The NSW Australian Football History Society, as part of the continuing annual Ralph Robertson Discussions, held a function (on Friday, 1 October) at Club Swans at the Cross which centered on and highlighted the activities of Sydney Football in the 1970s.
Because of the AFL Grand Final replay, the function had to be moved from the Saturday but despite this it turned out to be a great night with quite a number of Sydney footballers and identities of the time in attendance.
History Society member, Bob Wilton, himself a former player for East Sydney of the period, was the presenter.
He went to great lengths to highlight both the good and bad times of the decade moving through the years one by one. He spoke of the new players into the competition, the medal winners and leading goalkickers together with the final series.
Bob talked of state games, player movements, the league's administration and officials and during his talk he delivered several anecdotal stories about the Sydney scene of 30-40 years ago..
He spoke of the various umpires of the time and acknowledged Jim McSweeney and Chris Huon, both of whom were in the audience on the night.
Bob had also procured a full length film of the 1972 Grand Final at Trumper Park between Western Suburbs and East Sydney which was of excellent quality. The film was played throughout the evening and copies of this are still available on DVD.
There were also several pieces of memorabilia, photos and other items on show as well as a looped still photo presentation of action shots, players, officials and various other items of interest from those years.
Many of those in attendance had not seen each other since then and two, Peter Thorpe and Billy Skipper, travelled from Perth for the night.
A special guest was recently elected Life Member of the league, Kevin Taylor who anchored Australian Football World at Sydney's Channel 7 studios during half time of the VFL match of the day during the 1970s where he and his panel discussed the Sydney Football Scene over many weeks. Several Hall of Fame members were also present.
A particular highlight for the night was the announcement of a Team of the Decade, the criteria of which requiring three seasons playing in Sydney. A number of those selected were on hand with a fair round of applause enveloping the room when their names were read out.
Another Ralph Robertson Event is planned for next year with the subject still under consideration.
If you want more information about the society or maybe you would like to join, contact them at history@aflnswact.com.au
Last Modified on 18/10/2010 09:28