GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - by Swan 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" April 13, 1980 - No. 1 

One can hardly believe that six months have passed since the '79 finals series - what of our chances this year? - we'll wait and see.  It would be true to state that our pre-season form has not set the football world alight, however, there is confidence in the Swans' nest that our youth, under the guidance of Kevin Kirkpatrick, will develop into a formidable force as the season progresses.

A very hearty welcome to our new players - Peter Cox, Stephen Mulqueen, Steve Thompson, Randall Strongman, Jim Tolsher, Paul Greenwood and P Stevens. Jeff Mitchell is returning, and we trust you all have a rewarding and successful season.

Our immediate past president, Jack Luhrs, has just returned from a trip to Canada. Whilst there, his endeavours to promote the Australian game were cut short through his inability to demonstrate the drop kick with a baseball.

Former top player Garry Owen has returned to the field after a stint away.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" April 27, 1980 - No. 3
What a great start to the 1980 season. Though beaten by Coolamon, the performance of the local side must have been a real shot in the arm to their loyal supporters as every player gave his all. Of a team of good players, best players were Jeff Mitchell, Stephen Best, Sid Robins, Gerry Toscan and Steve Thompson.
Congratulations to Sid Robins and his Second XVIII on their first win for the season. Best players were Pat Dwyer, Ian Minchin, David Taylor, Michael Keenan and Mike Jones. Len Sexton needs more players for his Under 19 team - roll up boys and enjoy the game. 

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 4, 1980 - No. 4
The Swans went down to Leeton by a mere 9 points last Sunday but pleased the supporters with a great finish after not making full use of a strong wind in the third term. They outscored Leeton in the final quarter to be at one stage within 2 points of a win. Better luck today.
Best players were Robbie Owen, John Seidel, Peter McGrath and Darrell Collins.
Second 18 had their first loss but look forward to a win this week. The better players were Allan Hicken, David Taylor, Maurice Wood and Randall Strongman. The Under 19's are still desperately in need of more players.

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 11, 1980 - No. 5
Not a good day for the Swans last Sunday at Ariah Park with three losses but we look forward to the usual good football against Ganmain today. We take the opportunity today to thank the generous donors of the many trophies our players receive.
Major trophies at the end of the season come from: First 18, Websters Cordials, 2nd 18 Dowell Clearbright, Under 19's Don Best Painters. Weekly awards: 1st 18 Griffith Co-op Store, 2nd 18 Petrol Companies, Under 19's Neville Dawson Menswear.
Last week's best players: 1st 18 Neville Brand, Darrell Collins, Shane Best, Gerard Toscan, John Seidel. 2nd 18: Randall Strongman, Max Reed, Wayne Bottcher, David Taylor, Michael Keenan.

  

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" May 25, 1980 - No. 7
A happy group of players left the ground after notching their first win of the season at the expense of Ganmain in our last encounter. To pick best players was a hard job as every player was in there trying. It was bad luck to lose Steve Thompson early in the game with a shoulder injury. Hope Steve will be O.K. and back for the next competition match. Of a good team effort best players were Gerard Toscan, John Seidel, Garry Owen, Neville Brand and Stephen Brand.
The Second 18 went down by only seven points after a great fight back in the final quarter. Best players were Maurice Wood, Robert Barber, Ian Minchin, Trevor Reed and Terry Bennett.
For the first time this season Len Sexton had a complete Under 19's team and with every player doing his part they scored their first win. Keep up the good work boys. Best players were Chris Scobie, John Garzoli and Tony Dillon.

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 1, 1980 - No. 8
The long trip to Wagga was not too profitable for the Swans though the Second 18 kept the flag flying.
Our thanks to Treasureway for the weekly award for the First XVIII in place of the Griffith Co-op award.
Congratulations to the players in the Rep. sides at Narrandera two weeks ago.  Jeff Mitchell in the 1st XVIII, Darrell Collins, Gerry Toscan, Peter McGrath, Martin O'Donnell in the Under 21 side, also to Jeff Mitchell, and Darrell Collins and Glen Hall in the squad to play Murray League at Deniliquin next Sunday.
Bad luck to see Sid Robins on crutches after an injury at Turvey Park. Also, Garry Owen with a knee injury. Hope you'll soon be back on the track fellas.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the Cave Family and Bob Little and family in the loss of loved ones in the past two weeks. Tonight, after the game a special Social will be held, and all supporters are invited. A special invitation to all Narrandera players and supporters is extended. Hot meals and drinks available.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 15, 1980 - No. 9
The Swans today are here to give Ardlethan four good quarters of football though losing most games they should not lose supporters because of their good efforts.
Griffith went down to last year's premiers (Narrandera) in the first two quarters two weeks ago but came back after half time and outscored the Imps in the final two quarters, so today Swannies' you must start from go.
Congratulations to Jeff Mitchell for two beaut games at Deniliquin last weekend when so few South West players impressed - "Mitch" was in there doing more than his share.
A 300 Club is in progress supporters - anyone wanting tickets contact any member of the committee - we need your support at $2 per ticket. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 22, 1980 - No. 10
Another pleasing game from the young Swans as they really made the Ardlethan boys work for their win.
Griffith had many good players, especially John Seidel, Rob Owen and Kel. Turner on the ball, Neville Brand and Gerry Toscan in the air, Darrell Collins with five goals at full forward and a great team effort from Tony Dillon in his first senior game.
Sid Robins and Len Sexton can be equally pleased with the boys' efforts and it was good to see some of the missing faces there again. Among them, Billy Burton back at full back for the Seconds, Peter Biggs back from Darwin, Joe Catanzariti and Robin Parisotto back from injuries - hang in there fellas, it is not over yet.
Under 19's still struggling for numbers but in there as a team, regardless of personal glories - this is what clubs are made of boys, well done.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" June 29, 1980 - No. 11
None issued in So'wester No. 11
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 6 - 13, 1980 - No. 12
Griffith bye. None issued in So'wester No. 12

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 20, 1980 - No. 13
None issued in So'wester No. 13

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" July 27, 1980 - No. 14
A great day for Darryl Collis and the Griffith Club when he leads the Swans onto the ground for his 200th First grade game. This is a great achievement, as any player knows and maybe a little more for Darryl who didn't always get the best treatment from the selectors. Let's hope this may help the younger players to see if you want to get there badly enough you will. Congratulations Darryl on a job well done.
No doubt the Swannies are the underdog today against the more favoured Ariah Park-Mirrool but a little bit of togetherness and this can be a great game. A special social tonight to honour Darryl, so come along after the game. Hope the Ariah Park people will be able to join us. Hot food and refreshments will be served. 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 10, 1980 - No. 16
By Swan:  After their great display against Ariah Park, the Swans did not live up to expectations last Sunday against Ganmain, mainly in the scoring zone with too many points and not enough goals. Let us hope today our forwards find the big sticks.
The very grateful thanks of the committee go to a group of young players and girls who approached the committee on Monday night to assure the committee of their support now and in the future.  They were represented at the meeting by Jane, Peter, Sue and Jane. This is what makes everything worth while and shows us what a bright future lies ahead - thanks again to these young people.
A memo to all players and supporters - September 12th is our Presentation Night - only you can make this a great night with your support. 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 17, 1980 - No. 17
Well, we sure had a great start last Sunday and with such straight kicking should have done better. We had some great triers nonetheless and with more experience will do better.
A special get well to Steve Best, who had his cartilage out last week. What with Shane's hand operation only a few weeks ago, the Bests are having a rough time.
Unfortunately, Jeff Mitchell and Kelvin Turner are having trouble healing their injuries, Hope it won't be long, boys.
All systems go for a great presentation night at the Police Boys Club where you can dance until sun-up if you wish. No time limit Friday, 12th September - mark your calendar. Thanks, Tom Carroll, for the words of encouragement in Carroll's Corner. 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 24, 1980 - No. 18
You did it again, boys. What a really great effort - every player doing his part, but the bigger and more experienced Imps were too strong in all grades. Some really great duels on the day with handball and high marks from both sides.
Preparations are in full swing for the presentation night on Friday, 12th September, at the Police Boys Club, This will be a great night. Tickets are $20 double, all inclusive. This is a cheap night out so come along and enjoy it.
Tickets are available from committee members, Social Committee and Bill and Wendy Tyndall Dry Cleaners.
After the Grong Grong-Matong game next week, we will draw the Best and Fairest awards at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval Pavillion. Everybody welcome.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" August 31, 1980 - No. 19
None issued in The So'wester No. 19
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'wester" September 7, 1980 - No. 20
So, the end of another season is here and for Griffith, from the outside, it may seem to have been a bad season, but this is far from true. We have only won one game, but we did what was intended - gave our young players a taste of first grade football, and how well they equipped themselves. I am sure the three coaches, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Sid Robins and Len Sexton, are proud of the efforts of those who stood with them through the season, and we hope to have these young fellows with us again next season.
Tonight we count the Best and Fairest votes for the three grades at thee Ex-Servicemen's Oval. Food and refreshments will be there.
Congratulations to the teams who made the final four and good luck from here on. 

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