Story of 78 Launch of The Story of 78: How Norwood gave Sturt the Blues
Robert Oatey kindly launched my book The Story of 78: How Norwood gave Sturt the Blues. He didn't play in the 1978 grand final between Sturt and Norwood. But he did have a bird's eye view of the game sitting next to his father Jack on the bench. The match was one of the greatest grand finals in the history of South Australian football. Despite leading all day Sturt lost by one point and in so doing also lost the pyschological hold it had over one of its key rivals
The 1978 grand final was was also the game where Norwood's John Wynne ran into the Sturt dug out to unsettle the greatly revered coach. Robert provided an insight to his father's reaction, describing him as calm and composed. It's not a view that all Sturt officials agree with but Robert's experience in the game and knowldege of his father it's a view worth considering.
Robert spoke about how his father was a man who was hard to get to know and most were unaware of his many acts of kindness toward those in the football world. He also gave an insight into the sporting cultures of the Norwood and Sturt clubs that he played for. Robert Played 232 games for the Redlegs, 69 for the Blues. His career included nine State appearances and a premiership with Sturt in 1974.
Having coached Norwood from 1968 to 1973 and been instrumental in the establishment of Norwood's 'football academy' at Carmel Court Oatey described playing football under his father and compared it to hs own time at Norwood.
Below: Graham Lewis, Barry Nicholls, Robert Oatey and Paul Twiss.
