1984 — Los Angles

HTML <h2><strong>1984 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC GAMES</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games were affected by a boycott as had happened at the Moscow Olympic Games four years before. This time the Communist Bloc boycotted the Olympics and powerful basketball nations such as the USSR and Cuba did not attend the Games.</p>

HTML <p>The Olympic Games in Los Angeles marked the beginning of the greater “volunteer” approach to the Olympic Games as the costs of running Olympics had become prohibitive. The Games also featured two Olympic Villages, one at the University Southern California (USC) and the other at the University California Los Angeles (UCLA).</p>

HTML <p>The Olympics had arrived in Hollywood and there was much excitement and flavour to the city and the Olympics.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Highlights of the Games</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Carl Lewis in his first Games equalled the feats of Jesse Owens (1936) by winning four Gold Medals in sprinting and the long jump.</p>

HTML <p>A marathon race for women was held for the first time.</p>

HTML <p>Eleven athletes failed drug tests at the Games.</p>

HTML <p>The USA won a record 83 Gold Medals. Romania won 20 Gold Medals.</p>

HTML <p>The Men’s Basketball Tournament featured the introduction of Michael Jordon, Chris Mullen and Patrick Ewing to the world stage of basketball.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Highlights</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia’s improvement in winning Gold Medals continued from the previous Olympics as the team won 24 medals (four Gold), the best result since the 1964 Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <p>Wayne Roycroft emulated the feat of his father Bill when he was the Australian Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremony.</p>

HTML <p>Jon Sieben put in a whirlwind finish to win the Gold Medal in the 200 metres men’s butterfly swimming.</p>

HTML <p>Dean Lukin won a Gold Medal in weightlifting as Glynis Nunn did in the Heptathlon.</p>

HTML <p>The Australian Cycling Team won the Gold Medal in the 4000 metre pursuit.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The </strong><strong>Olympic </strong><strong>Village</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australian teams were among the nations housed on the campus of the University Southern California (USC). Other nations were housed at the University California Los Angeles (UCLA). To save money the Olympic Organizing Committee simply used the dormitories and housing that were part of these two great universities. USC suited the Australians as it was near many of the main venues including the main arena at the Coliseum.</p>

HTML <p>The dining halls and facilities were mainly marquees that had been erected for the Games. One of the main attractions at the food hall was a giant bin on M and M’s (or as the Australians knew them “Smarties”).</p>

HTML <p>The rooms for the athletes were comfortable enough but fairly small and Spartan as is usual for university housing.</p>

HTML <p>The Australian basketball teams trained at Inglewood a suburb famous for racial riots a few years before. The trips to training were usually a traffic nightmare with the journey taking 45 minutes to an hour. Training on some days was cancelled as the round trip of two hours sitting in a bus on the freeways was sometimes not worth the effort.</p>

HTML <p>Lindsay Gaze, Julie Nykiel, Bronwyn Marshall, Brendan Flynn, Marina Moffa, Adrian Hurley and Donna Quinn at the Olympic Village (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <p>The 1984 Olympic Village at USC (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Opening Ceremony</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular affair in the Coliseum. The Opening Ceremony and the Games as a whole had a touch of Hollywood and as the Australians marched around the arena they could be heard pointing out in the crowd stars of Hollywood. The world famous Rafer Johnson (athletics 1960 Olympics) lit the Olympic Flame and the Games of the twenty third Olympiad were underway.</p>

HTML <p>The 1984 Olympic Stadium (A. Hurley)</p>

HTML <p>The Australian Women’s Basketball Team marching in the 1984 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony (K. Foster)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Left to right:</strong> Danny Morseu, Phil Smyth, Damian Keogh, Larry Sengstock and Wayne Carroll at the Opening Ceremony. (R. Borner)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic </strong><strong>Basketball </strong><strong>Tournaments</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The basketball games were played at the home of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Forum at Inglewood. The “Fabulous Forum” as it was known by locals was designed by renowned LA architect Charles Luckman and was intended to evoke the Roman Forum. The arena seated 17,500 people for basketball. The stadium was the home of the LA Lakers up until 1999 when the team moved to the Staples Centre.</p>

HTML <p>Women’s basketball would be played for the third time at an Olympics in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Women’s basketball was introduced to Olympic competition in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and was played for the second time at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>There would be six teams in the LA Olympic women’s basketball tournament. The USA as the host country automatically qualified.</p>

HTML <p>Five teams would qualify for Los Angeles through a Qualification Tournament in Cuba in May.</p>

HTML <p>The Centre Court at the Forum (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Women’s Basketball Team Preparation and Qualification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australian team had played in the 1983 World Championships in Brazil and in the Commonwealth Championships in New Zealand that same year. </p>

HTML <p>In 1984 the Opals played in the Beijing International Tournament where they played seven games. They then travelled to Cuba for the Olympic Qualification Tournament.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Women’s </strong><strong>Olympic Qualification Tournament in Havana and Santiago, Cuba</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Nineteen teams competed in Cuba. The teams were divided into four groups (three of 4 and one of 3)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Group A</strong><strong>:</strong> Australia, Hungary, Poland, Dominican Republic and Sweden </p>

HTML <p>Groups A and C played in Santiago.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 1:</strong>Australia 71 Poland 63 </p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 2:</strong>Australia 90 Dominican Republic 63 </p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 3:</strong>Australia 80- Sweden 63 </p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 4:</strong>Australia83 Hungary 67</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Classification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia 4-0Hungary 3-1Poland 2-2Sweden 1-3 Dominican Republic 0-4</p>

HTML <p>Australia and Hungary progressed to the next round.</p>

HTML <p>The top two teams in each group proceeded to the finals in Havana.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Opening Ceremony </strong><strong>Havana, </strong><strong>Cuba 1984</strong><strong> (Basketball Australia)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>In Havana the eight qualifying teams played a “round robin” against each other with the top four teams proceeding to Los Angeles for the Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <p>Previous results from the Group games carried over. Therefore Australia’s victory over Hungary gave them one win going into the “round-robin” where they would play six games.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 5:</strong> Australia 79 Czechoslovakia 70 (29-33)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 6:</strong> Australia 63 Korea 73 (30-38)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 7:</strong> Australia 61 Canada 69 (25-35)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 8:</strong> Australia 65 Cuba 67 (37-35)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 9:</strong> Australia 54 Yugoslavia 70 (29-33)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Game 10:</strong> Australia 64 China 69 (36-38)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Marina Moffa jump shot in Cuba while Karen Dalton (5) is in support</strong><strong> (Basketball Australia)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Final Classification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>China 6-1Yugoslavia 5-2Canada 5-2Hungary 4-3Cuba 3-4</p>

HTML <p>Korea 3-4Australia 2-5Czechoslovakia 1-6 </p>

HTML <p>The five teams qualifying for Los Angeles were China, Yugoslavia, Canada, Hungary and Cuba.</p>

HTML <p>Hungary had done well after losing to Australia in the Group round. Australia was so close to qualifying for their first Olympics. It should be noted that in the game against Cuba with the scores tied 65 all a Cuban player launched “a prayer” shot from half-way that scored and the 67-65 loss was a factor in the Australians failing to qualify for the Olympic finals in LA. </p>

HTML <p>After the Australian team returned home it was announced that some Soviet countries were boycotting the Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>Korea replaced Hungary and Australia replaced the USSR.</p>

HTML <p>The Australian Women’s Basketball Team was going to its first Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <p>Team Captain Jenny Cheesman said, “It’s a life-long dream come true.”</p>

HTML <p> “I am so happy. I haven’t been able to sleep since we’ve been home,” added team member Wendy Laidlaw.</p>

HTML <p>“After I received the phone call telling me that we were going to the Olympics I returned to the classroom and the kids asked me whether I was going to LA and they were thrilled to bits when I told them I was,” remembers Kathy Foster.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Women’s Basketball Tournament</strong><strong> in LA</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The basketball tournament took place in the Inglewood Forum the home of the LA Lakers.</p>

HTML <p>Pat Mickan (left) and Jenny Cheesman with local policemen prior to the first game in the 1984 LA Olympic Games (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1:</strong><strong>Australia</strong><strong> 64</strong><strong> v China</strong><strong> 67</strong><strong> (22-28)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>China had been the outstanding team in the Qualification Tournament in Cuba where they had won six games with one loss. They were expected to be the main challenge to the USA, along with Yugoslavia and Canada. The team contained the outstanding players Xiaobo Song who was to become the 4th highest scorer in the Olympic Tournament, and the talented Xuedi Cong.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians had some confidence of causing an upset as they had only lost to the Chinese 69-64 in Cuba.</p>

HTML <p>Australia started well against China and at half-time were only down by six points 28-22. The game was a dour struggle. Relatively poor free-throw shooting and occasional defensive lapses by the Australians meant that China was able to sustain their very narrow lead to the end and win 67-64. It was an excellent effort by the Australians against one of the medal favourites. Even though the Australians had lost it was clear that they were going to trouble all teams in the tournament. It was a good start.For China Song 18 points and Liu 16 points were the main scorers. Australia shot the ball well enough (25/55) and evened out the rebounds with the Chinese. The only difference was that the Chinese made 28 of their 55 basket attempts</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>: </strong>Maher 12, Cheesman 8, Cockrem 2, Mickan 6, Nykiel 18, Foster 16,Laidlaw 2 <strong>Shooting: </strong>25/55 at 45%,<strong> Free-throws: </strong>4/8 at 50%,<strong> Rebounds: </strong>Australia 26-China 27<strong>Assists:</strong> 14,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 18,<strong>Steals:</strong> 11</p>

HTML <p>Time to relax after training in LA</p>

HTML <p>Left to right: Trish Cockrem, Robyn Maher, Marina Moffa (back), Wendy Laidlaw, Bronwyn Marshall, Pat Mickan, Julie Nykiel and Donna Brown. (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2:</strong><strong>Australia</strong><strong> 47</strong><strong> v USA</strong><strong> 81</strong><strong> (28-51)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The USA was the red hot favourite for the Olympic Tournament and contained the fabulous player Cheryl Miller as well as the talented Teresa Edwards, and the very tall Anne Donovan. The strength, speed, skills and physical ability of the USA set a new standard in women’s basketball. The absence of the Soviet Union denied the tournament of the perceived best team to challenge the Americans. The Americans led by 23 points at half-time (51-28)and the game may well have blown out to an embarrassment but the Australians fought back and showed their great determination, team-spirit, and persistence. The Australian defence worked over-time and contained the USA to an eleven point margin in the second half and clearly demonstrated that the Australians were learning how to play against the best in the world.The US had quietened the Australians main scorers Nykiel and Foster and the Australian team as a whole shot a dismal 23% against the tough US defence. The Australians also committed a horrendous 31 turnovers for the game. In contrast the USA made 30 baskets from 50 attempts at 60%. For the USA Miller 20 points and Curry 12 points were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Maher 2, Cheesman 13, Quinn 4, Mikan 8, Nykiel 6, Foster 4, Dalton 4, Laidlaw 6 <strong>Shooting:</strong> 11/47 at 23%.<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 20/25 at 87%.<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 19-USA 34<strong>Assists:</strong> 9,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 31,<strong>Steals:</strong> 7</p>

HTML <p>Kathy Foster (11) and Marina Moffa (12) in the change-rooms at the 1984 LA Olympic Games (M. Moffa))</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3:</strong><strong>Australia 46 </strong><strong>v Canada</strong><strong> 56</strong><strong> (18-30)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Canada was a strong team and had surprised many with their results in Cuba and here in LA. They had defeated the strong Chinese team 66-61 in their previous game in the tournament. The Canadian team contained the outstanding player Bev Smith, who was to be the third highest scorer in the tournament, and the talented Alison Lang.</p>

HTML <p>Australia’s lack of a high scoring “go-to” player hurt them in this game as the starting five players were to shoot only 30% from the field. The Australian defence was tough and solid but the lack of finishing skills on offense was whittling away any advantage the defence was bringing. In the first half the Australians could not put the ball in the basket and the scores were 30-18 in favour of the Canadians. The scores remained relatively equal in the second half which was another low scoring affair with the Canadians scoring 26 points and the Australians 28 points. The final score was a win to Canada 56-46. For Canada Blackwell 12 points and Smith 12 points were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong>Maher 12,Cheesman 3, Cockrem 4, Quinn 3, Mickan 2, Nykiel 11, Foster 5, Dalton 2, Laidlaw 2 <strong>Shooting:</strong> 16/51 at 31.4%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 4/7 at 57.1%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 24-Canada 39<strong>Assists:</strong> 8,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 18,<strong>Steals</strong><strong>: </strong>10 </p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4:</strong><strong>Australia </strong><strong>48 </strong><strong>v Korea</strong><strong> 54</strong><strong> (19-26)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Koreans were playing very well. Their only loss in the tournament so far was to the outstanding USA team who they were to play for the Gold Medal later in the tournament. Their team contained the tournaments highest scorer Hwa-Soon Kim and the outstanding players Chang-Sook Park and Aei-Young Choi.</p>

HTML <p>This was the third 9am game in a row for the Australians. These early starts certainly tested the Aussies ability to be up early and to prepare properly. Whether this was a factor in the Australian’s poor shooting percentages is not clear but again their shooting percentage was down. The Australians were getting off to slow starts in each game. The half-time score of only 19 points by the Australianswas disappointing, but they had again troubled the opposition with their defence and had held the Koreans to just 26 points. </p>

HTML <p>As they had done in their previous games the Australiansfought back. The fight back was again based on their tough aggressive defence. The Koreans held their nerve and their seven point half-time lead was protected with them going on to a 54-48 win. For Korea, Kim 21 points and Choi 16 points were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Maher 4, Cheesman 7, Quinn 3, Mickan 4, Nykiel 15, Foster 12, Laidlaw 2, Geh 1 <strong>Shooting:</strong> 16/55 at 29%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 5/7 at 71.4%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia-44 Korea 31,<strong>Assists:</strong>11,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 18,<strong>Steals:</strong> 11.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Kathy Foster </strong><strong>(4) </strong><strong>rebounds while Julie Nykiel </strong><strong>(10) and Pat Mickan (9) </strong><strong>give support.</strong><strong>(Basketball Australia)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5:</strong><strong>Australia 62 </strong><strong>v Yugoslavia</strong><strong> 59</strong><strong> (25-31)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Yugoslavia had finished second in the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Cuba where they won five games and lost two. In that tournament they were too big and too skilled for the Australians winning comfortably 70-54. </p>

HTML <p>In the Olympic tournament so far they had lost to Korea by three points, to China 79-58, to the USA 83-55 and had defeated Canada 69-68. Australia had pressed the same teams (except the USA) so they were confident they could reverse the result of the Cuba tournament. </p>

HTML <p>Kathy Foster (11) shoots in the game against Yugoslavia (K. Foster)</p>

HTML <p>A win by the Australians would see them equal on wins with Yugoslavia but they would take 5th place ahead of the Yugoslavians because of the victory over them.</p>

HTML <p>After another slow start to the match the Australians were down by six points 31-25 at half-time. They were keeping their turnovers down from previous games and driving to the basket to create assist baskets against the taller opposition.</p>

HTML <p>The Yugoslavians worked to a thirteen point lead in the second half. The game turned on its head when the very tall Sue Geh of Australia rose to the occasion not only in her strong area of shot-blocking but also in rebounding and as an offensive weapon against the tall opposition. Geh’s inspiration spread to the whole Australian team who rallied behind her and came storming back. The game was very close and exciting in the last few minutes and the Yugoslavians were feeling the pressure. The Australians surged to a 62-59 win and Australia’s historic first win in Olympic women’s basketball. The Australians were ecstatic with the win. They were now 5th in the Olympic Games and were signalling that in the future they would be a force with which to be reckoned.</p>

HTML <p>Pat Mickan against Roza Mujanovic of Yugoslavia (The Basketballer Magazine)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Maher 13, Cheesman 6, Mickan 15, Nykiel 8, Foster 8, Laidlaw 2, Geh 10 <strong>Shooting:</strong> 21/76 at 27.6%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 20/28 at 71.4%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 43-Yugoslavia 38,<strong>Assists:</strong> 14,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 11,<strong>Steals:</strong> 12.</p>

HTML <p>FIBA had determined that at the end of the “round-robin” the first two teams would play for the Gold Medal and the third and fourth teams for the Bronze.</p>

HTML <p>Julie Nykiel rebounds against Yugoslavia (C. Purdam)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Gold Medal Game</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Americans had won all their games comfortably with the Yugoslavians doing best against them but still losing by 28 points.</p>

HTML <p>In the final USA defeated Korea 85-55 (42-27) to win the Gold Medal.</p>

HTML <p>The Koreans resisted the USA for about ten minutes but they soon lost touch and by half-time with the score at 46-20 the game was all but over. The Americans with players such as Miller, McGee, Edwards, Woodward and Donovan were in a league of their own.</p>

HTML <p>In a Spanish journal written by Carlos Martin he said of Cheryl Miller the star of the USA team, “Miller was the Jordon of the women’s basketball....it is fantastic to see her play: passes, shots, (with percentage over 60%), assists, rebounds and incredible leadership....number one.”</p>

HTML <p>China defeated Canada 63-57 (37-29) to win the Bronze Medal.</p>

HTML <p>There was no doubt that the women’s tournament had made considerable steps up in standard since Montreal and Moscow despite the Soviet boycott.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Final Classification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>USA2. Korea3. China4 Canada5 Australia</p>

HTML <p>6. Yugoslavia</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Olympic Women’s Basketball Team statistics</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Jenny Cheesman</strong> finished the tournament with the fifth highest number of assists for all teams with 19. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Pat Mickan</strong> was second in the tournament free-throw percentage at 83.3%, while <strong>Cheesman</strong> finished third at 77.8%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Jenny Cheesman</strong> finished third in the tournament free-throws made with 21 while <strong>Julie Nykiel</strong> finished 4th in the same category with 20 free-throws made. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Jenny Cheesman</strong> finished 3rd in steals for the tournament with 13.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Julie Nykiel</strong> led the Australian scorers with 58 points (12pts average) followed by <strong>Kathy Foster</strong> with 45, <strong>Cheesman</strong> 37 and Pat Mickan 35 </p>

HTML <p><strong>Pat Mickan</strong> led the Australian team in rebounds with 38 followed by <strong>Foster </strong>(27), <strong>Nykiel </strong>(26), <strong>Cheesman</strong> (17) and <strong>Maher</strong> (17)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Cheesman</strong> led the team assists with 19 followed by <strong>Robin Maher</strong> with 15.</p>

HTML <p>Note: Jenny Cheesman and Phil Smyth the captain of the Australian Men’s Team became the first husband and wife to captain Australia in the same sport at the same Olympics.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australian women had played in their first ever Olympic basketball competition and they had secured their first ever Olympic victory when they defeated Yugoslavia.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians had got into the tournament with the boycott by the Soviet bloc </p>

HTML <p>after the Qualification Tournament in Cuba. However, as the Olympic competition only catered for six teams in can be argued that in a 12 team tournament(as happens today) Australia would have been a good chance to compete in an Olympic tournament with that number of teams.</p>

HTML <p>After the disappointment of “not qualifying” for the Olympics and accepting that disappointment the Australia Team once it knew it had now qualified, courageously turned around and travelled to LA and re-grouped.</p>

HTML <p>The results in the Olympic Tournament, where they competed very closely with all teams except the USA, clearly demonstrated that the Australians deserved to be in the tournament.</p>

HTML <p>Perhaps the Australians lack of an outstanding scorer or “go to player” was themain barrier to the team finishing higher in the tournament. The Australians got open shots, but they were mainly 10-15 foot jump shots rather than power shots by big players near the basket or a consistent three point shooting. All in all it was the Australians lack of shooting and scoring ability that held them back as their defence was always very solid. They played as a team and they rebounded well above their size.</p>

HTML <p>The fact that they had played in the Olympics and had made that break-through was to give all future Australian women’s teams the confidence that they could compete at the Olympic level. </p>

HTML <p>Twelve years later the Australian Women’s Team were to win a Bronze Medal at the Olympics (1996) and then three successive Olympic Silver Medals (2000, 2004, 2008) as wellaswinning a World Championship in 2006.</p>

HTML <p>The first big step to Olympic success was taken by the 1984 Olympic Women’s Basketball Team and a series of even bigger steps were to follow by Australia’s future Olympic Women’s Basketball Teams.</p>

HTML <p>Welcome Home Ceremony in Brisbane (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <p>M</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The 1984 Australian Women’s </strong><strong>Olympic </strong><strong>Basketball </strong><strong>Team</strong><strong> (Basketball Australia)</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Left to right:</strong> Pat Mickan, Karen Dalton, Robyn Maher, Dr Peter Harcourt, Bronwyn Marshall, Brendan Flynn (Head Coach), Donna Quinn, Pat Foster, Marina Moffa, Jenny Cheesman (Captain), Sue Geh, Lorraine Landon (Manager), Trish Cockrem, Eddie Crouch (Referee), Kay McFarlane (Assistant Coach), Wendy Laidlaw, Julie Nykiel (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Preparati</strong><strong>on of the Australian </strong><strong>Olympic </strong><strong>Men’s </strong><strong>Basketball </strong><strong>Team</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia qualified through the Oceania Zone by defeating New Zealand in the Olympic Qualification Tournament held in 1983. The qualification was held in New Zealand at the same time as a tournament called the Commonwealth Basketball Tournament. The Australian team defeated New Zealand in the Oceania Qualification Tournament and then defeated them again in the Commonwealth Tournament to win the Bronze Medal behind Canada and Great Britain. </p>

HTML <p>The 1983 Oceania Qualifications and Commonwealth Basketball Games were followed by a tour by the Australian Men’s Team to Canada and the USA to play the Canadian National Team in a series, and eleven games against the US College teams. </p>

HTML <p>In 1984 games were played in Australia by the Australian Team against Yugoslavian club side Buducnost and a game against a South Australian All Star team.</p>

HTML <p>An embargo by USA Olympic Coach Bob Knight against American teams playing foreign teams in the USA prior to the Olympics meant the Australian Team had to make hurried arrangements to play in Canada just prior to the Games.</p>

HTML <p>On the way to the Games the Australian Team played a three match series in Canada against Canada, Italy and Yugoslavia. Three games against an AAU and former NBA players “All Star” team in San Diego, rounded off the Australian Team’s Olympic preparation.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Olympic Men’s Basketball Tournament was divided into two groups of six countries.</p>

HTML <p>Australia was drawn in Group Awith Brazil, Yugoslavia, West Germany, Italy, and Egypt.</p>

HTML <p>The top four teams in each Group would qualify for the Quarter Finals while the bottom two teams in each Group would play for positions 9-12.</p>

HTML <p>It was most important therefore for Australia to gain third spot or higher in their Group otherwise in the cross-over Quarter Final games they would most certainly play the USAwho was the tournament favourite.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1: Australia</strong><strong> 76</strong><strong> v Brazil</strong><strong> 72</strong><strong> (34-38)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>This first game was to be critical for the Boomers as Brazil was at the height of its powers internationally and contained the great player Oscar Schmidt one of the greatest all time scorers in Olympic basketball competition. The 6’8” Schmidt “never saw a shot he didn’t like” and was capable of scoring over 40 points in a game (which he did in Seoul four years later when he averaged over 40 points a game and scored a record 338 points in the Olympic Tournament).</p>

HTML <p>As game time drew near Mel Dalgleish and Larry Sengstock were “nervous” yet “primed” for the challenge of “slowing down” Schmidt with their aggressive defence.</p>

HTML <p>Straight from the start the game was a scrappy affair yet there was at times brilliance from both sides.</p>

HTML <p>The Brazilians went to half-time leading 38-34. The second half was a very dogged affair with the Australians throwing everything at Schmidt. Wayne Carroll playing his first game for Australia at an Olympics was playing inspired defence and scoring clutch baskets. Ian Davies the top scorer at the Moscow Olympics and the Australians main scoring option was closely marked but was still a threat. With Davies coming off “first option” screens and the big men such as Borner being very physical the Brazilians were struggling to stay with the Australians. Andrew Gaze was playing in his first Olympics and was showing few nerves and as the game wore on his self-confidence was spurring his team-mates along. The man of the match for the Boomers was Smyth who was absolutely brilliant at both ends of the court while controlling the Australian offense and the tempo of the game.Smyth,Gaze and Davies scored some long shots towards the end of the game and this continually frustrated the Brazilians.The last few minutes of the game were full of emotion and pressure but the Australians hung on for a tremendous victory.Australia defeated Brazil 76-72 in somewhat of an upset.</p>

HTML <p>Israel 16 points and Schmidt 15 points were the main scorers for Brazil.</p>

HTML <p>Brazil never recovered from this defeat and finished a disappointing 9th in the tournament. Lindsay Gaze the coach commented, “The win over Brazil in the first game was a great morale booster.......there was a new found composure.”</p>

HTML <p>As Coach Lindsay Gaze was leaving the stadium a security guard remarked to him, “God is an Australian.”</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 8, Dalgleish 4, Davies 16, Morseu 4, Sengstock 4, Smyth 22, Borner 4, Carroll 14; <strong>Shooting:</strong> 35/70 at 50%. <strong>Free-throws:</strong> 6/10at 60%<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 30-Brazil 37,<strong>Assists:</strong> 12,<strong>Turnovers</strong><strong>:</strong>7,<strong>Steals:</strong> 5.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2: Australia</strong><strong> 64</strong><strong> v Yugoslavia</strong><strong> 94</strong><strong> (28-39)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>In their next game the Australians played world power Yugoslavia. Australia had defeated the Yugoslavians in a tournament in Canada just prior to the Olympics and fancied their chances. As had happened so many times before, the Yugoslavians played very physically on the Australian guards, especially on Smyth, to slow the supply of ball to Davies. In this game Larry Sengstock got into foul trouble and injuries to Brad Dalton and Ray Borner prior to the game meant Australia was short-handed with big players up against the very tall Yugoslavians. At half-time the Yugoslavians led 39-28 and the Australians were struggling to score. Andrew Gaze in his second game at an Olympics tried hard to keep Australia into the game and Ray Borner although injured thrived in the physical side of the game and scored 15 points.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians were comprehensively beaten by the very talented Yugoslavians 94-64. </p>

HTML <p>It was a bitter loss, but the opposition was way too good tactically, physically and talent wise. Petrovic scored 22 points for Yugoslavia.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 12, Dalgleish 5, Morseu 8, Sengstock 2, Smyth 6, Borner 15, Carroll 2, Keogh 2, Campbell 6. <strong>Shooting:</strong>21/6 at 31%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong>22/37 at 59%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 38-Yugoslavia 46,<strong>Assists:</strong> 8,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 16,<strong>Steals:</strong> 8</p>

HTML <p>Wayne Carroll harasses a point guard while Phil Smyth looks to trap the player in a double team.(IOC)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3: Australia</strong><strong>67 </strong><strong>v </strong><strong>West Germany</strong><strong>66</strong><strong> (31-36)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>This game was a crunch game for Australia. Australia had to win the game to avoid fourth spot in the Group and a possible match against the USA in the Quarter Finals.</p>

HTML <p>The powerful West German team included a number of US college stars including Detlef Schrempf, the PAC 10 College Player of the Year(Schrempf went on to be a star in the NBA). It also included other college stars in Christian Welp and Uwe Blab.</p>

HTML <p>The Germans were one of the tallest teams in the competition. Australia played a low tempo game and particularly attacked the German point guards on defence and used trapping defence in an effort to starve the German big men of the ball. Wayne Carroll was given the task of defending Schrempf and this was a major task as the German was much taller and more athletic than Carroll. Carroll used his anticipation to beat Schrempf to the “spots” while his team-mates took every opportunity to physically bump Schrempf whenever he came off screens.</p>

HTML <p>At half-time the Australians were down 36-31. Dalgleish and Sengstock harassed the German big men while Carroll continued harassing Schrempf. Australia’s big players gave a very good account of themselves.What they lacked in height and size they made up for with quickness and doggedness. Davies was keeping the Australian scoring going and Borner was playing his second good game in a row. The Australians cause was not helped with Sengstock (15 minutes), Carroll (30minutes), Gaze (11 minutes) and Dalgleish (16 minutes) all fouling out of the game. This really tested the Australian bench but every player stood up to the challenge as they battled away and totally frustrated the Germans. With a few seconds left in the game Germany was awarded a very dubious two free-throws to tie the game. They made only one and after a mad scramble for the rebound the Boomers held on to win 67-66 in a vital victory.Somehow the Australians had won even though their shooting was not good and players had fouled out, but they had created a win out of spirit, hard work, defence, and ruggedness.</p>

HTML <p>This win assured Australia of a second or third place in their Group as they had defeated Brazil and West Germany. For West Germany Schrempf 19 points, Zanden 16, and Welp 14 were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong>Dalgleish 3, Davies 20, Sengstock 4, Smyth 8, Borner 14, Carroll 10, Brad Dalton 8, Carroll 5, Gaze 5, Dalgleish 5. <strong>Shooting</strong><strong>:</strong> 29/70 at 41.4%,<strong>Free-throws</strong><strong>:</strong>9/14 at 64.2%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 27-Germany 43,<strong>Assists:</strong> 22,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 12,<strong>Steals:</strong> 10</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4: </strong><strong>Australia</strong><strong> 82</strong><strong> v Italy</strong><strong> 93</strong><strong> (48-48)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Their next opponent for Australia was the highly rated and skilled Italian team. This game would decide 2nd and 3rd place in the Group as Yugoslavia had claimed first place. The Italians were playing great basketball and were a very physical team through their big man Meneghin. Antonella Riva their world class off-guard would take some stopping.Meneghin was a superstar of European basketball and a larger than life character. Riva was 6’6” tall and a superb strong athlete with silky skills. Other leading players for the Italians were the guard Mazorati and the big man Magnifico.</p>

HTML <p>At half-time the Boomers were playing a great game and to the surprise of everyone the score was tied 48 all. Smyth, Carroll, Gaze and Davies were keeping the Australians in the game with their scoring. Smyth in particular was brilliant as the Italians tried to emulate the Yugoslavian tactics of shutting Smyth out of the game anyway they could. He rose to the challenge and led the team brilliantly, set the tempo and still managed to top score for the team. But the somewhat injured big players from Australia were being “monstered” inside the key and though they battled manfully the Italians were just too big and too physical.The rebounds told the story with the Italians outrebounding the Australians 54 to 28. Riva had a superb game and the Italians put on a very skilled display that suggested greater things for them later in the tournament. For Italy Riva 31 points, Sacchetti 14, Vilalta 12, and Magnifico 11 were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p>Australia played very well to lose 93-82. But for poor shooting at 29.4 percent in the second half (and the Italian brilliant defence) may have caused a huge upset. However the signs were still good for the Australians.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 13,Dalgleish 4, Davies 14, Morseu 6, Sengstock 8, Smyth 15, Borner 8, Carroll 12, Brad Dalton 2. <strong>Shooting:</strong>28/73 at 36%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong>26/34 at 76%,<strong>Rebounds</strong>: Australia 28-Italy 54,<strong>Assists:</strong> 12,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 13,<strong>Steals:</strong> 9.</p>

HTML <p>Debutant Andrew Gaze (11) celebrates a basket, while Wayne Carroll (9) watches the action. (IOC)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5: Australia</strong><strong> 94</strong><strong> v Egypt</strong><strong> 78</strong><strong> (38-37)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The result of this game would make no difference to Australia’s securing third spot in the Group. Egypt was the African Zone champions but their lack of international experience and athleticism made their task in the tournament very difficult.</p>

HTML <p> However the Australians did not defend very well early and this kept the Egyptians in the game and at half-time Australia only led 38-37. The bench was getting a good run and there needed to be a strong thrust in the second half. Gaze and Davies hit a few “bombs” and Brad Dalton was having his best game and seemed recovered from his injury. Soloman Mohamed scored 37 points for Egypt.</p>

HTML <p>A 94-78 win over Egypt put Australia through to the next round and a possible medal.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Dalgleish 4, Davies 18, Morseu 4, Sengstock 8, Smyth 4, Borner 8, Carroll 10, Brad Dalton 15, Mark Dalton 2, Gaze 15, Keogh 6, Morseu 4, Smyth 4 <strong>Shooting:</strong>37/78 at 45%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 20/35 at 57%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 43-Egypt 38,<strong>Assists:</strong>20,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 11,<strong>Steals:</strong>.</p>

HTML <p>Ray Borner wins the jump-ball against Egypt (C. Purdam)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Group A Win/Loss Results:</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Yugoslavia 5-0, Italy 4-1, Australia 3-2, Germany 2-3, Brazil 1-4, Egypt 0-5.</p>

HTML <p>The Australian Women’s Team supporting the Men’s Team at the basketball arena (B. Marshall)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Ga</strong><strong>me 6</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> Quarter Final: </strong><strong>Australia</strong><strong> 93</strong><strong> v Spain</strong><strong> 101</strong><strong> (38-45)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The opportunity to create history by moving through to the medal round now rested in the Boomers hands. A win over the very talented Spanish team would create that history.</p>

HTML <p>The Spanish were a renowned defensive team with a fast break counter attack in offense. was considered an outsider to win this game. The Spanish team contained European superstars Andres Jimenez, Fernando Martin, Juan San Epifanio and Fernando Romay to name a few.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians quickly fell behind by fifteen points against the Spanish double-teaming defence but clawed their way back to be down by only five points at half-time 45-38. The Australians were adjusting to the defensive pressure of the Spanish and the game was continually tied during the second half. The Spaniards were shooting at an incredible 77% success rate. Davies was proving again to be a handful, Smyth was playing brilliantly, and Carroll and Sengstock were having fine games. The game was there for the taking and the Australians were to everyone’s surprise staying with the hot-shooting Spaniards. The Australians were making a lot of assist baskets against the Spanish defensive pressure but were also turning the ball over too much. Some clutch baskets and free-throws by the Spaniards in the dying moments of the game saw the Spaniards triumphant 100-93.JuanSan Epifanio and Fernando Martin scored 25 points each for Spain.</p>

HTML <p>This was a magnificent effort by the Australian Team. (Four years later in the 1988 Olympics the same two nations met again in the Quarter Finals to decide who would go through to the medal round. On that occasion the Australians were the victors).</p>

HTML <p>Spain in this 1984 Olympic Tournament was to go on and defeat the Yugoslavians in the semi-finals 74-61 and to play the USA for the Gold Medal.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 7, Davies 20, Smyth, 15, Borner 9, Carroll 18, B Dalton 2, Morseu 8, Sengstock 14.<strong>Shooting:</strong>41/70 at 59%,<strong>Free-throws</strong><strong>:</strong>11/14 at 79%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 29-Spain 24,<strong>Assists:</strong>21,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 20,<strong>Steals:</strong> 10.</p>

HTML <p>Ray Borner (15), Mel Dalgleish and Danny Morseu against Egypt (C. Purdam)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 7</strong><strong>: Australia</strong><strong> 95</strong><strong> v </strong><strong>Uruguay</strong><strong>101</strong><strong> (41-40)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The loss to Spain (the eventual Silver Medallists) meant that Australia now played Uruguay for a position in the top six. The Uruguayans had been playing very well, and contained the leading scorer in the competition in Horatio Lopez. Nevertheless went into the game as the favourites.</p>

HTML <p>This game was to be a test of character and determination as the game was played at 9am. </p>

HTML <p> started slowly and failed to re-produce their excellent form they displayed against . At half-time the Australians led 41-40. The game was up-tempo which was playing into Uruguay’s hands somewhat. Davies was continuing his good scoring and Gaze was growing in stature every game. </p>

HTML <p>Australia got out to a six point lead in the second half only to see their lead disappear when they failed to convert some very good opportunities. The Australians were playing well as a team on offense and would end with an incredible 32 assists for the game. The Uruguayans were resorting to theatrics and at one stage their captain rolled on the floor in agony and had to be stretchered off, only to be at court side one minute later asking to be subbed back into the game. The referees rightly refused (at least for a few more minutes).In a very dramatic game that contained a lot of theatrics by the Uruguaythe Australians were upset 101-95.For Uruguay Lopez scored 27 points Ruiz 26, and Ninez 18.</p>

HTML <p>Uruguay was to go on to be defeated by Italy and they secured 6th place in the tournament their best performances since they won a Bronze Medal in 1956.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong>: Dalgleish 1, Davies 22, Morseu 11, Sengstock 3, Smyth 14, Borner 10, Carroll 10, B Dalton 9, Gaze 15,<strong>Shooting</strong><strong>:</strong>40/79 at 50%,<strong>Free-throws</strong>:15/22 at 68%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 34-Uruguay 38,<strong>Assists:</strong> 32,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 16,<strong>Steals:</strong> 8.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 8</strong><strong>:</strong><strong>(Playoff for 7-8 positions)</strong><strong> Australia</strong><strong> 83</strong><strong> v West Germany </strong><strong>76</strong><strong> (46-42)</strong></h2>

HTML <p> The Australians had to again play. This time the battle was for 7th position in an endeavour to surpass their best ever results that they achieved in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. </p>

HTML <p>The task once again was to contain Schrempf and attack their guards. The game was much like the first encounter in the tournament.The West Germans jumped out to an early lead as they had done in their previous game against the Australians but they started to find form and fought their way back. </p>

HTML <p> The Australians got to a half-time lead 46-42. Smyth once again was terrorising the German guards on offense and defence. Schrempf was being kept relatively quiet with dogged defence from Carroll, Dalgleish and Sengstock.The West Germans were pounding the Australians on the rebounds two to one.In the last ten minutes of the game the teams were equal before Australia switched to a 2-1-2 match-up zone defence something it had not used in the previous game between these two teams. This threw the Germans out of rhythm for five minutes and the Australians jumped out to a handy lead. The Germans fought back but it was too late. The Australiansstayed composed and won 83-78<strong>.</strong>For West Germany Pappert 17, Schrempf 14, Mendel 13, and Blab 12 were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Aust</strong><strong>ralia:</strong> Davies 15, Morseu 6, Sengstock 8, Smyth 22, Borner 6, Carroll 4, B Dalton 4, M Dalton 6, Gaze 12.<strong>Shooting:</strong>26/50 at 52%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong>11/17 at 64.7%,<strong>Rebounds: </strong>Australia 17-West Germany 37,<strong>Assists:</strong> 11,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> 11,<strong>Steals:</strong> 13.</p>

HTML <p>Larry Sengstock pulls down another big rebound against Germany while Ray Borner (15) and Ian Davies (12) await the outcome (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong> had achieved</strong><strong> 7</strong><strong>th</strong><strong> place their best </strong><strong>result to this time in an Olympic Games.</strong></p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Team Classification </strong><strong>Results:</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Quarter Final: 101 93.</p>

HTML <p>Consolation Semi-Final: 101 Australia 95.</p>

HTML <p>7th-8th Playoff: Australia 83 West Germany 78.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Tournament </strong><strong>Standings</strong><strong>:</strong></h2>

HTML <p>1. USA </p>

HTML <p>2. Spain </p>

HTML <p>3. Yugoslavia </p>

HTML <p>4. Canada</p>

HTML <p>5. Italy</p>

HTML <p>6. Uruguay </p>

HTML <p>7. Australia </p>

HTML <p>8. Germany </p>

HTML <p>9. Brazil </p>

HTML <p>10. China </p>

HTML <p>11. France </p>

HTML <p>12. Egypt</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian </strong><strong>Statistics</strong><strong>:</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Leading point scorers:</strong> Davies 131, Smyth 106, Gaze 92, Carroll 80, Borner 74, Sengstock 51, Morseu 47. </p>

HTML <p>Davies (16.3) was 13th and Smyth (13.25) 19th respectively in scoring totals and averages for the whole tournament.</p>

HTML <p><strong>The best % shooters were:</strong> B Dalton 55%, Smyth 52%, Borner 52%, M Dalton 50%,</p>

HTML <p><strong>Free-throws:</strong> Smyth 82%, Morseu 79%, Davies 74%, Borner 73%</p>

HTML <p>Phil Smyth was the fifth best free-throw shooter in the whole tournament at 81.8%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocks:</strong> Borner 7, Gaze 5</p>

HTML <p><strong>Steals:</strong> Smyth 19, Carroll 7, Dalgleish 7, Gaze 7, Davies 7</p>

HTML <p><strong>Phil Smyth led the </strong><strong>whole </strong><strong>tournament in steals with 19.</strong></p>

HTML <p><strong>R</strong><strong>ebounds:</strong>Sengstock 39, Dalgleish 34, Borner 29, Carroll 28, led the rebounds.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists:</strong> Smyth 41,Davies 22, and Carroll17 were the leaders. </p>

HTML <p>The team shot at 46% (opponents 49%), Free-throws 120/183 at 66% (Opponents 193/261 at 74%) </p>

HTML <p>It should be noted that Phil Smyth had an outstanding all-round tournament where he was second in team scoring (106), first in assists (41), first in steals (19), seventh in rebounds (20), and third in shooting percentage 52%</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Rule changes:</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Reduction from eight to seven fouls before the free-throw bonus commenced.</p>

HTML <p>Introduction of the one and one rule</p>

HTML <p>Introduction of the three point line at 6.25m</p>

HTML <p>The option for a team to shoot free-throws or take the ball from the side after a foul.</p>

HTML <p>If there is a technical foul on the coach then two free throws and possession is awarded to the opposing side.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia’s 7th place finish in the tournament was its best ever resultto that time in Olympic competition. </p>

HTML <p>As in Moscow, the Australian Team’s final position in the world of basketball was somewhat affected by a boycott, but nevertheless their position in the top ten in world basketball could not be questioned. A win against Spain, who went on to win the Silver Medal, would have put Australia through to the medal round. So close.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians came away somewhat disappointed as back in Australia the National Basketball League (NBL) was beginning to gain momentum and player and publicexpectations were on the rise as was the professional approach being taken by the players and the clubs. Nevertheless most of the players were still part-time players and worked at other jobs. But things were changing.</p>

HTML <p>“...a lot more preparation and dedication is what is needed for future success,” (Phil Smyth in his book “The General”)</p>

HTML <p>“Our final position of 7th seemed to be accepted by the group as a solid performance of merit and one to be proud of, as teams were very even. There was also a feeling of disappointment at not being higher,” commented Assistant Coach Dr Adrian Hurley in the Official Report. Coach Gaze commented, “There can be mixed feelings about Australia’s results....and it will be affected by what the expectations were before the event. Recent results suggest that Australia is close to medal contention.”</p>

HTML <p>The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics also introduced to the basketball world Andrew Gaze. Gaze was to go on to be a world famous basketball player over the next sixteen years and to play in five Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>Ian Davies finished 13th on the individual scoring table while Phil Smyth again showed that he was among the best in world at the point-guard position. </p>

HTML <p>Ray Borner, who was to become a triple Olympian,debuted. Larry Sengstock played in the second of his four Olympics. </p>

HTML <p>Left to right: Brad, Karen and Mark Dalton</p>

HTML <p>These Olympics also saw the debuts of Brad and Mark Dalton the first set of brothers to play together on an Australian Olympic Basketball team since the Heard brothers (Malcolm and John) in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. The Dancis brothers also played for at the Olympics but not at the same Olympics. </p>

HTML <p>Karen Dalton<strong>,</strong> the sister of Brad and Mark debuted in the women’s basketball in the 1984 LA Olympics thus creating a unique achievement for the Dalton family and Australian basketball and all sports.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The 1984 Australian Olympic Basketball Team</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Back row left to right:</strong> Lindsay Gaze (Coach), Craig Purdam (Physiotherapist), Andrew Gaze, Andy Campbell, Ray Borner, Mel Dalgleish, Brad Dalton, Mark Dalton, Bob Elphinston (Manager), Dr Adrian Hurley (Assistant Coach), Bob Staunton (Head of Delegation).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Front Row</strong><strong> left to right</strong><strong>:</strong> Phil Smyth (Captain), Larry Sengstock, Wayne Carroll, Damian Keogh, Danny Morseu, Ian Davies.</p>

HTML <p>1984 Men’s Team poster</p>

HTML <p><strong>Left to right:</strong> Damian Keogh, Larry Sengstock, Phil Smyth, Brad Dalton, Ian Davies, Andy Campbell, Andrew Gaze, Wayne Carroll, Ray Borner, Mark Dalton, Danny Morseu, Mel Dalgleish</p>