Page 238 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

1976

The 1976 season started on a fine note. Ideal conditions and a high standard of football highlighted
the opening round of the Footscray District Football League. Parkside had to fight hard to defeat
Deer Park in the opening match of the 1976 campaign. Parkside player, Niel Grenfell played his
200th game for the club.

In the second round, Parkside failed against Braybrook after both sides were level at half time.
The club continued to struggle to field junior players.

*****

Geoff Shorthouse, the writer for The Mail, claimed in his article from June 1976, that the state of
football infrastructure in FDFL was in very poor conditions.

FDL grounds not up to scratch

“This week's pause in the FDL competition gives me an opportunity to say something that needs
saying — many of our grounds are just not up to scratch.

FDL is right at the heart of sport in the west and something should be done to lift the standard of
playing areas, accommodation and amenities. Looking around the grounds in the FDL, I feel many fail
to reach certain requirements.

Many are unfenced, changing facilities are often inadequate and coaches, timekeepers and
supporters are not always provided for.

In discussing those grounds, I am not having a shot at the clubs, just stating facts.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider