1973 SEASON
Western Suburbs First Grade – Pre-Season 1973
Back Row: Robbie Parker, Stephen Knight, John Heyward, Russell Mullins, Jim Cody, Tony Ford, Jim Murphy
Front Row: John Sheridan, Reg Hatton, Tom Raudonikis (Captain), Ted Walton, Shane Day, Alan Ashmore
Front with Ball: Don Parish (Coach)
1973 was the Annus Horribilis of injuries. Significant gains in Shane Day from Souths, Ted Walton from St George and particularly Jim Murphy from Queensland seemed to compensate for the loss of Don Rogers to Canterbury and Steve Winter to North Sydney. There were also a significant debut by Robbie Parker (ex-Manly RU) to form a formidable centre combination with Stephen Knight.
However, Wests lost John Elford and John O’Bryan in the pre-season and Jim Murphy broke his jaw in the first game of the season. In fact, they lost John Elford, Ted Walton and Russell Johnstone for the season and John O’Bryan, Jim Murphy, John Baker, Jim Cody, John Sheridan, John Heyward and Russell Mullins for lengthy periods. It was the worst season for injuries in Wests’ history. Not surprisingly, they only won seven out of 22 games.
Dynamic Winger Russell Mullins in full flight, yet another player injured during the season.
At least there was a very promising nursery of up-and-coming Juniors. Names included: Jamie Myers, Nick Moroko, Mick Liubinskas, Steve Rigney, John Purcell, Terry McGarry, Ron Giteau and Trevor Reardon, all future First-Graders.
Barry Bryant wraps up Bob Fulton
Tom Raudonikis fulfilled a life-long dream and was selected in the 1973 Kangaroo Touring team to Great Britain and France.
Garry Russell was given Life Membership along with Dr Robert McInerney, the Honorary Medical Officer, who had given yeoman service to the Club.
Garry Russell new Life Member and Coach Don Parish
1973 Jersey Flegg team
Back Row: H O’Brien (Asst. Sec.), S Coghlan (Sec.), G Ashkar, A Badman, M Staines, D Beger (Coach), A De Courcey, L Delpech, N Rogers, (Manager), G Frederick (Selector)
Centre Row: G Purtell, K Hey, P Fitzwalter, N Bennett (Captain), K Cowley, B McDonald, G Gardner
Front Row: M Bayfield, R Eisenhuth, G Rogers (Ball Boy), P Beger (Ball Boy), J Armstrong, G Moroko
Absent: S Popovic, C Linnett, N Clinch, D Anderson, H Burns (President) W Roberts (Treasurer)