1963
Premiers Played 17 Won 13 Drawn 1 Lost 3
Strathalbyn began their new era with the GSFL playing against Encounter Bay, Goolwa, Mount Compass, Port Elliot and Victor Harbour.
Graham Nisbett was appointed as non playing Coach and Alan Richardson was elected as Captain with Bill Warton ( former Port Adelaide player) as Vice Captain.
Just five games into the season Alan Richardson moved to Keith and Bill Warton became Captain and David Way was elected as Vice Captain.
On the 2nd July a Building sub committee was formed to investigate the possibility of building new clubrooms but no progress was forthcoming.
Strathalbyn defeated Encounter Bay in a high quality first up match and won eight of their next nine matches. They lost their first meeting with Victor Harbour by just four points and again in round ten by seven points.
A last gasp goal by Colin Megaw secured a draw with Encounter Bay in the next match and, rather incredibly, the Reserves also drew their match with the Encounter Bay Reserves on the same day. Strathalbyn went on to win three of their last four minor round matches.
At the conclusion of the minor round Strathalbyn were on top of the premiership table, having won eleven matches, drawing one and losing three.
SFC narrowly defeated Port Elliot in the Second Semi Final and went on to comfortably defeat Victor Harbour in the Grand Final, played at Goolwa.
Strathalbyn 5-5 5-8 11-9 13-12 = 90
Victor Harbour 1-1 2-4 5-6 6-8 = 44
Goal Scorers SFC :- Colin Megaw 5, Ross Wirth 3, Ray Kerslake , Col Lyon , Tom Megaw, Trevor Schuetze and Bill Warton each 1.
Best Players SFC :- David Way, Ian Carnell, Colin, Fred and Tom Megaw, Bruce Kroemer, Neville Wirth.
A Grade Premiership Team :-
Graham Nisbett (Coach), Bill Warton (Captain), David Way (Vice Captain), Brian Brealey, Ian (Gubby) Carnell, Don Herbert, Ray Kerslake, Eric Kohler, Bruce Kroemer, Col Lyons, Colin Megaw , Fred Megaw, Tom Megaw, Harry Moyle, Mostyn Roocke, Trevor Schuetze, Robert Westley, Neville Wirth, Ross Wirth.
Reserves :- Dennis Haddow , Bryan Wagenknecht
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Eric Kohler, Bruce Kroemer, Colin Megaw, Fred Megaw, Harry Moyle, David Way, Neville Wirth (each 17) , Ray Kerslake, Bill Warton, Robert Westley (16), Trevor Schuetze (15), Ian Carnell, Don Herbert (14), John Saunders (13), Ross Wirth (12), Mostyn Roocke (11), and Ray Willis (10).
46 players for the season.
The Strathalbyn Reserves won the Premiership after finishing third at the end of the minor round, winning ten matches, drawing one and losing four.
They defeated Encounter Bay by ten points in a low scoring First Semi Final and then defeated Victor Harbour by fourteen points in the Preliminary Final.
In the Grand Final against Port Elliot, after trailing all day, they finished strongly to win the Premiership by just two points.
Strathalbyn 0-1 2-3 3-4 5-8 = 38
Port Elliot 2-5 3-5 5-6 5-6 = 36
Goal Scorers SFC :- Kevin Westley 2, Malcom Schrapel, Roger Schuetze, Murray Thorne 1 each.
Best Players SFC :- Kevin Westley, Warren Lang, Darryl Harvey, Gary Wagenknecht
The Strathalbyn Colts team finished in third position at the end of the minor round, winning nine matches and losing six.
They played Encounter Bay in the First Semi Final, but inexplicably, played an unqualified player and were disqualified from further finals participation.
1964
Premiers Played 17 Won 14 Lost 3
With Graham Nisbett again appointed as Coach and David Way as Captain with Bill Warton as Vice Captain and retaining most of the previous years Premiership team, Strathalbyn looked to the new season with confidence.
In a pre season Lightning Carnival, Strathalbyn defeated Encounter Bay, Victor Harbour and then Mount Compass in the final.
They also played a trial game against Keith whose Captain Coach was former SFC player Alan Richardson.
A first up 26 point loss to Encounter Bay soon got them focussed, winning their next eight matches before mid season consecutive losses to Victor Harbour and Port Elliot.
These were to be their only losses however, although they defeated Victor Harbour by just one point in the last minor round game.
In the minor round match played at Pt Elliot, Bryan Wagenknecht, obeying the coach’s instructions, followed his opponent up the ground and scored two goals.
Bryan had a most successful career with the SFC, playing 164 games from 1961 to 1972 and was a member of five Premiership teams, however these were the only goals he ever scored!
Strathalbyn finished on top at the end of the minor round, having won twelve matches and losing three.
They defeated Victor Harbour by twelve points in the Second Semi Final but a fortnight later, held on grimly, to again narrowly defeat Victor Harbour by just three points.
During the season, Eric Kohler had suffered a broken leg and seemed likely to miss the remainder of the season, but in a controversial move, Coach Nisbett recalled him for the Grand Final. In the first half he was out of touch, but repaid the Coach with an excellent second half after being moved into the centre.
Strathalbyn took the lead late in the match with an amazing long distance goal by Tom Megaw, who was renowned for his long “screw” punt kicks.
Strathalbyn 1-0 3-6 5-6 8-8 = 56
Victor Harbour 3-7 3-7 5- 10 7-11 = 53
Goal Scorers SFC :- Ian (Gubby) Carnell, Ray Kerslake, Bill Warton each 2, Col Lyons, Tom Megaw each 1
Best Players SFC :- Don Herbert, Fred Megaw, Robert Westley, Neville Wirth, Bryan Wagenknecht, Dennis Coad and Ian Carnell
A Grade Premiership Team :-
Graham Nisbett (Coach), David Way (Captain). Bill Warton (Vice Captain), Ian Carnell, Dennis Coad, Dennis Elliott, Don Herbert, Ray Kerslake, Eric Kohler, Bruce Kroemer, Col Lyon, Les Maynard, Fred Megaw, Tom Megaw, Mostyn Roocke, Bryan Wagenknecht, Robert Westley, Neville Wirth, Ross Wirth
Reserves:- Vic Lodge, Robert Webb
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Dennis Elliott, Col Lyon, Bill Warton, David Way, Robert Westley (each 17), Ray Kerslake, Fred Megaw, Bryan Wagenknecht, Ross Wirth (16), Ian Carnell, Colin Megaw, Tom Megaw, Mostyn Roocke, Neville Wirth (15), Robert Webb (13), Don Herbert (12), Eric Kohler (11).
42 players for the season
During the season Ray Kerslake, Eric Kohler, Colin, Fred and Tom Megaw, David Way, Robert Westley and Ross Wirth all represented the GSFL against Southern in the curtain Raiser match prior to the interstate match at the Adelaide Oval on 6th June.
The Strathalbyn Reserves finished on top at the end of the minor round, winning fourteen matches and losing just one.
They defeated Encounter Bay by 22 points in the Second Semi Final but in the Grand Final against Port Elliot conceded a huge lead at quarter time but refocussed to record a convincing win.
Strathalbyn 0-0 3-4 7-5 10-11 = 71
Pt. Elliot 5-8 5-8 6-8 6-8 = 44
Goal Scorers SFC :- Perry Jones, Peter Vivian, Ray Willis each 2, John Bartel, Ian Harvey, John Saunders, Don Wenham each 1.
Best Players SFC :- John Saunders, Warren Lang, John Harley, Peter Vivian, Ray Willis, Perry Jones
The Strathalbyn Colts finished in second position at the end of the minor round, winning twelve matches and losing three.
They lost the Second Semi Final to Encounter Bay by 44 points but were too strong for Port Elliot in the Preliminary Final winning by 58 points.
In the Grand Final against Encounter Bay they finished strongly, losing by just three points.
Encounter Bay 2-7 2-7 6-10 7-10 = 52
Strathalbyn 0-0 3-4 4-4 7-7 = 49
Goal Scorers SFC :- Eric Wirth 5, Mickey Waye 2
Best Players SFC :- Eric Wirth, Geoff Connell, John May, Robert King, Peter Milnes.
1965
Second Played 17 Won 14 Lost 3
Strathalbyn began this season aiming to win three premierships in a row, something the club had been unable to achieve previously.
Graham Nisbett was in his final year as Coach of the SFC and David Way was again Captain.
1964 players Ian Carnell, Ray Kerslake, Les Maynard and Vic Lodge had left the club but Peter Glazbrook, David Lloyd and Greg Timmins were adequate replacements and the club again had a very successful minor round series with only two losses.
Along the way they had two enormous victories over the hapless Goolwa side, winning 28 goals 23 points to 2 goals 5 points and 32 goals 21 points to 3 goals 9 points.
Colin Megaw scored eleven goals in the first victory over Goolwa and Ross Wirth also scored eleven goals in the second.
Strathalbyn finished in top position at the end of the minor round, winning thirteen matches and losing two.
Strathalbyn won the Second Semi Final by thirteen points over Encounter Bay and these two teams met again in a memorable Grand Final.
It was a close game all day and when Strathalbyn got nine points clear midway through the last quarter it looked as though they would hang on but two late goals saw the Bays victorious by five points.
Encounter Bay 2-3 4-3 6-10 10-13 = 73
Strathalbyn 0-1 3-5 6-7 10-8 = 68
Goal Scorers SFC :-Ross Wirth 5, Dennis Elliot, Fred Megaw 2, Col Lyon 1.
Best Players SFC :- Ross Wirth, Fred Megaw, Col Lyon, Dennis Elliott, Dennis Coad.
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Dennis Coad, Dennis Elliott, Peter Glazbrook, David Lloyd, Colin Megaw, Bryan Wagenknecht (each17), Don Herbert, Fred Megaw (16), Bruce Kroemer, Greg Timmins, Robert Westley (15), Eric Kohler, Tom Megaw, Mostyn Roocke, Bill Warton (14), David Way, Neville Wirth (13), Ross Wirth (12).
35 players for the season
Strathalbyn Reserves were undefeated for the season and defeated Encounter Bay by 21 points in the Second Semi Final.
They met Encounter Bay again in the Grand Final and, in a low scoring affair held on to win by nine points.
Perry Jones had scored 86 goals for the season but in the Grand Final was plagued by inaccuracy.
Strathalbyn 0-5 1-6 3-9 3-11 = 29
Encounter Bay 0-0 1-1 2-3 2-3 = 15
Goal Scorers SFC :- Bob Bowden, Barry Blucher, Trevor Heinrich 1.
Best Players SFC :- Graham Copley, Allen Sorrell, Geoff Connell, Trevor Heinrich, Richard Martin, Robert Webb, John Saunders.
This was their third consecutive Premiership.
The Strathalbyn Colts finished in top position at the end of the minor round, winning all fifteen matches, many by large margins.
In the Second Semi Final they defeated Port Elliot comfortably by 46 points but had to work much harder to defeat them again in the Grand Final to win their inaugural GSFL premiership.
Strathalbyn 3-3 3-7 5-8 6-12 = 48
Pt. Elliot 0-2 3-3 4-7 5-9 = 39
Goal Scorers SFC :- Chris Allen 2, Eric Wirth, Paul Kerslake, David Harley, John Graney 1.
Best Players SFC :- Chris Allen, Eric Wirth, Brian Harley, David Harley, Peter Milnes.
1966
Premiers Played 17 Won 16 Lost 0 Drawn 1
The season began with numerous personnel changes, Ken Follett from Langhorne Creek took over as Playing Captain Coach but with the loss of Don Herbert, Bruce Kroemer, Tom Megaw, Mostyn Roocke and David Way, it seemed the club would not be as strong as in previous years.
Prior to the start of the season, the club was shattered by the tragic accidental death of its long term and popular President, Mr. Bill Richardson on 31st March.
Brenton Boothby, as Vice President, stepped into the role of interim President for the remainder of the season.
To the surprise of some, Strathalbyn continued on its merry way, playing exceptional team football to carry all before it.
The SFC was undefeated for the season, a club record, with the only blemish being a 7 goals 14 points each, draw with Port Elliot.
In the drawn match, a Port Elliot player missed a simple shot in the closing seconds which ensured that Strathalbyn retained their unbeaten status.
During the season they inflicted a GSFL record score on Goolwa with a 34-26 to 1-3 thrashing, with Perry Jones scoring ten goals and Ross Wirth nine.
At the end of the minor round Strathalbyn were in top position, winning fourteen matches and drawing one.
They defeated Encounter Bay by 61 points in the Second Semi Final and in the Grand Final Strathalbyn were expected to win easily, but Encounter Bay always performed well in finals and yet again, proved to be a formidable opponent.
For three quarters the teams were evenly matched with little separating them.
Coach Follett moved Fred Megaw from wing to roving at the last break and it proved to be the decisive move. Using his exceptional pace, Megaw dominated the final term and his two goals made the difference as Strathalbyn went on to a 20 point victory.
Strathalbyn 0-4 2-7 5-9 9-16 = 70
Encounter Bay 1-4 2-5 6-7 7-8 = 50
Goal Scorers SFC :- Fred Megaw 3, Dennis Elliott 2, Dennis Coad, Ken Follett, Peter Glazbrook and Richard Henley each 1.
Best Players SFC :- Dennis Elliott, Ross Wirth, Alec Michell, Ken Follett, Robert Westley, Bryan Wagenknecht, Allen Sorrell.
A Grade Premiership Team :-
Ken Follett (Captain Coach), Dennis Coad, Dennis Elliott, Peter Glazbrook, Trevor Heinrich, Richard Henley, Eric Kohler, David Lloyd, Colin Megaw, Fred Megaw, Alec Michell, Allen Sorrell, Peter Vivian, Bryan Wagenknecht, Bill Warton, Robert Westley (Vice Captain), Neville Wirth, Ross Wirth.
Reserves :- Peter Noble, Chris Allen Emergency :- John Saunders
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Dennis Coad, Dennis Elliott, Ken Follett, Allen (Red) Sorrell, Ross Wirth (each 17), Trevor Heinrich, Colin Megaw, Bryan Wagenknecht, Neville Wirth (16), Richard Henley (15), Alec Michell, Bill Warton, Peter Glazbrook (14), Fred Megaw, Robert Westley (12), Peter Vivian, Alec Kohler (11).
43 players for the season.
The Strathalbyn Reserves were in top position at the end of the minor round, winning nine matches and losing three
They were well beaten by Encounter Bay by 37 points in the Second Semi Final and then scored a narrow eight point victory over Port Elliot in the Preliminary Final.
In the Grand Final inaccuracy cost them dearly as they finished all over Encounter Bay but lost by just one point.
Encounter Bay 4-2 4-3 7-5 7-7 = 49
Strathalbyn 1-1 5-5 5-5 6-12 = 48
Goal Scorers SFC :- Perry Jones 2, Paul Gallas, Gary Wake, Warren Lang, Robert Webb 1.
Best Players SFC :- Robert Webb, Trevor Schuetze, Kevin Gale, Gary Wake, Hugh Langrehr, Ted Milne.
Goolwa were unable to field a Reserves team for the 1966 season.
The Strathalbyn Colts finished in top position at the end of the minor round, winning all fifteen matches.
They defeated Port Elliot by 37 points in the Second Semi Final and repeated the effort in the Grand Final to win the Premiership easily with a convincing 67 point win, again over Port Elliot.
Strathalbyn 2-5 3-8 7-13 10-14 = 74
Pt. Elliot 0-0 0-0 0-1 1-1 = 7
Goal Scorers SFC :- Adrian Peachey 4, Eric Wirth 3, Brian Harley , David Harley, Paul Kerslake 1.
Best Players SFC :- Adrian Peachey, Bill Michelson, Brian Harley, David Harley, Eric Wirth.
1967
Second Played 14 Won 10 Lost 4
Popular and tough Robert (Ox) Westley won the contest for Playing Captain Coach of the club for season 1967 from 3 other applicants.
The loss of outstanding players Ken Follett, Eric Kohler and Bill Warton however, somewhat diminished the playing stocks.
Myponga entered the GSFL, moving from the Southern Football League and quickly showed out as a force to be reckoned with.
The GSFL Colts competition was altered to be conducted as Senior Colt (Under 16) and Junior Colt (under 13) competitions at the commencement of the season.
Rather strangely, Strathalbyn did not compete in the Junior Colt season due to lack of officials.
At the end of the minor round Strathalbyn were in second position, winning nine matches and losing three.
In both meetings with Myponga during the minor round, Strathalbyn were well beaten but they reversed this, defeating Myponga comfortably in the Second Semi Final by 32 points.
Encounter Bay won the Preliminary Final to set up the decider with Strathalbyn.
After a fiercely contested first half, the Bays broke away, scoring nine goals in the third quarter and held on to win by 16 points on a very windy day.
Encounter Bay 5-10 5-10 14-14 15-15 = 105
Strathalbyn 0-2 6-10 7-13 12-17 = 89
Goal Scorers SFC :- Dennis Elliott, Peter Gilbert, Eric Wirth 2, Dennis Coad, Peter Glazbrook, David Harley, Trevor Heinrich, Fred Megaw, Noel Smith 1.
Best Players SFC :- Peter Gilbert, Geoff Slade, Fred Megaw, David Lloyd.
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Dennis Elliott, Peter Glazbrook, Richard (Dick) Henley, David Lloyd, Fred Megaw, Alec Michell, Robert Westley, Brian Harley (each 14), Dennis Coad, Noel Smith, David Harley, Eric Wirth (13), Trevor Heinrich, Bryan Wagenknecht (12), Colin Megaw, Ross Wirth (11).
39 players for the season.
Former outstanding player and Life Member Mr. Ken Bell passed away on the 30th September 1967.
The Strathalbyn Reserves finished in third position at the end of the minor round, winning eight matches and losing four.
They defeated Myponga by 36 points in the First Semi Final and then defeated Port Elliot by seventeen points in the Preliminary Final.
In the Reserves Grand Final, Strathalbyn were overtaken by Pt Elliot late in the final quarter but were deep in attack when the final siren sounded to lose by just five points.
Pt Elliot 0-4 2-8 2-8 5-12 = 42
Strathalbyn 2-4 2-4 5-7 5-7 = 37
Goal Scorers SFC :- Perry Jones 2, Gary Wake, Mickey Waye, Kevin Westley each 1.
Best Players SFC :- Allan Dunn, Bob Bowden, Les Peek, Robert Webb.
The Strathalbyn Senior Colts finished third at the end of the minor round, having won eight matches and losing four.
They were defeated by Victor Harbour by sixteen points in the First Semi Final.
1968
Premiers Played 20 Won 17 Lost 3
Robert Westley was reappointed as Playing Captain Coach and with the recruitment of Trevor Burgemeister, and Ross Simpson , the SFC threatened to be in contention for the premiership honours although Peter Gilbert and Alec Michell were significant losses.
Yankalilla joined the GSFL from the Southern Football League and went on to make the final four for the season.
During the season Strathalbyn lost to Mt Compass by thirteen points in the first round but reversed the result to win by 116 points in the second minor round.
Yankalilla defeated Strathalbyn by 58 points in the final minor round match, hardly an ideal finals series preparation.
Strathalbyn were in second position at the end of the minor round, winning fifteen matches and losing three.
The SFC held a comfortable lead over Myponga at three quarter time in the Second Semi Final but just held on to win by six points.
Encounter Bay again, won through to the Grand Final and, for the fourth consecutive year, these two teams would play off in the premiership decider.
Centre had been a problem position all season and for the Grand Final, coach Westley placed Geoff Slade there. This proved to be an inspirational match winning move, with Slade judged by all to be best afield.
Strathalbyn settled quickly and scored eight goals in the first quarter to establish a substantial lead. Trevor Heinrich suffered a broken collar bone early in the second quarter which unsettled Strathalbyn and by half time the Bays were back in touch.
The second half saw Strathalbyn regain composure and assert their supremacy and they drew away to win by 39 points.
This was their sixth consecutive Grand Final since joining the GSFL for four Premierships, in total they had played 102 matches in that time, winning 84, losing 16 and 2 were drawn. A truly remarkable achievement.
Strathalbyn 8-3 10-4 15-8 17-11 = 113
Encounter Bay 0-2 8-5 9-5 11-8 = 74
Goal Scorers SFC :- Eric Wirth 5, Kevin Westley 4, Perry Jones 2, Dennis Elliott, Trevor Heinrich, Noel Smith, David Harley, Geoff Slade and Ross Simpson each 1.
Best Players SFC :- Geoff Slade, Dennis Elliott, Eric Wirth, Ross Wirth, Perry Jones, David Harley, Peter Glazbrook.
A Grade Premiership Team :-
Robert Westley (Captain Coach), Bob Bartley, Trevor Burgemeister, Dennis Elliott, Peter Glazbrook, David Harley, Trevor Heinrich, Perry Jones, Bruce Kroemer, David Lloyd, Fred Megaw, Ross Simpson, Geoff Slade, Allen Sorrell, Bryan Wagenknecht, Kevin Westley, Eric Wirth, Ross Wirth(Vice Captain)
Reserves :- Noel Smith , Geoff Connell Emergencies :- Allan Dunn, Grant Elliott
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Dennis Elliott, Peter Glazbrook, Trevor Heinrich, Robert Westley (each 20), Bob Bartley, Trevor Burgemeister, David Lloyd, Allen Sorrell, Bryan Wagenknecht, Ross Wirth (19), David Harley, Ross Simpson (18), Fred Megaw, Geoff Slade (17), Perry Jones, Noel Smith(16), Kevin Westley, Eric Wirth (14), Bruce Kroemer (13).
41 players for the season.
Strathalbyn Reserves finished second at the end of the minor round winning 14 matches and losing four.
They lost the Second Semi to Encounter Bay by twelve points and were eliminated by Yankalilla when they lost the Preliminary Final by nineteen points.
Strathalbyn Senior Colts finished the year in fourth place at the end of the minor round, winning eight matches, drawing one and losing nine.
They were eliminated by Goolwa in the First Semi Final.
Strathalbyn Junior Colts in their inaugural season finished in sixth position on percentage having won eight matches, drawn one and losing nine.
1969
Fifth Played 17 Won 8 Lost 9
With a significant injury list, coupled with the loss of star player Dennis Elliott to Sturt as well as losing Eric and Ross Wirth, Bryan Wagenknecht and Trevor Burgemeister, the SFC were unable to dominate as in previous seasons.
To the surprise of all, they were to lose their first five matches and slumped to the bottom of the premiership table.
With coach, Rob Westley leading the way and the emergence of outstanding full forward Kevin Nihill, the SFC regrouped and by mid season they were within touch of the top four.
Encounter Bay ended their chances with a dominating win in round nine, however Strathalbyn fought on well to win seven of the nine remaining matches.
Fred Megaw played his 200th game for the SFC in round six.
The club was saddened to learn of the passing of 1952 Premiership Captain Mr. Vic Georg on the 24th February 1969, aged just 41 years.
Strathalbyn finished in fifth position at the end of the minor round, winning eight matches and losing nine.
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Bob Bartley, Brian Harley, Trevor Heinrich, Perry Jones, Bruce Kroemer, Robert Westley, Neville Wirth (each 17), David Harley, Allen Sorrell (16), Fred Megaw, Geoff Slade, Ross Wirth, Kevin Nihill (15), Kevin Westley (14), Neville Rowe (12), Richard Henley (11), Eric Wirth (10).
43 players for the season.
The Strathalbyn Reserves fortunes mirrored those of the Senior side and they were to finish sixth having won seven matches and losing ten.
The Strathalbyn Senior Colts performed strongly all season, winning 15 minor round matches and losing just two.
Strathalbyn defeated Yankalilla by 32 points in the Second Semi Final but started slowly again against Yankalilla in the Grand Final and lost by 21 points.
Yankalilla 4-3 5-4 6-5 7-6 = 48
Strathalbyn 0-0 3-1 3-3 4-3 = 27
Goal Scorers SFC :- Greg Cotton 2, Vin McCabe, Neville Hains 1.
Best Players SFC :- Brenton Dinnison, Vin McCabe, Dennis Westlake, Alan Bell, Neville Hains.
Greg Cotton had an outstanding season in the SFC Senior Colts and won the GSFL Senior Colts Best and Fairest award.
The Strathalbyn Junior Colts were unbeaten during the season finishing on top at the end of the minor round, winning all seventeen matches.
They defeated Yankalilla by fourteen points in the Second Semi Final and went on to win their inaugural Premiership by defeating Yankalilla in their Grand Final maintaining their undefeated status for the season.
Strathalbyn 1-0 2-0 3-1 3-1 = 19
Yankalilla 2-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 = 12
Goal Scorers SFC :- Max Bell, Russell Hagger, Roger Weckert 1.
Best Players SFC :- Peter Crouch, Max Bell, Evan Pitt, Roger Weckert, Robert Clark, Russell Hagger.
1970
Second Played 19 Won 14 Lost 5
Former West Torrens player, Peter Gilbert, was appointed as Playing Coach in what was the resumption of a stellar playing career with the SFC, having played a few games in 1967 and 1968 and then continuing through until 1980. He was a rugged, tough and fierce competitor, unpopular with the opposition clubs but all would have loved him in their playing ranks.
Umpires often gave him a hard time, but for all that, he was to clearly win the GSFL Mail Medal for the 1970 season.
Kevin Nihill and Chris Allen to Sturt were two significant losses prior to the commencement of the season.
The SFC was to lose its first match of the season against Goolwa but, apart from two losses to Yankalilla, they were untroubled to win all other matches in the minor round until a surprise 18 point loss to Myponga in round 15.
Yankalilla defeated Strathalbyn by 45 points in the first round and by just two points in the second round.
Robert Westley played his 200th game for the SFC on16th August against Encounter Bay.
Strathalbyn were in second position at the end of the minor round, winning thirteen matches and losing four.
In the Second Semi Final, Strathalbyn scored an eight point win over Yankalilla and these two were destined to meet again in the Grand Final.
Yankalilla dominated the first half to set up a 38 point lead but Strathalbyn fought back strongly in the third quarter to trail by just four points at the last change, however Yankalilla rallied in the final term to win by 16 points.
Strathalbyn won the Mobil Trophy as the GSFL most successful club over all grades for the season.
Yankalilla 4-7 5-11 6-16 9-18 = 72
Strathalbyn 0-2 0-3 7-6 8-8 = 56
Goal Scorers SFC :- Ross Wirth, Perry Jones 2, Bob Booth, Bob Bowering, Adrian Daniel, Peter Gilbert 1.
Best Players SFC :- Bryan Wagenknecht, Adrian Daniel, Peter Gilbert, Fred Megaw, Ross and Neville Wirth.
The following played 10 or more Senior matches for the season :-
Alan Dodd, Peter Gilbert, Brian Harley, Neville Wirth (each 19), Adrian Daniel, Eric Wirth (18), David Harley, Ross Wirth (17), Geoff Slade, Robert Westley (16), Peter Faddy, Andrew McKinnon (15), Trevor Heinrich, Perry Jones (14), Bob Booth (13), Robert Bowering (12), Bob Bartley, Allen Sorrell, Bryan Wagenknecht (11), Fred Megaw, Neville Rowe (10).
37 players for the season.
Strathalbyn Reserves finished second at the end of the minor round, winning 13 matches and losing four.
They lost the Second Semi to Myponga by 19 points but then won the Preliminary Final against Encounter Bay by 12 points in a tight finish.
After a closely contested first half, Myponga broke away to win the premiership by 31 points.
Myponga 1-1 3-3 6-5 9-6 = 60
Strathalbyn 1-3 2-3 3-3 4-5 = 29
Goal Scorers SFC :- Peter Blaser 2, Richard Gemmell, Ken Haines 1.
Best Players SFC :- Doug Thorne, Bruce Kroemer, Peter Blaser, Ivan Hart, Ken Haines, Robert Webb, Paul Kerslake.
The Strathalbyn Senior Colts finished third at the end of the minor round, winning twelve matches and losing three. They won the First Semi Final by nine points against an accurate Myponga but were eliminated by Yankalilla by thirteen points in the Preliminary Final.
The Strathalbyn Junior Colts finished on top at the end of the minor round, winning sixteen matches and losing just one.
They defeated Myponga by 36 points in the Second Semi Final and scored a convincing 35 point win over Victor Harbour in the Grand Final to win their second successive Premiership.
Strathalbyn 0-0 2-3 5-4 6-5 = 41
Victor Harbour 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 = 7
Goal Scorers SFC :- Kevin Wray 3, Russell Hagger, Glen Rayner, Jason Schofield 1.
Best Players SFC :- Russell Hagger, Stephen Weckert, Kevin Wray, Peter Coldwell, Jason Schofield, Glen Rayner, Randall Pitt.