THIS weekend marks the 35 and 25-year anniversary for the Grafton Redmen first grade 1988 and 1998 premiership winning teams.
After winning the major semi- final against Coffs Harbour 21-4, the Redmen 1988 side again proved too strong against Coffs in the grand final with a hard-fought 15-9 victory.
In contrast, the 1998 side went into the decider as underdogs and came out the other side holding up the silverware in an epic contest in front of a parochial Port Macquarie Pirates crowd.
Both sides were blessed with match-winners, workhorses and players who played above their weight. Representing their Club on the big stage took not only mental toughness but the ability to perform under stress in a do-or-die situation.
So, let’s look at the 1988 side, coached by Paul McLennan, who masterminded their victory against a Coffs Harbour side oozing with talent.
On paper, Coffs fashioned a formidable side with the likes of NSW backs Chris Callow and Dwyane Vignes. Grafton also had their fair share of quality players, five-eighth Peter Tonkin, lock James O’Donohue and former Gordon first-grade fullback Steve Ison to name a few.
Up front, Grafton boasted an imposing front-row with props Don Darke and man-mountain Michael Brookes laying a strong platform. Throw in pocket-dynamo and fitness fanatic Mick Melino at hooker, and it’s no wonder the Redmen were dominant at the set pieces.
In contrast, no one gave the Grafton 1998 side a chance against a star-studded Port Macquarie outfit. After being thumped by Port leading up to the grand final, a cocky Pirates side went into the game as short-priced favourites.
A young up and coming schoolboy representative Xavier Sullivan proved to be Grafton’s trump card on the day. Sullivan was almost unstoppable close to the Pirates’ try line scoring three tries in a match-winning performance.
Dave Clay, a noted harsh taskmaster and innovative coach, kept his cards close to his chest leading up the decider. Grafton ambushed the competition favourites with Sullivan, former Inverell scrum half Collis Berryman and centres Chris Dougherty and Steve Hackett leading the way.
It begs the question, how would these to champion sides match up head-to-head?
It’s a subjective exercise designed to provoke thought, debate and no doubt some controversy.
It’s almost impossible to compare two sides who played 10-years apart. Different laws, playing styles and coaching methods evolve over years.
Comparing teams from different eras always has its pitfalls. However, ability and the will to win stands out in whatever the era.
Below are some mouth-watering match-ups which would be worth the price of admission alone:
PROPS
Michael Brookes (1988). Brute strength and power made him a fearsome scrummager in a tough era. A granite-like prop, Brookes was almost impossible to shift once anchored in position and was well versed in the dark arts of forward play.
Dan Haynes (1998). A tireless competitor, who was noted for his high work rate and stamina. Powerful and mobile, combined with a great technique, Haynes was tough as teak and was gifted with an immense work ethic.
FIVE-EIGHTHS
Peter Tonkin (1988). Arguably the best to pull on a Redmen jersey. Silky skills, blinding pace off the mark and supreme attacking ability. Known for his outstanding game management, Tonkin was pure class.
Glenn Pilgrim (1998). A naturally gifted footballer who was adept in the number 15 jumper or at five-eighth. Captained the victorious 1998 side. Cool under pressure, ‘Sparrow’s” supreme kicking game and tactical nous proved to be a crucial cog in the team’s success.
SECOND-ROWERS
Greg Nicholls (1988). Was old school with a take no prisoner’s attitude. Strong, rugged, he brought a real physical presence to the Redmen engine room. Nicholls rated high on the intimidation scale and never took a backward step.
Peter McLennan (1998). One of the clubs best. Brilliant aerial skills and pilfered plenty of opposition ball.
A towering second-rower, McLennan was mobile, possessed great hands and never lost an individual battle on the pitch.
NUMBER-EIGHTS
Jim O’Donohue (1988). A tireless worker who oozed natural talent. Competitive and an astute reader of the game, O’Donoghue was just as home in the centres. Skilful, versatile and disruptive at the breakdown, the rangy back-rowers ability to link in open play was dynamic.
Xavier Sullivan (1998). Blessed with all the skills even at a young age. At just 17, the former Australian Schoolboy representative proved the difference in the 1998 grand final crossing the chalk on three occasions. A powerful carrier of the football, Sullivan was surprisingly fast for his size.
CENTRES
Tony Bindon (1988). Rock solid in defence and had the ability to put opposition centres off their game. A former Grafton Ghosts captain coach, Bindon was an accomplished centre who possessed a full skill set in both attack and defence.
Chris Dougherty (1998). Bone-jarring in defence “Doc” rattled a few ribs during his playing career. Dougherty had no trouble getting over the advantage line with his powerhouse running style. An uncompromising centre who had a keen appetite for defence.
Two of the best Redmen sides to grace the playing field and featured some of the Redmen’s finest players. This weekend they have the chance to rekindle cherished memories over a beer or two and no doubt embellish their awe-inspiring feats on the playing field.
Nico
