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1969 SEASON


Western Suburbs First Grade 1969
Back Row: Roy Ferguson, Tony Ford, Rod Smith, Doug Walkaden, Barry Bryant, Dick Pickett, Mick Alchin, Mr Bill Beaver (Secretary)
Front Row: Barry Glasgow, Tom Raudonikis, John Maxwell, Noel Kelly (Captain/Coach), John Baker, Ken Stonestreet

After playing well in the Pre-season, winning their first five matches, the season looked bright, but a mid-season slump cruelled their chances and although they won their last five matches, they could only finish fifth.

Barry Glasgow was the leading points-scorer with 109, while John Maxwell scored the most tries; six. Ken Stonestreet (also the club’s ‘Best and Fairest’) represented NSW v Qld, while Barry Bryant made the City Seconds team.

The season was significant, however, for the debut of Tommy Raudonikis. After being recommended by Arthur Summons and playing only two Reserve Grade games, he was promoted to Firsts and stayed there for 202 games. He debuted on the 17th of July at Lidcombe Oval against St George. Although Wests went down 11-22, Raudonikis more than held his own against the formidable Billy Smith. As noted in the Sunday Telegraph, “Wests also had a newcomer of great promise, five-eighth Tom Raudonikis. Raudonikis, 19, showed a temperament and ability above the ordinary.” They weren’t wrong!


Highlight of the Season – the debut of future Kangaroo and legend, Tom Raudonikis

 

Western Suburbs DRLFC Reserve Grade 1969
Back: Dudley Beger (Secretary), Dick Pickett, Wayne James, Dennis Green, John Fisher, Frank Tagg, Garry Biggam, Barry Bryant, Doug Walkaden, Bill Owens (Coach)
Front: Rod Smith, Don Rogers, Ron Sparrow, Ted McCabe, Geoff Henry

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