.

Players and supporters, the '77 Annual Ball run by the club is on this month, make sure you get your tickets early.

Today the Imperials at the Narrandera ground where the finals are to be played, so let's hope for three games injury free.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 21, 1977 - No. 19

Nice weather prevailed at Narrandera on Sunday where Griffith played last week.

The Narrandera Thirds were a well drilled team and won the fixture well, but the Seconds and Firsts were victories to Griffith. The Thirds' best players were Robert Vico and Bill Burton. The Seconds in their win were helped by good play from John Seidel, Norm Alexander, Frank Valeri, Garry Owen and Glen Luhrs.

The Firsts were in command after the first quarter and John and Peter Vickery, John O'Donnell, John Candusso, Shane Best, Sid Robins and Ian Wade were their best players.

The awards for last week were Neville Dawson's, Robert Vico; Charles Dalton's, John Seidel; Denim Daks, John Candusso; BP petrol, Garry Smart.

Supporters, the $1000 furniture raffle is under way, get your tickets from all committeemen and our presentation night is on 23-10-77 when furniture will be drawn. Sunday, Ardlethan on the Ex-Services ground and three wins we hope.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 28, 1977 - No. 20

Three good wins against Ardlethan on Sunday at Ex-Services ground and the Firsts are assured of playing in the second semifinal at Narrandera in three weeks' time. The Firsts was an even game for most of the match with our fellows applying the pressure to run away easy winners on the day. For Griffith the best were John O'Donnell, Peter Vickery, Phil McGarry, Roy Agresta on the wing, Sid Robins, Glenn Harrison, John Candusso on the back line and Trevor Miller and Garry Smart in the ruck.

The Seconds easily deposed of Ardlethan after a quarter of even football and won handsomely, with Norm Alexander, Glen Hall, Darryl Collis and Drew Luhrs having good games with young Luhrs kicking 9 goals.

The Thirds were evenly contested all day and the result was in the balance right up to the final bell. With Joe Ammendolia, Max Turner, Darrell Collins and Billy Burton outstanding.

Award for the week: Caltex petrol, Phil McGarry; Denim Daks, John Candusso; Charles Dalton award, Drew Luhrs; Neville Dawson award, Joe Ammendolia.

Our footballer's ball - a great success I believe, and another 200 Club is on the way, get your tickets from the committee.

Today the Magpies on the Grong Grong ground and they won't be easy boys.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" September 4, 1977 - No. 21

By Swan: Our congratulations go to all clubs who have made the finals this year and to the sides that did not we offer our thanks for some great games during the year. As far as our club is concerned, we congratulate Bob Greenwood and his Firsts for being minor premiers, Kevin Kirkpatrick and his Seconds for having the double chance and also Neville Hall and the Under 19's side for making the finals also.

This week the Under 19 side do battle for a place in the preliminary final. We have some players in this side with a great future and if they get behind their coach, Mopsy, and do as he asks, there is no reason why they should not win this week and move into the preliminary final.

Award winners at Grong Grong were Firsts, Sid Robins, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Seconds, Frank Valeri.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" September 11, 1977 - No. 22

Last Sunday saw the curtain fall on our Third Eighteen for the year. A bad first half put the pressure on our players, but congratulations fellows, on fighting the game out to the finish. Congratulations Galva to yourself and the Turvey Park boys on your win. It has been a great season for our club, but it is the ultimate aim to win premierships. Our Firsts and Seconds are quietly confident of taking the first step today by winning the Second semi-finals and progressing to the Grand Final.

The counting of our best and fairest votes resulted in Garry Smart taking out the Firsts, Darryl Collis the Seconds and Maurie Wood the Thirds. Congratulations to these players on their great play throughout the season. In addition, Garry has won the Websters-Area News award and Darryl, the Dowell Clearbright award.

What a great season for these players and we are looking for great games from both these players today. 200 Club tickets are on sale for next drawing on 30th September. Also don't forget our Presentation Night on 22nd October at Yoogali Club.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" September 18, 1977 - No. 23

First class football was the order on the day at Ganmain last Sunday when the Bulldogs Seconds team got up in the last minute of the encounter to defeat the Griffith Swans by a few points. For the Swans, Greg Hill was our outstanding player with Steve Best, Peter Carey and Norm Alexander doing a lot of work in the backline and Mopsy Hall effective in the ruck work and Frank Valeri and Steve Brand the best of the forwards.

Today they oppose Coolamon Greens, and this highly rated side will be extremely hard to defeat on the big Narrandera ground, or will a draw be the result? Will Kirky and Ian Wade be fit to play a prominent part in victory and well John Vickery, after a serious injury in the last quarter at Ganmain be as effective as usual?

All the questions will be answered after 2.30 today when the Swans run out to oppose the Bulldogs on the Sportsground.

The supporters and committee are hopeful of a win in today's encounter and wish all players an injury free game with victory to the Griffith Swans. (Scribe for 1977 season - Club president Keith Thompson).

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