Photos (Top to Bottom): 1-10 are pages from the program; Eric Young (left), once of Manchester United, and Peter Brine, once of Middlesbrough, were the joint coaches at Juventus; Bruce Pears (left) and Sergio Pace; Bruce Ward, the ace marksman of the time [Program courtesy of Rodney Tattam; Photos by PlessPix]
It’s time to look at the past again.
“Oh, no!” I can hear some of you saying.
But, I just cannot help it. I'm a history buff.
Football was of a high standard, indeed. One could argue that teams today are fitter. But, in terms of skill and team-work, the teams of the 1980s were , I think, superior to those of today.
There is an element of nostalgia about these pieces, of course, but there is more to it than that. Some of you play for Tilford Zebras and Olympia Warriors now, so it’s a little history lesson for you, designed to show you what great clubs you represent.
I also hope to show readers that the game was well organised in the 1980s. The Juventus-Pioneer program shown above is dated Saturday, 8 May 1982, and was produced for the game against Olympia.
This was one of the biggest games in the football calendar as Juventus and Olympia had a traditional rivalry stretching back to the early 1960s.
It’s perplexing that in this day of the computer, clubs rarely produce a match program for spectators.
It was much harder to do this in the 1980s, and earlier, than it is today. So, why aren’t spectators given this courtesy today?
South Hobart, to their credit (and because of the work of Moreeta Pennicott and others) produced a program for Sunday’s game against South Melbourne Hellas. It can be done, and it is very handy for spectators and, particularly for the media.
Nick Lapolla gets a mention in this Juventus program of almost 30 years ago, as does Luciano Fabrizio, one of our best football exports.
Women’s soccer also gets a mention, as does some Serie A news.
The advertisements are worth a look, too. How many of these businesses still exist?
A look at the line-ups for this match is a real lesson in Tasmanian football history.
Just look at the Juventus line-up: Craig Jones, Sean Collins, Leon Darko, Eric Young, Nick Di Martino, Peter Brine, Darren Bacon, bruce Ward, Sergio Pace, Steve Brown, Robert Kent, Steve Parodi, John Genovesi, Martin Harrison, Bruce Pears and Malcolm Minty.
And, the Olympia team was: Robert Harrison, John Paplos, Peter Vafakos, Darby Conlan, Peter Linnell, Brian McKay, Tom Wright, Ron Bolton, Peter Sherman, Perry Forster, Craig Nicholls, Roger Munro, Marco Genaris, Mike Edwards and Tony Tarros.
Some of these people are still about today and active in the game as coaches or administrators. A few have sons playing the game at the top level.
I cannot emphasise enough the quality of these two teams. I think they would beat any side today in Tasmania.
Some readers may dispute this, while some won’t care.
One must not dwell too much on the past. One should, instead, look to the future. There are more opportunities today, but we must seize them.
I trust that this piece engenders some discussion in the comments section of this blog, and rekindles some pleasant memories for those who were there.
13 comments:
Yes Walter the programmes were great on Sunday...i was only young then..however i rememberBruce Pears continually getting the ball off the goalkeeper inside the box and playing out from the back...however those were the days you could pass it back to the goalkeeper and he could pick it up...oh and another thing the grandstand and changerooms at KGV have not changed a bit...what a disgrace why dont they make 2 large changerooms and do something about those disgusting showers and toilets!!
Great article Walter. I love reading this old stuff. As a player who has only recently finished up with one of these clubs, I was always reminded of their proud history and what a great honour it was to pull on the shirt and represent such a proud and distinguished club. I for one love these 'trips' back down memory lane. I just wish that some of these youngsters of today realise that just turning up each weekend is not enough. You need to realise that the club you turn up to play for has a proud and rich history that you need to fight and honour by showing your commitment to the club, supporters coach and committee. Looking back at those two teams, I would have given anything to have been able to play in that game. And I would even agree with in saying that for sheer grit, spirit and sportsmanship any of these two teams could beat any of our current teams. Bring back the passion and hunger I say. Nothing like leaving everything on the field and then having a beer with your opposition after the game. I remember nearly coming to blows with an opponent in a game but after the game, we shook hands and I gave him a lift home cause we were flat mates. Now that's spirit!
I think this rivalry still exists but not as passionately. Both these teams had huge rivalry with Croatia and these were always the games to watch. Sadly and I know this isn't correct in this day and age but the ethnic background was what made these teams and games exciting. We have only seen Olympia in recent times revert back to their original name that they were so was forced to change by Soccer Australia as they were known back then and as were many of the other ethnic clubs. I say by consensus and discrimination against these clubs they should rightfully be reverted back to their original names.
Is Peter Sherman the father of Tom and James?
If so I'm suprised I don't see him at any fixtures.
What a player he was.
Anonymous 12.43am, no he isn't.
Great read Walter!
My old man is listed in this. Not short of confidence I remember him a while back telling me that there wasn't a player in the entire league that would've got a game with Juve in the 1970's.
He then proceeded to point each player out, from memory he talked about an ex Blackburn player, ex Rangers player etc etc and a few Australian reps.
He also said he was offered 2 grand to play for launny City which would equate to quite a bit relative to today when taking into account CPI.
Walter, what has happened since those days?
Am I right in assuming that Ronnie Bolton is the only player from that program still pulling on the boots on a reguklar basis?
Peter Shermans Son is Justin Sherman who is playing AFL with the Western bulldogs after 6 years with the lions.
Walter it's good to look back as it brings back some great memories and I often wonder why so few of these players never stayed in the game as coaches or to help out in some capacity .Having been invloved in Football here for the past 36 years I have watched the growth in the game as far as player numbers is concerned and it has been fantastic , especially with the female side of the game. It is sad that so many players hang up the boots and walk away.I dont like to compare eras but as you rightly point out there were a lot of quality players about back then and how good could it be if more had stayed in the game.Just for the record Michael Edwards from that match is still pulling on the boots as well. Keep the old stories going Walter , and remember it's Football....
Yes I could imagine trying to get past John Paplos on the wing and having a frightfully frustrating day. Loads of skill out there though. craig nichols, ronnie bolton and the marksmanship of sergio pace. Pace reminds me of a georgio samaras ronnie would know all about sammy
I think if you created an over 35s and an over 45s competition you may see some of the old codgers back in the game.Dunno if you'd get the numbers though.
Walter, thanks for bring back some very fond memories. I remember this game like it was yesterday, a little longer in the tooth, but some great times.
I was lucky enough to play in a youth team at Juventus with the likes of Luciano Fabrizio, a very skillful player, his brother Romeo, Bruce Pears, young Franky G coached by Franco the talior.
Leon Darko played for Metro as well
This club would do anything for their members back then bend over backwards, an honour to be associated with that era.
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