Living up to our Legendary Clubs Benchmark !
The 1978 Manly team was the toughest Football team of all time !
Six brutal finals games to win the premiership in just 24 days !
1st Final Sharks 17 Manly 12
2, Manly 13 Eels 13
3. Manly 17 Eels 11
4. Manly 14 Wests 04
5. Manly 11 sharks 11
6. Manly 16 Sharks 00
MANLY-WARRINGAH: Graeme Eadie, Tom Mooney, Steve Knight, Russell Gartner, Simon Booth, Allan Thompson, Steve Martin, Ian Martin, Terry Randall, Bruce Walker, John Harvey, Max Kriliich (c), Ian Thomson. Res: Ray Branighan, Johnny Gibbs, Wayne Springall, John Gray.
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I'm going to make a brave admission and an apology here.
I'm apologising for not remembering Wayne Springall.
All the other players I remember vividly.
Steve Knight was a P.E. Teacher at my High School, great bloke.
The Mighty Max Krilich came to my work Xmas party with his wife in 2002 and he demanded that I sit next to him for dinner and the trivia game.. You couldn't meet a more genuine, top bloke.
A mate of mine that I went to a lot of Manly away games with, had a nick name for John Harvey.
He called him ' Elbows Harv ' because he ran with raised elbows in possession of the ball.
On one night in the mid 80's, we were going to a family birthday dinner at the Black Stump at Mosman, before it became an Indian place, and Johnny Gibbs was coming down the stairs as we were entering. My Brother and myself quietly said to each other " That's Johnny Gibbs!! "
Whereas, our Mother, who didn't have a clue who he was, made a cheeky comment out loud and Johnny laughed, tilting his head backwards. After we'd exchanged pleasantries with Johnny and he'd walked through, we said " Mum, that's Johnny Gibbs, from the Manly Footy team "
Mum said " Oh, I don't care " It could've been The Pope and she wouldn't care.
I was a little embarrassed.
Though, I don't think Johnny cared either.
Johnny Gibbs is one of the finest, thinking, half backs to play the game and not a bad radio commentator as well.
Terry Randall drove his Cement Truck into my mates Concrete pump business at Brookvale one day.
I stood back in awe.
Terry got out of his truck and said " G'day ECCA "
My mates name was ERIC.
Modern day players need to study IGOR's tackling style.
Put your shoulder into the ball carrier between the shoulders and hips and drive the mongrel backwards.
There are only a few things that bring a tear to my eye and one is The Mighty Manly - Warringah Sea Eagles.
Go Manly!!
Mum didn't have a clue who he was and said " Oh, I don't care "