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1979 SEASON
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GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Sou'Wester" September 16, 1979 - No. 21

By Swan: Congratulations to Kevin Kirkpatrick and his Seconds on finishing the season undefeated which was a big effort as the Seniors side had a lot of injuries and the Seconds were used to to play in the Firsts.
May we also say well done to Peter Matuska and his boys who battled on against problems and injuries but never gave up and finished on a high note with a great win over Coolamon.

To Len Threlfall and the few Thirds that supported him - better luck next year.
One of our First players, Shane Best, who had to undergo surgery for an injury to his hand, has the best wishes for a speedy recovery from all players and supporters.
Best wishes to today Kevin in the reserve grade semi final - may you hold your undefeated record.

KELVIN TURNER - BEST AND FAIREST
By Beres Sexton

The climax for the Australian Football season for the Swans was after their great win against Coolamon when the best and fairest votes were counted before a large crowd at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval.
Kelvin Turner capped off a great season by winning the major award for the seniors.
Turner started the season in the back pocket where he played some top football. He was shifted to roving later in the year when he really excelled. Turner is a courageous footballer who gives one hundred percent effort at all times. His dedication on and off the field is to admired.
Runner-up for the award was Peter Dwyer, who also had a great season and was an inspiration to the other team members.
Neville Brand finished third with Pat Dwyer and Sid Robins, also polling well.
Reserves coach Kevin Kirkpatrick won the best and fairest award and will be hoping to complete a fine double with a premiership win. Mark Nolan was runner-up with Terry Bennett and Peter Arnell tied for third. Stephen Brand, Allan McGann and John Seidel all polled well.
The thirds best and fairest winner was captain, Joe Ammendolia. Ammendolia had a great season and seems certain to play senior football next year. Gerard Toscan and Dom Ammendolia tied for second which was a great achievement as both played the later half of the year in the seniors.

Voting results were:
Seniors: Kelvin Turner 30, Peter Dwyer 27, Neville Brand 25, Pat Dwyer 24, Sid Robins 20.
Reserves: Kevin Kirkpatrick 22, Mark Nolan 18, Terry Bennett 15, Peter Arnall 15, Stephen Brand 14.
Thirds: Joe Ammendolia 26, Gerard Toscan 22, Dom Ammendolia 22, Chris Scobie 19, Ray Schaefer 18.

The Area News - Thursday September 13, 1979)

Beres Sexton ''spotlight on 'Rules'

The Swans reserves had a great semi final victory over Narrandera on Sunday. Every player contributed to the win.
Allan Hicken played a great game on the forward line and his form in the later part of the season has been outstanding.
Ralph Robins also appreciated his return to the forward line with four excellent goals
Terry Bennett makes the most of every opportunity he gets on the forward line and is a very dangerous player.
Darryl Collis showed his liking for the big Narrandera ground and seldom fails to play a top game when the Swans play there.
Stephen Brand and John Toscan rucked strongly for four quarters and the improvement shown by John Toscan must be pleasing to the selectors.
The team has developed into a strong combination and looks firm favourite for the flag.
Present voting for the Dowell Clearbright Award: Kirkpatrick 19, Nolan 18, Brand 18, Bennett 17, Arnall 17, Seidel 13, Duncan 11, McGann 11, Collis 10, Hicken 10, Toscan 9, McGrath 9 and Luhrs 8.
Votes were awarded for last Sunday and will be awarded for the grand final and any one of six players could be the eventual winner.

Fitzroy let me down in the first semi final against Collingwood, but the Lions were gallant in defeat.
If they had kicked straighter it may have been a different story.
But Fitzroy topped off one of their best seasons for many years by making the finals for the first time for about 20 years.
Fitzroy should prove much harder side next year with that final experience.

(The Area News - Wednesday September 19, 1979)

SEIDEL CLINCHES DOWELL CLEARBRIGHT AWARD

John Seidel's brilliant late season form clinched the Dowel Clearbright Award for the Griffith Swans' reserve grade best and fairest award. Seidel polled a maximum five votes in the last two games to win by two votes.
The contest drew to an exciting finish with six players a chance to win in the last match, the grand final against Narrandera on Sunday. The voting on performance in the premiership game was Seidel 5, Agresta 4, Manning 3, Hicken 2, and Collis 1.
It gave the award to Seidel with 23 vote ahead of Manning 21, Kirkpatrick and Brand 19, Nolan 18, Bennett and Arnall 17, McGann 13, Hicken 12, Collis and Duncan 11.
Reserve grade coach Kevin Kirkpatrick thanked Dowell Clearbright for their support of the Swans.
He said that the award acted as a great incentive to all players.
The Griffith players in their friendly rivalry competing for the Dowell prize had been able to beat every team in the preliminary rounds of the 1979 season. It was only the "bounce of the ball" which saw the premiership grand final slip from the Swans grasp as they suffered their first defeat in the last game of the year.

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