1987 SEASON
Western Suburbs First Grade 1987
Back Row: Kevin Montgomery (Trainer), Brett Clark, Alan Fallah, John Elias, Herb Smailes (Trainer), Jason Williams, Steve Sellwood (Sprint Coach)
Middle Row: Trevor Cogger, Phillip Duke, Alan Geelan, Hew Rees, Doug Rawlings, Mark the Magpie
Front Row: Peter Hargreaves (Selector), Scott Tronc, Denis Kinchela, Ian Schubert (Captain), Ian Freeman, John Bilbija, Steve Ghosn (Coach)
Ball Boys: Jonathon Smailes, Ryan Morris
The move to Campbelltown, necessary for financial reasons, did not bring about immediate success. In fact, it was the worst year in the club’s history, with all three grades coming last on the competition tables. Brett Clark, Bruce Clark and Ian Schubert all returned from England and were solid performers. Ian Schubert topped the points-scoring with 94 points. Michael Neil moved to Balmain and Wilfred Williams to St George. A significant debut was by youngster Scott Tronc. He was an immediate hit with fans with his strong running and hard hitting. Newcomer John Allanson demonstrated his lightning speed and was rewarded with 8 tries and selection in the City U21 team.
The joint Club Secretary Gordon Allen wrote in the Annual Report that there was a plan to put an emphasis on buying young players and nurturing them in a three-year plan. Buys for 1988 included Craig Teitzel, Jason Stafford, Dave Gallagher, Danny Peacock and Tim Perrin, all under 21 years of age.
Trevor Cogger passed a significant milestone of 200 games in all grades.