1974 SEASON

Western Suburbs First Grade 1974
Back Row: Shane Day, Graeme O’Grady, John Purcell, Geoff Foster, Tom Raudonikis (Captain), Don Parish (Coach), Robbie Parker, Warren Snodgrass, John Heyward, John Dorahy
Sitting: Stephen Knight, Steve Satterly, Russell Mullins, Pat Hundy, John Elford, Brian Isbester
In Front: Russell Worth, Mick Liubinskas

1974 was the best year in a decade for Wests. It was a dramatic turnaround from the Wooden Spoon years. Wests made a late-season charge and won two semi-finals against Souths and Manly before going down to Eastern Suburbs in the final, 25-2. It was even more remarkable because there was, once again, a mid-season injury toll to players such as Jim Murphy, Shane Day, John O’Bryan, John Heyward, Dave Oliveri and Robbie Parker. The young replacements, however, stepped up and Wests became the exciting young team to watch.

Mick Liubinskas, one of the many exciting Juniors who made the transition to First Grade

The injection of John Dorahy, Dave Oliveri and Russell Worth certainly helped but the rise of the Juniors from the previous year to First Grade level was the determining factor. A young Graeme O’Grady, for instance, played six First Grade games.

Hooker John Purcell lends a hand in a typical 1974 tackle.

John Dorahy was the Wests’ leading points-scorer with 163, while Russell Mullins scored 15 tries. Don Parish was voted the Coach of the Year. Tom Raudonikis joined other Wests’ Legends, Frank McMillan, Colin Maxwell and Arthur Summons in captaining Australia (Ashes-deciding Test against Great Britain).

Coach of the Year Don Parish in his playing days