Port's bigger than Alberton

[Eddie Woloschek]

Just thinking about Port's ability to recruit the best and retain them, a few guns come to mind. Off the top of my head, here's a team made up of blokes from outside SA who have worn the Magpie/Power colors with some distinction.

I've left out the NT types, concentrating on blokes who played senior footy (or nearly) elsewhere before coming to Port.

B: Fragomeni (WA), J Abley (VIC), Grainger (VIC)
HB: Leys (VIC), Paxman (VIC), Curtis (WA)
C: Martyn (TAS), Clifford (VIC), Egan (VIC)
HF: Tredrea (VIC), Kingston (VIC), Rizonico (VIC)
F Johnston (VIC), Evans (VIC),Kingsley (VIC
Foll: Primus (VIC), Spalding (WA)
R: Mallakelis (VIC)

Some of these stayed longer than others - I'm sure there is a better lineup of blokes who played 100 or more games and are regarded as Port players when they are done.

[Grave Danger]

Well, that's because we're a club - not an ersatz state side.

[Porthos]

I thought Evans was Tasmanian

[Eddie Woloschek]

Recruited from Geelong or Geelong West as I recall.

[Porthos]

Yeah, but actually from Tasmania.

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Porthos
Yeah, but actually from Tasmania.

Correct......

After playing his early football in Tasmania's North West Football Union with Penguin Tim Evans was lured to the mainland by Geelong in 1971. In 4 seasons with the Cats, playing mainly on the half back line, he notched up 59 games, and impressed with his strong marking and robust ground skills. However, it was only after transferring to Port Adelaide in 1975 that his career truly began to blossom. Transferred to the goalfront by coach John Cahill when regular spearhead Randall Gerlach was indisposed, Evans proved a revelation, going on to become one of the greatest goalkickers in Australian football history. In 248 games for the Magpies between 1975 and 1986 Evans accumulated 1041 goals, topping the League list on 6 occasions, and Port's no fewer than 10 times. Seldom spectacular, Evans was the archetypal 'goal machine'. As the late John Wood, writing in 'Magpie News' in August 1986 at the time of Evans' retirement put it, "He was an ideal amalgam of finesse and raw strength. If the players ahead of him delivered it, Tim was a certainty to mark it. If they blasted it in high he (more often than not with two flying against him) was a fifty-fifty go. Either way you could get your pen ready to mark down another one."

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by dreamkillers
"He was an ideal amalgam of finesse and raw strength. If the players ahead of him delivered it, Tim was a certainty to mark it. If they blasted it in high he (more often than not with two flying against him) was a fifty-fifty go. Either way you could get your pen ready to mark down another one."


Ah, the memories . . .

My memory is jogged about other less successful recruits from Victoria - Bobby Whatman, Lindsay McGie - smashed his leg up on the Adel Oval Pickets - Murray Batt - don't know if he ever even pulled on the prison bars.

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
Ah, the memories . . .

My memory is jogged about other less successful recruits from Victoria - Bobby Whatman, Lindsay McGie - smashed his leg up on the Adel Oval Pickets - Murray Batt - don't know if he ever even pulled on the prison bars.

Geoff Blethyn........the coke bottle kid........and to think he actually kicked 100 goals for Essendon in 1972

Glenn Elliott and Stephen Knight were a couple of other less than successful recruits...........it was like they thought coming from the VFL that they wouldn't even has to try to be a good player........


A little harsh on Robert Whatman............he combined very well with Tim Evans and had that unusual style when running with the ball by tucking it under his arm in-between bounces..........

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by dreamkillers
A little harsh on Robert Whatman............he combined very well with Tim Evans and had that unusual style when running with the ball by tucking it under his arm in-between bounces..........

That must have been at training. Don't remember that he ever got the pigskin in a game. My memory tells me Blethyn was OK for a season or two before he did a Woite.

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
That must have been at training. Don't remember that he ever got the pigskin in a game.

My memory tells me Blethyn was OK for a season or two before he did a Woite.

I wouldn't have called Whatman a star but made a nice forward pocket/half forward flanker for a season or two..........


Blethyn started off well in his first year at Port but from then on just didn't appear to try at times..........

[Ford Fairlane]

Good line up Eddie. Off the top of my head, I'd put Richard Foster in ahead of Spalding and Robbie West has to be in there somewhere. I also liked Bradley Gotch but he only played half a season (1985 I think). * (edit) Just remembered Phil Harrison!

Dave Granger should be at CHF and Bob Kingston in the BP. By the time Kingo came to Port via Norwood his knees were shot. Good for running in straight lines and crunching people tho. Granger won us the 1981 Flag out of CHF.

Tim Evans was originally a Tasmanian and came over via Geelong, the same as Tony Martyn was originally a Tasmanian and came over via Melbourne FC.

Again plucking a few names for discussion from the dim recesses of my memory, here are some less than memorable Port recruits in no particular talent or chronological order:

Russell Jessop (VFA HFF)
"Pancho" Gonsalves (VFA ruck - to think we poached him off Woodville on the basis of 1 good trial game)
Peter Stephens (VFA ruck, CHF)
Jon Hayes (WA CHF)
Zane Separovich (Broken Hill, ruck, CHF, huge talent, no application)
Garry Smallridge (WA on baller)
Wes Fellowes (Collingwood ruck)
Jon Ahern (North Melb, no idea to this day his position)
Chris Dalkin (Collingwood CHF/HFF, beautiful skills rarely executed)
Spiro Malakellis (Geelong wing)
Mark Lawson (Collingwood on baller)
Mark Dawson (North Melbourne on baller, did play in a Premiership side (1979) but never seemed to exert himself. Hamstring injuries finished him off)

I'm sure there are more (good ones too), I'll check some old Footy Budgets tonight.

Murrie Batt played half a season in 1978 after he came back from Collingwood (they poached him off us after he played a good trial game for Port, so we weren't the only ones).

I thought Bobby Whatman was ok. Played his best 1975-77 IIRC, but did miss out on the 1977 Premiership side.

Blethyn was useless, a one position player and Evans had that covered. Elliot had shot knees and hammies when he came to Port and Knight was ok in 1984 as an opportunist HFF, but I don't think he liked the hard body and once opponents worked that out ...

[Grave Danger]

Did Roger Kerr (former East Fremantle player and father of WCE's Daniel Kerr) get a mention? I believe he played in one of the 88-90 hat-trick premierships.

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Grave Danger
Did Roger Kerr (former East Fremantle player and father of WCE's Daniel Kerr) get a mention? I believe he played in one of the 88-90 hat-trick premierships.

Good get Grave. One good game Rog. Played in the 1988 GF then spat the dummy when offered a post Xmas sale (half price) contract for 1989. Definitely one for the "underachievers" column.

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane


Russell Jessop (VFA HFF)
"Pancho" Gonsalves (VFA ruck - to think we poached him off Woodville on the basis of 1 good trial game)
Peter Stephens (VFA ruck, CHF)
Jon Hayes (WA CHF)
Zane Separovich (Broken Hill, ruck, CHF, huge talent, no application)
Garry Smallridge (WA on baller)
Wes Fellowes (Collingwood ruck)
Jon Ahern (North Melb, no idea to this day his position)
Chris Dalkin (Collingwood CHF/HFF, beautiful skills rarely executed)
Spiro Malakellis (Geelong wing)
Mark Lawson (Collingwood on baller)
Mark Dawson (North Melbourne on baller, did play in a Premiership side (1979) but never seemed to exert himself. Hamstring injuries finished him off)



Wow! Some absolutely brilliant gets there. I'm not sure it was that particular muscle that finished off Dawson.

[Eago77]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
Just thinking about Port's ability to recruit the best and retain them, a few guns come to mind. Off the top of my head, here's a team made up of blokes from outside SA who have worn the Magpie/Power colors with some distinction.

I've left out the NT types, concentrating on blokes who played senior footy (or nearly) elsewhere before coming to Port.

B: Fragomeni (WA), J Abley (VIC), Grainger (VIC)
HB: Leys (VIC), Paxman (VIC), Curtis (WA)
C: Martyn (TAS), Clifford (VIC), Egan (VIC)
HF: Tredrea (VIC), Kingston (VIC), Rizonico (VIC)
F Johnston (VIC), Evans (VIC),Kingsley (VIC
Foll: Primus (VIC), Spalding (WA)
R: Mallakelis (VIC)

Some of these stayed longer than others - I'm sure there is a better lineup of blokes who played 100 or more games and are regarded as Port players when they are done.

Doubt Rizonico would be at HFF, better Richard Foster or Smallridge or Robbie West.

Shame Wes Fellows couldn't sneak in:D

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
I'm not sure it was that particular muscle that finished off Dawson.

Classic......:D

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
I'm not sure it was that particular muscle that finished off Dawson.

You're a bad man Eddie ... :D

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Eago77
Doubt Rizonico would be at HFF, better Richard Foster or Smallridge or Robbie West.



I'd have Rizza ahead of Smallridge any day, but I'd have Robbie West ahead of both of them.

You could probably push out the few Power Vic recruits and make it an all Magpie team without much effort.

Paco out, Leys to CHB, Foster to HBF, swap Kingsley for Harrison, Primus out, Johnno goes 1st ruck, Spalding in the pocket, West on the ball and John Spry on the bench as 2nd ruck (technically we did recruit him from Claremont, although he did play for North Adelaide before that).

[Ford Fairlane]

... you could also put together a pretty average looking side from players the Magpies took from other SANFL clubs ...

Hamill, Verrier, Vozzo, G Robertson, Manouge, Jackman, Grenfell, Clohessy ... ohhhh my head's spinning already and they're only a few from the 1970s and 80s ... ;)

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
You're a bad man Eddie ... :D

A bad man with a faded memory of which actual injury caused his demise

[Macca19]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
I'd have Rizza ahead of Smallridge any day, but I'd have Robbie West ahead of both of them.

You could probably push out the few Power Vic recruits and make it an all Magpie team without much effort.

Paco out, Leys to CHB, Foster to HBF, swap Kingsley for Harrison, Primus out, Johnno goes 1st ruck, Spalding in the pocket, West on the ball and John Spry on the bench as 2nd ruck (technically we did recruit him from Claremont, although he did play for North Adelaide before that).

I dunno why Rizonico is on the Forward Flank. I dont think in his 102 games at the Magpies he ever left the defensize 50 metre zone. He was always our back pocket...never anywhere else.

Foster was a champ and a hero of mine. The olden day Brent Guerra. Could fill any role, but usually played on a back flank. Big kick too. Tough as nails.

Kerr i thought was great...he had a fairly good year in 1988 for us.

A couple of other good or bad draftees:

Anthony Darcy - Had a reasonable year in 1995. 19 games and 17 goals mainly on either a wing or in the centre. Had a good finals series including best on ground and Jack Oatey Medal in the Grand Final where he kicked i think 2 goals and had 30+ possesions. He was then drafted by St Kilda for 1996 where he played 3 games.

Richard Ambrose - Looked like Jesus. Not a bad player at all but it took him a fair while to get himself in the side. Played 52 games between 1994-1998 and kicked 29 goals. Used mainly as a key defender...he went up forward for 1997 and kicked 20 goals in 16 games including a pretty good finals series. One of my cult favourites. We got his from Essendon and Sydney...and he went on to the WAFL where he won the Sandover Medal.

Damien Angove - Another personal favourite of mine. Used as a wing or as a running half back flanker he was tough as nails. Came to us in 1993 after a stint at Sydney in the early 90s. Was a regular component of our mid 90s sides and played 51 games from 1993-1996. He came back to the Magpies in 2001 and this season as part of our reserves squad and came 2nd in the ressies BnF in 2001.

Richard Foster - altho people have already mentioned him i thought id expand on him. One of my favourite ever players. As i said...the earlier version of Brent Guerra. Came to us from Carlton in 1988 and was immediately part of our first team as a back flanker. Could go up forward or on the ball and make an impact. Part of quite a few premiership sides in the late 80s - mid 90s. I think from memory he left us in 93 and 94, and came back in 1995 to be part of that premiership side as well. One of our most reliable players. Played 144 games and kicked 32 goals.

Tony Malakellis - How good was he!! What an absolute champ this guy was. Came to us from Sydney in 1994 and made an immediate impact in a premiership side. Had another top year in 1995 where he almost came away with a Magarey Medal (or maybe that was 96). All his votes were best on grounds and he got within a couple of votes of winning. Injuries ruined the latter stages of his Magpies career, but when fit he was an important part of first, our forward line, and secondly our midfield. Played 70 games and kicked 81 goals between 1994-1998.

Spiro Malakellis - what a shocker!! Altho better than his brother at AFL level, he just could never do anything for us. Was more a regular part of our reserves team than anything else. Could never find his feet in the Seniors. 17 games and 9 goals from 1995-1997.

Tony Bamford - recruited from Queensland. I guess you could say he was a success. I used to hate him in his first year...he simply had no clue at all whenever he got a game. But in his second year in 97 he was fantastic in the midfield before doing his knee in the state game. He's been injury prone ever since unfortunatly. When fit, he is one of our prime midfielders or small forwards...but its just the fact that he seems to pull a hamm or a calf every game he plays. 7 games in 2000, 6 in 2001 and 14 this year just isnt enough from one of our best players. Lightning quick as well. 68 games and 58 goals from 1996-current. The only 1996 recruit that made any impact.

Shane Crothers - i liked him, but he just wasnt good enough to get a game. Was lucky to be part of the 1996 premiership side after Pooley was suspended. Would have to be classed as a dud. 15 games - 0 goals from 1996-1997.

Chris Curcio - One of the handful of young recruits we picked up from Victoria in 1996 that ended up being about as useful as mouldy peanuts. Played 1 game - the first against Centrals where we were thrashed by 27 points (if anyone remembers that game then they would realise the margin was more than flattering) and was just out of his league by a mile. Too skinny, and too slow for a midfielder. Went back to Victoria mid year. 1 game in 1996.

Matthew Belleville - Another of the young skinny Victorians that came over and made zero impact. Didnt play a league game at all.

Ben Cranage - Same as the previous two...skinny young Victorian midfielder that was far out of his league. Played in the first game against Centrals and kicked a goal. Finished the rest of the year in the ressies. 1 game - 1 goal in 1996.

Damien Lang - Came from the Swans in 1996. I actually liked him. Thought he could play a bit. Used mainly as a key defender. Played 7 games and kicked 2 goals from 1996-1997 before being drafted by Carlton.

Brian Leys - Not much needs to be said about Leys. One of the best defenders we've had. Probably the second best defender in my time behind Delaney. Rarely beaten, tough, hard, unfair, hit behind the play - just the way we like em :D 91 games and 9 goals from 1996-1999 and 2002

Phil Mcguiness - as much as i cant stand him now he has been one of our best recruits in the last 10-15 years. Was a top performer when he crossed over from Glenelg in 1996 and was a key to our premiership that year. One the leading goalkicker in 1997. Lost a bit of form in 1998 and played half the year in the reserves. Became a hero when he kicked a reverse torp from 55 metres out in the dying moments to win us the 1999 grand final. His season 2000 was close to the best individual season ive seen from a Magpie player - almost as good as Buckleys in 1992. But since then he was shocking. Put on about 8 kilos in 2001 and was useless, and spent most of this year in the reserves. But still...in his first 3-4 years he was a real star. 134 games and 177 goals from 1996-current.

Daniel Jacques - i think we got him from the country somewhere. I liked him. Thought he was a good player that tried his heart out. Part of our 1998 premiership side. Left in 1999. 28 games - 1 goal from 1997-1998.

Brad Nicholson - key defender from Footscray that was in and out of the league side in 1997. Didnt make much of an impact. 12 games.

Damon Shaw - midfielder from St Kilda who was in and out of the league side, but who played pretty well on quite a few occasions. 12 games, 6 goals in 1997.

Tom Gilligan - ruck who came from North and the Crows who was about as useful as soggy biscuits. 12 games in 97-98

Scott Hahn - The iceman. One of alltime favourite players. I was in tears when we traded him to West. Made an impact in his time at the club, but seemed to be out of favour with Williams. Spent too much time on the bench for someone of his toughness and skill. Was in and out of the side and never got a real chance. Wish he would come back!! 54 games and 60 goals from 97-2000.

Danny Morgan - Now HERE is a player!!! Mad Dog Morgan was one of the toughest players weve had in recent times and boy have we missed him since he left halfway thru 2000. Never afraid to put his body on the line. Quite skillful player who played mainly as a half back flank with stints on the ball. Played a role in 2 premiership sides. Came from Essendon. 59 games, 13 goals from 98-2000.

Paul Vines - another personal favourite. Thought he was quite a reasonable footballer when given a chance, but just could never break into the first 18. Was always either on and off the bench or in the reserves. 41 games, 11 goals from 98-2001.

Sam Phillipou - dud. Major dud. Worse than a dud. I wish he would **** off. Done sweet nothing since his one game of glory in 99 where he kicked 10 goals against Norwood on a friday night at Adelaide Oval. The fact he got knocked out by David gallagher says a lot. 44 games, 70 goals from 98-02

Tyson Stenglien - came from WA who was drafted by the Crows. Made an impact in his first year in 99 playing as a third forward. Moved onto the wing and made more of an impact and hasnt been seen since halfway thru 2000 :( 18 games, 13 goals in 99-2000.

Darren Fraser - i always liked him as a footballer. Was funny as every game my ex-girlfriend went to, Fraser would end up going off with blood streaming down his face....this happened about 9 times in one year!! Skillful midfielder but was a tad injury prone. 49 games, 31 goals from 99-2001.

Damien Brown - big lug of a ruckmen that had a reasonable 99 but struggled in 2000. Played in the 99 premiership. 32 games, 14 goals from 99-2000.

Ill skip the last two years.

[Porthos]

Damien Brown was the biggest passenger I've ever seen at Port Adelaide.

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Macca19
I dunno why Rizonico is on the Forward Flank. I dont think in his 102 games at the Magpies he ever left the defensize 50 metre zone. He was always our back pocket...never anywhere else.

Foster was a champ and a hero of mine. The olden day Brent Guerra. Could fill any role, but usually played on a back flank. Big kick too. Tough as nails.

Kerr i thought was great...he had a fairly good year in 1988 for us.

A couple of other good or bad draftees:

Anthony Darcy - Had a reasonable year in 1995. 19 games and 17 goals mainly on either a wing or in the centre. Had a good finals series including best on ground and Jack Oatey Medal in the Grand Final where he kicked i think 2 goals and had 30+ possesions. He was then drafted by St Kilda for 1996 where he played 3 games.

Richard Ambrose - Looked like Jesus. Not a bad player at all but it took him a fair while to get himself in the side. Played 52 games between 1994-1998 and kicked 29 goals. Used mainly as a key defender...he went up forward for 1997 and kicked 20 goals in 16 games including a pretty good finals series. One of my cult favourites. We got his from Essendon and Sydney...and he went on to the WAFL where he won the Sandover Medal.

Damien Angove - Another personal favourite of mine. Used as a wing or as a running half back flanker he was tough as nails. Came to us in 1993 after a stint at Sydney in the early 90s. Was a regular component of our mid 90s sides and played 51 games from 1993-1996. He came back to the Magpies in 2001 and this season as part of our reserves squad and came 2nd in the ressies BnF in 2001.

Richard Foster - altho people have already mentioned him i thought id expand on him. One of my favourite ever players. As i said...the earlier version of Brent Guerra. Came to us from Carlton in 1988 and was immediately part of our first team as a back flanker. Could go up forward or on the ball and make an impact. Part of quite a few premiership sides in the late 80s - mid 90s. I think from memory he left us in 93 and 94, and came back in 1995 to be part of that premiership side as well. One of our most reliable players. Played 144 games and kicked 32 goals.

Tony Malakellis - How good was he!! What an absolute champ this guy was. Came to us from Sydney in 1994 and made an immediate impact in a premiership side. Had another top year in 1995 where he almost came away with a Magarey Medal (or maybe that was 96). All his votes were best on grounds and he got within a couple of votes of winning. Injuries ruined the latter stages of his Magpies career, but when fit he was an important part of first, our forward line, and secondly our midfield. Played 70 games and kicked 81 goals between 1994-1998.

Spiro Malakellis - what a shocker!! Altho better than his brother at AFL level, he just could never do anything for us. Was more a regular part of our reserves team than anything else. Could never find his feet in the Seniors. 17 games and 9 goals from 1995-1997.

Tony Bamford - recruited from Queensland. I guess you could say he was a success. I used to hate him in his first year...he simply had no clue at all whenever he got a game. But in his second year in 97 he was fantastic in the midfield before doing his knee in the state game. He's been injury prone ever since unfortunatly. When fit, he is one of our prime midfielders or small forwards...but its just the fact that he seems to pull a hamm or a calf every game he plays. 7 games in 2000, 6 in 2001 and 14 this year just isnt enough from one of our best players. Lightning quick as well. 68 games and 58 goals from 1996-current. The only 1996 recruit that made any impact.

Shane Crothers - i liked him, but he just wasnt good enough to get a game. Was lucky to be part of the 1996 premiership side after Pooley was suspended. Would have to be classed as a dud. 15 games - 0 goals from 1996-1997.

Chris Curcio - One of the handful of young recruits we picked up from Victoria in 1996 that ended up being about as useful as mouldy peanuts. Played 1 game - the first against Centrals where we were thrashed by 27 points (if anyone remembers that game then they would realise the margin was more than flattering) and was just out of his league by a mile. Too skinny, and too slow for a midfielder. Went back to Victoria mid year. 1 game in 1996.

Matthew Belleville - Another of the young skinny Victorians that came over and made zero impact. Didnt play a league game at all.

Ben Cranage - Same as the previous two...skinny young Victorian midfielder that was far out of his league. Played in the first game against Centrals and kicked a goal. Finished the rest of the year in the ressies. 1 game - 1 goal in 1996.

Damien Lang - Came from the Swans in 1996. I actually liked him. Thought he could play a bit. Used mainly as a key defender. Played 7 games and kicked 2 goals from 1996-1997 before being drafted by Carlton.

Brian Leys - Not much needs to be said about Leys. One of the best defenders we've had. Probably the second best defender in my time behind Delaney. Rarely beaten, tough, hard, unfair, hit behind the play - just the way we like em :D 91 games and 9 goals from 1996-1999 and 2002

Phil Mcguiness - as much as i cant stand him now he has been one of our best recruits in the last 10-15 years. Was a top performer when he crossed over from Glenelg in 1996 and was a key to our premiership that year. One the leading goalkicker in 1997. Lost a bit of form in 1998 and played half the year in the reserves. Became a hero when he kicked a reverse torp from 55 metres out in the dying moments to win us the 1999 grand final. His season 2000 was close to the best individual season ive seen from a Magpie player - almost as good as Buckleys in 1992. But since then he was shocking. Put on about 8 kilos in 2001 and was useless, and spent most of this year in the reserves. But still...in his first 3-4 years he was a real star. 134 games and 177 goals from 1996-current.

Daniel Jacques - i think we got him from the country somewhere. I liked him. Thought he was a good player that tried his heart out. Part of our 1998 premiership side. Left in 1999. 28 games - 1 goal from 1997-1998.

Brad Nicholson - key defender from Footscray that was in and out of the league side in 1997. Didnt make much of an impact. 12 games.

Damon Shaw - midfielder from St Kilda who was in and out of the league side, but who played pretty well on quite a few occasions. 12 games, 6 goals in 1997.

Tom Gilligan - ruck who came from North and the Crows who was about as useful as soggy biscuits. 12 games in 97-98

Scott Hahn - The iceman. One of alltime favourite players. I was in tears when we traded him to West. Made an impact in his time at the club, but seemed to be out of favour with Williams. Spent too much time on the bench for someone of his toughness and skill. Was in and out of the side and never got a real chance. Wish he would come back!! 54 games and 60 goals from 97-2000.

Danny Morgan - Now HERE is a player!!! Mad Dog Morgan was one of the toughest players weve had in recent times and boy have we missed him since he left halfway thru 2000. Never afraid to put his body on the line. Quite skillful player who played mainly as a half back flank with stints on the ball. Played a role in 2 premiership sides. Came from Essendon. 59 games, 13 goals from 98-2000.

Paul Vines - another personal favourite. Thought he was quite a reasonable footballer when given a chance, but just could never break into the first 18. Was always either on and off the bench or in the reserves. 41 games, 11 goals from 98-2001.

Sam Phillipou - dud. Major dud. Worse than a dud. I wish he would **** off. Done sweet nothing since his one game of glory in 99 where he kicked 10 goals against Norwood on a friday night at Adelaide Oval. The fact he got knocked out by David gallagher says a lot. 44 games, 70 goals from 98-02

Tyson Stenglien - came from WA who was drafted by the Crows. Made an impact in his first year in 99 playing as a third forward. Moved onto the wing and made more of an impact and hasnt been seen since halfway thru 2000 :( 18 games, 13 goals in 99-2000.

Darren Fraser - i always liked him as a footballer. Was funny as every game my ex-girlfriend went to, Fraser would end up going off with blood streaming down his face....this happened about 9 times in one year!! Skillful midfielder but was a tad injury prone. 49 games, 31 goals from 99-2001.

Damien Brown - big lug of a ruckmen that had a reasonable 99 but struggled in 2000. Played in the 99 premiership. 32 games, 14 goals from 99-2000.

Ill skip the last two years.

What a great list! I don't even remember some of those guys and they didn't play all that long ago (says something about the fading memory I guess) ... funnily enough I remember Curcio for some reason. Probably was at his one game ...

Rizza did play forward for Port early in his career. I remember him bagging a couple against the Bays at Glenelg Oval when they were still good and we had a heroic come from behind win over them. I'm pretty sure Greg Boyd was still in the back pocket when Rizza came over, and he took it over the following year from Boydy.

You'll be pleased to know that Port have cleared Phillipou back to WWT (Loserville for Eddie's benefit).

Ambrose was great at full back. He was the only player I watched who made me nervous on every kick in. You just never knew sometimes if the foot would connect with the ball.

Crothers .... I wish you hadn't reminded me ... :(

[Ford Fairlane]

Haydn Smart, Tasmania, CHF ... not too good either ...

[portly]

Originally posted by Porthos
Damien Brown was the biggest passenger I've ever seen at Port Adelaide.

Mmm, nah. Better than that, and seemed to have a few good games. Lacked stamina? weight?

[Eago77]

Originally posted by Macca19
.

Brad Nicholson - key defender from Footscray that was in and out of the league side in 1997. Didnt make much of an impact. 12 games.

Damon Shaw - midfielder from St Kilda who was in and out of the league side, but who played pretty well on quite a few occasions. 12 games, 6 goals in 1997.



Really can't remember these two guys at all. Must have been to caught up in the Power's first season and didn't get to many SANFL games. Did Nicholson get injured mid-season?

[Macca19]

Originally posted by Eago77
Really can't remember these two guys at all. Must have been to caught up in the Power's first season and didn't get to many SANFL games. Did Nicholson get injured mid-season?

He also played 6 reserves games as well so he never got seriously injured.

[Porthos]

Originally posted by portly
Mmm, nah. Better than that, and seemed to have a few good games. Lacked stamina? weight? Lacked heart and skill. About all I remember him having was weight and height.

[Asgardian]

Mark Dawson left Adelaide with Bomber Clifford's wife if the story is correct, remember Dawson is what we got for Russell Ebert, shock horror.

The worst recruit I have seen, and Trevor Sorrell said this to me also, was Jon Evans, we got him at the same time as Timmy, he was supposed to be a CHF, ha, yeah right, couldn't mark, kick or chase.

BTW, remember Tim Evans was recruited as a defender

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Asgardian

The worst recruit I have seen, and Trevor Sorrell said this to me

And Casper was originally a half-forward (and a pretty ordinary one) but developed into a great defender.

[Ford Fairlane]

I still remember Sorrell for that moment of comedic genius in the 1981 Second Semi v the bays when he gave Ralphy Sewer a little biff in the back of the head and said "Ralphy you've gone from one bum club to another" (or words to that effect) and Zip Zap lost the plot, jumped up swinging like a barn gate in a gale. Ivan Eckermann hopped into it too ... Ralphy copped three matches, and poor Trevor got one (the GF mind u) ... but somehow it just immortalised Trevor Sorrell for me anyway ...

.... and of course we belted the Bays senseless in the GF ... ;)

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
[B
.... and of course we belted the Bays senseless in the GF ... ;) [/B]

Makes me all warm inside just thinking about it. Just magnificent stuff.

[McAlmanac]

Was looking through some old mid 70's Budgets last night and came across a guy called Joe Kozlowski, who I had never heard of. Can you Port diehards enlighten me as to who he was?

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by McAlmanac
Was looking through some old mid 70's Budgets last night and came across a guy called Joe Kozlowski, who I had never heard of. Can you Port diehards enlighten me as to who he was?

Joe was a big square jawed lad from Royal Park. Stood about 6'3" (191cm) and 14.7 st (arnd 92kg). Started off footy life as a full forward. Did kick quite a few goal at 2s level but not consistently. Had a couple of tries at league level but never really clicked - and he played around the time of Randall Gerlach and the emerging full forward play of Tim Evans. Had the size, great hands, good kick, I guess a bit slow. He was turned into a full back and showed quite a deal of promise again at reserves level in that position, but again couldn't quite crack the league side consistently (Max James was full back then). The last I really remember of Joe was playing reserves at full back, probably around 1977, and getting bathed by an average Sturt reserves full forward named Ian Pfeiffer, who was a short stocky guy who always seemed to be able to get in behind Joe, nudge him under the ball and outmark him. He kicked a couple of bags of 8 on Joe and Joe quietly disappeared ... :(

[Ford Fairlane]

Next you'll be asking about Colin Northcott, the full forward who couldn't kick more than 2 goals in a game (but could kick any number of points!!!). ;)

[McAlmanac]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
Next you'll be asking about Colin Northcott, the full forward who couldn't kick more than 2 goals in a game (but could kick any number of points!!!). ;)
I do remember him. Topped the Seconds goalkicking in the early 70's. :)

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
Next you'll be asking about Colin Northcott, the full forward who couldn't kick more than 2 goals in a game (but could kick any number of points!!!). ;)

From memory, Koslowski went on to play with Alberton United. Northcott might have gone to WA. The other goal kicking gun in the early games, permanent understudy to Eric Freeman, was Dave Cheetham. Turned into a pumpkin at 2:10, but on his morning, was a wiz.

[Dogwatcher]

Great thread guys. Obviously I aint a Port fan, but I'm enjoying every post.
BTW Ricahrd Foster and Paul Rizonico, along with Patrick Brosnan (who brought younger brother Steve along for the ride) were instrumental in Loxton's last premeirship win in 1996. Everyone remembers them reasonably fondly here at Tigerland, although Patty Brosnan's penchant for choking the snake prior to the game was a shock for some.

[Hollypig]

Agree with dogwatcher, good memories on some of you.
Bought a video called Roosters 83, John Spry was playing his first game with North & had a blinder. So relying on your memories, without the smartarse comments, why did he go to the Pies, & how did he fair ?
If anyone is interested, the Blockbusters Video outlet on Prospect Rd has at least 20 old SANFL videos for hire, lots of stuff from the 70`s & 80`s, PA1870 would have a field day in there. Would have near all the premiership matches from that time.
On the line of duds in this posting, hows Simon Peukers name being ommitted, better throw in Chris Robertson while I`m at it. Five different managers & never been in an AFL senior squad.

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Hollypig
Agree with dogwatcher, good memories on some of you.
Bought a video called Roosters 83, John Spry was playing his first game with North & had a blinder. So relying on your memories, without the smartarse comments, why did he go to the Pies, & how did he fair ?
If anyone is interested, the Blockbusters Video outlet on Prospect Rd has at least 20 old SANFL videos for hire, lots of stuff from the 70`s & 80`s, PA1870 would have a field day in there. Would have near all the premiership matches from that time.
On the line of duds in this posting, hows Simon Peukers name being ommitted, better throw in Chris Robertson while I`m at it. Five different managers & never been in an AFL senior squad.

I'll try, but it'll involve a bit of guesswork ;) ... After the debacle of the 1976 GF where Rick Davies especially made a mess of Port's rucks (what a horror day for poor Natty, altho he did improve over time and played Premiership footy in 1980 and 81 ... sadly Paul Marrett never did) I'd say Port decided to target a genuine big ruckman to combat the top flight ruckmen (Davies, Button, Carey - altho he didn't ruck as much then as he did later in his career) who made our lives difficult. Spry was playing in WA at Claremont at the time and fit the bill - he would've been 200cm and 100+ kg, had played finals footy with North (I always thought he played in at least one of the Premierships rucking with Gary Sporn, but if his first game was in 1973 - I guess you meant Roosters 73 not 83 - then he would've only played in the losing 1973 GF, classic game that it was). How they came to Spry I don't know - he was a bit of a football nomad, maybe he just wanted to come back to SA for a while ... others here might know :confused:

The memories of 1977 are getting vague but I thought Spry had a pretty good year, would have led Port's rucks all year pretty much as a lone hand, I remember in the GF Randall Gerlach did some 2nd ruck work in his swan song year, so certainly no one established themself as indispensible back up. His most memorable moment was his attempt to choke the life out of Graham Cornes at half time of the 1977 GF .. he failed, but he gave it a good shot (just as well or we wouldn't have Chad and Kane now ;) ). I still remember the commentator (Ian Day?) saying how Spry wanted to see the colour of Cornes's tongue. That day Spry had 7 kicks, 5 handballs, 2 marks and 14 hit outs, not bad ... I don't remember him ever being a big marking ruckman. He played in Darwin in the off season and came back with crook knees at the start of the 1978 season. I don't remember him playing much in 1978, certainly nothing outstanding, and by 1979 he was gone.

As for Peucker and Robertson, I thought I'd wait til they finished up b4 adding them to the list (besides the 70s and 80s r more my speciality ;) ) I don't mind Robertson, I reckon he can play a bit, just always getting injured.

Remember another former North player in Trevor Grenfell who came to Port in I think 1985? He could play a bit, but was a wild man. You had a few of those in that side in the 80s IIRC :D

[Ford Fairlane]

McAlmanac mentioned Geoff Phelps somewhere too ... Phelpsy played in 2 premierships (1988, 1990) and managed to jump out of the crowd and join in the 1989 lap of honour too IIRC. The redcoats tried to escort him off the ground but the Port players chased them away. Phelpsy loved the spotlight! :D

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
McAlmanac mentioned Geoff Phelps somewhere too ... Phelpsy played in 2 premierships (1988, 1990) and managed to jump out of the crowd and join in the 1989 lap of honour too IIRC. The redcoats tried to escort him off the ground but the Port players chased them away. Phelpsy loved the spotlight! :D

Damn.....I thought it was otherwise - how did he manage to get into those sides as we had a very good team back then.......

[Ford Fairlane]

20th man both times. A case of right place at the right time ... :cool:

[Ford Fairlane]

BTW Spry played 20 games in 1977 and kicked 2 goals. That's all the info you got out of old Footy Budgets ...

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
From memory, Koslowski went on to play with Alberton United.

This could be wrong - I am probably thinking of that other PAD lumbering legend Fiji Skorwceski. (apols for spelling)

[Asgardian]

F. Skorzewski played 2 games in 1970, ttttttthats all fffffolks

Jack Spry is a favourite of mine, yep, coz he tried to murder Cornes, anyway, he played 2 seasons for us, 1977 - 78, a total of 39 games

Who remembers the smallest full back I have ever seen, Trevor McLeod, 36 games in 1974 - 75

One who looked great, but wasn't quite "right", Johnny Baruzzi, played 1 game in 1969, won a Reserves Magarey in 1970

Robert "Sticks" Dolan was recruited from Norwood in 1979, and played just the one great game for us, the 1979 Grand Final against South

Another who remembers is Alec Hryhorec who played 3 games, I think on the half back flank, in 1974, or Eddie Woloszek who played 5 games in 1972?

[Eddie Woloschek]

Originally posted by Asgardian

Another who remembers is Alec Hryhorec who played 3 games, I think on the half back flank, in 1974, or Eddie Woloszek who played 5 games in 1972?

Yes, Eddie, the Roger "Get used to it" Voudouris lookalike who came from City South got homesick for Tassie and disappeared after 5 games.

From memory, Hryhorec had one of the best mullets of the century. Looked more like Mary Tyler Moore.

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by Asgardian
F. Skorzewski played 2 games in 1970, ttttttthats all fffffolks

Jack Spry is a favourite of mine, yep, coz he tried to murder Cornes, anyway, he played 2 seasons for us, 1977 - 78, a total of 39 games

Who remembers the smallest full back I have ever seen, Trevor McLeod, 36 games in 1974 - 75

One who looked great, but wasn't quite "right", Johnny Baruzzi, played 1 game in 1969, won a Reserves Magarey in 1970

Robert "Sticks" Dolan was recruited from Norwood in 1979, and played just the one great game for us, the 1979 Grand Final against South

Another who remembers is Alec Hryhorec who played 3 games, I think on the half back flank, in 1974, or Eddie Woloszek who played 5 games in 1972?

I can only remember Hryhorec (a wannabe Porplycia lookalike IIRC) from reserves telecasts called by Dean Davis!

Baruzzi wound up being a serviceable player for North Adelaide.

I remember McLeod - he was one of Port's revolving door full backs b4 Max James settled back there for a few years. He replaced Rod Burton at full back cos every time we played Sturt Ken Whelan would kick 10 on Burton. Somehow McLeod managed to put a lid on that - probably had the pace to go with Ken. But then Fred Phillis would kick bags of goals on McLeod. We just couldn't win consistently in that position. I remember Max Parker kicking 8 on McLeod to half time in a game v Woodville, but big Max couldn't keep it going and finished with "only" 9. Speaking of full backs I remember being at Unley Oval in 1983 when Rick Davies kicked 8 to half time on Anthony Dutch. He was replaced by Ben Harris at half time, kept Davies relatively quiet (I think he kicked another 3), and Dutch sunk without a trace. Did we also have a Paul Dutch at full back in the 2s in the 1970s ... I remember a stocky guy with a full beard, but he never quite cut it.

Another more recent recruit I thought was on Macca's list (but wasn't) is Damien Ryan, a 200cm ruckman from (then) Footscray Port picked up in the late 80s/early 90s. I only remember him playing 1 good reserves game (his first) played league on and off for a while and wound up at Sturt with Wade, Warton and Burton.

[McAlmanac]

Originally posted by Asgardian
Robert "Sticks" Dolan was recruited from Norwood in 1979, and played just the one great game for us, the 1979 Grand Final against South

Had a couple of very nice glasses of Sticks chardonnay last night, made by the great man himself. He is now a quite respected winemaker in the Yarra Valley.

[McAlmanac]

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
I can only remember Hryhorec (a wannabe Porplycia lookalike IIRC) from reserves telecasts called by Dean Davis!

Dean Davis calling football??? :confused: :confused: The mind boggles.

[Ford Fairlane]

Originally posted by McAlmanac
Dean Davis calling football??? :confused: :confused: The mind boggles.

That was his Saturday morning job as a break from hosting the Channel Niners with Helen Woods! Rumour had it that wasn't all he was doing with Ms Woods ... :eek:

[Ford Fairlane]

Trevor Talbot, he's the reserves full back I was thinking of from the 2s in the 70s.