1982 SEASON
Western Suburbs First Grade 1982
Back Row: John Cochrane (Asst. Secretary), Frank Fletcher (Trainer), Terry Fearnley (Coach). John Healy (Conditioner), Dr Bob McInerney
Middle Row: Jim Leis, John Donnelly, Stephen Broughton, Tom Arber, Paul Merlo, Alan Neil
Front Row: Terry Lamb, George Moroko, Ted Goodwin, Warren Boland, Wayne Smith, Greg Cox, Arthur Mountier
1982 was a relatively successful season. Wests made the semi-finals but went down to Eastern Suburbs 11-7, after being down 11-0 and charging home. They had their chances to win but clean breaks late in the match resulted in dropped passes and the chance gone. Steve Broughton (third on the try list with 17) had come from nowhere to be regarded as one of the best wingers in the competition.
An important player gain had been Arthur Mountier, from Souths, who filled a big gap in the hooking ranks. Debuts from Brett Gale and David Greene also aided the improved performance. The financial storm clouds were forming however, and the loss of Garry Jack and Trevor Ryan to Balmain, John Ribot to Manly, John McLeod to Canberra and Ian Schubert to Eastern Suburbs was only the start of a player exodus as Wests couldn’t match other clubs’ offers.
Warrior Arthur Mountier who played on with his nose broken many times
The club was rocked early in the season when Bob Cooper was sent off for kneeing in a Reserve Grade match against Illawarra and received an unbelievable 18-month suspension. It was yet another blow to a struggling club.
Paul Merlo – One of the best players of the season