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Spot on Nico! Stevie Hoffman, I think, kicked the last of our goals to put us in front. McKenna did mark the ball just after the siren. Fortunately, the umpire was on the ball and disallowed the mark. In frustration, McKenna spun around and threw the ball on to his boot. It sailed right through the middle! I met Peter McKenna many, many years later. Nice guy - too nice to have played for Collingwood!
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My most memorable South Melbourne games (live):
1. My first game, 1971 R1 we defeated Geelong at home.
2. The 1973 R14 game against Geelong to break losing streak as described by Sandridge.
3. 1977 R22, when we came from behind at 3/4 time against eventual premiers North at Arden st, to sneak into the finals.
4. 1978 : defeating powerhouse Richmond at MCG by 18 pts (revenging 1977 EF loss). Fitzroy recruit John Murphy starred.
5. 1979 defeating Collingwood at Vic Park by 5 points. (my first win experience at Vic Park). Ricky Quade starred & kicked amazing overhead goal. Think he scored rare full 10 point rating on the then Sun score?
6. 1981 VFL Park, 2nd half blitz against Hawthorn for come behind win. Greg Smith, Tony Morwood & 17yo school boy Silvio Foschini starring.Comment
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Silvio Foschini burst onto the scene with over 40 possessions in the Army Cup at the Lake Oval. Over 40 possessions was very rare in those days.Comment
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P.S. I left out 1980 R22, our demolition of eventual premiers Richmond at home. Last team to defeat.them that year. Greg Smith stsrring again.Comment
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For the Collingwood game I remember the crowd was a more than the official capacity of the ground and they were crammed in like sardines.There was a strong feeling that the Swans had arrived as a contender and Swans supporters came out of the woodwork to see the game. The atmosphere could only be described as electric.
The game was a very even one until the last quarter when Collingwood had pulled away to a 19 point lead with three and a half minutes to go. Nobody would have been disappointed with a loss that day against a very strong Collingwood side. I remember some of the Collingwood players smiling and feeling congratulating themselves for having the game wrapped up.
I remember us kicking a goal and a point or two and suddenly we are only 2 straight kicks down with about a minute to when John Sudholz, the original galloping gasometer, took a mark about 40m out and kicked a goal. Then with about 20 seconds to go little 5'4" Stevie Hoffman burst through the pack to run into an open goal and the Swans were ahead. The ball is bounced Collingwood win the centre clearance and right in front of me Peter McKenna is clear on the lead and as he was about to mark the ball about 30m out from goal the umpire raises both arms in the air and signals the end of the game. It was the best game I have ever seen live and was a right of passage for the side that would make the top four for the first time in many years under Norm Smith.
Sent from my strongbad using TapatalkWe have them where we want them, everything is going according to plan!Comment
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We have them where we want them, everything is going according to plan!Comment
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That was a good night. A lot of Pennant Hills players went to the game in lieu of training.
For some the NSW side was a sort of what-should-have-been for the Swans. Others looked at that side and remarked at the bodgy qualification rules for that NSW team. The Vic team included Tasmanians, a Queenslander, a Territorian, a Morwood and an Irishman - so it went both ways.
NSW was clearly up for the game and shocked the Big V. John lronmonger played his best game on the SCG, Ant Daniher was great too, Horse was brilliant with 6 goals in the first half before Silvagni strangled him.
The game is available on youtube 1990 NSW vs VIC at SCG. Full Game VFL Football. - YouTube
There another notable NSW victorry in 1988 against West Australia.Last edited by Ruck'n'Roll; 18 October 2023, 02:58 AM.Comment
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I worked with a friend of Silvio and he was genuinely homesick and hence returned to Victoria. On training nights: there was an old bloke who went to every training night and was a dead ringer for Dave out of the Sullivans. Also a bloke stood near us in the outer, just right of the scoreboard, and we swear it was "Lucky" Grills the aussie actor. We called him Lucky and he just smiled.
The game mentioned earlier at VFL Park I think was Silvio's first, and I think he kicked 4 or 5 goals. Super quick and imagine how good he would be in today's environment where players are much fitter, football educated and better coached.
At that Collingwood game the atmosphere was indeed electric and it was very difficult just getting to the dunny that was just behind us.Last edited by Nico; 18 October 2023, 08:37 AM.Comment
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Really enjoying these stories! Thank you all.
I'm a bit young to recall the South Melbourne days but remember my first game as being a night match against Geelong at the SCG in the early 80s. Next games were against Melbourne and then Essendon both at the SCG late in the 1985 season.
Growing up in Tassie attending live VFL matches was a rarity, but loved it when I could.Comment
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Obviously a local celebrity!
Was inspired to Google Sudzy. Still alive, an ambassador for Beyondblue and still a Blood!
John Sudholz - Alchetron, The Free Social EncyclopediaComment
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