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1976 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - by Swan

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" April 11, 1976 - No. 1

Name change - Aussie Ruler to Sou'wester
Today marks a new era in the publication of this small weekly, the official publication of the South West League.

Since first publication (1961) it has been known as "The Aussie Ruler".

In keeping with the requirements of the National Football League the word "Rules" has been eliminated in reference to the National code and hence a new name for our publication.

No Griffith notes issued in Sou'wester No. 1.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" April 25, 1976 - No. 3

On behalf of the Griffith Australian Football Club, I take this opportunity to wish all clubs in the League all the best for '76.

Although we were beaten by Coolamon in our last match we look forward to a great year this season in the South West League.

Many new faces will appear in our line-up this year, including our new coach, ex-Essendon and Claremont star Bob Greenwood, who we hope will be back playing soon after breaking a thumb in the practice match against Ardlethan. Other new faces to be seen include Grant Smallacombe from the Way Back F.C. in South Australia, and Nick Cetenich from the Sunraysia Area.

Congratulations to our 200 Club winner Mrs. Coleman and thank you to all those who were present at the 200 Club draw, a great night was had from all and a reminder that 200 Club tickets are now available from any committeeman.

Once again, all the best to our new coach, Bob Greenwood, and reserves coach Bill Tyndall.

May this year be the year of the Swans and all the best for the season ahead from President Keith Thompson, committeemen and supporters.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 2, 1976 - No. 4

None issued in The Sou'wester No. 4

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 9, 1976 - No. 5

Well, here we are again and firstly, I must apologise for the lack of notes in last week's Sou Wester, my secretary forgot to post them. Congratulations to Leeton who were the team to finish strongest on the day, let's hope we can do better today against Ariah Park-Mirrool.
Tickets are still available for the 200 Club and are available from any committeeman.
The 200 Club will be drawn on the 25th of June and all ticket holders are invited to attend.
The Swans supporters club are holding a fancy dress Cabaret at the Three Sisters Restaurant on the 15th May and tickets are available from Bob Carroll's Menswear or Tyndall and Ryan Dry Cleaners at only $15 per double. This should be a good night for all to attend, but for all those who intend to come dressed as footballers, please take the studs out of your boots.
Weekly winners last week went to Sid Robins (1sts), Skeeter Milne (2nds), Daltons Bakery award and the Neville Dawson award for the 3rds went to Robert Owen. All the best today, may the best team win. Up the Swans!

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 23, 1976 - No. 7

Well, here we go again at Ganmain, all the best to all the teams playing today. Let's hope we can make this our third win. 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 and outstanding success, apparently some of the 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.
Once again, all the best to our boys today, may the best team win.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 30, 1976 - No. 8

Congratulations to Ganmain for their win in the last quarter of the game on Sunday.

Although their has been much written and said about all the incidents in this match I guess I can still add my piece.

There seems little need for these things to occur and if that sort of behaviour continues, especially when spectators are involved, I for one would seriously consider taking my family to watch some other type of sport.

Best players for Griffith on Sunday included Sid Robins, Glenn Harrison, Bob Greenwood and John O'Donnell.

Once again, our Second 18 had a great win and congratulations to everyone involved.

Today we are looking forward to playing Turvey Park and this should be a great game.

Tickets in the Club Car Raffle are available at the ground today for only $10.

Don't forget 2RG will be broadcasting the entire game this afternoon between Griffith and Turvey Park.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" June 6, 1976 - No. 9

Well, after a hard game last week against Turvey Park here we are at Narrandera. Let's hope we can kick a bit straighter today fellas. Congratulations to the Seconds and Thirds on their great wins, well done.

The First 18 award last week was won by Norm Anderson who played a great game and Norm has won 12 gallons of fuel from the Mobil Depot. Congratulations to Darryl Collis who won the Dalton's Bakery $5 award for the Second 18.

Congratulations also to John "Ducky" O'Donnell who announced his engagement last Sunday.

Players and committeemen got together last Wednesday at training for a Pie Night which was apparently very successful. Tickets in the car and colour TV competition are going fairly quickly so anyone who wants one can see any of our committeemen.

Some of our players look like becoming radio and TV stars, Bob Greenwood recently was heard on radio doing a commercial for Bob Carroll's Menswear and Kevin Kirkpatrick seen every Saturday night at 5.50 on MTN9 doing a football preview show.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 13, 1976 - No. 10
None issued in The Sou'wester No. 10.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou' wester" June 20, 1976 - No. 11
None issued in The Sou'wester No. 11.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 4, 1976 - No. 12

Congratulations to the Farrer League for winning the NSW Australian Football Championships at Finley last weekend. Well done fellas.
The Griffith Football Club 200 Club draw took place on the 25th June in front of a big crowd of ticket holders. First prize of $500 was won by Col Tyndall and second prize of $200 was won by S. Higgins and R. Watson, our new P.A. system certainly proved to be a great asset on the night although auctioneer Terry Bennett did not seem to need it.
A further reminder that tickets in the car raffle are going very quickly so if you want a ticket in the Ford Escort they are available at only $10 from any committeeman.
Well today we travel to Coolamon in what will be a very important game for both teams so let's hope Bob Greenwood and the boys can have a big win today.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 11, 1976 - No. 13

Congratulation to Coolamon on their win against last Sunday, although not trying to make excuses we were without some of our top players, including Bob McKenzie who had the flu, Glenn Harrison who had a broken ankle and our dashing wingman Roy Agresta who has announced his retirement.

Griffith will certainly miss the dashing pace of Roy and we are hoping he may change his mind.

Our Seconds had a close win on Sunday against Coolamon and could be without John Corbett who suffered an elbow injury last Sunday and was taken to the Coolamon Hospital.

Stephen Best won the Dalton's Bakery award for the Seconds while brother Shane won the Golden Fleece petrol award for the Seniors. Maurice Wood won the Neville Dawson award for the Thirds.

It looks as though most of our footballers know the road to Shepparton very well, apparently at least 10 trips in 6 weeks for injured footballers. Just ask Ralph Savage how well he knows the road.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 18, 1976 - No. 14

Well, a great win to both our teams on Sunday, congratulations fellas.

The awards for last Sunday went to Darryl Collis in the Firsts which was the Caltex petrol award and Bob Greenwood received 5 votes in the Websters award while Steven Murray won the Dalton's Bakery award in the Seconds with Graham Manning receiving 5 votes in the Dowell Clearbright award.

Bad luck to Garry Owen who received an injured cheekbone in the last Sunday's game against Whitton.

Our win last Sunday puts us in 5th position, only one and a half games out of the four.

Although I was not at the match last week apparently the ladies committee kept everyone warm with their beautiful soup. Former Swans player Grant Luhrs was one of the best players in Sydney last week against Tasmania but unfortunately was injured in the last quarter.

2RG listeners will hear a new voice broadcasting the Griffith-Leeton game today when well-known racing commentator Allan Wallett joins regular commentators Jack Luhrs and Rohan Cherrin in the match of the day.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 25, 1976 - No. 15

Well, what a great day for the Swans last Sunday with all three teams having a win. There was a lot of sore heads around on Monday morning. Congratulations to all players in the Firsts for a great game. Let's hope we can play as well today against Ariah Park.
Winners of the awards were Ian Wade, Esso award in the Firsts, Peter Carey, the Dalton's Bakery award in the Seconds and Doug Betts won the Neville Dawson award in the Thirds.
John Candusso received 5 votes in the Websters award with Peter Carey receiving 5 votes in the Dowell Clearbright.
There are still a few tickets left in our car draw which will be drawn on Presentation Night. Tickets are only $10 each with the first prize being a Ford Escort from Keith Gill Motors and second prize a Colour TV from the Griffith Record Centre.
Well today we travel to Ariah Park, and this will be a most important match for the Swans so let's hope we can keep up the form of our last two games.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" August 1, 1976 - No. 16

Congratulations to Ariah Park-Mirrool on their good win last Sunday, the story could have been different if our side had played football for four quarters and not only two.

Our best players were Bob Greenwood, Ian Wade, Bob McKenzie, Garry Parslow and John O'Donnell.

Our Seconds had a good win with the Manning brothers, Allan Hicken and Trevor Reed, the best of a good team effort. Malcolm Clark was our best player in our win over Ariah Park-Mirrool in the Under 19's.

Today it is Ganmain with a win a must for us and it should be a clean hard game of football.

Don't forget our Social after the match today where a good night can be assured.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" August 8, 1976 - No. 17

Well, what a fantastic game last Sunday. Congratulations to all the Swans for doing their best in defeating the League leaders, Ganmain by such a convincing margin. Apparently, there were quite a few headaches around on Monday morning.
Bob Patterson won the Man of the Match award with seven great goals, but really every single player in the team played well.
Griffith supporters will be pleased to hear the committee has reappointed Bob Greenwood as coach for next year.

This was announced at the Friday night session which apparently went well into the night.
There are still tickets left in our car raffle at only $10 each. Only 800 tickets printed, so hurry if you want one. See a committeeman as this raffle will be drawn at the Swans Presentation Night.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" August 15, 1976 - No. 18

Congratulations to Turvey Park on their win last Sunday. They were just too good for us on the day.

Although we lost the game, both sides agreed that the umpiring exhibition was pathetic, let's hope we can get better umpires to officiate at South West League fixtures in the future.

Best players on Sunday included Garry Parslow, Kevin Kirkpatrick, John O'Donnell, Sid Robins and Neville Brand.

Garry Parslow won the Amoco Petrol award and also received 5 votes in the Websters award.

Peter Carey was once again the best player in the Seconds with Glen Hall winning the Neville Dawson award for the Thirds. Just a further reminder to get a ticket in the car raffle as these are going very fast. First prize is a brand-new Ford Escort Sedan from Keith Gill Motors, and second prize is a portable colour TV from Griffith Record Centre. This raffle is great value as there are only 800 tickets at only $10 each so get yours soon. Today we play Narrandera in what should be a close game.

Well until next week I will leave you with this thought: "It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees."

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" August 22, 1976 - No. 19
None issued in The So'wester No. 19

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" August 29, 1976 - No. 20

Must apologise once again for lack of notes last week - our scribe went walkabout again.

It's past history but week before last Narrandera played impressive football to defeat us easily and cement their place in second place.

Bad fortune struck in that game as we lost Wadey and Nifty both injured to add further to our casualty list which totals 7 first grade players.

Last Sunday the Ardlethan Stars turned on some impressive football with accurate shooting for goal particularly in first three quarters, to give us our worst beating for many years.

Bad luck Stars that your win did not get you into the four, but there is still next week, and you might just make it.

Fortunately, the Seconds and Third 18 were able to register good wins, which gave the teams the minor premiers in both grades. Congratulations to all players in these teams on their fine play during the year.

Winners of awards were John Candusso - the Caltex Petrol award; Greg Hill - the Dalton's Bakery award; Joe Box - Neville Dawson award.

Congratulations to these players and special mention to the young players promoted to the Firsts last Sunday - Peter Carey, Graham Manning, Norm Alexander and Ian Manning on their good efforts.

Not many tickets left in the car and TV raffle to be drawn on 23rd October so don't miss out - only 800 tickets printed.

As our Annual Ball was held on Friday night. I hope all players had an early night and come up fit for today.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" September 5, 1976 - No. 21
None issued in So'wester No. 21

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" September 12, 1976 - No. 22

Congratulations to all teams that made the finals this year.

An interesting point is that in the First grade the final four is made up of teams that were not in the finals last year.

Congratulations to Wayne Evans for his fine win in the Gammage Medal.

As far as our Club is concerned special mention to Graham Manning, who won the Lanham Trophy. Graham also won the Dowell Clearbright and Club awards for the Second 18.

The Websters award was won by Sid Robins, but John Candusso won the club award for the best player in First grade for the season. Robert Crowe won the Under 19 best player of the year from the club selectors and what a great future this lad has. All the club awards were counted last Friday night and it was a most enjoyable evening.

Our presentation night will be held in the Police Boys Club on the 23rd of October, where we hope to have a couple of special guests so don't miss this great night held for players and supporters alike.

What a great game from Victor Wilson in the Second 18 game against Grong Grong-Matong in kicking 18 goals which made him the leading goal kicker in the League for this grade.

In today's matches our Under 19 and Second grade do battle, and we must congratulate both of these teams on being minor premiers.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" September 19, 1976 - No. 23

Congratulations to our Seconds team on a great win. To pick out better players would be a little unfair to a great team effort but special mention to Allan Hicken, who won the Dalton Bakery award
Our Under 19's were beaten on the day by one point by Narrandera but turned in a good effort in their defeat. The Neville Dawson award to Maurice Wood, who was rarely beaten all day. It was bad luck for two of our players who could not play last Sunday in the Under 19 side. To these players Toscan and Merlehan and all other players in this side get behind Garry Gardner on the training track and you might find winning comes a little easier.
We must congratulate Narrandera on a great win in the main game against Ganmain last Sunday.
To our Under 19's side this is it, today you must win to play in the Grand Final.
To all players and supporters today we have full catering rights, raffles and doubles to sell so please your help is required, just ask at any stall. Don't forget our Presentation Night on 23rd October at the Police Boys Club.

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The So'wester" September 26, 1976 - No. 24

Another heart stopper by our Thirds. It looked to be curtains at half time when trailing by 29 points and again in the last quarter. However, the fighting qualities and never-say-die effort won the day.

Congratulations to all our players, but in particular to Joe Box, for his great game for four quarters, which Earn's him the Neville Dawson award. Also, to Robin Parisotto for his terrific last quarter.

Today, we have our Seconds and Thirds contesting the grand finals. I am sure all our supporters join with me in wishing the players in both teams all the best for today's games and we look forward to two premierships.

I take this opportunity to congratulate our two coaches, Bill Tyndall and Garry Gardner, for their great efforts and endeavours in getting the two teams into the Grand Finals. A job well done.

The Club wishes to thank all the ladies, players and committee who worked untiringly last Sunday in the stalls on the raffles, doubles and gates. It was a terrific effort and one that deserves the highest praise.

Once again congratulations and thanks very much for your devotion. To each and every one who has helped and supported the Club during the season, I thank you very much and I hope you will continue your support in the ensuing years to come.

To our women's auxiliary and social committee, thank you also.

There are a few tickets available in our Car and TV raffle so don't miss out - get your ticket now, to be drawn on Presentation Night, 23rd October - keep that date in mind.

Winners of last Sunday's raffles were 1st Mrs. McIntyre, Leeton; 2nd E. Graetz, Marrar; 3rd Viv Nancarrow, Griffith. The double was Ganmain 16, Coolamon 16. Finally, congratulations to all teams competing today and best of good football to all players.

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