Mar 2001 Volume 82 Number 3 "serving the protectors"
SA third-time runners-up

Known as the Hounds, the SA Police football team retained the Geoff Bowen memorial trophy with a 74-point win against the WA Hogs at Deer Park, Launceston, last October. The match was part of the week-long, highly spirited national police football championship (dedicated to long-time police football supporter and former deputy commissioner, the late Pat Hurley).

Incumbent coach, Paul Patterson, had the previous day outlined a game plan – and his expectations of the players throughout the week. But the Hounds wasted opportunities in a tight first quarter and suffered on the scoreboard. In the end, however, the team enjoyed a comfortable win. Ruckman Martin “Dirk Diggler” Short was the Hounds’ best player.

The Hounds later watched a well-drilled Victorian team annihilate the locals. It became clear to the SA boys that Friday’s game would be as expected – very tough.

As runners-up to the Victorians for the previous two years, the Hounds were determined to avenge past losses. But, for the first time in its history, the team had travelled without its mainstay and backbone, Supt Barry “Colonel Rambuka” Lewis.

With no game scheduled for the Hounds on the day after their victory over WA, the team rested in preparation for its next game against the Devils.

In a Wednesday game, the Hounds comfortably defeated the locals by 70 points. Kevin Baker was the Hounds’ best player. But the victory left the Hounds’ selection committee with questions rather than answers to picking a Friday team for the final against the Victorian juggernaut. A difficult team selection meeting followed.

At a dinner on the night before the game – at which former Norwood and SANFL legend, Garry McIntosh, delivered an inspiring oratory – the team to face Victoria was announced. Some who missed selection were clearly disappointed.

As the game unfolded, the Hounds suffered missed opportunities and lacked momentum. The Victorians defeated SA by six goals. The Hounds again found themselves runners-up and were left to congratulate the Victorians on their third successive victory. Not even a surprise appearance of the “Colonel” was enough to lift SA to victory. Humble in defeat, the team vowed to take the next step at this year’s carnival in Perth. Brad Warner was judged best afield for the Hounds.

Six South Australians awarded All Australian honours at a presentation dinner were Anthony Merchant, Martin Short (awarded SA player of the carnival), Matthew Bryant, Sam Bailetti, Joe Hicks and Brad Warner. Colin Kirkwood was awarded life membership of the National Police Football Association in recognition of his outstanding contributions as a player to the spirit of the carnivals.

The team was grateful to its trainers Darryl Crossman and Dennis Little, as well as team secretary-manager, Colin “Fossil” Miller. Without their input, SA would have struggled to present 22 fit players for the last game.

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