HOW DO WE EAT IT?
THE HISTORY OF THE TAMWORTH SWANS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CLUB
1997 – 2011
FOREWARD
Fifteen seasons is not a long time in the history of most football Clubs. With four Premierships from eight Grand Final appearances to date, along with five League best and fairest winners, the Tamworth Swans have enjoyed much success in that short time. It is the development of the game in a region dominated by two rugby codes, however, that both the Club and the League as a whole should take particular pride.
Much of the history of the Tamworth Swans
has been undocumented. The celebrations of
the Club’s fifteenth season presented a perfect
opportunity to attempt to document that
history, and the stories of the people that
have made the Club great. Every effort has
been made to ensure accuracy in this history,
but at times the heavy reliance on anecdotes
has left room for inevitable inaccuracies.
These are regretted and will be corrected as
identified.
Thanks must be extended to Gerry Griffiths and Gordon Atkinson, not only for their efforts in establishing the Tamworth AFL, but also for their input into the early days of the League for this history. The Northern Daily Leader opened their photographic archives to add to the pictorial history of the Club, and their assistance is most earnestly appreciated.
The Club is indebted to many others who have worked in front of and behind the scenes to make the Tamworth Swans what they are today. Without people like Nina Atkinson, Bill Holder, Dave Graham, Jason and Paddy Egan, Wayne and Chris Campbell, Rod and Tina Dart, Brian Cox, Mark Wardley, Lachlan Rowling, Daniel Quinn, Dean and Sandie Finlay, Rene Bonomo, Stuart Harris, and of course our one and most deserving Life Member, Veronica Griffiths, the Club would not be as strong as we find it today. At times, the The History of the Club may not even have survived some tough Tamworth Swans AFC times. This list is far from complete, so to all 1997 – 2011 others who have assisted through the years – thank you. Edition 1.1 Published July 2011 The Tamworth Swans hold a special place in the heart of many current and former players, Compiled by: members and supporters. I hope that this Joshua McKenzie history provides pleasure in reminiscing past glories, and instils some of the pride that I Photo Credits: carry for the Club. We are the mighty red and Northern Daily Leader white. We can play football mighty fine. And Chuck Shave we eat seaweed. Raw.
Tamworth Swans Australian Football Club Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia INC: 9883321 www.tamworthswans.com
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 1
With thanks to our generous sponsors through the years:
COURTHOUSE CITY TAVERN HOTEL
2 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 3
EARLY DAYS
Australian Rules Football first appeared in administrators, players and coaches. The best Tamworth with the establishment of the and fairest award for the Tamworth Australian Tamworth Australian Football Club in 1975. Football League is named in Gillies’ honour. Comprising mostly of ex-Victorians, the team The travel involved in getting to matches became known as the Magpies and played in across the broad expanse of the North West black and white in the New England league, Association ultimately told. By 1991 Wee Waa where the game had flourished in a University- and Narrabri were both struggling for numbers based competition since 1965. to field teams, and the Tamworth team The Tamworth Magpies grew in strength over withdrew the same year. the ensuing three years, and in 1978 it was This saw the folding of the League and the decided to break away from the New England suspension of Australian Rules Football in the and spread the game to the west. The North region. The Tamworth Club, from the Magpies West Association was formed in that year, to the Swans and then the Roosters, folded incorporating teams from Gunnedah, Moree, without a senior premiership. Wee Waa and Coonabarabran.
Goondiwindi joined the competition for one year only in 1979, but within four seasons it had grown to include an Inverell team and a second from Moree.
With the curse of their Collingwood cousins, the Tamworth Magpies failed to secure a North West premiership despite playing in Grand Finals in 1978, 1981 and 1982.
Finding the travel through the vast area of the North West Association difficult, the Tamworth team switched back to New England competition in 1983.
With the contemporaneous move by the South Melbourne Swans to Sydney, the Tamworth City Australian Football Club took on the Swan Wee Waa flanker Brett Wales clears, with Tamworth’s Colin as their mascot and played in the familiar red Pratt and Trevor Mitchell in pursuit (15 May 1990).
and white.
The 1983 season was not a successful one for the Swans, and moves were made late in the year to invest in a junior competition in Tamworth. These plans were aimed at providing local juniors with a pathway into the senior team, and removing the senior team’s dependence on ex-pats from southern states.
The competition in the New England focussed around the University, so their footballing season was scheduled around the student holidays. The resulting disruption to the season saw the Tamworth club return to the North West Association in 1985. With the Swans mascot already claimed by a Moree team, the Big Rooster food outlet-sponsored Tamworth club became known as the Roosters, and took to the field clad in the royal blue and gold worn by today’s Tamworth Australian Football League representative teams.
That same year, the Tamworth club’s tenth, saw them make a grand final in the junior grade. Leading at every change, the young Roosters beat Coonabarabran to secure Tamworth’s first ever flag.
Tony Gillies and Trevor Mitchell were installed Tamworth v Wee Waa (undated). as Life Members of the Tamworth Australian Football Club at the 10th Anniversary Presentation Night on the 12th of October 1985, recognising their efforts as
4 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
EARLY DAYS
Tamworth Magpies coach Peter Crowe tries to spoil against the Moree Saints (1980).
Neil Rutzou playing in the centre for Tamworth (1982).
Tamworth Magpies winger Graham Cook (centre) looks to shut down Gunnedah centre Ian McRobert, with Tamworth rover Rob Lea ready to offer support (9 May 1981).
Neil Rutzou from the Tamworth Swans lunges to interrupt the run of Robb College. Tamworth Swans defender Clinton Kelly (left) is looking to assist (1983).
Well before Lachlan Rowling and the cotton undershirt, Mark Fitzsummons made the cap the newest footballing must have. Here he takes a mark against the Peninsula Swans (1991).
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 5
EARLY DAYS
Tamworth Magpies v Coonabarabran Blues (undated).
John Hanlin from Tamworth looks to shut down Anthony Hupfield of the Black and Blues (28 April 1991).
Tony Gillies (right) from the Tamworth Roosters chases the ball, whilst John Payne (centre) looks to shepherd (16 June 1985).
6 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 1
1997 - 2001
1997 - 2001 OFFICE BEARERS TAMWORTH AFL President Gerry Griffiths Vice-President Bill Holder Secretary Karen Frost Gordon Atkinson Treasurer Gordon Atkinson
TITLE PAGE: Full forward Brian Patterson from the 1997 DML Crushers.
After the success enjoyed by the Sydney Swans in the mid-nineties, particularly the Brownlow Medal won by Paul Kelly and their Grand Final appearance in 1996, the profile of football in Tamworth had been raised to such a level that it was believed that a local competition should be given another chance. The winter of 1997 would see Australian Rules Football return to Tamworth.
Gerry Griffiths and Gordon Atkinson, whose families feature strongly in the continued history of the Tamworth Swans, were central to the establishment of the new League. After a steering committee had been in place from the end of 1996, a meeting held at the Court House Hotel on the 9th of April 1997 officially established the Tamworth Australian Football League. Griffiths, given strict instructions not to take on a position at the meeting, left as Ian Holder (left) and Graham Nuttall the League’s first President, a role he would in November 1996, announcing the launch of the maintain until 2008. The award for the Tamworth Australian Football League the next year.
League’s leading goal kicker was named in his honour that same year.
Travel was seen as the nemesis of the former North West league, so the new competition 1997
consisted initially of just four Tamworth-based teams organised by a single League 1997 OFFICE BEARERS administration. Matches in the early years Club Captain Damien Hickey were played between teams of just twelve players. Original teams in the newly formed Tamworth Australian Football League included In 1997, with the competition consisting the Prime Magpies, Nuttsy’s Bulldogs and the exclusively of Tamworth based sides, all Courthouse Eagles. With the support of David matches were played at Number One Oval. Mitchell Limestone (DML), the original red and The first matches were played with ten players white team in the new League were known as on each team, growing after a few weeks to the DML Crushers. twelve. Players would at times through the year be switched between teams to allow for For the early years of the League the an even competition, and it was not unusual Tamworth based teams operated under the for players to back up for other teams that governance of the League Executive. Clubs were short on any given day. were led in a footballing sense by their respective captains, but administratively the Training was held with all four teams together League Executive were their primary on Wednesday nights at Viaduct Park and then organisers. Over time there was a gradual nearby Rugby Park after the end of daylight shift away from common training and saving. Dave Graham was heavily involved in management of the teams, and eventually led the running of these training sessions, as was to the establishment in 2002 of two individual the captain of the Crushers, Damien Hickey.
and distinct Clubs in Tamworth: the Swans The DML Crushers finished the year a match and the Kangaroos. clear on top of the ladder. This earned them a
Graham Nuttall, the Publicity Officer for the direct berth in the inaugural Grand Final, in League in its youth, has been active in the which they defeated the Courthouse Eagles by administration of the League and the rival fifty points for a maiden Premiership. Damien Tamworth Kangaroos since 1997. The award Hickey was named the League’s best and for the best player in the Grand Final each fairest player. season carries his name.
8 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
1997 - 2001
1997 AWARD WINNERS 1997 Grand Final squad Tony Gillies Medal Damien Hickey Gordon Atkinson Rob Kennedy Andrew Bayliss Alistair Lavery Best League Man Dave Graham Marty Edmunds Alistair McEachern John Ella Brian Patterson Gerry Griffiths Bill Summerfield 1997 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES Matt Griffiths Peter Thompson Damien Hickey Gary Townsend GF 19.7-121 v Courthouse Eagles 10.11-71 Paul Kelly James Wallis
The Originals: 1997’s DML Crushers. Back (from left): Gary Townsend, Peter Thompson, Paul Kelly, Alistair Lavery, Damien Hickey, Brian Patterson. Middle: John Ella, Gordon Atkinson, Alistair McEachern, Rob Kennedy, Marty Edmunds. Front: Bill Summerfield, Andrew Bayliss, Matt Griffiths.
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 9
1997 - 2001
1998 1999
1998 OFFICE BEARERS 1999 OFFICE BEARERS Club Captain Ian Holder Club Captain Marty Edmunds
1998 saw the Crushers renamed to become After the 1998 season, some keen footballers the DML Swans, in keeping with their red and based in Armidale, who had been travelling to white colours and readily identifiable as a the North Coast to play, made approaches to football team through their Sydney cousins. the Tamworth AFL about the inclusion of an Armidale based team in the League. Training moved to the traditional Tuesday and Subsequently, the 1999 season saw the first Thursday nights. Through daylight saving, steps of expansion of the League when the sessions were held at Number One Oval, but New England Nomads, made up largely of when darkness intervened this shifted across students from the University of New England, the river to the Gipps Street fields. Dave entered the competition. This saw the first Graham remained primarily responsible for the Tamworth AFL matches played in Armidale. running of these training sessions. With Nuttsy’s Bulldogs becoming known as the The DML Swans, led by Ian Holder, finished Cargill Kangaroos, 1999 was also the first year second on the ladder behind the Prime for the Swans’ derby clashes with the blue and Magpies. They won the Preliminary Final to white nemesis. face the Magpies in the Grand Final. The year’s final match was played in atrociously Training continued at Number One Oval wet conditions, and the contest was intense through daylight saving, and again moved on right through to the final siren, which saw the to the Gipps Street fields when lighting Magpies ahead by eight points. became necessary. Consistent with the gradual move towards separate identities, Gavin Moxham won both the best and fairest each of the Tamworth teams trained on and leading goal kicker awards for the Swans. different nights. The spirit of cooperation and Damien Wendt and Travis Brown, both future inclusion reigned however, with it not unusual Premiership players for the Swans, were for players to train with opposing teams when respectively the Prime Magpies’ best and unavailable to train with their own. fairest and leading goal kicker. The Nomads proved to be the dominant force
1998 AWARD WINNERS that season, losing just two regular season matches, interestingly both to the fourth- Best and Fairest Gavin Moxham ranked Eagles. The Swans were next best, Leading Goal Kicker Gavin Moxham finishing the year in second place, just one win
ahead of the Kangaroos. 1998 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES With the Magpies missing the cut, the squads SF WON v Nuttsy’s Bulldogs of the remaining Tamworth-based teams
received a boost, with the available Magpies GF 5.4-34 v Prime Magpies 5.16-46 drafted at random between the three others.
10 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
1997 - 2001
From this draft, the Swans received the 1999 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON services of Pat Ward and, significantly, future A 10.8-68 v Courthouse Eagles 11.14-80 Swans legend Damien Wendt in his first appearance in the red and white. H 9.9-63 v New England Nomads 12.9-81 A 24.20-164 v Mitsubishi Magpies 7.6-48 After suffering a drubbing at the hands of the A 19.11-125 v Courthouse Eagles 9.4-58 Nomads in the major semi-final, the Swans H 11.7-73 v New England Nomads 15.14-104 were comfortable 45 point winners over the A 10.16-76 v Cargill Kangaroos 7.2-44 Kangaroos the following week to earn a H 9.8-62 v Mitsubishi Magpies 15.9-99 second crack at the newcomers in the Grand Final. Despite the Nomads being first to H 16.16-112 v Cargill Kangaroos 13.3-81 qualify for the season decider, the match was H 19.4-118 v Mitsubishi Magpies 8.9-57 played as scheduled at Number One Oval, A 14.19-103 v Cargill Kangaroos 6.8-44 Tamworth. A 12.8-80 v Courthouse Eagles 11.16-82 A 6.7-43 v New England Nomads 7.5-47 The clearly superior form of the Nomads, and H 18.13-121 v Courthouse Eagles 10.5-65 an injury cloud over goal kicking star Clifford
Smith, saw the Swans given little chance by most in the Grand Final, but they shocked the 1999 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES favourites to lead at quarter time. The SF LOST v New England Nomads Nomads replied to lead at the long break, but
a six goal third quarter set the Swans up for a PF 14.18-102 v Cargill Kangaroos 8.9-57 21 point victory and the Club’s second Premiership. Clifford Smith defied the injury GF 19.17-131 V New England Nomads 16.14-110 concerns to kick nine goals for the Swans.
Skipper Marty Edmunds led by example 1999 Grand Final squad through the year and was named the Swans Gordon Atkinson Dan Owers best and fairest. Clifford Smith was the Luke Dubois Matt Sadlier League’s leading goal kicker. Marty Edmunds Shane Sheppard Pat Edmunds Clifford Smith Dean Finlay G. Smith 1999 AWARD WINNERS Kurt Fuller Andrew Stephenson Justin Graham Steve Thomas Best and Fairest Marty Edmunds Dion Heemskerk Greg Vella Gerry Griffiths Medal Clifford Smith A. Jones Pat Ward M. Kennedy Damien Wendt Alistair McEachern
Tony Windsor MP (front left) and Peter Taylor of Hills Transport at the launch of the 1999 season. Marty Edmunds (rear centre) represents the Swans and Damien Wendt (second from right) represents the Magpies.
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 11
1997 - 2001
The DML Swans: Premiers of 1999. Back (from left): D. Heemskerk, S. Sheppard, M. Kennedy, J. Latimer, A. Stephenson, A McEachern, D. Owers, J. Graham, L. Dubois, K. Fuller, P. Ward, D. Wendt, A. Jones. Front: S. Thomas, G. Smith, G. Atkinson, G. Vella, M. Edmunds, C. Smith, D. Finlay, M. Sadlier, P. Edmunds.
12 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
1997 - 2001
Dave Graham (centre) as coach of the Tamworth AFL Power representative team in 1999, with Pat Ward, Nick Collins, Matt Cattell and Swan captain Marty Edmunds (second from right).
2000 AWARD WINNERS 2000 Tony Gillies Medal Damien Wendt * playing with Mitsubishi Magpies at that time.
2000 OFFICE BEARERS 2000 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON Club Captain Matt Sadlier H 4.10-32 v New England Nomads 22.10-142
A 54 v Cargill Kangaroos 72 The 2000 season saw the Courthouse Eagles A 10.15-75 v Mitsubishi Magpies 8.9-57 drop out of the League, leaving just three A 17.11-113 v Armidale Wanderers 7.9-51 teams based in Tamworth. The competition’s A 2.2-14 v New England Nomads 18.16-124 expansion continued, though, with the debut A 13.9-81 v Cargill Kangaroos 5.11-41 of the Armidale Wanderers. An offshoot of the H 26 v New England Nomads 99 New England Nomads, the Wanderers were H WON v Mitsubishi Magpies essentially used as a reserve grade side for A 15.10-100 v Armidale Wanderers 8.13-61 the town’s primary team and Wanderers players were used to bolster Nomads players A 80 v Cargill Kangaroos 84 as required. A 4.5-29 v Mitsubishi Magpies 7.15-57 H v Armidale Wanderers The Swans were led by courageous midfielder
Matt Sadlier in just his second year of football. 2000 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES As defending Premiers, they were slow out of EF LOST V Cargill Kangaroos the blocks, losing their first two matches. Improved performances through the middle half of the season earned the Swans an Elimination Final berth against the Cargill Kangaroos, but lost this match to bring their season to a close. That year was dominated by the Nomads, who beat the Magpies in the Grand Final for their first Premiership.
Future Swans skipper, Damien Wendt, then playing for the Mitsubishi Magpies, was a standout in 2000. He was named the League’s best and fairest and was duly awarded the first of his two Tony Gillies Medals.
Damien Wendt (second from left): 2000 Tony Gillies Medallist. League President Gerry Griffiths is on the right.
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 13
1997 - 2001
The Tamworth Swans of 2000. Back (from left): Alan Clarke, Gavin Warner, Justin Graham, Gordon Atkinson, Luke Dubois, ..., Andrew McLean, Scott Brennan, ..., Dean Erich, ..., Dave Graham. Front: Steve Hicks, ..., Red, Evan Griffiths, Dion Heemskerk, Matt Sadlier, ..., Justin Clarke, Matt Griffiths, Clifford Smith.
Gerry Griffiths (left) and Dave Graham at Number One Oval in a publicity shot for the 2000 TAFL representative team.
14 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
1997 - 2001
2001 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES 2001 SF LOST v New England Nomads
2001 OFFICE BEARERS PF WON v Cargill Kangaroos
Club Captain Matt Sadlier GF LOST V New England Nomads
The DML Swans were again led into the 2001 season by Matt Sadlier. By this time, the League was being played between teams of sixteen on field players, with three Clubs continuing in Tamworth and two in Armidale.
After round 5 of that year, the Mitsubishi Magpies folded, leaving just four teams to fight it out for the flag. This turned into a blessing for the Swans, with the Magpies players dispersing between the Kangaroos and the Swans. The red and white were strengthened with some quality players in the process, most notably Travis Brown, Darren Taylor and reigning Gillies Medallist Damien Wendt.
The Nomads were again strong that year, and after losing their first three matches the Swans were leading the chasing pack at the end of the regular season. A loss in the major semi-final to the Nomads set up a local derby against the Cargill Kangaroos in the Preliminary Final. Winning that match, the Swans were into their fourth decider in five year. This match was once again played at the League’s home ground in Tamworth.
As expected, the Nomads proved too strong
on the day, and repeated the dose from the semi-final to take their second consecutive Andrew McLean.
Premiership.
Grand Final day saw Swans captain Matt Sadlier honoured as the best and fairest player for the League. Prior to the match he was presented with the Tony Gillies Medal.
2001 AWARD WINNERS Tony Gillies Medal Matt Sadlier Leading Goal Kicker Travis Brown
2001 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON
H 10.10-70 v New England Nomads 10.13-73 H 9.7-61 v Cargill Kangaroos 12.4-76 A 4.2-26 v Armidale Wanderers 8.14-62 H 16.10-106 v Mitsubishi Magpies 12.13-85
A 13.10-88 v Cargill Kangaroos 6.9-45 Grand Final action between the Swans and the Nomads. H 8.6-54 v New England Nomads 11.10-76
H 11.13-79 v Armidale Wanderers 8.8-56 A 11.6-72 v New England Nomads 11.13-79 A 10.9-69 v Cargill Kangaroos 10.5-65 H 18.14-122 v Armidale Wanderers 1.3-9 A v New England Nomads RESULTS A v Cargill Kangaroos NOT AVAILABLE A v Armidale Wanderers
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 15
1997 - 2001
Dean Finlay (with the ball) and Darren Taylor in the 2001 Grand Final.
Volunteering in 2001: (from left) Life Member Veronica Griffiths, Nina Atkinson and Jean Holder.
16 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 17
2002
2002 OFFICE BEARERS President Jason Egan Secretary Treasurer Darren Taylor Senior Coach Brad Moore Club Captain Brad Moore
TITLE PAGE: Luke McGrath in a colourful marking contest.
2002 was a year of big change for both the Club and the League. On the League front, the Armidale Wanderers withdrew from the competition. In their place the expansion continued as the Gunnedah and District Bulldogs joined as the League’s fourth team.
The DML Swans became known as the Tamworth Swans, with the Club for the first
time establishing an independent Executive and administering its own affairs. Jason Egan, Dane Miller sizes up Craig Abbott from the Kangaroos. Andrew McLean is in the background. a very passionate and hard working man, was installed as the Club’s first President. He was assisted by Darren Taylor, and with Brad Moore as captain and coach the Club was very much player-driven.
Late in 2001, Egan set about establishing sponsors for the new Club. Support was found in the City Tavern, who signed on as the home base of both the Swans and the Kangaroos in a joint sponsorship arrangement. This agreement saw the City Tavern host common after-training and post-match functions for both teams.
Not just a captain, coach and industrious midfielder, Brad Moore was also responsible for the design of the logo for the newly named Tamworth Swans Australian Football Club. This graceful and recognisable figure remains
in use today and has adorned the front of the Club’s jerseys since 2003. Grand Final action: Swans v Kangaroos.
On field, the Swans had an up and down year, and securing only a handful of regular season victories saw them forced into a showdown in the an elimination final with the Nomads. Winning that match, the Swans faced Gunnedah in a Preliminary Final.
The Swans prevailed by just four points in a touch match to set up an all-Tamworth Grand Final clash. The Kangaroos had been dominant for most of that season and were heavily favoured to win. Unable to repeat
their upset heroics from 1999, the Swans were comprehensively defeated on the last The logo of the Tamworth Swans Australian Football Club as designed by Brad Moore. Saturday of the season in their fifth Grand Final appearance in six years.
Damien Wendt was named as the Swans best and fairest that year, with Travis Brown leading the goal scoring. In recognition of his efforts in forging the Swans’ independent identity, Jason Egan was named as the Club Person of the Year. He was also recognised as the team’s best backman.
18 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
2002
2002 AWARD WINNERS Best and Fairest Damien Wendt Leading Goal Kicker Travis Brown Best Backman Jason Egan Club Person of the Year Jason Egan
2002 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON
A 11.13-79 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 5.9-39 H 6.6-42 v Tamworth Kangaroos 8.8-56 A 3.5-23 v New England Nomads 10.9-69 H 11.4-70 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 8.13-61 A 5.6-36 v Tamworth Kangaroos 10.8-68 H 6.11-47 v New England Nomads 7.7-49 A 5.9-39 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 12.9-81 H 3.5-23 v Tamworth Kangaroos 13.10-88 A 11.5-71 v New England Nomads 6.2-38 H 10.8-68 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 5.12-42 A 7.5-47 v Tamworth Kangaroos 9.12-66 H v New England Nomads FORFEIT
A 5.10-40 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 9.11-65 RESULTS Dane Miller lays the tackle. H v Tamworth Kangaroos NOT A v New England Nomads AVAILABLE
2002 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES
EF WON v New England Nomads
PF 7.13-55 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 7.9-51
GF 8.7-55 v Tamworth Kangaroos 16.8-104
The Tamworth Swans of 2002. Back (from left): Gary Fox, Dave Graham (coach), Tim Fawdry, Lawrence McCudden, Jason Egan, Alan Clarke, Travis Brown, Brad Moore, Luke McGrath, Evan Griffiths, Chris Stocks, Steve Coxhead, Darren Taylor, Wayne Jackson, Steve Hicks. Front: Damien Wendt, Dane Miller, Scott Brennan, Dean Finlay, Anthony Wallace, James Simmonds, Matt Hoffman, Andrew McLean.
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 19
THE SWANS’ SONG (sometimes sung by The Swannie’s Quartet)
We are, we are, we are The mighty red and white We can, we can, we can Play football mighty fine There is no team That we can’t beat As you can plainly see And that’s why We’ll be the Premier team!
We are always up for victory Hey! We are always up for victory Hey! We are always up for victory When the Swans go marching in
Did we win? We shit it in How’d we do it? Easy What do we eat? Seaweed How do we eat it? RAW!
20 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 21
2003
2003 OFFICE BEARERS For the second year in a row, plucky rover and inspirational captain Damien Wendt was President Jason Egan named the best and fairest for the Swans. Secretary Patrick Egan Paddy Egan finished the vote in second place. Treasurer Darren Taylor He was also named the Club Person of the Senior Coach Gary Harriott Year. Justin Pallot was the Leading Goal Club Captain Damien Wendt Kicker.
TITLE PAGE: Jason Egan only has eyes for the ball.
Following hot on the heels of the introduction of Gunnedah to the competition the previous year, 2003 saw the League’s rapid expansion gain further momentum with the entry of the Muswellbrook Cats. The five teams saw the draw consist of four full cycles, with a total of sixteen regular season matches excluding byes.
The Swans moved base across the road from the City Tavern in signing an agreement with the Court House Hotel in a further step towards independence from the Kangaroos. Both Clubs continued training in different areas of the Gipps Street fields.
Jason Egan lead the Club into 2003 once again, however was forced to resign in July when employment saw him transfer from the region. His legacy in establishing the Club
remains and is borne out through the spirit Darren Taylor looks to get the hand ball away.
with which the Swans approach their football. Luckily for the Swans, Egan’s brother Patrick had arrived in Tamworth and took to continuing that legacy, taking on the Presidency after Jason’s resignation.
Gary Harriott took on the coaching duties for the Swans. The Grand Final side from the previous year was bolstered up front by the arrival of prolific goal scorer Justin Pallot. Mark Wardley also arrived at the Club to provide some muscle in the engine room in the centre of the ground.
After just a single win from the first three matches of the year, the Swans won four on the trot to push themselves to the top of the ladder. Leading the competition into the final round, the Swans faced the old enemy in the Kangaroos. The cross-town rivals needed a percentage boost just to make the finals, and the comprehensive 56 point loss saw the Swans topple from top spot and put the Kangaroos into the finals.
The second placed Swans travelled to Armidale to face the Nomads in the first semi- final. Despite heading up the mountains confident of being the first team through to the Grand Final, the Swans were well beaten and were set to face off against the Kangaroos
again the following week.
The result of that match remains controversial, Dean Finlay. however at the end of the day the Kangaroos were two straight kicks in front to take the second berth in the Grand Final. They would go on that year to win back-to-back Premierships.
22 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
2003
2003 AWARD WINNERS Best and Fairest Damien Wendt Runner-up Patrick Egan Leading Goal Kicker Justin Pallot Club Person of the Year Patrick Egan
2003 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON
H 5.13-43 v Muswellbrook Cats 11.8-74 A 9.3-57 v New England Nomads 6.14-50 A 7.10-52 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 8.11-59 H 9.9-63 v Tamworth Kangaroos 8.6-54 H 13.8-86 v New England Nomads 12.12-84 A 8.6-54 v Muswellbrook Cats 5.6-36 H 15.9-99 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 13.8-86 A 9.11-65 v Tamworth Kangaroos 11.7-73 A 6.4-40 v New England Nomads 8.9-57 H 11.9-75 v Muswellbrook Cats 5.10-40
A 8.12-60 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 11.14-80 Travis Brown (left) and Justin Pallot. H 8.8-56 v Tamworth Kangaroos 7.8-50 H 12.10-82 v New England Nomads 8.9-57 A 6.8-44 v Muswellbrook Cats 8.15-63 H 18.14-122 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 4.16-40 A 5.9-39 v Tamworth Kangaroos 14.11-95
2003 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES SF 3.9 v New England Nomads 9.10
PF 7.7-49 v Tamworth Kangaroos 9.7-61
Patrick Egan.
The Tamworth Swans of 2003. Back (from left): Gary Harriott (coach), Luke Darby, Paul Tapper, Travis Brown, Patrick Egan, Mark Wardley, Luke McGrath, Steve Coxhead, Dane Miller, Daniel Coe, Ian Roberts, Darren Taylor, Jason Crookall, Paul Forrester. Front: Justin Pallot, Aaron Bond, Brett Collins, Dean Finlay, Luke Lawrence, Damien Wendt, Anthony Allwell, Mark Lawrence, Evan Griffiths.
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 23
2003
Luke ‘Spider’ McGrath in the ruck.
Aaron Bond.
Swans v Kangaroos.
Swans v Kangaroos.
Evan Griffiths looks to spoil.
24 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 25
2004
2004 OFFICE BEARERS President Patrick Egan Secretary Mark Wardley Treasurer Dean Finlay Senior Coach Gordon Wendt Club Captain Damien Wendt
TITLE PAGE: Justin Pallot with the ball on a string.
As the profile of the League grew, so did the interest in football around the region. Narrabri were the next expansion franchise to join the Tamworth Australian Football League, which saw six teams compete for the 2004 Premiership. This saw the elimination of the bye and the introduction of a fifteen round, three cycle draw.
Gordon Wendt coached the Swans in 2004 with son Damien again captaining the side. Lachlan Rowling, believed by many to be the best exponent of football to have graced Number One Oval, was a key arrival at the Alan ‘Alby’ O’Keefe. start of the season. Schooled in the game by the Danihers of Ungarie, Rowling’s class and competiveness would be a driving force for the Club’s later successes. Gavin Knee also played his first football for the Swans in that year.
Patrick Egan returned as President, and drove the Club on and off the field with the assistance of Mark Wardley and Rowling.
The Swans opened the year with a draw against the Kangaroos, then took four points from their next two matches. Four consecutive victories followed, flooding the Swans with confidence. This bubble was burst in the next four matches, though, which were all losses. The Swans lifted later in the season to win three of their last four games and take fourth position on the ladder.
In the elimination final the Swans travelled to take on the Muswellbrook Cats, against whom they had lost by just three points three weeks prior. A low scoring match followed, but with the aid of a rare finals goal from Club stalwart
Dean Finlay the Swans prevailed by four points to set up yet another Preliminary Final Paddy Egan was known for many things, clash with the Kangaroos. including hiding in bushes.
Once again, the Swans found their local rivals too good in that match, going down by 22 points. Some consolation may have been gained the following week, when the Nomads stopped the Kangaroos claiming their third consecutive Premiership.
Lachlan Rowling made an immediate impression and was named the best and fairest in his debut year for the Swans. Justin Pallot again lead the goal scoring. Patrick Egan did the other double with his second Club Person of the Year award.
26 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011
2004
2004 AWARD WINNERS Best and Fairest Lachlan Rowling Leading Goal Kicker Justin Pallot Club Person of the Year Patrick Egan
2004 RESULTS – REGULAR SEASON
A 7.13-55 v Tamworth Kangaroos 7.13-55 H 18.8-116 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 7.9-51 A 2.12-24 v New England Nomads 8.11-59 A 9.13-67 v Muswellbrook Cats 8.14-62 H 20.16-136 v Narrabri Eagles 6.8-44 H 12.11-83 v Tamworth Kangaroos 7.9-51 A 14.16-100 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 9.9-63 H 11.1-67 v New England Nomads 9.22-76 H 8.15-63 v Muswellbrook Cats 13.9-87 A 7.13-55 v Narrabri Eagles 15.4-94 A 6.9-45 v Tamworth Kangaroos 11.10-76 A 13.6-84 v New England Nomads 4.12-36 H 12.14-86 v Gunnedah Bulldogs 7.11-53 A 5.15-45 v Muswellbrook Cats 6.12-48 H 19.13-127 v Narrabri Eagles 4.4-28
2004 RESULTS – FINALS SERIES Travis Brown lines up at goal from the duck pond end.
EF 8.8-56 v Muswellbrook Cats 7.10-52
Goals: Gavin Knee (3); Pat Egan, Dean Finlay, Luke
McGrath, Mark Wardley, Stuart Withers (1).
Best: Lachlan Rowling, Justin Pallot, Mark Wardley,
Gavin Knee, Jesse Abrahams, Dean Finlay.
PF 7.11-53 v Tamworth Kangaroos 11.9-75 Goals: Gavin Knee (4); Luke McGrath, Alan O’Keefe, Justin Pallot (1).
Best: Mark Wardley, Dean Finlay, Gavin Knee, Lachlan Rowling, Jesse Abrahams, Evan Griffiths, Dane Miller.
Not Travis Brown.
Justin Pallot.
Mark ‘Cheesy’ Wardley
Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011 27
2004
2004 best and fairest Lachlan Rowling.
Dane Miller (left) and Evan Griffiths.
28 Tamworth Swans AFC – 1997-2011