AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD

SEASONS OF THE PAST - FROM THE HISTORICAL SCRAPBOOK 50 YEARS AGO - MAGPIES MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW J\USTRALIAN RULES More efficient and more relentless than ever, the Collingwood machine defeated its most serious rival Richmond in convincing fashion to take the 1928 VFL premiership. It was the 'Magpies' second flag in a row. FOOTBALL WORLD The Magpies gave one of the greatest.displays of methodical football seen for almost 20 years. It was described as "faultless team work". (Incorporating ''lWEEN SBASONS) HOW THEY FINISHED HOW IT HAPPENED IN THE 1928 SEASON FIRST ROUND Footscray won three gartlesby one point and Vol. 1, No. 5 Sydne.y.,.Saturday.,.April 1.,.1978 W L F. A. Pts % lost two by one point. It won two other ColI 'wood 15 3 1540 1144 60 74.4 matches by two and four points, and lost R'mond 14 4 1641 1228 56 74.8 two by three and four points ••••• Fitzroy PETER HUDSONCALLS IT QUITS Melb'rne 14 4 1507 1233 56 8l.8 kicked 2.27 to 19;9 at Geelong which still Carlton 11 7 1598 1116 44 82.3 stands as one of the worst efforts in VFL One of football's greatest full-forwards has made. a final decision to Essendon 11 7 1141 1275 44 88.4 records ••••• Opening games drew a record quit V.F.L. ranks. , 32, announced his retirement on Mar- St. Kilda 11 7 1499 1470 44 98.0 125,000 in the first round ••••• making a ch 16 and already has been cleared back to his Tasmanian League club, Glenorchy. Footscray 9 9 1465 1340 36 9l.4 strong bid for the four, St. Kilda beat Fitzroy 7 11 1480 1675 28 113.1 12.10 to 11.15 with a goal which Hudson ended six months of speculation with his decision and just one week later Geelong 6 12 1336 1343 24 100.5 was kicked seven seconds after the bell - . played what is likely to be his last game on VFL .Park Waverley when he appeared as 5th. Melb. 5 13 1461 1709 20 116.9 there was a protest but it was dismissed full-forward for in the Amco-Herald CUp night game on March 23. Hudson Nth. Melb. 5 13 1058 1563 20 147.7 because the umpire had failed to hear the kicked six goals in a losing Tassy score of 10.10 (70) to Fitzroy 13.10 (88). Hawthorn - 18 1171 1901 - 162.2 bell ••••• the VFL feared that arbitration In 130 games with Hawthorn, Hudson kicked 727 goals at an average of 5.59 per game SECOND ROUND and demands for higher wages would result a which is the best in VFL history. He also booted five centuries, which is one more P W L 0 F. A. Pts when the formation of Footballers Union was rumored, it was never established •••• than Collingwood's legendary who in 18 seasons between 1920 & 1937 Collingwood 3 2 1 226 189 10 kicked a total of 1299 goals. Richmond 2 1 1 180 169 4 a bulldog led onto the field at a Colling- Melbourne 2 1 1 126 130 2 wood-Footscray game was the origin of the Hudson's record was - seal30n1967,57 goals; 1968-125; 1969-120; 1970-146; 1971, Carlton 1 1 64 117 nickname "Bulldogs" being applied to Foot- 150; 1972 - 8/ 1973 -8; 1974 -3; 1977 -110. scray ••••• renewed agitation by clubs for LEADING GOALKICKERS substitutes for injured players was made Whilst Hudson has been cleared back to Glenorchy there.'s no certainty that he will play with that side, in fact both New Norfolk and Clarence.are in the running for Gordon Coventry (Collingwood) •• 89 when several teams had to battle through his services - if he plays at all. (Fitzroy) 68 games with 17 men, sometilGes 16 •••• for Bert Hyde (Hawthorn) ••• 62 the ninth time of VFL history the pennant was won without the need of a Grand Final. Jack Baggott (Richmond) 61 w,A,' SANDOVERMEDAL TO CARRY PRI ZE OF $20 J 000 Ted Johnson (Sth. Melb.) 59 The leader Collingwood was undefeated in the semi-final and the final ••••••••••••• The W.A.N.F.L. award to the season's player, the Sandover Medal HIGHEST AND LOWEST is to carry a prize of $20,000. It's part of a four-year deal with a Perth tele- HIGHEST: Carlton 22.17 (149) d. THE FINALS: 66,381 a record 1st semi crow vision station, TVW-Channel 7 and the Sandover family. 7WV will provide over the Hawthorn 11.13 (79). saw a slugging, rib-rattling encounter with nezt four years, $25,000 a year with the winner .receiving $20,000, runner-up will LOWEST: North Melbourne 2.9 (21) lost elbow jabs and sly knocks. Richmond with get $3,00d .and the third placegetter $2,000. The award will be re-named, and in to Richmond 14.15 (99). better forwards eventually wore Carlton future will be known as - 'The Channel 7-Sandover Medal'. down to go on to a 53-point win, 17.15 to 1928 LEAGUE CAPTAINS 9.10 ••••• the first semi-final tie in VFL The medal was introduced in 1921 by the late Alfred.Sandover. Collingwood •• ••• history was played on a'hardground, on a Richmond • Alan Geddes warm day with a blustery. west winne Coll- Melbourne Ivor Warne-Smith ingwood looked masters over Melbourne for JOHN PITURA - WILL HE PLAY? Carlton three quarters but the Demons fought back A big black cloud continue~ to hang over the prospects of John Pitura being seen Essendon' Frank Maher to goal on the bell, 9;8 all •••• only four on a Sydney fOotball field in 1978 following recent discussions between the North St. Kilda Bill Cubbins points separated the two in the replay, the Shore club and Richmond VFL officials. Footscray Pat Scanlon Magpies 10.8 to 9.10 •••• following a plan, Fitzroy Gordon Rattray Collingwood went into a mass spoiling camp- Pitura as an official of the North Shore club has taken over his duties for many Geelong aign against the high-marking Tigers and weeks now, making his way through schools in the North Shore area, generating great movement for the game. . . South Melbourne Joe Scanlon .romped off to an easy premiership win by North Melbourne 33 points, 13.18 (96) to 9.9 (63). It was At last call, Richmond placed a $100,000 figure for a transfer, but whether he Hawthorn • H. Sutton, M. Sellars the Magpies second in a row - two more were plays or not, the 140VFL game player is here to stay in Sydney, and you can take -0-0-0-0-0-0- to come in 1929 and 1930. that as a certainty= . Page 2 AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD Saturday, April 1, 1978 Page 7

"THE WORLD OF AUSTRALIAN RULES" FOOTBALL WORLD STAB-KICKS the VFL are still angling for Sunday matches in ------Melbourne - its already been discussed by the KICKS OFF ON CHANNEL 7 Victorian State Government but no decision has been reached. First cab off the A completely new program format for Australian Rules Football takes rank will be the Hawthorn-North Melbourne in the third round at present set down the air this week-end on ATN-Channel 7, and will continue for the next for Saturday, April 15 ••••• after saying he would go, LAURIE FOWLER has agreed to 27 Saturdays. It starts today on ATN-7, at 1.30pm. stay with Melbourne~he had been furious about being dropped to the Reserves in a pre-season practice game ••••• football returns to Perth television in a big way The program boasts a number of innovations - this year. TVW-Channel 7 have revived their 90-minute Sunday show, plus a 25-min- * a new starting time of 1.30pm ute Football Inquest on Saturday nights. South Fremantle coach will give * a new compere and a co-host his views on Friday nights in the news and West Perth coach PERCY JOHNSON will wrap * wider coverage of the Sydney scene up the week-end games on the Sunday night news ••••• PETER McKENNA after 193 games * video-tape highlights from Melbourne and Adelaide and 873 goals with both Collingwood and carlton will play in the VFA this year with * the newly created "Channel 7 Football Award" GeelongWest in the First Division ••••• Melbourne have told four senior players * a selected panel in "Half-Time Footy Forum" that they are no longer required - they were FRANK GIAGIAMPAOW, PETER KEAYS,BRIAN COOK AND TED CARROLL. As well Reserves ruckman DAVID KELLY has been cleared •••••• Arrangements were finalised early last week with program and production North Melbourne ruckman PETER "CRACKERS" KEENAN gained a severe reprimand from the executives of Channel 7 in a two-hour meeting at which the N.S.W.A.F.L. VFL Tribunal two weeks back. He was found guilty of having "pulled the hair" of were represented by Jim Tuton, who has long been connected with the Footscray full-back ALBY SMEDTS in the Amco-Herald Cup night match ••••• whilst on football program since it first became part of the Sydney winter week- the Tribunal, South Melbourne defender JOHN SCARLETT was also reprimanded after end. Jim is a valuable behind-the-scenes worker on the show. being charged with striking Geelong's LEO KING in a recent practice match ••• VFA Channel 7 approved the appointment of Kevin Taylor, the NSWAFL Public club president of Preston, ALEX ROBERTSON has suggested that an age limit of 27 be Relations and Media Man as compere of the 1978 program. applied to players wanting to move from the VFL to the VFA - exclusions would be for coaches only..... EAST PERTH have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Also included in the program structure as co-host was Mike Daly, the Yakka for a total of $75,000. The Royals will receive $20,000 a year for the next former coach of North Shore, who led the Bea~s into the 1977 finals. three years and $5,000 for each grand final appearance in that time •••••••••••••• The earlier starting time has brought about arrangements whereby video-tape high- ROSS "TWigt;{y"DUNNE after 207 games in 11 seasons with Collingwood has retired as lights from the previous week-end's matches from both Melbourne and Adelaide will a player to become full-time secretary of the Magpies football club .••.• the VFA be seen on Sydney television for the first time. Both HSV-7 in Melbourne and First Division clubs boast rour new coaches this season - STUART TROTT will coach ADS-7 in Adelaide through their respective production executives Gary Fenton and Caulfield, MICK ERWIN is at Prahran, JOHN ELLIS will lead Dandenong, and HAROLD Warwick Fenwick have extended their fullest co-operation to ensure success of the MARTIN is domiciled at Preston •.••• CHRIS ELLIOTT one of South Melbourne's most new program format. promising rovers will spend the early weeks of the season on crutches after snap- ing a bone in his right ankle •••••• another casualty is Collingwood wingman GREG News from the national football scene will be included together with the video-tapes LAMBERT who broke his ankle in the night game against South .•••. following the in the first 30-minutes - news will be reported from Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and upheaval and the sacking of Carlton's Reserves coach ADRIAN GALLAGHER,. KEVIN ROSE Hobart, as well the lead up and naming of the two teams who will participate in the was approached who didn't want the position, neither did HASSA MANN. The Blues weekly direct telecast of the "V.F.T, Match of the Day". finally settled on SERGIO SILVANNI and the old Number 2 will be seen back on the During the long interval at approximately 3.05pm each Saturday afternoon, Kevin & track as understudy to IAN STEWART ••••• the Victorian TAB have dumped the VFA for Mike will host the 'panel of experts' in "Half-Time Footy Forum" which will be 1978 - also the jackpot system. Betting this year will only be on VFL Highest and devoted to an analysis of the performances of clubs in the Sydney football scene. Lowest ••••• on the captaincy front in the VFL, GREG WELLS will lead Melbourne, with RAY BIFFIN as deputy ••••• GARY DEMPSEY "is leader at Footscray with GEOFF Members of the panel will also attend each of the four First Division N.S.W.A.F.L. JENNINGS as second-man ••••• at Fitzroy, HARVEY MERRIGAN replaces JOHN MURPHY as games every Sunday and on the following Saturday will names their votes for the captain, with rover GARY WILSON as the Lions vice-captain ••.•• on best players afield in the "Channel 7 Football Award". The end-of-season prize his reconciliation with Collingwood has not only been elected captain of the for the Best Sydney footballer will be a new car. It'is hoped that this award will Magpies for 1978, but he is a father for the first time. Wife Suzi presented Len become a most respected part of the Sydney footballing scene. with a boy recently, as yet un-named ••••• South Adelaide coach HADYN BUNTON has Please tell all your friends and the supporters of Australian Football of the new been appointed State Coach of S.A. He replaces NEIL KERLEY who has coached S.A. starting time - every Saturday at 1.30pm. for the past six seasons •••••• look out, one of the big keys to St. Kilda's "Operation Bounceback" is , and they're saying Carl hasn't been as It is hoped that the enjoyment and success of the program will further the progress fit for years ••••• Central District, the SANFL club that's been performing so of the Game in New South Wales. badly has a new coach in DARYL HICKS, ex-NFL in 1978 plus a new sponsorship deal Channel 7 should be congratulated on the support it is giving to the program and we that will bring $80,000 to the club over three years ••••• in what was a unique trust that our supporters will be moved to show Channel 7 their appreciation. three-way deal, will play for South Melbourne this year, with from South and BERNIE JONES moving to Essendon, and NORM GOSS switching from South to Hawthorn colors - now we're all confused ..••. NEVILLE ROBERTS has TODAY'S GAME been cleared from Richmond back to the West Torrens Eagles at a reported $30,000 ON GI/l"'fJ/i t. ;01/11/ ••••• seems to trying everything, SAM KEKOVITCH lined-up at full-back CHANNEL 7 in a recent practice match against Geelong ••••• LAURIE SANDILANDS after his tiff with Footscray will line-up in the black-and-white colors of Collingwood in 1978 PROGRAM STARTS AT 1.30 ... PROGRAM STARTS AT 1.30 ... PROGRAM STARTS AT 1.30 ... PRO ••••• the KEVIN MORRIS affair with Richmond is still far from settled ••..•••.•. Page 6 AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD Saturday, April 1, 1978 Page 3 Nth Melb 3.3 9.4 16.8 20.13-133 V.F.L. PRE-SEASON GAMES Perth 6.8 12.13 15.20 17.27-129 HELLO THERE! NATIONWIDE ROUND-UP OF Played in Perth, March 18 Pre-season practice matches do not always THIS WEEK-END'S MATCHES bring the best out of every club. In fact Fitzroy 2.2 3.3 11.10 18.18-114 THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR (Likely Winners in Capitals) the Victorian Football League has made an Footscray 3.5 8.5 11.8 14.12:-96 To introduce ourselves, we are an attempt to discourage the 12 VFL clubs Played Saturday, March 18 extension of the modest effort SYDNEY - NSWAFL - Sunday from playing each other in pre-season Carlton 3.2 4.5 8.10 14.15- 99 which was started when the "Aussie NORTH SHORE v Southern Districts games before the 1979 season, saying that Hawthorn 4.2 7.8 9.12 11.15- 81 Rules Footy Fan Club" was formed poor performances reduce membership and NEWTOWN v Balmain Played Saturday, March last September. gates. 25 East Sydney v WESTERN SUBURBS Nth Melb 6.3 11.5 17.6 22. 7-140 During the months of October to February PENNANT HILLS v St. George However, the fans still want to know who Sth Melb 3.11 8.15 17.18-110 a small magazine was mailed to many thous- their favourite club performed every if 0.3 MELBOURNE - V.F.L. - Saturday Played Saturday, March 25 ands of interested Australian football they were playing the Bullabakanker 3rds. followers, particularly around the Sydney Essendon v SOUTH MELBOURNE Richmond 3.6 12.10 19.12 24.14-158 Culled from recent newspaper reports we've area. Footscray v NORTH MELBOURNE Melbourne 5.0 11.1 15.5 19. 8-122 set out most of the recent practice games HAWTHORN v Melbourne Played Saturday, March 25 "AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD" is an Geelong v COLLINGWOOD on which we have records. We give these extension of "''!WEEN SEASONS" and we hope for your interest. Let's hope that you've St. kilda 6.6 10.10 17.16 19.22-126 FITZROY v St. Kilda that you'll enjoy the magazine which is Richmond v CARLTON got high hopes for your side in 1978 after Tasmania 2.2 6.3 7.6 13. 6- 84 designed to deliver in capsule form a reading these reports. Played at Moorabbin, March 25 coverage on a National scale of our great ADELAIDE - S.A.N.F.L. AMCO-HERALD CUP (VFL NIGHT SERIES) Game. W,A.N.F,L.1ST ROUND - MARCH 25-27 Saturday Sth Melb 3.0 6.3 14.8 19.12-126 "AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD" is pub- PORT ADELAIDE V Norwood C'wood 2.0 5.0 7.2 10. 8- 68 Perth 5.3 6.11 11.17 14.18-102 lished in the interests of the Game by - GLENELG v South Adelaide Sth F'mantle Played March 3 at VFL Park 2.5 5.10 9.11 13.15- 93 Woodville v CENTRAL DISTRICTS David Watt, WEST ADELAIDE v West Torrens Nth Melb 3.1 5.7 6.12 11.14- 80 Subiaco 7.2 13.5 15.8 19.10-124 12-14 Falcon Street, F'scray 4.5 5.6 6.7 9. 9- 63 West Perth 5.1 7.8 10.16 13.25-103 CROWS NEST, 2065 Sunday STURT v North Adelaide Played March 10 at VFL Park East F'mntle 5.8 8.1111.22 16.25-121 For advertising space, David may be contac- Swan Dist. 1.3 8.7 9.7 12.10- 82 Carlton 2.7 4.10 5.13 8.15- 63 ted on 439-6066, and all efforts from the PERTH - W.A.N.F.L. - Saturday Geelong 1.3 1.4 6.10 8.14- 62 Claremont 3.2 9.10 13.13 18.17-125 affiliated clubs to generate interests of Played March 17 at VFL Park East Perth 6.4 6.8 8.14 11.18- 84 advertisers will be appreciated. EAST PERTH v Swan Districts East Fremantle v CLAREMONT Fitzroy 13.10- 88 "AUSTRALI AN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD" is pub- WEST PERTH v South Fremantle AINSLIE DOWN NORTH SHORE HEAVILY Tasmania 10.10- 70 lished with the full co-operation and PERTH v Subiaco Played March 23 at VFL Park North Shore visited Canberra to play in a support of the New South Wales Australian challenge match against the ACT side Ain- Football League, with Kevin Taylor, the HOBART - T.F.L. - Saturday OTHER V.F.L. PRACTICE GAMES slie. NSWAFL Public Relations and Media Man being responsible as Editor. NORTH HOBART v Clarence Richmond 5.4 12.6 15.9 25.11-161 The Sydney side were defeated by the team GLENORCHY v Hobart Hawthorn 3.0 6.5 14.11 22.14-146 being coached this year by ex-St. Kilda Our aims are to promote and advertise the New Norfolk v SANDY BAY Played at Mildura, March 4 player Kevin 'Cowboy' Neale by 84 points Game in NSW and particularly the Sydney which must have seriously dampened the area to the level that it deserves, as the Sth Fremantle 3.5 7.10 12.14 18.9- 127 National Game. VICTORIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Collingwood 4.1 6.6 10.9 13.11- 89 early enthusiasm of new North coach, John Played in Perth, March 11 Pitura. Not only do we seek support from advertisers The VFA will kick off its 1978 season on ------Final Scores .;. but from people who have the Game at heart. Sunday, April 9 with the first games for Sth Melb 5.4 12.9 14.10 23.15-153 the Division 2. The First Division will We looking for news and notes from Geelong 3.3 5.4 12.9 14.12- 96 AINSLIE: 21.30 (156), NORTH: 11.6 (72) are start two weeks later on April 23. Played Saturday, March 18 every affiliated club, not only those of Details for North Shore: the NSWAFL, but from associated bodies Sunday, April 9 - Div 2 - Round 1 Co IIingwood 5.6 12.8 21.1025.12-162 throughout the State. Melbourne 3.4 7.11 10.15 12:28-100 Doran 3, Brown 3, Pitcher, Hessell, Bray. Sunshine v Waverley Frankston v Yarraville Played Saturday, March 18 In Brisbane on Easter Monday, Western Dis- We are also seeking the support of the Sydney Junior Australian Football Council Box Hill v Camberwell Hawthorn 5.3 12.7 15.7 19.13-127 tricts defeated Coorparoo to win the pre- season competition. as it is our intention to carry each week Oak leigh v Northcote Essendon 2.1 7.1 13.5 14.7- 91 every available final score from the junior Williamstown v Werribee Played Saturday, March 18 West. Dist 5.3 9.4 14.12 19.14-128 grades which is a vital foundation stone to Sunday, April 23 - Div 1 - Rnd 1 Richmond 6.0 11.1 15.1522.12-144 Coorparoo 4.3 5.6 8.8 8.10- 58 the future of our Game. Preston v Brunswick St. Ki Ida I.1 5.4 11.8 13.14- 92 In the Consolation Final in Brisbane - If you are willing to give your support to Played Saturday, March 18 Caulfield v Mordialloc Windsor-Zill 2.4 12.11 14.14 21.18-144 "AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD" then - Prahran v Geelong West please contact DAVID WATT on at Wilst-Grange 4.9 7.10 9.15 12.16- 88 439-6066 Port Melbourne v Sandringham the earliest possible time. Dandenong v Coburg Page 4 AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL WORLD Saturday, April 1, 1978 Page 5 NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DRAW FOR SEASON 1978 - FIRST DIVISION 1978 - BELIEVE MEl IT'S GONNA BE A VERY GOOD YEAR Sunday, April 2 - Round 1 Sunday, June 18 - Round 12 New coaches, new faces, new players and a great new feeling - that's North Shore v Southern Dis Nth Sydney East Sydney v North Shore Trumper Pk what the 1978 season promises and the "RULES REVOLUTION" gets under Newtown v Balmain Erskineville St George v Southern Dist Olds pk way this week-end. East Sydney v Western Subs Trumper Pk Newtown v Pennant Hills Erskineville Pennant Hills v St George Pennant Hills Balmain v Western Suburbs Jubilee Oval A major problem facing not only the NSWAFL but more particularly the Western Suburbs club is the fact that reconcliation hasn't been achi- Sunday, April 9 - Round 2 Sunday, June 25 - Round 13 eved and there will be no play on Picken Oval, home of the Westerners Balmain v North Shore Jubilee Oval North Shore v Newtown Nth Sydney for more than 20 years. Southern Dist v Newtown Rosedale Oval Southern Dist v East Sydney Rosedale Oval Western Subs v Pennant Hills Hacquarie Western Subs v St George Trumper Pk It's a big factor and dampens the prospects of many who see 1978 as a East Sydney v St George Trumper Pk Pennant Hills v Balmain Pennant Hills year of big progress in the game here in Sydney. Sunday, April 16 - Round 3 Sunday, July 2 - Round 14 Everyone on the Sydney Australian Football scene hopes that the Picken North Shore v Western Subs Trumper Pk North Shore v St George Nth Sydney Affair can be rectified, and resolved very soon: Pennant Hills v Southern D. Pennant Hills Balmain v Southern Dist Jubilee Oval The non-availability of Picken Oval has caused some worries to the Match Committee Newtown v East Sydney Erskineville Newtown v Western Suburbs Erskinel'ille and particularly to Ray Jamieson. Alternative arrangements have been made for all St George v Balmain Olds Pk East Sydney v Pennant Hills Trumper Pk the "home" games that Western Suburbs. would normally have played at Picken, outside Sunday, April 23 - Round 4 Saturday, July 8 - Round 15 of their very important licensed club. Pennant Hills v North Shore Trumper Pk North Shore v Southern Dist Trumper Pk The West will be seen at varying locations as far apart as Rosedale Oval to Macquarie Southern Dist v Western Sb - Rosedale OVal Newtown v Balmain Erskineville University Sportsfield, so be certain to check the draw for the locations each week. St George v Newtown Olds Pk Western Subs v East Sydney Rosedale Oval East Sydney v Balmain Hacquarie St George v Pennant Hills Olds Pk For the complete 1978 First Division draw please refer to the opposite page,S. Sunday, April 30 - Round 5 Sunday, July 9 North Shore v East Sydney Nth Sydney Sydney v A.C.T. Trumper Pk THE Southern Dist v St George Rosedale Oval Sunday, July 16 - Round 16 Pennant Hills v Newtown Trumper Pk Balmain v North Shore Jubilee Oval MOST SUGGESTED CHANGES SHELVED Balmain v Western Subs Jubilee Oval Southern Dist v Newtown Rosedale OVal Australian football's most coveted award was Sunday, May 7 - Round 6 Newtown v North Shore Erskineville Pennant Hills v Western Sb Pennant Hills under fire recently in Melbourne with many East Sydney v Southern Dist Trumper Pk East Sydney v St George Trumper Pk changes being suggested - amongst which was St George v Western Suburbs Olds Pk the proposal to drop the word 'fairest' as a Pennant Hills v Balmain Pennant Hills Sunday, July 23 - Round 17 North Shore v Western Subs Nth Sydney requirement and the institution of the word Sunday, May 14 - Round 7 v Trumper Pk "Champion" player. North Shore v St George Nth Sydney Southern Dist Pennant Hills Southern Districts v Balmain Trumper Pk East Sydney v Newtown Erskineville The most radial suggestions were shelved after Western Suburbs v Newtown Rosedale Oval St George v Balmain Olds Pk a recent VFL Directors meeting in mid-March, Pennant Hills v East Sydney Pennant HIs Sunday, July 30 - Round 18 however there are subtle alterations. Sunday, Ha~ 21 - Round 8 Southern D~st v Nth Shore Rosedale OVal Pennant Hills v North Shore Pennant Hills The League has still to decide whether suspended players will still be eligible for Balmain v Newtown Jubilee Oval Western Sub v Southern Dist Rosedale OVal the Award. East Sydney v Western Sub Trumper Pk Newtown v St George Trumper Pk St George v Pennant Hills Olds Pk The voting method will be changed. FOllowing the introduction of the two-umpire Balmain v East Sydney Jubilee OVal system into the Game, both umpires have awarded 3-2-1 each match, permitting a Saturda*, May 27 - Round 9 North S ore v Balma~n Nth Sydney Saturday, August 5 - Round 19 player to receive upwards of six votes in a game, in both the 1976 and 1977 seasons. Sunday, May 28 - Round 9 Western Suburbs v Balmain Rosedale OVal However, this season, the two umpires will confer after each game and arrive at only Newtown v Southern Dist Erskineville Sunday, August 6 - Round 19 one set of votes on the 3-2-1 basis. Western Sub v Pennant Hills Trumper Pk North Shore v East Sydney Nth Sydney St George v East Sydney Olds Pk St George v Southern Districts Olds Pk Vote counting will not take place on the Monday following the last home-and-away Pennant Hills v Newtown Trumper Pk game, but will be held over until the Monday night prior to the Grand Final. Sunday, June 4 - Round 10 North Shore v Western Subs Sunday, August 13 - Round 20 The VFL intend developi.ng the Grand Final week into one of Australia's major sport- Nth Sydney Pennant Hills v Southern Dist Newtown v North Shore Erskineville ing events and the Brownlow counting will be a prelude to the week's activities. Pennant East Sydney v Newtown Trumper Pk East Sydney v Southern Dist Trumper Pk Balmain v St George Jubilee OVal St George v Western Suburbs Olds Pk CLEARANCES: IAN STEWART was granted a clearance from South Melbourne to Carlton on Balmain v Pennant Hills Jubilee Oval March 16 in time to coach the Blues in the Amco-Herald Cup game. also Sunday, June 11 - Round 11 Sunday, August 20, Round 21 received his clearance from Perth to East Perth on March 13. This followed a WANFL Pennant Hills v Nth Shore Pennant Hills presidential plea after Cable lodged a Supreme Court action against the WANFL and St George v North Shore Trumper Pk Southern Dist v Western Sb Rosedale Oval Southern Districts v Balmain,Rosedale Oval the Perth club challenging the league's rules as being illegal and an unreasonable St. George v Newtown Erskineville Western Suburbs v Newtown Erskineville restraint of trade. The WANFL believes they averted a serious challenge to their East Sydney v Balmain Trumper Pk Pennant Hills v East Sydney Pennant Hills Constitution. There was no transfer fee invloved in the IAN STEWART matter. FINALS .TO BE PLAYED - August 27, September 3, 10, 17.