Distracting question for the purists

[lurker]

I wanted to create an interesting poll to distract us from some of the misery and negativity. It might expose some people to a bit more history of the club too.

I’m curious as to who everyone considers Manly’s greatest coach. The four coaches listed each won two premierships as coaches. It’s only their coaching records I’m considering.

For the record I think it’s Frank Stanton. In five seasons of coaching he won two premierships, 76 and 78. I can’t split the other 3. Although Ron Willey grand finals in 70,72 and 73 is pretty phenomenal (premierships in 72,73).

Mind you being at the 40-nil was also incredible haha

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Remembering those older days I’m going Cranky Frankie, did a fabulous job considering the times.

 

[HappilyManly]

Bozo's the worst win/loss GF Coach -83,95,97

The other 3 have the same results.

But Biscuits' ability to motivate his players to win the 78 marathon puts him in top Manly Coach spot

 

[Woodsie]

Yep ,,, Biscuits for mine ...

 

[lurker]

Bozo's the worst win/loss GF Coach -83,95,97

The other 3 have the same results.

But Biscuits' ability to motivate his players to win the 78 marathon puts him in top Manly Coach spot

Willey and Hasler coached 3 Stanton only coached 2

I also think I’ll struggle to ever get over 97

 

[HappilyManly]

Willey and Hasler coached 3 Stanton only coached 2

I also think I’ll struggle to ever get over 97

I meant that the others also only lost 1 GF, whereas Bozo couldn't motivate as well to get his great Teams the Premiership 🙁

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Willey and Hasler coached 3 Stanton only coached 2

I also think I’ll struggle to ever get over 97

Yes I was there that day, as I have been for every GF except 1972, it was shattering to say the least!!

 

[HappilyManly]

Manly Daily


The 40-year reunion full of proud legends
Sea Eagles’ 1978 grand final replay win one of our most famous moments

Manly players with the J J Giltinan Shield after defeating Cronulla in the 1978 grand final replay at the SCG, From left, back row, Graham Eadie, Ian Thomson, Tom Mooney, Russel Gartner, Bruce Walker, John Harvey, Wayne Springall. Front, Terry Randall, Steve Martin, Ian Martin.

IT IS 40 years since Manly’s most amazing premiership victory and a group of players from that courageous 1978 side were guests of honour at a lunch at Cronulla Leagues Club yesterday to mark the occasion.

Manly beat Cronulla 16-0 in the grand final replay at the Sydney Cricket Ground to win six games in 23 days during the final series.

It is considered one of the most amazing victories in rugby league history.

The team, captained by local junior Max Krilich, contained some of the most famous names in Manly’s illustrious history.

The side that drew 11-all with the Sharks in the grand final was: Graham Eadie, Tom Mooney, Stephen Knight, Russel Gartner, Simon Booth, Alan Thompson, Steve Martin, Ian Thomson, Krilich, John Harvey, Bruce Walker, Terry Randall and Ian Martin.

Manly were coached by Frank Stanton and the Sharks by new Immortal Norm Provan.

Krilich remembers the final series well. “We were battered and bruised but with every win we became stronger and it developed an amazing belief that we could come through any situation,” he said.

“I’m enormously proud to have been part of such a group of determined men.”

Frontrower Ian Thomson was part of the group that was at yesterday’s lunch.

Thomson, chairman of Manly Leagues Club, said a lunch to mark the 40-year anniversary of the famous victory will be held at Manly Leagues Club on Friday, September 28.

It will be open to the public to purchase tickets.

 

[BOZO]

The Greatest Ever . The one and only Incomparable Immortal !!!

 

[lurker]

Yes I was there that day, as I have been for every GF except 1972, it was shattering to say the least!!

It’s amazing watching things like this

how the players don’t wait for the ref to pack the scrum.

The game is both slower and faster at the same time

 

[Woodsie]

Amazing thing about that 1978 team is the extraordinary number of local juniors in it .... despite what the dribblers say about having the cream of the crop ... Biscuits did it largely home grown ...

Russell Gardner
Johnny Gibbs
John Harvey
Stephen Knight
Max Krillich
Terry Randall
Ian Martin
Wayne Springall .... that's 8 out of a squad of 15 .....

Also I seem to remember other locals Chris Montgomery and Linsay Drake getting a run ...

 

[Fibro Eagle]

Great question @lurker
All great coaches in there own right
Stanton 2 premierships in 5 years
Wiley 2 premierships in 5 years
Hasler 2 premierships in 8 years
Fulton 2 premierships in a combined 12 years
Such a tough choice but I went for Stanton

 

[BOZO]

Fulton coached the Sydney Roosters to a Grand Final appearance in 1980 as well as back to back Minor Premierships in 1980 and 1981. Moving to coach Manly in 1983, Fulton coached the season to Premiership glory in 1987, before stepped down as coach in 1989. Taking up the head coaching role again with the Sea Eagles in 1993, Fulton coaches the Sea Eagles two three straight Grand Finals in the mid 90’s winning the 1996 Premiership and setting new standards with his clubs incredible defensive record. As Australian coach Fulton led his nation to World Cup wins in 1988, 1992 and 1995 and continued Australia’s dominance and brilliant at that level until he stepped down in 1997.

 

[Ralphie]

Manly Daily


The 40-year reunion full of proud legends
Sea Eagles’ 1978 grand final replay win one of our most famous moments

Manly players with the J J Giltinan Shield after defeating Cronulla in the 1978 grand final replay at the SCG, From left, back row, Graham Eadie, Ian Thomson, Tom Mooney, Russel Gartner, Bruce Walker, John Harvey, Wayne Springall. Front, Terry Randall, Steve Martin, Ian Martin.

IT IS 40 years since Manly’s most amazing premiership victory and a group of players from that courageous 1978 side were guests of honour at a lunch at Cronulla Leagues Club yesterday to mark the occasion.

Manly beat Cronulla 16-0 in the grand final replay at the Sydney Cricket Ground to win six games in 23 days during the final series.

It is considered one of the most amazing victories in rugby league history.

The team, captained by local junior Max Krilich, contained some of the most famous names in Manly’s illustrious history.

The side that drew 11-all with the Sharks in the grand final was: Graham Eadie, Tom Mooney, Stephen Knight, Russel Gartner, Simon Booth, Alan Thompson, Steve Martin, Ian Thomson, Krilich, John Harvey, Bruce Walker, Terry Randall and Ian Martin.

Manly were coached by Frank Stanton and the Sharks by new Immortal Norm Provan.

Krilich remembers the final series well. “We were battered and bruised but with every win we became stronger and it developed an amazing belief that we could come through any situation,” he said.

“I’m enormously proud to have been part of such a group of determined men.”

Frontrower Ian Thomson was part of the group that was at yesterday’s lunch.

Thomson, chairman of Manly Leagues Club, said a lunch to mark the 40-year anniversary of the famous victory will be held at Manly Leagues Club on Friday, September 28.

It will be open to the public to purchase tickets.

I went to the replayed game. I was 15 years old & skipped school.......wow what great times

 

[lurker]

I just can’t go past what it would have taken for Stanton to coach a team through 6 wins in 23 days. Modern rugby league players couldn’t even imagine it. They complain about 5 day turnarounds but effectively it’s an average of 4.5 day turnarounds 5 consecutive times.

Just crazy!

 

[mickqld]

Yes I was there that day, as I have been for every GF except 1972, it was shattering to say the least!!

**** just beat me. 1976 onward except for 2007. Dad died the night of the prelim win over the Cowgirls

 

[Kevinward777]

I wanted to create an interesting poll to distract us from some of the misery and negativity. It might expose some people to a bit more history of the club too.

I’m curious as to who everyone considers Manly’s greatest coach. The four coaches listed each won two premierships as coaches. It’s only their coaching records I’m considering.

For the record I think it’s Frank Stanton. In five seasons of coaching he won two premierships, 76 and 78. I can’t split the other 3. Although Ron Willey grand finals in 70,72 and 73 is pretty phenomenal (premierships in 72,73).

Mind you being at the 40-nil was also incredible haha

Cool thread...Stanton for mine... just.

 

[40 years an eagle]

Frank for me too.

Ron Willey second. Owned the team and I liked the way he treated fans with the same respect he received from his players. He had the bottle shop at Wheeler Heights shops after he finished. Great guy, always welcomed me and wanted to chat about the teams I was involved with. A winner.

 

[sheridanstand78]

Cranky Frankie by a mile, he oversaw our brilliant 70s team that swept all before them and he carried on Ron Willeys great work, our team was the benchmark back then and we were feard by our rivals!!

 

[ALinda]

I just can’t go past what it would have taken for Stanton to coach a team through 6 wins in 23 days. Modern rugby league players couldn’t even imagine it. They complain about 5 day turnarounds but effectively it’s an average of 4.5 day turnarounds 5 consecutive times.

Just crazy!

It's Cranky Franky for me. Not an easy choice but he did an extraordinary job at that time.