1975:

CHANGA'S WHITE BOOTS WHITEWASH The white boots worn by Graeme 'Changa' Langlands in the 1975 grand final have become part of rugby league folklore. Former Kangaroo winger, Ken Irvine worked for Adidas and gave the promotional boots to his mate Langlands. In a time when all football boots were black, the white boots were as innovative as they were eye-catching. For Saints supporters the novelty soon turned into disaster with the white boots remaining as a painful reminder of a great player struggling in the most important match of the year; and the 38-0 thrashing which followed. But the boots weren't to blame. Prior to kick-off, Langlands had a painkilling injection to deal with a groin injury. The injection went wrong and he lost feeling in one of his legs. Uncoordinated and floundering, 'Chang' became a passenger in the backline and his famous side-step and kicking game deserted him. Thus, the white boots served as a symbol to the worst day imagineable for the footballing legend. Langlands kept the boots and took them to England where he was coaching Australia in the World Series. While in Yorkshire and after a training session, 'Changa' decided to throw the boots over a cross bar and that was the last he ever saw of them. Langlands may have ditched the white boots on an impulse but years later, the Rugby League Immortal said he wish he kept them when he quipped, "they'd be worth a fortune now."

SAINTS LOSE GRAND FINAL 38-0
Sydney Cricket Ground, 20 Sep 1975: In a record grand final defeat, St George have lost to Jack Gibson's Roosters 38-0.
Saints looked a chance early on when utility back, Ted  'Lord Ted' Goodwin put on a chip and chase only to have a head on collision with East's player, Ian Schubert. Ted came off second best and was out of touch for the remainder of the match. But things were also wrong with Graeme Langlands who was struggling with his coordination following an ill-directed pain killing injection.
At half time, the Dragons were down 5-nil. Saints did cross during the match and were wrongly disallowed a try.
Despite his leg problems, Langlands returned in the second half hoping that his leg would 'come good'. But it didn't and by game's end, Saints were completely demoralised by Easts.
The disappointment of grand final day over shadowed what was an otherwise excellent season. After 22 rounds, Saints were placed in third position and would go on to be runners up. The Dragons defeated Manly 10-3 in the preliminary semi-final and then defeated competition front runners Easts 8-5 in the major semi-final. Throughout the semi-final series, St George were rank outsiders and made it to the grand final thanks to their determination defence and refusal to give up against their more fancied opponents.

1976:
CHANGA RETIRES
April 1976:  Graeme 'Changa' Langlands has announced his retirement from Rugby League. Determined to make ammends for the 1975 grand final, Langlands returned to the football field for one more season in 1976. But he struggled to make an impression and in the fourth round, the writing was on the wall when he missed a simple tackle on Wests' hooker John Purcell. For the next two days, Langlands considered his future and then decided to call it a day.
For a generation, 'Chang/Changa'' entertained Rugby League crowds with spectacular footballing feats at club, state and international level. He played in four consecutive Grand Final wins for St George.
Originally signed from Wollongong, Langlands' contract was bought for £3000 following a previous offer of £1000 up front plus £1000 every time 'Changa' played an international. This offer was rejected by Wollongong. Changa played for Australia no less than 90 times.
In 1962, 'Chang' played rep football for Country firsts and then NSW. He signed with Saints in 1963 and was selected to play for Australia. He scored 20 points (2 tries, 7 goals) in the 50-12 thrashing of Great Britain in the 2nd Test match at Swinton, UK. Without a doubt one the best attacking backs the world has ever seen, 'Changa' was also a ruthless defender. He possessed a magnificent side step and often devastated the opposition with his acceleration. Additionally, 'Changa' was a champion goal kicker who often landed long range goals. He kicked seven goals in the 1966 Grand Final.
The unbelievable brilliance of Graeme Langlands was evident in a World Cup match against France in 1972 when he raced after a kick and touched down; only to be denied a try because the referee thought it to be impossible that a player could be so swift - the referee incorrectly penalised Langlands for offside.
Graeme Langlands was the season's leading point scorer in 1971 (11 tries, 69 goals. 171 pts) & 1973 (5 tries, 77 goals. 169 pts). In 1973, Langlands was selected for the third time as captain coach of the Australian Kangaroos.
In 1974,  'Chang' was recalled to the Australian team and was inspirational as captain coach when he led Australia to an ashes winning victory at the SCG. In a single handed display of attacking football, 'Chang' set up victory and became the first player to score 100 Test points against Great Britain. He was raised onto the shoulders of his team mates as the large crowd chanted, 'Changa....Changa....Changa'.

BATH'S BABES VICTORIOUS!

Steve Edge and Ted Goodwin hold up the JJ Giltinan Shield click here for larger pic

At 17-nil, Saints couldn't be beaten, but they still had something left for those of us who were lucky enough to be there. Following a wonderful display of backing up, Saints were awarded a penalty try by ref, Gary Cook, when John Bailey was taken out by the tired defence.

Hooker, Steve Edge at full time

Goodwin successfully negotiated the conversion attempt and at fulltime, St George had thrashed Parramatta 22-0 to win their 14th premiership.
After 180 minutes of bone-crushing football, Saints were finally declared the champions of 1977.

BILLY SMITH RETIRES
Billy Smith (pic right) finished his career in reserve grade but not before passing Norm Provan's record of 296 grade matches. A local junior, the legendary half back started his first grade career with Saints in 1963 playing 229 first grade games. He represented NSW 15 times in 1964, 65, 67, 68, 69, 71 & 1973. He played 18 Tests for Australia in 1964-68 & 1970. He played in four grand final winning teams in 1963-66. Billy twice won the Harry Sunderland Medal for best Australian player in an Ashes series. A smashed jaw saw Smith miss many rep matches in 1969 but he came back to captain Australia in 1970.
Although they did have a falling out late in their careers, Smith's partnership with Graeme Langlands will be remembered as one of the finest the game has ever seen.
Billy had one final taste of success in 1972 when he played in the third grade premiership winning side.
Notorious for his rashness, Billy Smith will be remembered as a champion half back who never took a backward step when playing the game he loved.
First grade stats 1963-77: 229 games (4 repl). 30 t, 24 g, 23 fg = 161 points.

1978:
FEARLESS FRANK FACER DIES
The one consistent factor during St George's reign during the Golden years was Frank Facer (pic right) who was elected as secretary of St George in 1956. Often referred to as StGeorge 'supremo', Facer remained as secretary until 1977 despite losing a leg to cancer in 1976. He was a North Sydney junior who played hooker that team's 1943 Grand Final loss to Newtown. In 1947, he joined St George and played three seasons with the Dragons.
With Frank at the administrative helm, in 1956 St George began a run of victories which will never be surpassed. He was responsible for attracting great champions to the club such as Brian Clay, Ian Walsh, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Rod Reddy and Ted Goodwin.
He will be remembered as a club administrator who was uncompromising and a man who knew talent when he saw it.
Frank Facer's playing record with St George  (1947-50): 74 games, 2 tries.
As club secretary (1956-77): 22 seasons, 12 premierships, 1956-66  & 1977.
SAINTS FAIL TO MAKE SEMIS
Kogarah Oval, 11 June 1978: St George have defeated Manly 22-13 in round 12 of the 1978 season. Despite this win against the eventual '78 premiers, Saints suffered a series of important and often narrow losses throughout the year. Winning just one of their first seven matches, the Dragon's title defence was always going to difficult. By round 22, Saints had finished in 8th position and for only the second time in 29 seasons were unable to secure a semis berth. Saints did however make the final of the mid week (night time) knock out comp, 'Amco Cup' coming second to Easts.
MITCH BRENNAN SHAKES OFF THE 'MICKEY LANE' RUSE
In 1978, Saints finally signed stylish three-quarter, Mitch Brennan but not before the controversy of the 'Mickey Lane' incident.

1979 premiers: St George Dragons Click on the pic for names and larger image (59Kb)

SAINTS WIN 15th PREMIERSHIP
Sydney Cricket Ground, 17 September 1979: Saints put season '78 behind them a magnificent year in '79 when they finished 22 rounds as minor premiers. In the semis, Saints defeated Parramatta 15-11 (8Sept) in the major semi and qualified for yet another Grand Final. Their opponents Canterbury, qualified for the Grand Final after defeating Wests, Cronulla and Parramatta.
The Grand Final was played in fine conditions in front of good sized SCG crowd. There was lots of pub talk going on as to who was the best of the opposing halfbacks, Steve Morris or Steve Mortimer.
The first half began with a flying break from deep in Saints half from Morris who ran on the last tackle covering some 40 metres before brought down in a classic covering tackle by Mortimer.
The half, however belonged to Saints with new fullback, Brian Johnson (pic right) taking a pass 10 metres out from the Canterbury line and scoring an easy opening try.
Soon after, Rod Reddy, who was subduing his opponents with ruthless disregard, put Morris into a gap. 'Slippery' kicked ahead and the race was on. Mortimer, who had a head start, got there first but Morris tackled him into touch.
Later, Canterbury put up a bomb into the St George in-goal. Brian Johnson was on hand to field the ball and returned it with a 60 metre run out pacing most only to be caught in a copy book tackle by his opposite fullback, Stan Cutler.
But the defence was opening up and it wasn't long before Saints scored their second try with winger, Mitch Brennan venturing infield and finding a gap courtesy of centre, Robert Finch who slipped a short ball to Brennan 30 metres out. The strapping winger made a powerful run to score another three pointer.