1987 Articles

1987 The Merger

Camden Football Club was formed in 1929 and its home ground was at Camden Oval. The Club enjoyed Premierships in the Glenelg South West competition in 1937, 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1976 and the last three were with John Burkett of West Adelaide League fame as a Coach.  One of the Club’s greatest clubs men was M.L. Tucker who was associated with the Club from 1929 until his death in 1978, and in fact coached the Club to it’s first Premiership in 1937.

 His son, Peter was the Treasurer of the combined Club (Greek-Camden) and was a supporter and worker for the Camden Football Club all of his life.  Unfortunately, due to the ageing population of the surrounding areas, Camden fell onto hard times, failing to win a game in 1985 and 1986 but still boasting a strong, and faithful following because of it’s proud history.

THE PARTNERSHIP

Season 1987 marked a dramatic change in direction for the Greek Football Club and the Camden Football Club, when it was decided after protracted negotiations, that the two Clubs would form a loose partnership to run initially for two years.  The new Club (Greek and Camden Club) had its headquarters at Camden Oval, while the Greek Football Club still held the lease on Weigall Oval which was sub-let.  In essence, the partnership was one of convenience for both Clubs, for the Greek Football Club because of escalating costs and difficulties with reaching budget targets and for Camden Football Club because it had not had a winning game for two and a half years. Thus, the player and social strength of the Greek Football Club was combined with the Bar income operating power of Camden Football Club, on a two year trial basis.

In 1987 the Management Committee saw fit not to reappoint Gary Richardson as Senior Coach of the new Club (Greek-Camden Football Club) and appointed West Torrens and Greek Football Club Champion Peter Phillipou as the inaugural Coach of Greek-Camden.

 Coaches for the four teams were:

 A1 – Peter Phillipou   A1 Reserves – John Norton  

A6 – Peter Moularas   A6 Reserves – Peter Fagg

 ADMINISTRATION

The Management Committee had almost equal representation from both Clubs with Dr Mike Varvounis as President and Peter Tucker as Treasurer. The first year was one of mixed fortunes administratively, with a shortage of willing helpers for the countless mundane tasks necessary to run four teams.  This added to the teething problems that were anticipated with the merging of the two Clubs. Nevertheless, there was a very dedicated band of workers who ensured that the necessary work was eventually done.

 Peter Phillipou’s message to his players was mainly about commitment, fitness, discipline and supporting the Club at all times and this was very noticeable at training with large numbers of players attending. A win in a trial game against Port Districts was something for the Camden players and supporters to have a few beers over and celebrate. At last they had witnessed a win. More wins followed.

 One standout recruit to the Club was ex Woodville player Shane Reardon who went on to win the 1998 A Grade Best and Fairest Award, and in 1990 and 1991 won 2 Premierships as a playing Coach. He was also State Captain, All Australian and in 1988 he won SAAFL A1 Medal. 

 Peter’s message to the players was starting to show through. The A, B and D teams were making strong inroads to the finals and that they did. Unfortunately, the C’s went missing in action.  So, 3 out of 4 ain’t bad. Sadly, no results or stories of the finals of the 3 teams are available.

 The A1’s lost the Grand Final to Broadview, while the A1 Reserves, A6 and A6 Reserves finished third, last and fourth respectively.  All four Coaches are to be thanked for all their efforts through the long and hard season.  Among many player highlights were Jack Solomon’s outstanding form in the State Amateur side and Peter Fagg’s winning the Les Devoran Medal for Best and Fairest in A6 Reserve competition making Peter from Camden the only member of a “Greek” side to win an Amateur League award.

 The A Grade Best and Fairest was won by Harry Kyriacou.