1978 Grand Final - Sherwood vs Mt Gravatt

The Sherwood side, led by Captain/Coach Lindsay Jacob, would take on Mt Gravatt (on their home ground at Dittmer Park) for what would be the 4th of six Grand Finals between these two clubs, spanning the period between 1973 and 1980. As history shows, Sherwood would not only be triumphant on this occasion (19.18.132 to 11.12.78), but go on to complete a ‘perfect record’, by winning all Grand Finals between the two ‘arch rivals’, during this period with 1978 being the 4th Premiership in the middle of 8 in a row from 1975 to 1982.  Sherwood also won 5 Reserves Premierships in this same era, including the 1978 Premiership. (Sherwood did the 'Triple Crown' in '78 also winning the U17's)

In the 1978 Season, the Mt. Gravatt ‘Vultures’ had again recruited strongly, as was their strategy over a number of seasons, whereas Sherwood again fielded a team that was made up predominantly of players who had progressed through the club’s junior ranks. Dennis Pelly, former Grogan Medalist and 100 gamer for Mayne FC, headlined the ‘Vultures’ lineup at Centre Half Forward. The task of blunting his influence on the game was given to Warren Selvage.

Sherwood went into the Grand Final, having lost just the one game during the season. That loss was to Mt Gravatt. The playing styles of the two sides was quite a contrast. Mt Gravatt were quite a long kicking and physically bigger side than their Magpie opponents, who relied on their youth, speed, fitness and disposal efficiency to wear down opposition teams.

One of the unique elements of grand final’s football in the SQAFA at this time is that the best umpires in the QAFL were always available to officiate. It was no different on this occasion with the game under the control of Tom McArthur (inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, after 502 Senior games, 14 QAFL Grand Finals and being named Qld Umpire of the Century). 

Sherwood were quick to start and were never headed with Greg Butler, Lindsay Jacob and Jimmy Evans providing great drive out of the centre to a forward line where ‘Rocco’ Stewart, Billy Peirce, ‘Sammy’ Hodgson and David ‘Stellar’ McKellar and Pat White (named Best on Ground) were only too willing to capitalise on the many scoring opportunities that presented themselves.

Jeff Langdon and Peter ‘Cool’ Carpenter held sway around the ground and a very miserly backline, featuring Des Lashman (now playing in his 3rd consecutive grand final win), Phil ‘Casual’ Anderson, Wayne Mill, Steve ‘Barney’ Rendalls, Rob Rowlinson and Glenn ‘Gonzo’ McDonald made scoring extremely difficult for their opponents (Mt Gravatt finished with just eleven  majors for the match).

In the second half, with the game well within the Magpie’s control, Paul Hope, Gary Grant, Jonathan Judson and Rodney Mill stepped up to capitalise on their team’s dominance. As he had done for the whole season, Lindsay Jacob continued to set the standard of being relentlessly hard at the ball and drove his younger team mates right through until the final siren. It was a fitting result for a great coach and a great man!

SHERWOOD DAFC 1978 PREMIERSHIP LINE-UP

B: Rob Rowlinson  Phil Anderson  Steve Rendalls

HB: Wayne Mill  Warren Selvage  Des Lashman

C:  Jim Evans  Greg Butler  Graeme Hodgson

HF:  Gary Grant  Pat White Bill Peirce

F: David McKellar  Ross Stewart  Paul Hope   

Rucks: Jeff Langdon

            Peter Carpenter

Rover: Lindsay Jacob (Capt.-Coach)

I/C: John Judson, Glenn McDonald, Rodney Mill