THE EVER EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF SYDNEY FOOTY

[Norris Lurker]

Who contested the GF in the lower division Norris? You should bang out a footy nerd spread like I did a few years back when the leg went AWOL. Would be a great read, GF goals and best, leading goals for the year etc..

Hi Pekay, I'll do that - there's a few interesting names in that Record. Some of them are still involved in Sydney footy, or stuck around in memory enough to get a mention on here on occasion. (for example, Peter Betros' grand final brain explosion was long before my time, but I've heard about it - he played for Wests in that grand final).
I won't get a chance to do it tonight - I'm going to the draft. But I think I'm free tomorrow night, so that'll be a chance to put a time capsule together....

[Norris Lurker]

Who contested the GF in the lower division Norris? You should bang out a footy nerd spread like I did a few years back when the leg went AWOL. Would be a great read, GF goals and best, leading goals for the year etc..

Here goes.....

The Grand Final was between Wests and North Shore.
Wests were captain-coached by Ian Harry, with H Ettridge as team manager. The Wests squad - 1. Brian Richard, 2. Lindsay Hetherington, 3. Wes Preston, 4. Ian Harry (c), 5. Barry Greaves, 6. Terry Rosewall, 7. Graham McLean, 8. Graham Shiel, 9. Steve Cook, 10. Alan Dudley, 11. Mark Atkins, 12. Peter Gardiner, 13. Peter Betros, 14. Michael O'Donoghue, 15. Mike Browne (v/c), 16. Bob Vardenga, 17. David Culling, 18. Ray Sexton, 19. Peter Carroll, 20. Drew Isaac, 21. Tony Suhan, 22. Alan Dobson, 23. Steve Mayman, 24. Graeme Frankenburg, 25. Jim Bourke, 27. Greg Curtis, 28. Chris O'Donoghue, 29. Ray Carroll, 30. Mark Davis, 40. Wayne Bent.

North Shore were captain-coached by John Pitura, with Bob Quinn as team manager. The North Shore squad - 1. John Pitura (c), 2. Phillip Martyn, 3. Alan Fitzgerald, 4. Bruce Wickham, 5. Dennis Keane, 6. Peter Underwood, 7. Greg Jepson, 8. Mark Flanders, 9. Graeme Hamilton, 10. John Baker, 11. Greg Bee, 12. Graeme McLean, 15. Andrew Whiteside, 16. Rod McLean, 17. Mark Simmons, 18. Brent Emmett, 19. Tim Hessell, 20. Richard Morgan (v/c), 22. Hugh Patterson, 23. Bruce Neish, 26. Rowan Tracey, 27. Bob Curtis.
32 years on, the Fitzgerald name is still prominent at North Shore. Alan coached the Under 18s this year, his sons Dale and Brendan play for North Shore.

The umpires would be named over the PA system before the game.

East Sydney and Wests contested the reserves, with North Shore and St George battling out the Under 19s.
The half time entertainment, a bit longer than the sprint at AFL level, was a mile race - 4 laps of the oval, with $250 prize money for the winner. Among the competitors for the race, representing Balmain, was Bruce Arndell, now the Balmain president.

Rob Claridge from East Sydney took out the Phelan Medal. Peter Ruscuklic from East Sydney was leading goalkicker with 121, ahead of Wests' Wes Preston with 120 and North Shore's Graeme McLean with 95. There must have been some remarkable forwards in those days - games seemed to be higher scoring than they are now. In the time I've been around Sydney footy, only one player in Premier Division has ever kicked the ton.
East Sydney was coached by Alex Ruscuklic, but after going undefeated through the home and away season, they lost the second semi and prelim final and missed out on the Grand Final.

Pennant Hills had already conducted their Best and Fairest count. Keith De Looze was their first grade B&F, ahead of Maurie Gale and Gary Hewson. In reserve grade, Kevin Ronberg took out the title ahead of Wayne Falkengerg and Peter Flood. In the Under 19s, Kevin Clift finished ahead of Greg Aitken and Peter McClay. The De Looze name is still at Pennant Hills, with Daniel a regular in Premier Division.
St Ives had also had some success. A full-page ad "St Ives win on Mr Juicy Fruit Juices" had St Ives as 1979 premiers in Second Division A, Second Division B, U17 and U15. Craig Baglin took out the McFarlane Medal. Best and Fairests for their junior clubs - U11 A Dignan, U13 P Palmer, U17 P Dignan. Anthony Dignan would later be head of the Sydney AFL and General Manager of East Coast Eagles.

A radio show, "Our Session" was broadcast at 6:30pm on Saturdays, number 3 in ratings on 2KY.
Bernard Heaffey was President of the NSWAFL, Russell Hopper was the General Manager. The Record was edited by Lionel Beale, who was also North Shore timekeeper.

[shearer]

Some names from the past there Norris. Rob claridge knocked out my old man before the first bounce in a semi in 1977, the year my old man won the phelan. I remember mum saying very casually, "dads been knocked out we are off to hospital".
Peter betros, didn't have a brain snap he was ordered by the coach to do what he did.in his comeback match he played on me and I will be honest and say I @@@@ myself for most of the match waiting to get belted.
The Sydney grand finals between Norths & campbelltown were very "interesting".
One year Alan Fitzgerald king hit mathieson at the first bounce and knocked him out, the following year it was the other way round.

[mountainsofpain]

There was also a Second Division, which had nine teams - Bankstown Sports, Campbelltown, St Ives, Sydney University, NSW University, Sutherland, Manly-Warringah, Macquarie and RAAF. Those clubs also fielded Second Grade teams, with Parramatta also contesting Second Grade. There was also a four-team Under 20 competition, with teams from Nirimba, Campbelltown, Sutherland and Bankstown Sports.

That was Parra's first year of existence.

And Parra were the first of three western suburbs clubs to form in 3 seasons - Parra (1979), RAAF Richmond (then Hawkesbury and now NWJ) (1980) and Penrith (1981).

And Camden were running around in the 80s, so I am guessing that they may have formed around the same time.

Prior to that you had Campbelltown (1975) and Baulko (1976). I think Penno may have been a bit earlier though (70-ish?).

That's a number of clubs forming within a ten or so year period in the west/north-west and credit to all of them, they are still going.

[mountainsofpain]

Here goes.....

The Grand Final was between Wests and North Shore.
Wests were captain-coached by Ian Harry, with H Ettridge as team manager. The Wests squad - 1. Brian Richard, 2. Lindsay Hetherington, 3. Wes Preston, 4. Ian Harry (c), 5. Barry Greaves, 6. Terry Rosewall, 7. Graham McLean, 8. Graham Shiel, 9. Steve Cook, 10. Alan Dudley, 11. Mark Atkins, 12. Peter Gardiner, 13. Peter Betros, 14. Michael O'Donoghue, 15. Mike Browne (v/c), 16. Bob Vardenga, 17. David Culling, 18. Ray Sexton, 19. Peter Carroll, 20. Drew Isaac, 21. Tony Suhan, 22. Alan Dobson, 23. Steve Mayman, 24. Graeme Frankenburg, 25. Jim Bourke, 27. Greg Curtis, 28. Chris O'Donoghue, 29. Ray Carroll, 30. Mark Davis, 40. Wayne Bent.

North Shore were captain-coached by John Pitura, with Bob Quinn as team manager. The North Shore squad - 1. John Pitura (c), 2. Phillip Martyn, 3. Alan Fitzgerald, 4. Bruce Wickham, 5. Dennis Keane, 6. Peter Underwood, 7. Greg Jepson, 8. Mark Flanders, 9. Graeme Hamilton, 10. John Baker, 11. Greg Bee, 12. Graeme McLean, 15. Andrew Whiteside, 16. Rod McLean, 17. Mark Simmons, 18. Brent Emmett, 19. Tim Hessell, 20. Richard Morgan (v/c), 22. Hugh Patterson, 23. Bruce Neish, 26. Rowan Tracey, 27. Bob Curtis.
32 years on, the Fitzgerald name is still prominent at North Shore. Alan coached the Under 18s this year, his sons Dale and Brendan play for North Shore.

The umpires would be named over the PA system before the game.

East Sydney and Wests contested the reserves, with North Shore and St George battling out the Under 19s.
The half time entertainment, a bit longer than the sprint at AFL level, was a mile race - 4 laps of the oval, with $250 prize money for the winner. Among the competitors for the race, representing Balmain, was Bruce Arndell, now the Balmain president.

Rob Claridge from East Sydney took out the Phelan Medal. Peter Ruscuklic from East Sydney was leading goalkicker with 121, ahead of Wests' Wes Preston with 120 and North Shore's Graeme McLean with 95. There must have been some remarkable forwards in those days - games seemed to be higher scoring than they are now. In the time I've been around Sydney footy, only one player in Premier Division has ever kicked the ton.
East Sydney was coached by Alex Ruscuklic, but after going undefeated through the home and away season, they lost the second semi and prelim final and missed out on the Grand Final.

Pennant Hills had already conducted their Best and Fairest count. Keith De Looze was their first grade B&F, ahead of Maurie Gale and Gary Hewson. In reserve grade, Kevin Ronberg took out the title ahead of Wayne Falkengerg and Peter Flood. In the Under 19s, Kevin Clift finished ahead of Greg Aitken and Peter McClay. The De Looze name is still at Pennant Hills, with Daniel a regular in Premier Division.
St Ives had also had some success. A full-page ad "St Ives win on Mr Juicy Fruit Juices" had St Ives as 1979 premiers in Second Division A, Second Division B, U17 and U15. Craig Baglin took out the McFarlane Medal. Best and Fairests for their junior clubs - U11 A Dignan, U13 P Palmer, U17 P Dignan. Anthony Dignan would later be head of the Sydney AFL and General Manager of East Coast Eagles.

A radio show, "Our Session" was broadcast at 6:30pm on Saturdays, number 3 in ratings on 2KY.
Bernard Heaffey was President of the NSWAFL, Russell Hopper was the General Manager. The Record was edited by Lionel Beale, who was also North Shore timekeeper.

Apart from the obvious names you'd recognize (Pitura - SM & Richmond) and Betros (say no more), there are a couple that are familiar to me.

Bruce Neish played VFL football and certainly played in Tasmania at one stage for North Launceston. And North Shore's Graeme McLean I am pretty sure is the same bloke who kicked a heap of goals for Geelong West in the VFA in the early 70s.

[Old Dragon]

God see what time does to some peoples' memory. If you want to relive Sydney footy go to this site: NSW Australian Football History Society Inc When they get all the info online I understand it will tell the story of football in Sydney starting from day 1.

* Betros was much regarded as a ****wit who evidentally did the 1987 grand final thing on his own but apparently not chastised by anyone in the team;
* The amount of clubs in Sydney who have come and gone is incredible. It all depends on the strength and integrity of the officials;
* Kevin Taylor of Footystats fame (check his website) conducted the half time footy show on Channel 7 during the 1970s. It was called Football World;
* John Pitura (Norths) was one of the best ever players to play in Sydney;
* NSWAFL president from 1965-78, Bill Hart, ran a good show with the league in Sydney but failed to recognize things were changing in football in NSW. He and his lot did not move with the times and did not properly acknowledge and cater for growth areas where clubs were starting. Then, in a 1978 NSWAFL AGM coup, Bern Heafey became president following his few seasons as president of the then strong St Ives Club. In retrospect this was disasterous for Sydney football. The new group sold off the mainly Western Suburbs FC funded league premises at 64 Regent Street Chippendale under the pretence that it had white ants. The building is still standing. The league then moved to Newtown's stinky old licensed premises at 303 Cleveland Street Redfern and were accommodated in the top floor. This was an old picture theatre and the league offices were accommodated where the projectionist would have rolled the film. It later became the Stage Club and when they went broke Newtown unsuccessfully took it over. The building itself has since been refurbished. The 1979 Football Record you mention was a very much ostentatious publication which was far out of its depth.
* St George failed to get their liquor license at Olds Park because the then secretary of the club sh** himself when put into the witness box at the licensing court and, to put it nicely, mucked up the evidence and became putty in the crown's (barristers) hands. This was heart-breaking for the St George people.
* The South Sydney club failed to emerge for the 1977 season basically because there was a HUGE internal (fist) fight between a number of players and officials in the change rooms at Erskineville Oval following their last 1976 match against Southern Districts. People just walked away.
* A Bankstown Club was formed in 1958. Then a Parramatta club formed in about 1962 and playing out of Mona Park. I think it was in 1964 that those two clubs combined with the Liverpool club to form the Southern Districts Club playing out of Rosedale Oval, Warwick Farm. A poorly thought out decision which eventually failed.

The early sixties was another lost opportunity for the league. Not only did they cave in to the traditionalists who thwarted their move to 16 aside, which was played in the first few rounds of 1960, but they failed to divisionalise the twelve club competition. In other words they should have formed a second division and forced the lower clubs in the competition to play in it. This didn't happen until 10 years later but by then the horse had bolted.
* Salasians, who participated in the SDFA or second division in 1970 or 71 were formed from the Catholic Brothers who taught at Boys Town, a voluntary place where boys who appeared to be going off the rails were sent (not forcibly) to gain some integrity and purpose in their lives. Most of these boys went on to become useful citizens.

Wow, I'm a font of knowledge tonight.

[felix]

One major error coming out here is the fact that the Peter Betros "brain explosion" did not occur in 1979 or when he was playing for Wests.
I am sure Wests coach Ian Harry would take umbridge at being declared to have ordered the disgraceful events of 1987 when Mr Betros was in fact playing for Campbelltown. Campbelltown belted St George into submission in a game which should have been abandoned. There were at least 27 reports with Peter Betros reported at least 12 times.
Having witnessed this game I still get a shudder at the disgraceful events which took place. The umpires nor the League would tolerate this today. I am sure similar behaviour would see a club expelled from the competition.

[Seagull]

From the Gull's archives...

NSWANFL Roll of Honour 1903-1925
Club Premierships /Runners Up/ Finals Appearances
Paddington 7 3 17
Sydney 6 2 14
East Sydney 3 4 12
North Shore 3 1 4
YMCA 2 2 6
Newtown 1 8 17
South Sydney 1 0 2
Balmain 0 2 5
Redfern 0 1 3

The top three merged into a powerhouse side in 1926.

East Sydney first played in 1880 along with Newtown, Sydney, South Sydney, and Sydney University.

Also found this report from the SMH, 1881 for the diehards...

The following team has been selected from the East Sydney and Sydney Clubs for the intercolonial match with
Victoria to take place next month, viz.: -Messrs. Back- well, Butler, Crisp, Carey, Clay, Foster, J., Foster, G., Howard, Jackson, Kellett, Levin, Martin, McNamara J., McNamara, A., O'Brien, Pierce, Phillips, Randall, Walker, Watson, Williams, Young. Emergencies: Teece, Ballhauser.

EAST SYDNEY Y SYDNEY-These exponents of football, under the rules of the New South Wales football Association, were fortunate in securing fine weather last Saturday afternoon for their match on the Association Ground--a piece of good luck which, so far, has been denied to the advocates of other rules.

No special attempt appeared to have been made to attract a large attendance of spectators to the ground but not withstanding this fact, the attendance was considerably beyond what was anticipated and the hearty applause with which the players were at intervals encouraged tends to show that the new rules have taken some hold upon the public taste.

During the afternoon about 1000 persons were present, including a number of ladies and there were 200 or 300 spectators on the grand stand. Nash (East Sydney) and Crisp (Sydney), were the respective captains and play commenced about a quarter past 3 o'clock. The East Sydney team quickly worked the ball down to their opponents goal at the southern end and one of the players getting a free kick from a " little mark", nearly scored a goal.

The first " behind " of the match, however, went to the credit of the suburbanites who added another a few minutes later. Not very long afterwards, Sydney were again in trouble, in front of their own goal, and East Sydney nearly scored first goal, the ball striking the post and going behind once more. Immediately afterwards East Sydney again worked the ball down to the southern end and one of the players getting a free kick from a little mark scored first goal for his side.

Up to this point the game had been somewhat tame, but the red-stockings (Sydney) although evidently, inferior in skill and experience to their opponents, played with determination, and the ball was no sooner kicked off than it was forced up to East Sydney goal.

An attempt to secure a free kick in front of the posts was made, but failed and Nash, the East Sydney skipper, getting possession, took the ball along the western boundary and well down to the southern end, eventually getting a shot at goal and scoring another behind.

The "reds" by some good dribbling again got within kicking distance of East Sydney head-quarters and O'Brien obtained the first behind for his side. Play now became exceedingly lively, and some very good drop- kicking was shown, little opportunity being given for little marks, and both sides scored a behind each.

East Sydney then added three more behinds in quick succession, but immediately afterwards the Sydney representatives turned the tables by scoring a goal.

So far, neither side had gained any great advantage but not very long afterwards the metropolitans, by some spirited play, took the ball up to the northern end, and scored another goal, which gave them the lead.

At half time no other goal had been scored, though East Sydney added several behinds to their credit, and ends having been changed, the game was resumed with if possible, more vigour than ever.

From this out, however, the superior play and knowledge of East Sydney became more manifest, and though the metropolitans struggled gamely, their skill proved no match for the determined and dodgy play of their opponents. The game terminated at a quarter past 5 o'clock in a victory for East Sydney by 5 goals to 3.

The victors also scoring a majority of behinds. The display of drop kicking was excellent all through, but considerable practice is yet required in bounding the ball and giving little marks. It will not be necessary to refer to indiv?dual play but we may mention that the goals were kicked by the following players, viz.: --East Sydney J. Foster, Randall, Fery, Kellett, and Young. Sydney : O'Brien, Walker,

[Pekay]

From the Gull's archives...

NSWANFL Roll of Honour 1903-1925
Club Premierships /Runners Up/ Finals Appearances
Paddington 7 3 17
Sydney 6 2 14
East Sydney 3 4 12
North Shore 3 1 4
YMCA 2 2 6
Newtown 1 8 17
South Sydney 1 0 2
Balmain 0 2 5
Redfern 0 1 3

The top three merged into a powerhouse side in 1926.

East Sydney first played in 1880 along with Newtown, Sydney, South Sydney, and Sydney University.

Also found this report from the SMH, 1881 for the diehards...

The following team has been selected from the East Sydney and Sydney Clubs for the intercolonial match with
Victoria to take place next month, viz.: -Messrs. Back- well, Butler, Crisp, Carey, Clay, Foster, J., Foster, G., Howard, Jackson, Kellett, Levin, Martin, McNamara J., McNamara, A., O'Brien, Pierce, Phillips, Randall, Walker, Watson, Williams, Young. Emergencies: Teece, Ballhauser.

EAST SYDNEY Y SYDNEY-These exponents of football, under the rules of the New South Wales football Association, were fortunate in securing fine weather last Saturday afternoon for their match on the Association Ground--a piece of good luck which, so far, has been denied to the advocates of other rules.

No special attempt appeared to have been made to attract a large attendance of spectators to the ground but not withstanding this fact, the attendance was considerably beyond what was anticipated and the hearty applause with which the players were at intervals encouraged tends to show that the new rules have taken some hold upon the public taste.

During the afternoon about 1000 persons were present, including a number of ladies and there were 200 or 300 spectators on the grand stand. Nash (East Sydney) and Crisp (Sydney), were the respective captains and play commenced about a quarter past 3 o'clock. The East Sydney team quickly worked the ball down to their opponents goal at the southern end and one of the players getting a free kick from a " little mark", nearly scored a goal.

The first " behind " of the match, however, went to the credit of the suburbanites who added another a few minutes later. Not very long afterwards, Sydney were again in trouble, in front of their own goal, and East Sydney nearly scored first goal, the ball striking the post and going behind once more. Immediately afterwards East Sydney again worked the ball down to the southern end and one of the players getting a free kick from a little mark scored first goal for his side.

Up to this point the game had been somewhat tame, but the red-stockings (Sydney) although evidently, inferior in skill and experience to their opponents, played with determination, and the ball was no sooner kicked off than it was forced up to East Sydney goal.

An attempt to secure a free kick in front of the posts was made, but failed and Nash, the East Sydney skipper, getting possession, took the ball along the western boundary and well down to the southern end, eventually getting a shot at goal and scoring another behind.

The "reds" by some good dribbling again got within kicking distance of East Sydney head-quarters and O'Brien obtained the first behind for his side. Play now became exceedingly lively, and some very good drop- kicking was shown, little opportunity being given for little marks, and both sides scored a behind each.

East Sydney then added three more behinds in quick succession, but immediately afterwards the Sydney representatives turned the tables by scoring a goal.

So far, neither side had gained any great advantage but not very long afterwards the metropolitans, by some spirited play, took the ball up to the northern end, and scored another goal, which gave them the lead.

At half time no other goal had been scored, though East Sydney added several behinds to their credit, and ends having been changed, the game was resumed with if possible, more vigour than ever.

From this out, however, the superior play and knowledge of East Sydney became more manifest, and though the metropolitans struggled gamely, their skill proved no match for the determined and dodgy play of their opponents. The game terminated at a quarter past 5 o'clock in a victory for East Sydney by 5 goals to 3.

The victors also scoring a majority of behinds. The display of drop kicking was excellent all through, but considerable practice is yet required in bounding the ball and giving little marks. It will not be necessary to refer to indiv?dual play but we may mention that the goals were kicked by the following players, viz.: --East Sydney J. Foster, Randall, Fery, Kellett, and Young. Sydney : O'Brien, Walker,

Showing your age there Gull...

[Old Dragon]

Newtown was not formed until 1903. South Sydney in 1911 and Sydney University formed a side in 1887 but only to participate in a match in Melbourne against the University of Melbourne. The side that travelled to Melb. contained many members who had nothing to do with the university, they were players from other Sydney clubs who somehow managed the time off to get away to play. Just check it out on Trove.

It was Paddington and East Sydney that combined at the end of 1925 to form the Eastern Suburbs Club. If you read the positions of both clubs in the early twenties you will see that Paddington was the most successful of the two and in fact they simply overtook East Sydney. East Sydney was just as the name says, 'just east of the Sydney CBD'.

[Tom Wills]

Pekay.... how long is your Christmas Holiday......
It's too quiet on here without your idiotic (but sometimes incredibly historical) posts to help the day pass. Can't you check the internet while on holidays..or won't the missus let
you?

[Pekay]

I've been back since the 4th my friend, just too damn busy. Even became single as a result! I shall add some 'idiotic' topics of discussion in the next week or so. Been busy training for a comeback too, forgot how important that running caper is. I did see that Damien Hall is back in Sydney footy, I know he has his knockers out there, never met the bloke personally, might start a thread on that.

[Junior]

I know he has his knockers out there.

I'd like to see that!

Then again, maybe not...

[Pekay]

I'd like to see that!

Then again, maybe not...

That's a bit lavender.

[YoungKanga]

One major error coming out here is the fact that the Peter Betros "brain explosion" did not occur in 1979 or when he was playing for Wests.
I am sure Wests coach Ian Harry would take umbridge at being declared to have ordered the disgraceful events of 1987 when Mr Betros was in fact playing for Campbelltown. Campbelltown belted St George into submission in a game which should have been abandoned. There were at least 27 reports with Peter Betros reported at least 12 times.
Having witnessed this game I still get a shudder at the disgraceful events which took place. The umpires nor the League would tolerate this today. I am sure similar behaviour would see a club expelled from the competition.

hahaha i was at that game as well.. i may have only been 6 months old.. but i sure did enjoy it!!
GO THE BLUES!!!