1963 State team

[FattyLumpkin]

Could have this side been better? Or, who was injured/suspended/ or plain unlucky!

F R.Oatey (Nwd) N.Hawke (WT) H.Kernahan (Gl)
HF B.Sawley (Nwd) I.Hannaford (PA) L.Head (WT)
C B.Barbary (NA) J.Halbert (St) J.Cahill (PA)
HB K.Eustice (WA) J.Bray (WA) G.Motley (PA)
B F.Bills (WT) R.Hammond (NA) R.Shearman (WT)
1R K.A.Wedding (Nwd) D.N.Kerley (WA) J.Potter (PA)
Res D.Lindner (NA) R.Day (WA)
Emg R.Benton (WA)

[Adelaide Hawk]

I know Ron Kneebone missed due to suspension, but I've never really considered who else could have played. I'll have ot give that some thought I know it was one of Kneebone's few regrets in footy that he missed that match.

[Magpiespower]

I.Hannaford (PA)

How he missed out on a guernsey in Port's greatest team is beyond me...

[Leaping Lindner]

Interesting point re the bench. Lindner got a run a kicked a couple of vital goals but poor old Robert Day sat on the pine all day.

[Psyber]

I.Hannaford (PA)

How he missed out on a guernsey in Port's greatest team is beyond me...

Yes that's true - I saw him play.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I.Hannaford (PA)

How he missed out on a guernsey in Port's greatest team is beyond me...

Had he not retired at 25, he may well have.

[Leaping Lindner]

According to The Pash Papers he played 123 games and kicked 108 goals between 1958 and 1964

[Psyber]

I.Hannaford (PA)

How he missed out on a guernsey in Port's greatest team is beyond me...

Had he not retired at 25, he may well have.

From memory I think he had some chronic injury - perhaps his ankles from memory - and that made the decision for him.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I.Hannaford (PA)

How he missed out on a guernsey in Port's greatest team is beyond me...

Had he not retired at 25, he may well have.

From memory I think he had some chronic injury - perhaps his ankles from memory - and that made the decision for him.

He retired to devote his time to architectural studies.

[Magpiespower]

According to The Pash Papers he played 123 games and kicked 108 goals between 1958 and 1964

And played something silly like 17 state games!

[Adelaide Hawk]

According to The Pash Papers he played 123 games and kicked 108 goals between 1958 and 1964

And played something silly like 17 state games!

Yes he did. Although I saw the 1964 GF, I don't really remember Ian Hannaford because I was too young to take it all in, but that was his last game, and I feel as though I missed out of something.

Apparently he could hold down 1st ruck, or CHF ... or both!!! It takes a special talent to be as proficient in both of those specialist roles as they were then.

Looking at pictures of him, he had the ideal build for a footballer. Maybe Port's lack of premiership success in Grand Finals from 1966 to 1972 could be partly attributed to Hannaford's early retirement? Just a thought.

[Magpiespower]

Fos Williams had the highest regard for Hannaford.

Pretty sure he won Port's 'Best Finals Player' a few times during his career.

In any event, a brief but brilliant career...

[FattyLumpkin]

Every time I look at this team I see the 9 guys from West Adelaide or West Torrens. Apart from '83, the western suburbs have been the poor cousins as long as I can remember (say '66 onwards).

Toss in the 4 from Port - pretty well 2/3 the side come from the 3 teams.

Was this "strength" of western suburb teams a reason for the inclusion of Woodville?? And speaking of Woodville - just how close would have Simmunsen been to making this team?

[Adelaide Hawk]

And speaking of Woodville - just how close would have Simunsen been to making this team?

Very unlikely they would have picked a player from the Reserves competition to play for the state.

[Psyber]

And speaking of Woodville - just how close would have Simunsen been to making this team?

Very unlikely they would have picked a player from the Reserves competition to play for the state.

True. He was a good player though.
In a staff/student match at Woodville High he cleaned up then Westies centreman and SA state wingman Ian Gates who was on the staff at the time..

[MagareyLegend]

and how serious do we think Ian Gates would have been taking that game?

[Psyber]

and how serious do we think Ian Gates would have been taking that game?

Dunno for sure - there was a lot of pressure on him from the other staff, who had high expectations. I think he took it lightly at first then got serious when he got beaten for the ball a couple of times from what I recall of watching, and still got beaten. Bruce Nyland played one wing for the student team too.

[McAlmanac]

Bruce Nyland played one wing for the student team too.

He went on to teach at Findon High.

[Psyber]

Bruce Nyland played one wing for the student team too.

He went on to teach at Findon High.

He didn't move far then - student at Woodville - teacher at Findon.

[Leaping Lindner]

And speaking of Woodville - just how close would have Simunsen been to making this team?

Very unlikely they would have picked a player from the Reserves competition to play for the state.

I'm pretty sure he played State Football when he was still in the seconds. I'll have to double check that. I'm certain he made the State Squad prior to 1964.