Grants Braes AFC: 1970 Highlights

Junior Team Expansion

In the 1970 season, Grants Braes AFC fielded an impressive four junior teams—one in each of the 8th and 9th Grades, and two in the 10th Grade, marking the first instance of an 'A' team being listed. The standout performance came from the 9th Grade Section 2 side, which finished second in their league.

Senior Team Success

The club entered two senior teams in the local leagues: a Second Grade 'A' team and a Third Grade side.

Second Grade 'A' Performance

  • Games Played: 12
  • Wins: 12
  • Draws: 0
  • Losses: 0
  • Goals For: 103
  • Goals Against: 18
  • Points: 24

The Second Grade 'A' team had a remarkable season, winning the league by 6 points ahead of Kings High.

Third Grade Performance

  • Games Played: 12
  • Wins: 8
  • Draws: 1
  • Losses: 3
  • Goals For: 42
  • Goals Against: 22
  • Points: 17

The Third Grade team finished second in their table, with Roslyn Wakari taking the lead with 21 points.

Star Players

Paul Robertson emerged as a key player for the Second Grade 'A' team, scoring an astounding 57 goals—over half the team’s total goals for the season.

From the junior ranks, standout players included:

  • 8th Grade: Martin Keane
  • 9th Grade: (Not specified)
  • 10th Grade A: Murray Cliffe and Phillip Eaton
  • 10th Grade B: Stephen Major and Leslie Smith

Training Concerns

The club notes from 1970 also highlighted a concerning lack of training across all junior sides, an issue the club recognized and aimed to address. The cause of this training gap was not specified, marking it as the first mention of such a challenge.

Financial Standing

By the end of 1970, Grants Braes AFC's finances stood at $284.75, with an audit conducted by R. M. Hill, reflecting the club's commitment to financial transparency.

Overall, 1970 was a pivotal year for Grants Braes AFC, characterized by outstanding performances on the pitch, the emergence of standout players, and a proactive approach to addressing challenges within the club.

Grants Braes AFC: 1971 Highlights

New Home Ground

In April 1971, Grants Braes AFC was granted permission to adopt the new Bayfield ground as its home ground. Arrangements were also made with Carisbrook Cricket Club to gain access to their clubrooms during the football season, marking a significant step in establishing a dedicated home for the club.

Honoring Contributions

In recognition of his contributions to fostering the sport of association football in the Waverley district, Grants Braes AFC was awarded a cup in honor of John Patterson. This trophy is still displayed in the clubrooms today and has since been replaced with the John Patterson Founders Shield, symbolizing the enduring legacy of his efforts.

On-Field Performance

In 1971, Grants Braes AFC fielded three junior teams, competing in the 7th, 8th, and 10th Grades. The top-performing team was the 9th Grade side, which finished second in their section.

For the seniors, the club entered the Fletcher Cup for the first time, along with a 3rd Grade team, reflecting its growing competitive spirit and ambition.

Financial Success

1971 was financially strong for Grants Braes AFC, with the club's accounts showing a balance of $534.94, indicating effective management and growth.

Community Loss

Tragedy struck again for Grants Braes AFC with the untimely passing of Mr. Charles McCurdy, one of the club's most ardent supporters. His loss was felt deeply by the club and its members, highlighting the close-knit community that Grants Braes fostered.

Overall, 1971 was a year of progress and recognition for Grants Braes AFC, marked by new opportunities on the field and a commitment to honoring the contributions of its supporters.

Grants Braes AFC: 1972 Highlights

On-Field Participation

In 1972, Grants Braes AFC entered three junior teams, competing in the 8th Grade, 10th A, and 10th B Grades. The standout performance came from the 8th Grade side, which finished second in their competition under the guidance of coach Mr. Les Carrick, who was also a member of the 1972 committee.

Senior Team Engagement

The senior teams once again participated in the Fletcher Cup and the Third Grade competition. Unfortunately, specific results from these competitions are not available.

Leadership Changes

During the 1972 season, Mr. Alan Richards had to resign from his role as Treasurer—the only one the club had known up to that point—due to health reasons. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was nominated as the club's first Life Member, with the nomination set to be voted on at the next AGM, highlighting the club's appreciation for his contributions.

Financial Standing

By the end of 1972, Grants Braes AFC's financial position was strong, with a balance of $658.46, reflecting continued effective management and growth.

Overall, 1972 was a year of notable achievements and transitions for Grants Braes AFC, with commendable performances on the pitch and significant recognition for dedicated club members. 

Grants Braes AFC: 1973 Highlights

On-Field Success

In 1973, Grants Braes AFC fielded four junior teams: one each in the 8th Grade, 9th Grade, and two in the 10th Grade. The standout performers were the 9th Grade side, which finished second in their section.

The senior teams participated in the Fletcher Cup and the Third Grade. The Fletcher Cup side achieved a remarkable feat by winning their grade, securing the club's first senior trophy under the coaching of Mr. I. Porter. The team list for the Fletcher Cup included:

  • J Sinclair
  • K Murray
  • W Richards
  • M Hall
  • K Judd
  • L Hall
  • D Salter
  • R Hodson
  • P McDonnell
  • P Robertson
  • B Hall
  • D Thomas

Despite their success, the home pitch at Bayfield was frequently unplayable due to wet conditions throughout the season.

Financial Standing

Grants Braes AFC ended the year with a strong financial position, boasting $832.28 in their account.

Grants Braes AFC: 1974 Highlights

Another Trophy Triumph

On September 25, 1974, Grants Braes AFC celebrated further success by winning the Chinese Charity Shield, defeating Kings High 2-1 at the Caledonian Ground. This added another trophy to the club's growing collection.

Junior Team Performance

The junior club continued to thrive, fielding teams in the 8th, 9th, and two 10th Grades. The highlights included Richard Thompson's 9th Grade side, which won their section, while Les Carrick's 10th Grade side finished second. David Thomas’s 10th Grade team secured 4th place.

Senior team engagement 

In the senior ranks, Grants Braes entered both the Fletcher Cup and the Third Grade, with the Fletcher Cup side finishing second in their competition.

Humorous Anecdotes

Harry Kerr, a sportswriter for the Otago Daily Times, humorously suggested that Grants Braes teams drawn to play at Bayfield should consult a tide timetable, hinting at ongoing challenges with the reclaimed ground. An amusing incident occurred during a match against the School of Physical Education when the game was abandoned after a ball was kicked into the inlet and did not return until later in the day. Because neither team complied with the rules regarding ball provision, the points were awarded to the School of Physical Education, despite trailing  Grants Braes at the time.

Coaching Changes

Mr. I. Porter, who had coached the Fletcher Cup side and helped develop a strong team, announced his retirement at the end of the 1974 season, marking the end of a significant era for the club.

Financial Growth

​​​​​​​By the end of 1974, Grants Braes AFC’s finances reflected continued growth, with a balance of $949.38 in their account.

Overall, 1974 was another successful year for Grants Braes AFC, highlighted by trophy wins, robust performances across teams, and memorable anecdotes that added character to the club’s history.

Grants Braes AFC: 1975 Highlights

Promotion to the Second Tier

In a significant development, the Grants Braes AFC committee decided to accept an offer to join the Second Tier Broadlands Qualifying Competition, just one tier below National League Football. This move marked a major step up in competition quality for a team primarily composed of players who had progressed through the club's junior ranks.

New Leadership

Mr. George Little was appointed as the coach for the newly promoted side, bringing fresh leadership as they navigated this new challenge.

First Victory

Grants Braes AFC secured their first victory of the season on April 26, 1975, defeating Technical 2-1, with goals from Bill Richards and Murray Hall. Notably, Murray scored from a tight angle, showcasing the team's determination and skill.

Season Performance

By the end of the 1975 season, Grants Braes AFC finished 5th equal with Dunedin City, achieving a commendable 10 wins throughout the campaign. This performance demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level.

Facility Improvements

Another highlight of the season was the application for funds to assist with the installation of showers in the Bayfield Park Pavilion, reflecting the club's commitment to improving facilities for players and members.

Junior Teams Expansion

In 1975, Grants Braes AFC fielded a record six junior teams, the most in the club's 14-year history. The teams and their coaches included:

  • 11th Grade: Mr. Gillan
  • 10th Grade: Mr. Thompson
  • 9th B Grade: Mr. Tisivaris
  • 9th A Grade: Mr. Carrick
  • 8th Grade: Mr. Paterson
  • 7th Grade: Mr. Hodson

All junior teams performed well throughout the season, contributing to the club's overall success.

Affordability and Safety

Junior subscriptions were set at $2.50 per boy, with a maximum of $5 per family, making participation accessible for many families. Additionally, Grants Braes AFC offered insurance for parents who transported boys to games, a major attraction for parents and an indication of the club's commitment to safety and community involvement.

Overall, 1975 was a landmark year for Grants Braes AFC, characterized by promotion, strong performances across teams, and a focus on community and safety, setting a positive tone for the future.


Grants Braes AFC: 1977 AGM Report

The 1977 season presented challenges for Grants Braes AFC, particularly in the Southern League, where the club finished third from the bottom and faced relegation to the Fletcher Cup division. While this setback was disappointing, it also presented an opportunity to foster team unity, as the gap in performance highlighted the need for closer collaboration among players.

Team Dynamics and Challenges

The main issue affecting the team's performance was not a lack of talent, but rather the commitment of players. Many athletes chose to prioritize their second sports, often leaving the team short-handed on Saturdays. Despite this, the latter part of the season saw improved results as the team began to find its rhythm, particularly with players returning from the second grade.

Second Grade Performance

The second-grade team, led by Gordon Scott, had moments of promise but struggled with consistency due to the frequent absence of key players. The B team often faced shortages, making it difficult to maintain competitiveness throughout the season. The transfer of captain Dick Thomas to Wellington was a significant loss.

Third Grade Highlights

Stuart Collins’ third-grade team showcased some outstanding football, earning a reputation as one of the most organized teams within the club. Their consistent performance was commendable, although the identities of some key contributors remained undisclosed.

Financial Stability

The club’s finances remained sound, yet there was a pressing need for improved subscription management. Players who did not pay their dues were ineligible to vote or participate in the upcoming season. The club prioritized acquiring quality gear, and new shirts and shorts were slated for the second grade.

Facility Concerns

Bayfield Park continued to require attention from the reserves department. The ground had gone unmaintained for extended periods, and essential repairs were needed. Vandalism during the offseason resulted in damage to the showers, necessitating significant effort to restore them.

Junior Success

On a positive note, the junior teams had a successful season, with three teams either winning or finishing near the top of their respective leagues. Les Carrick was instrumental in the smooth operation of the junior section, with dedicated support from parents like Mrs. Mullen, Mr. Wright, Mr. Ripples, and Greg Taylor. Alan Gadd stood out as the only senior member to take on a junior team.

A Call for Clubroom Facilities

A pressing need identified during the AGM was the establishment of a new clubroom where members could relax after matches. The committee was committed to exploring options to make this vision a reality.

Acknowledgments

​​​​​​​The report concluded with gratitude to the referees, the Otago Football Association, and all those who contributed to the club during the 1977 season. The collective efforts of players, parents, and supporters were recognized as vital to the club’s resilience and ongoing development.