State Sides

[Adelaide Hawk]

I don't think Robert Day played in that premiership side. That centre line could only have played for one or two seasons, but it is a beauty - two Magarey Medallists and an All Australian.

Robert Day began his career in 1962 so he didn't play in the 1961 premiership team. The 61GF centre line was Ken Eutice, John Ryan, Bert Johnson.

I am happy to stand corrected here, but I don't think Ron Benton played much footy on the wing. My reading on that era indicated he played mainly in the HF flank, with the odd run at centre.

Benton's profile on the 1964 Mobil Footy Photos describe him as a "Half Forward specialist". Maybe he played wing earlier in his career. He was selected in 4 GF teams at West Adelaide, 3 of them on the HF flank and 1 on the bench.

 

[rooboy]

I don't think Robert Day played in that premiership side. That centre line could only have played for one or two seasons, but it is a beauty - two Magarey Medallists and an All Australian.

Yes, I think Day was a reserve in the '61 Grand Final. I am very biased ,but I think Day was as good a centerman as there ever was in the SANFL and Eustice would also be as good as they get.

 

[rooboy]

Robert Day began his career in 1962 so he didn't play in the 1961 premiership team. The 61GF centre line was Ken Eutice, John Ryan, Bert Johnson.

I am happy to stand corrected here, but I don't think Ron Benton played much footy on the wing. My reading on that era indicated he played mainly in the HF flank, with the odd run at centre.

Benton's profile on the 1964 Mobil Footy Photos describe him as a "Half Forward specialist". Maybe he played wing earlier in his career. He was selected in 4 GF teams at West Adelaide, 3 of them on the HF flank and 1 on the bench.

Good call. I was very young but I used to idolise Bertie Johnson, and yes he played on the wing. Benton played mainly half forward, but I'm pretty sure played quite a bit on the wing as well.They had a great side and with a little less hindrance from the umpiring fraternity could have won four grand finals.

 

[FattyLumpkin]

Colin Rice - ???? Thought there would have been better going around

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Colin Rice - ???? Thought there would have been better going around

Colin Rice was a pretty good player. Played 97 games for Geelong, won their B&F in 1959 and captained the club in 1960. Played in Geelong's 1963 premiership team, then went to Glenelg in 1964 and the B&F in that season as well. I doubt if there were too many better rovers in the SANFL than Rice at that time.

 

[Magpiespower]

I.Hannaford (PA)

Is this the most overlooked player in SANFL history?

Still can't believe that he didn't make Port's 'Greatest Team.'

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Is this the most overlooked player in SANFL history?

Still can't believe that he didn't make Port's 'Greatest Team.'

Ian Hannaford played 123 games and kicked 108 goals for Port Adelaide from 1958 to 1964, played in 3 premierships teams, and from all reports a wonderful player. I would think retiring from football at only 24 years of age would have counted against him for selection in Port's greatest team. I believe he retired to join the priesthood or something like that.

 

[FattyLumpkin]

1963

F R.Oatey (Nwd) N.Hawke (WT) H.Kernahan (Gl)
HF B.Sawley (Nwd) I.Hannaford (PA) L.Head (WT)
C B.Barbary (NA) J.Halbert (St) J.Cahill (PA)
HB K.Eustice (WA) J.Bray (WA) G.Motley (PA)
B F.Bills (WT) R.Hammond (NA) R.Shearman (WT)
1R K.A.Wedding (Nwd) D.N.Kerley (WA) J.Potter (PA)
Res D.Lindner (NA) R.Day (WA)
Emg R.Benton (WA)

1965

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Coach: Foster Williams
F: Tony Clarkson (S), Geoff Kingston (WT), Jeff Potter (PA)
HF: Alf Skuse (SA), Tom Grljusich (CD), Bob Simunsen (W)
C: Ken Eustice (CD), Robert Day (WA), John Cahill (PA)
HB: Geof Motley (PA) v-capt, Rick Schoff (S), Bob Schmidt (SA)
B: Brenton Adcock (S), Bruce Jarrett (S), Barry Pascoe (NA)
Ruck: Bill Wedding (N), Neil Kerley (SA) capt, Colin Rice (G)
Res: Eric Freeman (PA), Alan White (SA)


Just wanted to see these side be side and get an idea of the changes in just 2 short years. The West Torrens influence certainly faded. (When exactly did Shearman go to Sturt?). And South came to the fore. Be interested in a '67 or '68 side to see just what Sturts contribution was

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

The West Torrens influence certainly faded. (When exactly did Shearman go to Sturt?). And South came to the fore. Be interested in a '67 or '68 side to see just what Sturts contribution was

Bob Shearman played for West Torrens from 1961 to 1964 then stood out of football for the entire 1965 waiting for a clearance to Sturt. He play the first round of 1966 for Sturt against Norwood at Unley Oval. So Shearman was there for the entire 5-in-a-row premierships.

South Adelaide were bottom in 1963 and then Neil Kerley took over from 1964 to 1966 taking the Panthers to 1st, 3rd and 4th in thise 3 seasons. Sturt had 7 members in the 25 man 1966 Hobart Carnival squad, I'll print that later.

 

[Leaping Lindner]

Bob Shearman played for West Torrens from 1961 to 1964 then stood out of football for the entire 1965 waiting for a clearance to Sturt. He play the first round of 1966 for Sturt against Norwood at Unley Oval. So Shearman was there for the entire 5-in-a-row premierships.

South Adelaide were bottom in 1963 and then Neil Kerley took over from 1964 to 1966 taking the Panthers to 1st, 3rd and 4th in thise 3 seasons. Sturt had 7 members in the 25 man 1966 Hobart Carnival squad, I'll print that later.

Every now and then on Fox Footy flashbacks they show footage of the game between Tassie and SA. Sensational! Hicks, Oatey, Kingston and big bad Peter Anderson amongst others as well as a very young Peter Hudson at the goal front for Tassie.

 

[Leaping Lindner]

Is this the most overlooked player in SANFL history?

Still can't believe that he didn't make Port's 'Greatest Team.'

Probably a bit rough that he missed out, but (as a matter of interest) who would you have gotten rid of to put him in?

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

SANFL squad for the 1966 AFC Hobart Carnival:

1- KERLEY,Neil (c) SA
2- EUSTICE,Ken (vc) CD
3- KNEEBONE,Ron Nwd
4- ELLEWAY,Ron PA
5- DAY,Robert WA
6- SCHMIDT,Bob SA
7- SKUSE,Alf
8- OATEY,Robert Nwd
9- ROACH,Don WA
10- KINGSTON,Geoff WT
11- SCHOFF,Rick St
12- DUNN,Roger St
14- CAHILL,John PA
15- ANDERSON,Peter NA
16- ADCOCK,Brenton St
17- SIMUNSEN,Bob Wd
18- MURPHY,John
19- BAGSHAW,Paul
20- CLARKSON,Tony
21- POTTER,Jeff PA
22- WEDDING,Bill Nwd
23- GRLJUSICH,Tom CD
24- ROBERTS,Brian SA
25- PHILLIPS,John NA
26- HICKS,Daryl St

Club Representatives:
CD: 2 (Eustice, Grljusich)
G: 0
NA: 2 (Anderson, Phillips)
N: 3 (Kneebone, Oatey, Wedding)
PA: 3 (Cahill, Elleway, Potter)
SA: 4 (Kerley, Roberts, Schmidt, Skuse)
S: 7 (Adcock, Bagshaw, Clarkson, Dunn, Hicks, Murphy, Schoff)
WA: 2 (Day, Roach)
WT: 1 (Kingston)
W: 1 (Simunsen)

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Every now and then on Fox Footy flashbacks they show footage of the game between Tassie and SA. Sensational! Hicks, Oatey, Kingston and big bad Peter Anderson amongst others as well as a very young Peter Hudson at the goal front for Tassie.

I wish I had have seen that, it would have been very interesting. Ron Kneebone held Huddo to only 2 goals that day. Barry Lawrence, John Bonney and Ray Walker also played for Tasmania that day. For the Woodville fans, Bob Simunsen was adjudged BOG in that match.

 

[McAlmanac]

For the Woodville fans, Bob Simunsen was adjudged BOG in that match.

I may be biased, but Simmo rarely gets a mention in the pantheon of great players - he was at a high level for many years. Another dozen bus stops down the road and he may have been more highly regarded.

 

[Leaping Lindner]

I wish I had have seen that, it would have been very interesting. Ron Kneebone held Huddo to only 2 goals that day. Barry Lawrence, John Bonney and Ray Walker also played for Tasmania that day. For the Woodville fans, Bob Simunsen was adjudged BOG in that match.

I dare say It will get repeated at some stage over summer. If I can get a time to be prepared I'll tape it for you.
BTW Hudson got one of those goals very late in the match when she was well and truly over.

 

[Leaping Lindner]

I may be biased, but Simmo rarely gets a mention in the pantheon of great players - he was at a high level for many years. Another dozen bus stops down the road and he may have been more highly regarded.

Agreed. Can't remember if we discussed this in the Woodville TOC thread but Bob Simunsen still isn't in the SANFL Hall of Fame. Someone at WWTFC needs to lobby hard for his inclusion as this is an outrage!

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

I dare say It will get repeated at some stage over summer. If I can get a time to be prepared I'll tape it for you.
BTW Hudson got one of those goals very late in the match when she was well and truly over.

That would be very much appreciated, I have been wanting to see anything from the 1966 carnival, I would be very keen to have a copy. Thanks.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

I may be biased, but Simmo rarely gets a mention in the pantheon of great players - he was at a high level for many years. Another dozen bus stops down the road and he may have been more highly regarded.

I don't think that is a biased comment at all. Bob Simunsen was a champion footballer with all the skills, and if it wasn't for Ron Kneebone having such a wonderful year in 1966, Simunsen would be a Magarey Medallist.

He was possibly years ahead of his time in that he was supremely fit, had a good turn of pace to dash clear of opponents, was a one-grab player, and he could deliver a ball lace out with either foot. It would be a travesty if he were not included in the Hall of Fame.

 

[McAlmanac]

I don't think that is a biased comment at all. Bob Simunsen was a champion footballer with all the skills, and if it wasn't for Ron Kneebone having such a wonderful year in 1966, Simunsen would be a Magarey Medallist.

He was possibly years ahead of his time in that he was supremely fit, had a good turn of pace to dash clear of opponents, was a one-grab player, and he could deliver a ball lace out with either foot. It would be a travesty if he were not included in the Hall of Fame.

Also a right foot kick, left hand handball and left hand batsman - at Shield level. Don't think he won a Talbot Smith, but he was also a great fieldsman - just about every other great Woodville fieldsman won a Talbot Smith, though! Max Hunt, Ross Chenoweth, David Kelly, Colin Billett, Damien Patton in the 70's and 80's.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Also a right foot kick, left hand handball and left hand batsman - at Shield level. Don't think he won a Talbot Smith, but he was also a great fieldsman - just about every other great Woodville fieldsman won a Talbot Smith, though! Max Hunt, Ross Chenoweth, David Kelly, Colin Billett, Damien Patton in the 70's and 80's.

Bob Simunsen won 4 Talbot Smiths: 1965-66, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1973-74.
I have no record of Damien Patton winning one.

1930-31 Bert Palmer East Torrens
1931-32 Bert Palmer East Torrens
1932-33 Bert Palmer East Torrens
1933-34 Ross Moyle Kensington & Frank Collins Port Adelaide
1934-35 Bert Palmer East Torrens
1935-36 Jack Doherty Kensington
1936-37 Ross Stanford West Torrens
1937-38 Ross Moyle Kensington
1938-39 Ross Moyle Kensington
1939-40 Bill Leak Sturt
World War II
1945-46 Jack Doherty Kensington
1946-47 Jack Doherty Kensington
1947-48 Jack Doherty Kensington
1948-49 Tom Klose Prospect
1949-50 Gordon Harrison Woodville
1950-51 Lindsay Darling Port Adelaide
1951-52 Jack Doherty Kensington
1952-53 Les Favell East Torrens
1953-54 Brian Moore Senior Colts
1954-55 Jack Carr West Torrens
1955-56 Colin Grant Port Adelaide
1956-57 Graham Duncan Sturt
1957-58 Max O'Connell Port Adelaide
1958-59 Jack Carr West Torrens
1959-60 Peter Anderson Kensington
1960-61 Carl Meyer University
1961-62 Jack Carr West Torrens
1962-63 Paul Pilkington Glenelg
1963-64 Jack Carr West Torrens
1964-65 Paul Galloway Port Adelaide
1965-66 Bob Simunsen Woodville
1966-67 Gary Thompson West Torrens
1967-68 Bob Simunsen Woodville
1968-69 Bob Simunsen Woodville
1969-70 John Nash Teachers Colleges
1970-71 Barrie Robran Prospect
1971-72 Rex Sellers Kensington
1972-73 Max Hunt Woodville
1973-74 Bob Simunsen Woodville
1974-75 Ross Chenoweth Woodville
1975-76 Don Darling Salisbury
1976-77 John Manuel Woodville
1977-78 David Kelly Woodville
1978-79 David Kelly Woodville
1979-80 Paul Parker Sturt
1980-81 Donald O'Connor East Torrens
1981-82 Donald O'Connor East Torrens
1982-83 Donald O'Connor East Torrens
1983-84 Donald O'Connor East Torrens
1984-85 Alan Favell East Torrens
1985-86 Colin Billett Woodville
1986-87 James McPhee University
1987-88 Chris McGowan University
1988-89 Brenton Opperman Tea Tree Gully
1989-90 Brenton Opperman Salisbury
1990-91 Brenton Opperman Salisbury
1991-92 Brenton Opperman Salisbury
1992-93 Brenton Opperman Salisbury
1993-94 Brenton Opperman Salisbury
1994-95 Chris McGowan Kensington
1995-96 Richard Gabb Southern Districts
1996-97 Richard Gabb Southern Districts
1997-98 Richard Gabb Southern Districts
1998-99 Simon Williamson University
1999-00 Andrew Haslett West Torrens
2000-01 Simon Williamson University
2001-02 Simon Williamson University
2002-03 Simon Williamson University
2003-04 David Militz Northern Districts
2004-05 Jack Smith Adelaide

 

[McAlmanac]

Bob Simunsen won 4 Talbot Smiths: 1965-66, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1973-74.
I have no record of Damien Patton winning one.

1995-96 Richard Gabb Southern Districts
1996-97 Richard Gabb Southern Districts
1997-98 Richard Gabb Southern Districts

Got Damien confused with Richard. They were an opening pair for Woodville in both A and B Grade when I was scorer. Richard kept wickets for us, but was also a "handy" fielder. Damien was a superb fielder in the covers - he went on to play for Sturt.

Fancy forgetting 4 Talbot Smiths....

 

[Leaping Lindner]

Bob Simunsen won 4 Talbot Smiths: 1965-66, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1973-74.
I have no record of Damien Patton winning one.

(EDIT: )

1970-71 Barrie Robran Prospect

Gee, this guy gets around!

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Gee, this guy gets around!

I got news for you LL, I used to play basketball against Barrie Robran and he was just as good at that as well

 

[McAlmanac]

I got news for you LL, I used to play basketball against Barrie Robran and he was just as good at that as well

I bet he set screens with his aura....

 

[McAlmanac]

Amongst those Pecker Talbot Smith winners I left out John Manuel - former Teachers College left arm spinner and middle order bat. Used to walk on his toes. A bookmaker.