RANAFA The Early Years

There isn't much documented history in either photo or print form from the early days of RANAFA. The carnival as we currently know it was first competed for in 1986. Under the guidance of Bob Jefferies as coach, captained by Alfa McKeown and with the likes of Sin Crispin and Robbie Pekin in the side, Navy defeated both Army and RAAF to take the crown. Up until the early 2000s, record keeping by those in charge was not a high priority therefore, if you do have any old photos or information that you would like to be displayed on this website the please do not hesitate to get in contact with the RANAFA Executive.

The date of the following clipping is not known but believed to be in the late 70s early 80s.

The 1995 NSW interservice side dominated back then. The attached photo was taken just prior to the side taking on RAAF and running out victors in what could be a record 50.26-326 to RAAF 2.0-12. Once again some of the names of the players are unknown, if you can help out let us know.

Back Row: “Scotty” Wake, ?, “Spud” Blackberry, “Catta” Convery, John “Toots” Tootell, “Manny” Lynch, ?
Third Row: “Kenny” Meredith, ?, “Billy” Veale, Ian “Wheels” Wheeler, Chris Ploughman, “Billy” McBride, “Stumpy” Hunter, “Benny” Edwards
Second Row: Andrew “OB” O’Brien, “Big H” Harris, ?, ? “Larps” Larkin, “Lush” Hammil, ?, ?, Aaron Brown, Phil Black, Graham “Gra Gra” Thurstons, ?
Front Row: Simon Carr, ?, ?, ?, “Squiz” Taylor, Col Lawrence, ?, “Shiner” Wright

Some say the Michael Partridge was the ugliest man in Pussers, whilst others would agree. Although the following photo does not do justice to support the argument, I would think Muggsy and Chris Ploughman may be able to offer some advice if asked: