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G'day Anchor, any chance you can elaborate on that comment further. I recall Benny Vigona's name as he was an opposition player against my beloved SD during the years I formed my passion for the game but don't know much about him with regards to how he went about it. Sounds like he could play...I'm all ears for anyone who'd like to educate me a little here about his quality

Quick chat just now with Roo Matera, one of the most if not the most electric players I've ever witnessed bless a footy field. His comments "Yeah, Benny was good" also mentioning SF had Willie Roe across on the other half forward who he reckons had quite a few tricks up his sleeve. If Roo reckons he was good that's enough for me.

Dirty Weekender wrote: Quick chat just now with Roo Matera, one of the most if not the most electric players I've ever witnessed bless a footy field. His comments "Yeah, Benny was good" also mentioning SF had Willie Roe across on the other half forward who he reckons had quite a few tricks up his sleeve. If Roo reckons he was good that's enough for me.

Vigona, was a mercurial wingman, skills to burn, quite fast and could beat most on a one on one. Amazing long kick, could also be an aggresive tackler.

Willie Roe a bit different - could take a spectacular high mark, somewhat in consistent at times, but certainly exciting.

Glory days of WAFL footy.

Match results – Saturday 30 June, 1984, Subiaco Oval
South Fremantle FC 5.6 9.9 15.13 20.17 (137) d West Perth FC 6.3 7.6 9.8 16.12 (108)
Scorers: SF: Vigona 7.3, Mount 6.1, Winmar 2.4, Vasoli 2.0, Arnold, Collard 1.1, Michael 1.0, Dorotich, Grljusich 0.2, Hardie 0.1, Forced 0.2.
WP: Menaglio 4.3, Davis 3.0, Gastev 2.2, Comerford 2.0, Michalczyk, D Simms 1.1, Campbell, Hathaway, D Kickett 1.0, Mifka 0.2, Fong 0.1, Forced 0.2.
(Source: The West Australian, Monday, 2 July, 1984, p. 87)
Weather: Showers, light south-westerly breeze.
(Source: The West Australian, Monday, 2 July, 1984, p. 87)
Attendance: 10,496 (from WAFL Online)
Free kicks: SF: 4, 9, 9, 3 – 25
WP: 10, 3, 5, 3 – 21.
(Source: The West Australian, Monday, 2 July, 1984, p. 87)


Best players:
1 Jon Dorotich (South Fremantle) - Was the chief factor behind his side’s victory. Gave an outstanding performance of ruck play. Took six marks, had 10 kicks, made six effective handpasses and made 21 effective ruck knocks.
2 Benny Vigona (South Fremantle) – Was in dazzling form at right-half-forward where he simply outclassed Tony Fraser. Took seven marks, had 21 kicks (including seven goals) and made three effective handpasses.
3 Brad Hardie (South Fremantle) – Enjoyed his return to the centre where he was a strong and efficient player throughout, despite strong opposition from George Michalczyk for the first three quarters. Took eight marks, had 23 kicks and made five effective handpasses.

Nice Bazza....wish my memories were a bit stronger but I was only a 10yo in 1984 so remembering opposition players not so clear...thanks

Pity that with all those stars you only won one premiership in that era. Perhaps they underachieved. I'm pretty sure you were favourites in the '79 and '81 grand finals, and then didn't make the grand final at all in 82,83 or 84 still with a strong side.

Don't worry I know I am in no position to critisize being a Perth supporter, but it's just an observation.

Nice Anchor, sounds like i should have made my way down to them SF v SD games at Freo oval during the 80's once the family returned me to Basso at the end of 1984... Probably would have done if my parents would have let me thinking back to then...I was always on their case about lending money to go watch the WAFL mostly to no avail, getting to away games was the big problem...might just have to begrudgingly view the 1980 WAFL GF & also 1981 game to remind myself of these SF blokes and see what I missed...thanks for ur response....I always have heard John Todd was possibly the best ever , Stephen Michael was as good if not better than Polly which is praise enough, Rioli I saw play for Richmond on the ABC winners was as slick a player as anyone ever, Basil Campbell was just a big bloke in a helmet to me, i wish I had of seen as much of him as I've heard about him being a ruthless strongman (my kind of player) who 'hurt' the opposition...yeah begs the question why SF didn't win more flags during this period although can't say I'm unhappy about that

Don't doubt u for a minute there anchor....as a child it was the helmet of Phil Narkle I idolised, if I had of been a south supporter I'm sure it would have been Basil, even painted my bike helmet with the same design...like we all know was a great period in WAFL history & full of great, charismatic footballers who gave me a love for the game I still carry today

I saw alot of Souths growing up in Freo back in those days and although I've always been a Subi supporter I used to love watching Maurice play. His speed of mind and body in the clinches was something to behold. Benny was good but imo didn't hold a candle to Mr Magic.

fair enough anchor...we're all entitled to our opinions but one thing is for sure, Souths were blessed with some fantastic players back then.