ROCS Footy Flashbacks No. 1
David Clancey’s Memories of the ROCS 1974 - 1994
David was the First A grade ROCFC Premiership Captain, Club President and Life Member (188 games)
1974 formation first recollections of a new club forming was a knock on the door from Michael Murphy seeking signatories to apply to the SAAFL for the club to change from CBOC's to ROCFC.
Other old scholars clubs, such as Sacred Heart and Old Ignatians were recently formed, consequently depleting the CBOC ranks. Michael Murphy was the first coach and Tom Kendall initial president. Fantastic dedication must have been necessary in these formative years, especially from people like Mick Lower -long suffering secretary of the club, Mick Abbot, Roger Wasley and many others. After match drinks took place at the Austral Hotel in Rundle St and a pub in Franklyn Street.
1974 FINALS saw the A grade beaten in the 2nd semi-final, winning the prelim final and losing the Grand Final to Sacred Heart at Kilburn Oval. On the same day, John Toole coached the B grade to the ROC’s first ever premiership amid wild jubilation that slightly distracted the A grade’s preparation. Not to mention the A grade coach getting knocked out in the first quarter!!
1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 were lacklustre years as far as where the A grade finished on the premiership ladders. Michael Murphy coached for a couple of those years, followed by Craig Peters, and Peter (George) McMahon. The A grade dropped back from A3 to A4 and wasn’t perfectly placed for a prosperous future.
Despite the lack of success on the field there were some great players both on and off the field – I recall some terrific moments playing alongside the 3 older Peter’s boys - Craig, Dean and Kym (to be joined later by Lee). Each of the four brothers had their unique style - Craig the high leaping amazingly talented ruckman - still the cleverest amateur league ruckman that I’ve seen!! Dean was incredibly strong and quite skilled as a ball palmer with a very strong team player focus. Kym was the most amazing player at being able to win free kicks almost every time he was tackled. Lee was also incredibly strong, and additionally a great mark and kick and deceptively quick for such a strong, big man. There was also the comfort of knowing that the four brothers would not only protect each other from any rough opponents, but they would also protect everybody else in the team.
Other great players from this era were Paul Bowler, Tony Sullivan, Peter Buberis, Mick Dodd, Tim Ryan, Greg Arnfield, Ray D’Allesandro, Peter Watts, Larry Spry, Michael Burke, and Paul Urban.
There were also some great memories off field with the club having a stint at the Kensington RSL hall – mostly under the management of Shane Cavanagh - who put in many tireless hours (sometimes til dawn). Who will forget the all-night billiard games, Dave Barnes’ magic cocktail night, the ‘lack of Talent Night’, Fancy Dress night, the “missing plaque “ episode, FA cup nights etc.
Many “best on ground “ performances were recorded by names such as Tim Guidera, Mark Bradbrook (as Arthur Dunger) Kym Peters (peeing on the fire) and even coach George McMahon - keeping a close eye on the players!! Memorable large functions were being held that would live forever in the minds on attendees. Who could forget the 500 Club nights in Rostrevor Hall, gaming night at Dick and Nola Jordans, and the Grog and Grot nights at Stanley St. Nth Adelaide!
1980 The first A grade premiership year began under a new coach -- Peter Vivian and I think this was about the time that the home-base moved to the Oriental Hotel Norwood.
Some great new players also joined the club about this time Peter Beltrame, Tony Franzon, Tim Jordan, Creagh O’Connor, John Hamra, Greg Basso, Mark Shadiac, Peter Girke, Greg Homes, Brian Clancey, Peter Gava, Andy Manson, Vic Messenger, Mark Gava and later Andrew Gava (plus the coaches sons - Simon and Michael Vivian), David Crouch and numerous others. Mick Deegan and Chris Thomas began fantastic on and off field careers around this era.
This was obviously a stellar year with the historic premiership against a traditional rival in Alberton United - who were the bookmaker’s favourite.
However, the terrific camaraderie that the team had built up during the year was to see them score narrow victories in the first semi- final against CBCOC, followed by St. Raphael’s in the preliminary, and then eventually a memorable match in the Grand Final. Trevor Basso was a great leader on the committee around this time.
1981 in A3 was also a good year, with the A grade finishing third. Peter Vivian continued as coach in 81 and 82, until Simon Fraser took over for a year in 1983, followed by Paul Shadiac in 1984, 85 and 86. Club drinking holes moved around a little with numerous enjoyable hours at the Norwood Hotel. Many exciting young players were joining the ranks – Michael O’Brien, Peter Slavinski, Jack Howard, Martin Burns, Pat Bowler, Stanley brothers, Dazza McCormack (later joined by brother Tim), Carl Ferraro, Richard Akkermans, Kenny brothers, Dick Curryer, Neil McCabe, Boots brothers, Joe Comito, Steve Shirley etc.
The Lance Riley drama caused the A grade to unfairly miss the 1985 finals, but they didn’t have to wait long for revenge in 1986, with an amazing turn-around from a 15 goal defeat by Old Scotch in the 2nd semi-final to a 10 point victory at Alberton Oval in the 1986 Grand Final.
The big function attracting the most attention during this era was the Buckland Park Games Night - aptly promoted prior to the night at Jordan’s Metropolitan Hotel.
Another history making event was the fitness camp at Hindmarsh Island; very notable performances from Steve Downes and Tony Kenny, with honourable mentions to Steve Baccanello and many others.
Additionally, Mark & Erica Shadiac created the first semi-professional club newsletter – later unearthing the infamous ROCs Roving Reporters!
1987, 88 and 89 saw John McInnes in the coaching spot. John had the honour of coaching the team for the first time ever in A1 grade. Michael DeConti was a star new recruit, being joined by Paul Thomas, Paul & Tony Cattrall and co.
It was probably around this time that the long association with the Bath Hotel really began. Once managed by Tony and ‘Rock’ Sullivan’s dad – Peter, the Franzon family took the financial level of support to new heights, with both Rita and Tony and the family really playing a major role in stabilising this sporting club.
The club prospered to such an extent that for many years we fielded 4 teams – the equal of any other amateur club at that time. Premierships during the 80’s were being enjoyed by B grade and C grade and most years saw 3 of the 4 teams participating in finals. Peter Buberis and Bren Bowler steered the committee along successful paths, including the ground-breaking introduction of the famous ROCs catering caravan.
1990 was the first time that the club appointed a non-Rostrevor ex-student as coach, in the form of Paul Belton - the Former SANFL star, who became the first playing coach since Craig Peters, although Simon Fraser did play one match during his coaching days (best on ground).
This Paul Belton era was another stellar period for the club with Champions such as Danny Deptula, the three Carey Brothers (Mick, Brian and David) Danny and Pat O’Driscol coming into the limelight. Together with John Rush, John Belton, Anthony Paech, Leigh Mosel, Mark Roberts and many other great players that helped launch the A grade to it’s most successful era.
An A grade premiership was well deserved in A2 in 1991
David Clancey
First A grade ROCFC Premiership Captain,
Club President and Life Member (188 games)
