SFC 1979 The Centenary Year

1979

                THE CENTENARY YEAR

      Premiers        Played 20   Won 17  Lost 3

During the 1978 season, the SFC Committee commenced making preparations for the 1979 Centenary Year of the club.

The off field activities, with the new clubrooms well advanced and Ian Everitt and Colin Sibly having almost completed their research for the book “Strathalbyn Football Club The First 100 Years”, were on target and it now remained to focus committee attention to on field success.

Given the potential of the new clubroom facility to substantially improve the clubs financial generating capability, a sub committee was appointed to investigate the possibility of attracting a high profile coach for 1979.

This sub committee comprised of Ken Haines (Chair), Hartley Weckert, Robert Westley and Brian Holdsworth..

They met and after much discussion, decided to approach suitable candidates directly, rather than advertise as in previous years and, accordingly, established a set of preferred selection criteria.

Viz. SANFL playing experience, previous successful coaching experience, have a high football profile, preferably a key position player and excellent communication skills.

All of the current coaches of neighbouring Leagues (River Murray, Southern, Great Southern, South West Suburban and all divisions of Hills) were identified and cross referenced against the selection criteria, which rapidly reduced the list of possibilities from approximately 66 to 12.

After more scrutiny and assessment the list was reduced to 6, who would be approached directly to ascertain their interest in coaching the SFC in 1979.

Brenton Smith, currently coaching Macclesfield, was the preferred candidate and, following the conclusion of that clubs playing season, Ken Haines and Brian Holdsworth interviewed him. He subsequently submitted an application which the sub committee were only too pleased to recommend to the SFC General Committee for their approval.

Contrary to popular belief, no deal had been done with Brenton when Peter Gilbert had been cleared to play for Macclesfield late in the 1978 season.

The only undertaking sought, and given, was that in return for Macclesfield being authorised to train on Sunday mornings at Strathalbyn oval during their finals campaign, Brenton would entertain a discussion on the SFC 1979 coaching position after the conclusion of Macclesfield’s playing season and even this was given rather grudgingly.

The news of his appointment leaked out of committee prior to the AGM, held on 1^st of December 1978, however his appointment had created much excitement and expectations were high, and in excess of 70 members were in attendance at the AGM where Brenton spoke on his aspirations and expectations for season 1979.

Brenton bought his younger brother Kym to Strathalbyn with him, and, together with the return of Peter Gilbert, all was in readiness for the season.

The players were put through a rigorous pre season training regime and quickly responded to Smith’s expectation of discipline, consistent top performance and commitment and the catch cry “Bore in boys” held up all season.

A commanding win over Port Elliott was exactly the start needed, with Ashley Nisbett scoring twelve goals and this was followed by a one point win over 1978 Premiers, Langhorne Creek.

Milang had joined the GSFL for 1979 season but were given a reality check when Strathalbyn defeated them by 53 points and then Victor Harbour were next to lose to the new look SFC.

Goolwa inflicted Strathalbyn’s first loss with a 38 point margin and this was followed by a five point loss to Myponga, a ground where SFC had a poor record.

A near thirty goal victory over Yankalilla was followed by a ten goal defeat by Mt Compass who had recruited strongly and loomed large in premiership calculations.

On the Queen’s Birthday weekend on the 16^th and 17^th of June, the SFC Centenary was celebrated with many former players from far afield returning, for some it was their first return for many years.

A large crowd was in attendance to witness the official opening of the clubrooms by SFC Patron and Vice Captain from the 1920’s, Mr Reg Montgomery and the Mayor of the Strathalbyn District Council, Mr Leon O’Driscoll.

Mr Clem Harley was the MC for the occasion and he then introduced and interviewed many of the past players in attendance.

A football match between a Strathalbyn Colts team and their fathers provided great entertainment followed by a SFC Life Members team against a SFC Ladies team and the celebrations concluded with a program of athletics involving the current day SFC players.

A highlight of the day was the 100 metres sprint. Current day player Robbie Elliott, aged 18, was up against Bruce (Battler) Anderson , club character, story teller (former VFL player- unsubstantiated) and current day trainer, age unknown.

To the amazement of all, Battler led all the way only to be pipped in the shadows of the finishing post. Battler later complained that he was lead to believe the race was over 100 yards and as he had specifically trained for that distance, and was actually in front at that point and that he should be awarded the race.

This nostalgic and emotional weekend served its purpose well, as it reinforced the history and tradition of the past, and creating inspiration to the present day players.

When football resumed the following week, Strathalbyn had a narrow win over Encounter Bay, followed by another close win against Langhorne Creek.

SFC’s next match against Pt Elliott was played in atrocious gale force windy conditions and Strathalbyn were very content to get out of the game with a five goal victory.

Strathalbyn signalled their challenge to the other teams when they destroyed Goolwa with a crushing 101 point victory, with a magnificent display followed by thrashing Yankalilla 41 goals 14 points to 8 goals 6 points, a GSFL record score, with Dennis Bronca scoring thirteen goals.

Solid wins over Mt Compass, Encounter Bay, Victor Harbour and Milang saw Strathalbyn on top of the premiership table, having won their last ten matches.

Kym Smith had enjoyed a great season and was to win the GSFL Mail Medal with brother Brenton in second place.

In the last minor round match against Milang, Steve Weckert collided heavily with a point post and was badly injured and subsequently was unable to take his place in the Premiership team.

Mt Compass eliminated Myponga in the First Semi Final and Strathalbyn were expected to comfortably account for Goolwa in the Second Semi Final, however, this was not to be the case.

Goolwa began well and had established a 27 point lead at quarter time, with Strathalbyn fighting back in the second term to trail by one point at half time.

SFC slowly were getting the better of their opponents and had a six point advantage at the last break and gradually drew away to win by twenty five points.

During the season, Ashley Nisbett had established himself in the Full Forward position and was consistently playing well, scoring 68 goals in the minor round.

In the Second Semi Final he played probably his best game for the season, and with his high marking and long, accurate kicking he bagged eight goals,

Unfortunately, late in the last quarter he badly fractured a finger which had him in doubt for the Grand Final.

Mt Compass eliminated Goolwa in the Preliminary Final and the stage was set for the Grand Final that astute observers had predicted, Strathalbyn versus Mt Compass.

Following training at the SFC on the Thursday night prior to the Grand Final, the selectors had several issues to ponder.

Ashley Nisbett had not been convincing with his ball handling and John Lindsay trained poorly.

The Grand Final team would be finalised after Nisbett was given a fitness test on Friday afternoon.

Try as he might, he was unable to get through this test and was totally devastated.

However his misfortune was Peter Overall’s good fortune, as he was selected as the replacement, which was considered somewhat of a surprise and, John Lindsay was relieved when he was also selected in the SFC Grand Final line up.

Grand Final day at Victor Harbour is probably the proudest achievement in the long history of the SFC.

When the Junior Colts won their Preliminary Final match replay, having previously drawn with Encounter Bay, they ensured all five Strathalbyn teams would contest their respective Grand Final, a truly outstanding achievement.

The SFC won the Hollostone Trophy as the GSFL most successful club by a considerable margin.

The SFC Mini Colts, coached by Kurt Kube, got Grand Final day off to a good start, defeating Langhorne Creek 4 – 3 to 2 – 1.

The Junior Colts, coached by Alan Bell, were beaten by Victor Harbour, but represented their club well all season.

The Senior Colts, coached by Graeme Vivian, had been unbeaten all season and demolished Yankalilla to win by 99 points.

The Reserves had provided great support to the A Grade team all year, but on Grand Final day found Victor Harbour too good. Late season injuries to several A Grade players did not help the Reserves cause.

The A Grade Grand Final got underway before an enormous crowd, with Mt Compass starting the better but wasting opportunities with inaccurate kicking.

John Lindsay, Glen Rayner and Jason Schofield were defending well and Chris Allen and Kym Thyer soon established a ruck ascendancy for Strathalbyn.

This created many opportunities for Kym Smith, Nick and Roger Weckert and with great teamwork they quickly established a 21 point lead by quarter time.

Again Mt Compass started the second term well with two early goals, but an incident which resulted in Dennis Bronca being reported, seemed to galvanise the Strathalbyn players.

Peter Overall, having replaced Bronca, goaled, and then John Lindsay outmarked two opponents, hit the ground running, took three bounces and then goaled from 50 metres out, to the amazement of all.

Robbie Elliott and Kym Smith had assumed total control around the centre and the game was rapidly slipping away from Mt Compass.

A behind the play, king hit, saw Brenton Smith go down and he was in the trainers hands for some time. This instigated a free for all and, in short order, the instigator was off on a stretcher and Peter Gilbert for SFC and Bernie Viede from Mt Compass were both reported.

Calm was eventually restored and Brenton Smith regained his feet just as play was about to restart.

By half time SFC had built a thirty seven point lead, but during the break, Smith instilled the understanding into his players that the job was far from completed.

With Fitzgerald back in the fray, Mt Compass scored two quick goals but Strathalbyn soon regained the initiative with Roger Weckert, Russell Hagger and Peter Gilbert creating scoring opportunities and goals flowed.

Brenton Smith scored five incredible goals during this term and the flamboyant John Lindsay rebounded from defence, well supported by Glen Rayner.

By three quarter time Strathalbyn had established a commanding twelve goal lead.

Knowing the Premiership was theirs, the SFC players undoubtably relaxed, but it was also to the credit of the opposition that Mt Compass kept at it, scoring six goals in the last term.

Strathalbyn also added another three goals in that time to maintain control and the final siren saw them having scored a GSFL Grand Final record score.

The Strathalbyn Football Club had achieved their dream of winning the Premiership in the clubs Centenary Year, playing the relentless style of skilled football demanded by coach Brenton Smith.

It was a personal triumph for Smith, having lead his team magnificently, with his great play and courage, coupled with scoring seven goals, all despite having been heavily felled during the second quarter.

Mention must also be made of the exceptional game played by John Lindsay.

He was not at his best in the Second Semi Final and at the final training session prior to the Grand Final seemed unable to handle the ball cleanly.

But from start to finish in the Grand Final, he marked every ball that came near him, played on with his customary dash, regularly rebounded the ball from defence and scored an unforgettable goal, to probably shade B. Smith as the Best on Ground. 

        Strathalbyn      7-3    12-6    20-10    23-20   =   152

       Mt Compass      3-5     6-5      9-5       15-9    =    99

Goal Scorers SFC :- Brenton Smith 7, Nick Weckert 4, Dennis Bronca , Russell Hagger, Peter Overall each 2, Chris Allen, Robbie Elliott, John Lindsay, Kym Smith, Graeme Vivian, Roger Weckert each 1.

Best Players SFC :- John Lindsay, Brenton Smith, Robbie Elliott, Roger Weckert, Nick Weckert, Glen Rayner, Alan Bell.

The Strathalbyn Premiership team :-

Brenton Smith (Captain Coach), Chris Allen (Vice Captain), Alan Bell, Dennis Bronca, Noel Elliott, Robbie Elliott, Peter Gilbert, Russell Hagger, Peter Hendy, Phil Jenner, John Lindsay, Glen Rayner, Jason Schofield, Kym Smith, Kym Thyer, Graeme Vivian, Nick Weckert, Roger Weckert,

Reserves :- Chris Cordwell , Peter Overall.

The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :- Chris Allen, Alan Bell, Robbie Elliott, Glen Rayner, Brenton Smith, Kym Smith, Graeme Vivian, Nick Weckert (each 20), Kym Thyer (19), Noel Elliott, Phil Jenner, John Lindsay, Stephen Weckert (18), Jason Schofield (17), Ashley Nisbett, Roger Weckert (16), Peter Gilbert, Russell Hagger (15), Peter Hendy (11), Peter Overall (10)

32 Players for the season.

The Strathalbyn Reserves finished in second position at the end of the minor round, winning thirteen matches and losing five.

They scored a surprise five point victory over Victor Harbour in the Second Semi Final but were well beaten by Victor Harbour in the Grand Final by 43 points.

              Victor Harbour     3-3    7-8    8-8    10-12   =   72

                Strathalbyn       1-1    2-2    4-5      4-5     =   29

Goal Scorers SFC :- Michael Catford, Colin Sibly, Nick Smith, Greg Tucker each 1

Best Players SFC :- Brenton Peek, Trevor Heinrich, Nick Smith, Peter Graney, Peter Blaser

Reserves Captain Trevor “Fritz” Heinrich played his 265^th and final game for the SFC in the Reserves Grand Final. He began his playing career in 1962 and was a member of the SFC A Grade Premiership teams in1966, 1968 and 1971 and also the SFC Reserves Premierships in 1963, 1965 and 1977.

The Strathalbyn Senior Colts had an outstanding unbeaten season finishing on top at the end of the minor round.

They scored a comfortable 54 point win over Yankalilla in the Second Semi Final and scored a resounding Grand Final win again over Yankalilla by 99 points.                    

               Strathalbyn    6-2    9-5    11-9    18-12   =   120

                Yankalilla      0-2    1-2     3-2      3-3     =    21

Goal Scorers SFC :- Doug Abbott 6, Layne Abbott 5, Michael Franklin, Rob Clark each 2, Daryl Phillips, Paul Pike, Brenton Shapter each 1

Best Players SFC :- All played well

The SFC Senior Colts scored a number of huge wins during the season and on 18^th August they defeated Victor Harbour 25 goals 11 points to nil.

Layne Abbott scored 19 goals in that match which remains the greatest individual goalscoring feat in the history of the SFC.

Layne won the GSFL Senior Colt Goal Scoring with an incredible 112 goals for the season, while his brother Doug also scored 45 goals.

The SFC Junior Colts finished second at the end of the minor round, winning sixteen matches and losing two.

They lost the Second Semi Final to Victor Harbour by 42 points and in the Preliminary Final against Encounter Bay just held on to draw the match.

In the replay the following day the SFC build a 25 point lead at half time to go on to reach the Grand Final by 24 points.

They put up a good effort but were beaten by Victor Harbour by 24 points in the Grand Final.

              Victor Harbour    1-5    3-8    3.8    5-8   =   38

              Strathalbyn        0-1    1-1    2-2    2-2   =   14

Goal Scorers SFC :- Rick Clark, David Oppatt each 1

Best Players SFC :- David Norton, Bevan Golding, Michael Rainsford, Clive Berry, Brendan Haines

The Mini Colts defeated Langhorne Creek

Strathalbyn         4-3 = 27

Langhorne Creek 2-1 = 13

Following the official presentations on the ground, pandemonium reigned in the change rooms. The Sturt Recruiting Officer wished to sign a few SFC players, but his sense of timing was misplaced and he was quickly ejected.

The astute SFC President, Ken Haines, was quick to praise Coach Brenton Smith as “The greatest thing to happen to the Strathalbyn Football Club” and all agreed.

Haines was lavish in his praise of the two young guns Nick Weckert and Robbie Elliott and also of Peter Gilbert standing up for his teammates when needed.

Celebrations continued back at the club rooms, where it was standing room only, until late into the night and continued again on Sunday.

A highlight on Saturday night was an extremely generous donation by Mr Sandy Hancock, to be shared by the players, which was greatly appreciated.

An interesting aside to all of this was, that unknown to Brenton Smith and the selectors, Peter Overall’s mother Pat, had, during the season, forbidden him from playing in the A Grade. Peter had never advised the club of this, and he was duly selected for the A Grade Grand Final team.

On the morning of the Grand Final to the best of Pat’s knowledge, he departed from home to go to play in the SFC Reserves, she being totally oblivious to his selection in the A Grade team..

Imagine her horror, when in mid afternoon, she switched the radio on to 5MU to hear how Strathalbyn were faring, just in time to hear that Peter Overall had just scored his second goal, followed by an almighty brawl occurring.

What was said when he got home late that night (or, more probably, early the next morning) has never been revealed.

On reflection, the Strathalbyn Football Club had achieved an astounding turn around in its fortunes in short order.

In 1976 the club had come very close to being disbanded and here just three years on, they had achieved their own clubrooms and won a Centenary Premiership.

In reality, it was a greatly deserved reward for the Committee who had conceived and driven the achievement, the club membership with their total support and involvement, the Strathalbyn community for their encouragement and support and, finally coach Brenton Smith and his players who had responded magnificently to the challenge.