Graham Smith, the former Rangers, Hobart Juventus, Launceston United, Northern Suburbs Caledonians and University player, passed away in Hobart last week after a long period of illness aged 86.
Smith, who was from the UK, became a University stalwart and played in the club’s social teams for many a year aged in his 60s.
A fitness fanatic, Smith also played Rugby, which probably explains his fearless efforts on the football field and his reputation as a hard man who took no prisoners.
A teacher by profession, Smith moved to the north and north-west of Tasmania in his career and played for the very successful Launceston United team of the mid to late 1960s.
He was a team-mate of Jim Witheford, who was also a teacher and helped form the Launceston Matric club. Witheford was also the soccer reporter for The Examiner for many years.
Smith was in the notable Launceston United team that competed as Tasmania’s representative in the 1967 Australia Cup competition.
Launceston United beat Olympia 1-0 in terrible ground conditions at White City in Launceston to qualify for the Australian Cup, where they were drawn against Melbourne Hungaria in Melbourne.
Olympia tried to have the result at White City annulled and wanted a replay, but they were unsuccessful.
They were so embarrassed by the defeat that they offered Launceston United $500 as a prize in a replay in Hobart, in a game that was to be merely a friendly and would not affect United’s place in the Australia Cup.
Launceston United declined, citing fixture congestion as the reason.
Smith, who normally played at inside-right, was used at right-half against Melbourne Hungaria.
Launceston United put up a brave fight and lost 2-1, but they received a standing ovation from the Victorian crowd for their display.
Olympia (twice) and Rapid had been Tasmania’s representatives in the three years prior to the 1967 competition.
At first, it looked as if the 1967 competition would be abandoned as the Victorian and New South Wales federations were not happy with the inclusion of such light weights as teams from Tasmania. Their member clubs put up such a fuss, however, that they had to change tack and the competition went ahead.
Launceston United also qualified for the 1968 Australia Cup and were eliminated after losing 1-0 to Melbourne Hakoah in Melbourne.
The current FFA Cup has reverted to being called the Australia Cup from next season, so what’s new under the sun?
Launceston United now compete in the second tier of Tasmanian football (in the Northern League), but their women’s team did remarkably well in 2021 as newcomers to the Women’s Super League state-wide competition.
With Graham Smith a leading light, Launceston United were a wonderful and powerful side in the mid to late 60s and prided themselves on being an amateur club. They certainly taught some of the semi-professional clubs a thing or two.
Smith returned to the south of Tasmania and was appointed captain/coach of top-flight club Northern Suburbs Caledonians in 1970.
He was the 'enforcer' in the Calies team that won the 1973 State Knock-Out Cup with a 3-1 win over George Town. Roy Chadwick was the coach at that time.
Injury limited his appearances at times and he eventually joined University in the mid-1970s, where he played and coached for many years.
He was made a Life Member of University in 2003.
He was a lecturer and tutor in political science at the University of Tasmania for many years until his retirement.
He still attended games occasionally until even last year.
2 comments:
Graham was an ever present during my time at Uni a terrific person and a great guy to have on your sideline.
He must have been horrified by our 10 nil loss in the 90 mins that unfolded after that photo - It would never have happened on his watch.
Vale - Graham, our club will miss you.
A true gentleman and family friend. A great mate of my dad Peter Calcraft. Thoughts and wishes to all the family
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