Donald R. Baker
2018
2018
Player/Administrator 1961 - 1999
Wembley Amateur Football Club
Don Baker joined the Wembley Amateur Football Club in 1961 playing 50 A Grade games as well as being a team manager for the B Grade side.
From 1970-1974 he was the Club secretary before taking on the role of President from 1978-1979.
Don has also been involved with the WA Amateur Football League board and committees. He held the role of WAAFL Junior Vice President for five years, Vice President for one year and was the President from 1992-1995. Don was also part of the WAAFL reinstatement sub committee from 1987-1999 and the WAAFL Hall of Champions selection sub-committee from 2010-2014.
Don was also heavily involved with the WAAFL State Programs from 1974 to 1988 as a WA State Team selector, State Assistant Team Manager, State Team Manager as well as Chairman of the WAAFL State team Sub-committee.
Don was Carnival Coordinator for the AAFC Perth Carnival in 1982 and 1991 as well as the WAAFL delegate to the Australian Amateur Football Council from 1986 to 1995. In 1988 Don was the Australian Amateur Football Council team official for the carnival in Adelaide and Hobart.
Don was made a Life Member of the WA Amateur Football League in 1983 and was made a Life Member of the Australian Amateur Football Council in 2015.
The B Grade Grand Final premiers are awarded the D.R Baker Cup named in honour of Don’s contribution to the WAAFL.
Neil R. Donaldson
2015
2015
Player/Coach/Administrator 1954 - 1979
University Amateur Football Club
Donaldson became involved in amateur football with the UWA Football Club in 1954. First, as club Secretary with University who part of the Metropolitan Football Association from 1954 to 1960 before being elected as the club’s Vice President.
He was elected University Club President in 1963 and coached the club’s inaugural C Grade team. He held the Presidential role until 1965. He coached the club’s new D Grade team from 1964 to 1968.
In 1968, Neil’s 252 games and tireless efforts for University were acknowledged as he was honoured Life Membership of the UWA Football Club.
Donaldson biggest legacy will be remembered as coach and mentor. From 1969 to 1971, and again from 1973 to 1974 and 1976 he coached University’s A Colts. In 1972, he coached the club’s A Grade. He led University teams to seven consecutive grand finals, winning premierships in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974 and 1976. In 1975, he took a year off from coaching, and was an A Grade selector and Team Manager.
In 1956, Donaldson became the University delegate to the WAAFL. In 1971 he joined the inaugural WAAFL Management Committee, a position he remained in until 1979.
In both 1964 and 1967, Donaldson was the WAAFL State Team Runner. In 1970, he was a State Team Selector and Carnival Director for the Australian Amateur Football Council Carnival in Perth.
In 1971 and 1972 Donaldson was WAAFL State Team Manager.
He was a WAAFL State Team Selector in 1971, 1972 and 1975 and was the Chairman of Selectors in 1976 and 1978.
The WAAFL Life Membership was bestowed on Donaldson in 1972.
His efforts continued to be recognised as he was awarded National Football Council Merit Award for services to amateur football in 1990. In 2000, Neil was awarded an Australian Sports Medal from the Australian Government, and in 2003 was awarded AFL Recognition to Volunteers of Australian football.
In 2012, Donaldson was honoured with WA Football Commission Life Membership. In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to Australian Rules football in WA.
The WAAFL thank Neil for his efforts in celebrating his 60th year of involvement with WA amateur football by inducting him into the Hall of Champions as a Champion.
William Duckworth
2016
2016
Player 1993-1995/Coach 1996-2012
North Beach Amateur Football Club
Bill Duckworth first began his involvement with the WAAFL in 1977 as a Colts’ player for WAIT (now Curtin Uni Wesley) before moving to West Perth where he played for two season.
Bill was picked up by the Essendon Football Club where he played 126 games and kicked 64 goals. He was a premiership player in 1984 and 1985 including a Norm Smith Medallist in the 1984 Grand Final.
In 1991, Bill returned to West Perth for another two seasons before joining North Beach in 1993 where he played 33 games and kicked 16 goals. He won a premiership with the club in 1993.
He coached at North Beach from 1996 to 2012. In this time, he coached teams to ten premierships including seven consecutively from 2004 to 2010. He then coached the D1 side from 2014- 2015 making the Grand Final on both occasions. All teams coached by Bill have participated in finals.
Bill Duckworth was awarded Life Membership of the North Beach Amateur Football Club in 2005.
Bradley Dunn
2015
2015
Player/Coach 1979 - 2002
Mt Lawley Amateur Football Club & Wembley Amateur Football Club
Having been involved with football for over 36 years, Brad Dunn is a welcome induction to the WAAFL Hall of Champions as a Champion.
Dunn began his involvement in the WAAFL with the Mt Lawley Amateur Football Club in 1979. This was the beginning of a great playing and coaching career in amateur football that would showcase multiple premierships, fairest and bests, and state and All Australian representation.
Dunn made a mark from his first season in the WAAFL. He was runner up in Mt Lawley’s A-Colts fairest and best in 1979. The following year he was selected in the WAAFL State Colts Team and won his first of nine premierships as a player in A Colts.
His second premiership was in 1981 again in A Colts in the same year he was runner up in Mt Lawley’s A Grade fairest and best.
In 1982, Dunn began his state representative career. He would go on to represent WA seven times in the WAAFL State Team, and was senior coach in 2000 and 2001. He was selected as an All Australian Amateur in 1985, 1986 and 1988.
Regarded as one of amateur footballs finest centremen, Dunn won five A Grade premierships between 1983 and 1988, winning the B.J Giles Medal for best on ground in 1983.
During the same period he was Mt Lawley’s A Colts Coach leading teams to three grand finals and winning a premiership in 1984.
He won Mt Lawley’s A Grade fairest and best in 1983, 1984 and 1988 and the club’s C Grade fairest and best in 1991.
He coached Mt Lawley’s B Grade premiership in 1997 and was the club’s A Grade Coach in 1998. He further coached Wembley A Grade in 2002.
He finished his career playing 220 games for Mt Lawley and being awarded club Life Membership in 1989 and induction into Mt Lawley’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Douglas C. Frame
2018
2018
Player/Administrator/Umpire 1960 - 2008
Bayswater Amateur Football Club
Doug Frame started playing at the Bayswater Football Club in 1960 playing 197 games.
Doug was the Bayswater reserves coach in 1975 and 1976 as well as coaching local junior football teams.
He was on the club’s executive for more than 21 years, holding various roles including Vice President from 1977-78 and President in 1979.
Away from his Club, Doug served on the WAAFL permits committee from 1975-79 and was on the WAAFL Board for 23 years from 1976 -1983 and 1985-1999.
Doug was involved in the WAAFL state team as assistant team manager in 1980, team manager in 1982 and 1982 and a state team selector from 1980-1983.
Doug commenced goal umpiring in 1985, umpiring 789 WAAFL games over 23 years.
For many seasons Doug and his family coordinated gate keepers for all WAAFL preliminary and grand finals. In 2000 Doug volunteered his time to the assisting the League’s relocation from Leederville Oval to Subiaco Oval, revamping the office and general maintenance.
Doug was awarded WAAFL life membership in 1986 and Australian Sports Medal by the Australian Government for his services to Australian Rules Football in 2000.
The clubrooms at the Bayswater Football Club are known as “The Jamieson Frame Pavilion”, named after Doug Frame and Colin Jamieson, another Bayswater Hall of Champions Inductee.
Bernard J. Giles
2010
2010
Administrator 1927 - 1986
Wembley Amateur Football Club
Bernard “Barney” J. Giles was a foundation member of the Wembley Amateur Football Club in 1927, having a year earlier been a foundation member of the Wembley Athletic Club, the overriding body that incorporated football, cricket, baseball and basketball.
An imposing figure over Western Australian football for six decades, “Barney” Giles held a variety of positions as an administrator for the Wembley Amateur Football Club, Wembley Athletic Club, WA Football League, WA Country Football League and WA Amateur Football League.
Bernard was the inaugural Secretary of the Wembley Amateur Football Club, holding the position for 19 years, pre and post World War II. At the conclusion of his tenure as Secretary, Barney took up the position as President of Wembley and served the club as President for 20 years through until 1986.
Throughout his Presidency, Barney was also Secretary of the Wembley Athletic Club, holding the position for 50 years and served as Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the WA National Football League for a total of 21 years. For his work with both the Wembley Amateur Football club and Wembley Athletic Club, the hall at Henderson Park, the home of both clubs, is named the B.J Giles Hall.
In 1969 Bernard began his work as Secretary/Organiser of the West Australian Country Football League, finishing in 1973 and taking up the position of Organiser of Mobil Wesfarmers Country Football Championships for nine years, finishing in 1982.
He was also the WAFL representative on the WA Sports Federation.
Bernard’s outstanding achievements have been recognised by the awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia, as well as being the recipient of Life Memberships to both the WAAFL and WA National Football League.
The WAAFL have also recognised “Barney’s” outstanding contribution to amateur football by naming the best and fairest player in the A Grade Grand Final the B.J Giles Medalist.
Bernard J. Giles is revered by many of the older brigade still involved in amateur football and by all members of the Wembley Amateur Football Club, being a foundation member of the Hall of Champions is fitting recognition that will keep the legacy of “Barney” alive for future generations of amateur footballers.
Herbert B. Grosvenor
2010
2010
Player/Administrator 1933 to 1980
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club
Herbert Belgrave “Gra” Grosvenor MBE gave a lifetime to amateur football: from being a founding member of CBC Old Boys Football Club in 1933 with Tom Naylor, he served as a player or administrator in some capacity until he passed away in 1980.
Known as “Mr Football” he played a key role in sustaining the amateur game, helping grow the game from 17 teams when he started to 158 teams by 1980.
Gra began his football career in 1933 as a player and Secretary for CBC Old Boys. He relinquished his role as Secretary in 1936 and in 1937 took up the position of WAAFL Secretary which he held for 44 years. Even when he was moved to Northam for work, Herbert continued to work as WAAFL Secretary, relying on his sister Barbara to do everything he needed to be done in the office.
A revered name at CBC Old Boys and now Fremantle CBC, Gra truly excelled with his work at a WAAFL level.
In 1938 he was appointed team manager of the WA State Carnival Team which travelled to Launceston and was known as one of amateur footballs finest administrators, attending many meetings of other states, always putting the interests of amateur football in WA in a cogent, compelling way.
When World War II ended the game was calling out for astute administrators. From 1947 until he passed away in 1980, Gra served as the WA Delegate to the Australian Amateur Football Council to ensure Western Australia was at the forefront of amateur football in Australia.
Though Fremantle CBC today occupies the Morris Buzzacott Reserve, for many years the club was headquartered opposite the CBC School in Fremantle. Many important Fremantle citizens, many of whom attended the school, found themselves’ playing football for the Old Boys thanks to Gra Grosvenor.
Trevor R. Howard
2014
2014
Player/Administrator 19370 - Current
Mt Lawley Amateur Football Club
The WAAFL is proud to induct Trevor Howard into the WAAFL Hall of Champions for his remarkable commitment to football which has spanned junior, amateur, womens, country and the WAFL since 1970.
Trevor’s football career commenced with the Dowerin Football Club in 1966, a link and interest he still holds today.
In joining the Mount Lawley Amateur Football Club in 1970, he played 140 senior games. He was a player’s representative on the club’s committee before being elected to club’s committee in 1979.
In 1984, Trevor was elected Mt Lawley President, a position he held for five years till 1989. In 1983, He was awarded with Mount Lawley Life Membership and remained on the club’s committee until 1991, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Coach during this time.
In 1980, he joined the WAAFL Board as a general member. Only three years later, in 1983, Trevor was elected as WAAFL President. This same year he also joined the Australian Amateur Football Council in an executive position, before becoming an All Australian Selector in 1985.
In 1989, Trevor became the AAFC President, a position he held until 1992.
He also became a member of the WA Football Commission Football Development Trust in 1989 as the community football representative for three years until 1991.
In 1991, Trevor was awarded WAAFL Life Membership for his 21 years of impressive commitment and dedication. The following year, he was employed as WAFL General Manager and was required to resign from all WAAFL and community football positions. He remained in that role for five seasons.
The 1990’s saw Trevor commit heavily to junior football at the Warwick Junior Football Club and in his ten years at the club, covered various roles including assistant co-ordinator, Coach, Treasurer, Vice President and President. He guided the club in its merger with the Northern Districts Junior Football Club and was awarded Life Membership in 2000.
In 2000, he was awarded the WAFC’s Volunteer Award for his services to community football.
Trevor returned to the WAAFL as a member of the Protests and Disputes Tribunal. He again immersed himself in the WAAFL becoming the Mt Lawley Secretary in 2002, and a committee member from 2005 to 2007. In 2004, he re-joined the WAAFL Board from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, he became a member of the Subiaco District Football Development Committee.
In 2007, Trevor became WAAFL Vice President, which led him back to a role on the AAFC. In addition to being a delegate, he was appointed Secretary/Treasurer for three years. Also in 2007, he accepted the role of President of the WA Women’s Football League for a period of four years to assist in establishing sound governance.
In 2013, Trevor was recognised and rewarded for his long term commitment to community football with AAFC Life Membership. In 2014, he was appointed Chairman of the WAAFL’s Competition Integrity Committee.
William James
2011
2011
Player/Coach/State Selector 1948 to 1984
North Fremantle Amateur Football Club
The late William “Bill” James is a legend at the North Fremantle Amateur Football Club. He devoted 60 years of his life to the club as a player, captain, coach, and supporter and his dying wish – to have his remains scattered over North Fremantle’s home ground at Gilbert Fraser Reserve – was honoured in a moving ceremony attended by hundreds of people.
Bill started his football career with East Fremantle in the under-age competition during the Second World War before joining North Fremantle in 1948. He remained at North Fremantle until 1951 when he was transferred to Darwin with the Royal Australian Air Force, playing football in the Northern Territory for three seasons and winning the league best and fairest before returning back to North Fremantle. Bill’s remarkable playing career spanned a total of 15 years, 211 games and included four club best and fairest medals at North Fremantle (1955, 1956, 1957, and 1962).
As a player he was highly decorated by not only his club but his peers, earning state selection four times and playing at three national carnivals. In 1959 he claimed the WA Amateur Football League A Grade best and fairest medal and represented Western Australia at the national carnival. His performance on the biggest stage in amateur football saw him awarded the medal for best player at the carnival as well as his first All Australian selection - a feat he would repeat again in 1962.
At North Fremantle Bill was a revered figure, after three best and fairest awards he took the reins as coach in 1960, captain coaching North Fremantle to their undefeated 1960 Premiership. The Grand Final that year was one of the first televised games of football in Western Australia.
After retiring from playing in 1962 Bill continued to be involved with North Fremantle and the WA Amateur Football League. For four years in the early 1980’s he served as selector for the State Amateur Team and was heavily involved in the Colts at North Fremantle, preaching toughness at the ball, respect for the umpires and love for the club. In 2007, the year Bill passed away he was proud that the club had fielded two colts teams, 70 colts players and won both the A and D Grade Colts Premierships.
Bill James was a remarkable footballer, tough, with silky skills and was a great clubman. It’s for these reasons name is etched on the walls of the North Fremantle Amateur Football Club and now in the WA Amateur Football League Hall of Champions.
Colin J. Jamieson AO
2011
2011
Player/Administrator 1940 to 1990
Midland Junction & Bayswater Amateur Football Clubs
Colin John Jamieson embodies all that is good about amateur football in Western Australia. He was a man who achieved great heights in Western Australian politics: a Minister in the John Tonkin Labor Government and later Leader of the State Opposition, yet he never forgot his Bayswater Amateur Football Club.
Colin started his involvement in football at Midland Junction Amateurs and his trademark commitment emerged early when he became their club secretary and a delegate to the WAAFL. He then joined Bayswater in 1940 at the age of 17 playing 166 games and serving on the club’s committee for 22 years, first as a secretary for four years and then as President for 18. His dedication and love of the Bayswater Football Club saw him awarded his life membership in 1951.
At the end of Colin’s playing career he often volunteered his time to Bayswater as team manager, time-keeper, or filling any other position that may be vacant on the day. Even when he was president of the Australian Amateur Football Council - from 1967 to 1971 and 1979 to 1983 – he still devoted all his leisure hours to progressing the Bayswater club. If work was needed to be done he would be there using his carpentry skills and he even continued to train with the players until he was 50 years of age.
Colin was always willing to donate his time for the love of the game and as such was appointed assistant team manager at the 1953 National Carnival in Adelaide and team manager at two other carnivals – 1956 in Hobart and 1959 in Perth.
At the WA Amateur Football League level Colin really made his mark: he represented the interests of Western Australian amateur football as the state’s delegate to the AAFC from 1956 to 1985, leading to his two terms as President of the AAFC and seeing him awarded his AAFC life membership in 1985. In 1968 he was elected Vice President of the WAAFL and in 1971 he was became President, a position he held until 1983. He was awarded life membership of the WAAFL in 1958, and in 1971 received the National Football League’s Merit Award for his services to football.
The esteem with which Colin Jamieson was held at the Bayswater Football Club – and nationally - was highlighted 12 years after his death in 1990, at the age of 66. The football club he loved built new clubrooms and today they are known as “The Jamieson Frame Pavilion”, named after Colin and Doug Frame, another Bayswater legend.
Brian Kiely
2017
2017
Player/Coach/Administrator 1965 - 1983
North Beach Amateur Football Club
Brian Kiely was a foundation member of the of the North Beach Amateur Football Club in 1964 and played in the first game for the club on 24th April 1965 in D Division.
Brian coached for seven years: 1966, 1967, 1969 and 1970 in D Grade, 1971 in C Grade, 1973 and 1974 in B Grade.
Brian played 227 games with the North Beach Amateur Football Club from 1965-1981. He spent a year in 1968 with the Floreat Amateur Football Club where he played 18 games.
He was captain for seven years and won the North Beach fairest and best award in 1965, 1969, 1972, 1973 and 1978 as well as finishing as runner up on four occasions.
He won the WAAFL fairest and best player for D Grade in 1966 and 1969, C Grade in 1971, the B Grade in 1972 and the A2 medal in 1976, as well as finishing runner up on three occasions.
Brian won the best clubman award at North Beach in 1970 and 1972 and was made a life member of North Beach in 1972. He was vice president of the club from 1976-1979 and club president from 1980 - 1983.
Brian Lambert
1938
President 1932-1937
2013
Player 1963 to 1970
North Fremantle Amateur Football Club
The WA Amateur Football Club has great pleasure in welcoming into our Hall of Champions a man who many regard as perhaps the best player in the history of amateur football in this state.
Brian Francis Lambert has been deemed a Champion and joins a select band of WA amateur footballers to achieve our highest honour.
Lambert played in the ex-scholars competition for both Fremantle and Cockburn before joining North Fremantle in 1963.Three times he was selected in All Australian sides - in 1962, 1965 and 1968 – and was vice captain in 1968. He represented amateurs in State sides in 1962, 1964 and 1967 and was the WA captain.
Renowned Western Australian football journalist, the late Geoff Christian, named Lambert as the best amateur footballer he saw play. Lambert won the fairest and best award in the A Grade amateur competition three times, playing in the ruck, in 1962, 1967, and 1968.
Lambert learnt his football at Fremantle Boy's High School where he also played rugby league.After leaving school, he joined the Hamilton Hill under-18s and in two consecutive games kicked 21 goals and 17 goals. The following year South Fremantle played him in their Thirds team where he won the fairest and best, polling 67 votes, more than double the runner up.
In 1960, South Fremantle selected him for one game. But, true to his amateur leanings, Lambert turned down a league career to play in the amateur competition. He was the only Western Australia chosen to play for the Australian amateur team in a Canberra carnival when the amateurs competed in the B Division against state league teams from New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland.
In the 1962 Carnival Lambert won the Grosvenor Trophy for the Fairest and Best Player and three years later the medal as the Most Serviceable Player.
Before joining the amateurs, Lambert played for Cockburn Ex Scholars and Fremantle Ex scholars and joined North Fremantle in the amateur league after Fremantle ex scholars folded.
Lambert played for North Fremantle from 1963-70 and notched up 119 games.
Gregory R. Maskiell
2018
2018
Player/Administrator 1969 - 1985
University Amateur Football Club
Greg Maskiell commenced playing with the University Football Club in 1969. In his first season he won a premiership as part of the A Colts side and went on to play 125 games for the club.
He was an A Grade player for University from 1970 to 1977 playing in grand finals in 1970, ‘71, ‘72, ‘73 and ‘77, winning two premierships in 1970 and 1977. He also won a premiership in C Grade in 1980.
He won the Club Fairest and Best in 1972 and was runner up in 1973 and 1977.
Greg was a WAAFL State representative in 1972 and 1973 and was selected as an All Australian Amateur Representative in 1973.
Off field Greg was treasurer of the University Football Club from 1970 to 1972 and Vice President in 1973.
In 1970 Greg was awarded a Half Blue from the University in recognition of his sporting achievements before receiving a Full Blue in 1971 and 1972.
In 1981 Greg was recognised as the Clubman of the Year. In 1985 he was awarded Life Membership of the University Football Club.
He was the club physiotherapist from 1979 to 1986. From 1983 to 1994 he was also the WAAFL State Team Physiotherapist as well as a State selector from 1984 to 1990. In 1991 he was the All Australian Amateur Team Physiotherapist. Greg was also the presenter of the Injury Preventions and Management module of the WAAFL Coaches Accreditation course.
Greg spent nine years on the WAAFL Board as the Functions Coordinator and on the Investigative, Sponsorship, State Team and Re-Instalment Sub-Committees.
In 1995 Greg was the recipient of the West Australian Football Commission Certificate of Recognition for Voluntary Service to Football. In the same year Greg was made a life member of the WA Amateur Football League.
The played judged Best on Ground by the umpires in the Phil Scott Colts Grand Final is awarded the Greg Maskiell Medal.
Kenneth J. Mathews
2014
2014
Player/Administrator 1954 - 2003
West Perth Amateur Football Club & Mt Hawthorn West Perth Amateur Football Club
The WAAFL is proud to announce that a footballer who made a significant contribution to WA football will join the prestigious list of gentlemen that make up the WAAFL Hall of Champions.
Born in 1928, Ken Mathews achieved his dream of playing WAFL football for the West Perth Football Club, though playing mainly in the seconds, before later moving to the Subiaco Football Club.
In 1954, Ken joined the West Perth Amateur Football Club and in 1959 went on to play for the WAAFL in the 1959 Australian Amateur Interstate Carnival against Victoria and Tasmania at Subiaco Oval. That same year he was appointed West Perth Amateur Football Club President and began coaching the colts at the club.
In 1961, Ken’s dedication and commitment was recognised by the West Perth Amateur Football Club when they awarded him Life Membership.
In 1965, just four years later, the West Perth Amateur Football Club merged with the Mount Hawthorn Amateur Football Club to become Mount Hawthorn West Perth Amateur Football Club, with Ken taking on the presidency of the new club.
After playing 180 games of football, he finished his playing career in 1966 and joined the WAAFL State Team Selection panel from 1966 to 1980.
In 1968, Ken became a WAAFL Tribunal Member, and in 1998 he was awarded a special Certificate of Recognition by the WA Football Commission.
The year 2000 was one of greatness for Ken as he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal, became a WAAFL Life Member and was also recognised by the Australian Football League with a certificate recognising his contribution to the game.
Robert McDonald
2014
2014
Player 1953 - 1973/Umpire 1982 - Current
Wembley Amateur Football Club & Bayswater Amateur Football Club
The WAAFL has great pleasure in welcoming Bob McDonald to the Hall of Champions for his dedication to community football.
In 1953, Bob played a full season of WAFL Reserves for West Perth Football Club though having cartilage problems in his left knee.
The West Perth trainer advised him at the time to tape a half-penny to his knee for support and strength.
The following year in 1954, Bob was cleared to the Subiaco Football Club to follow in the footsteps of his uncles, Brighton and Ozzie Diggins.
After playing two games with Subiaco, with no half-penny taped to his knee, his knee collapsed and he was told by Subiaco officials that he would end up a cripple and a liability to the club. He was subsequently cleared to the Wembley Amateur Football Club.
Bob McDonald played 128 games for Wembley. A majority of these in his preferred full back position. He was a Vice Captain and a premiership player in 1958 and 1959.
Due to work and living commitments, Bob transferred to the Bayswater Amateur Football Club in 1965 where he stayed until 1973.
He was Captain, Coach and a premiership player in 1967 for the club. He played another 174 amateur games, taking his WAAFL tally to an impressive 302 games.
Of these 302 games, each was played with the half-penny taped to his left knee. In Bob’s words, “I never missed a game”.
Bob became an umpire in 1982, and was a member of the WAAFL Goal Umpires Panel officiating in over 1600 games.
He has umpired 37 WAAFL grand finals and 12 state amateur games.
Bob was awarded WAAFL Umpire of the Year in 1996.
George W. Meiers
2011
2011
Player/Coach/Umpire 1937 - 1982
North Fremantle Amateur Football Club
A North Fremantle Amateur Football Club Champion, George Meiers was a long time servant of the game as a player, coach and later as umpire advisor, becoming one of amateur footballs most respected figures along the way.
Beginning his playing career for North Fremantle in 1937 it didn’t take long before George’s talents were recognized and, after only two seasons, he captained the team throughout their undefeated Premiership year of 1939.
The following year he was recruited by East Fremantle, winning the Lynn Medal as East Fremantle’s best and fairest player in his first season in the WAFL in 1940. He spent the next five seasons at East Fremantle where he captained the side, earned selection in the WAFL state team and played in the 1945 Premiership.
George returned to North Fremantle in 1946 and won another Premiership with the club, this time as vice captain. He retired from football at the end of the 1946 season and was appointed WAFL Central Umpire in 1947. The love of North Fremantle proved too strong however and, in 1951, George was back at the club as A Grade Coach, leading them to their 1954 flag. After coaching his beloved North Fremantle to Premiership success George was appointed head coach of East Fremantle, a position he held throughout the 1955 and 1956 seasons.
Meiers continued to be involved in football and served in a variety of umpiring roles over many years as WAFL Assistant Umpire Advisor, WAFL Umpire Advisor and WAAFL Panel Umpire advisor from 1960 to 1982. He was made a Life Member of the umpires’ association in 1974.
In recognition to his services to football he was awarded the National Football League’s Merit Award in 1979.
His death in February 2011 saw many great East Fremantle superstars turn up to honour his career – Jack Sheedy, Ray Sorrell, Trizzy Lawrence, Laurie Nugent along with many other champions of the past and old North Fremantle teammates and current executive members.
A North Fremantle Football Club legend, George was extremely proud of the area and liked to contribute to the community including serving on the North Fremantle Council for many years.
The North Fremantle Amateur Football Club has produced many champions over the years and the late George Meiers is up there with the best of them.
Samuel M. Miller
2010
2010
Player/Coach/Umpire/Administrator 1924 - 1967
Sandovers Football Club
Sam M. Miller was a classy rover and centreman who was involved in amateur football, on and off the field, for more than 40 years. He started his football career in 1924, two years after the WAAFL competition was formed, in a period that set the foundations for todays’ amateur competition.
Many of the teams of the era carried names of businesses in Perth and Fremantle. Sam played for the Sandovers Football Club, a prominent sports store in Perth owned by the famous Sandover family.
Sam played for the Sandovers for 14 seasons from 1924 to 1938 and was a part of their premiership winning teams of 1928, 1935, 1936 and 1937, as well as representing the East Perth Football Club in 31 games between 1933 and 1935.
A classy rover and centreman, Sam’s talents saw him win the WAAFL Best and Fairest in 1936, the same season he captained the inaugural Western Australian State Team for the Carnival in Adelaide. His involvement in state football saw him Vice Captain of the State Side in 1938 and later, coach of the state team from 1948 to 1951 and 1953.
Sam was awarded Life Membership of the WAAFL a year after his playing career ended in 1939 and continued to give to the competition afterwards becoming an umpire in 1954 and serving as a member of the Protests and Disputes Board in 1955.
In 1962, he was appointed President of the WAAFL and served in the position for six years until 1967. He is also recognised as serving as Vice President of the WAAFL.
The Western Australian Amateur Football League would like to recognise one the leagues earliest greats with this inaugural induction into Hall of Champions.
Malcolm Murray
2012
2012
Player/Administrator 1955 to 1987
Wembley Amateur Football Club
For 30 years Malcolm Murray devoted his life to the Wembley Amateur Football Club, first as a player, then a coach and finally as an administrator. He epitomises the character, strength and commitment of Wembley, a great club in the annals of amateur football in Western Australia.
In 84 years, Wembley have produced champion footballers such as: Brian and Peter Featherby, Bill Faul, John Bowe, George Young, Neil Balme and Todd Breman to name a few, but none of them could claim a bigger love of the Australian game or the Wembley Amateur Football Club than Malcolm Murray.
Murray began his long association with Wembley in the Metropolitan Junior Football Association in 1955 and went on to play 252 games wearing the black and white.
He was chosen in four State teams in 1962, 64, 65 and 67 and was selected in the all-Australian team at the conclusion of the 1962 championships. At Wembley, Murray captained the team from 1963 to 1966 and won the club fairest and best award twice, in 1965 and in 1969.
Murray coached the senior team in 1972, 74 and 75, with great success, winning the A Grade premierships in 1972 and 1974. He was coach of the State side in 1974 and 75 and became a State Selector in 1983, and 1985. Underscoring Murray’s love of the game was his decision to coach Wembley Colts in 1978, 79 and 80.
For his efforts on the field and his long association with the club, Malcolm Murray was made a Life Member in 1972, a great honour in a club so steeped in history. But it wasn’t to end there.
While still playing, Murray served on the club committee and was vice-president from 1973 to 1984, bringing to the committee table all his vast on field experience. Malcolm Murray again answered the call for three years in 1985, 86 and 87 when he served as president.
He helped to re-establish Wembley as a powerhouse in amateur football and was rewarded for his work by being named as Best Clubman.
This legend of the Wembley club built respect from his club mates and the opposition and the WA Amateur Football League endorses his life-long contribution to our great Australian game by naming him a Member of the Hall of Champions, amateur football’s highest honour.
Thomas K. Naylor
2010
2010
Player/Administrator 1933 - 1992
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club
Thomas “Tom” Keaven Naylor was co-founder of the CBC Old Boys Amateur Football Club in 1933. He spent a lifetime helping the club and football in general. This resulted in him being awarded the WA Football Commission’s volunteer award in 1990.
Tom played over 350 games for CBC, serving as captain for three seasons and player-coach for nine. His football and leadership ability saw Tom selected to represent Western Australia at the 1936 carnival in Adelaide and 1938 carnival in Launceston, as well as playing eight WAFL games with South Fremantle and being part of their reserves premiership team.
After finishing his playing and coaching career, Tom devoted his life to administration where he played a huge role in the growth of amateur football in WA.
For a quarter of a century he was the Registrar for the WAAFL. This was an onerous task, being the go-to person for all amateur clubs wanting advice on registrations, transfers and all matters related to amateur football. He was Vice President for 5 years from 1961 to 1965, sat on the Board for 24 years from 1969 to 1992 and was also a state selector from the late 1940’s to the early 1950’s.
Whilst a member of the WAAFL administration, Tom’s passion for football and the CBC Old Boys saw him serve as President of the club for 16 years from 1959 to 1974, Vice President from 1975 to 1982 and act as the WAAFL Delegate for 46 years, from 1947 to 1992.
His dedication to the betterment of amateur football has seen Tom recognised by many. He was nominated for a certificate of merit from the Australian National Football Council by his cousin Bernie Naylor, a WAFL Hall of Champions member, and received the accolade in 1965.
To this day, the WAAFL Champion Colts team - awarded to the team with the lowest amount of yellow and red cards, most attendance at meetings, and most premiership points - is named the Tom Naylor Shield.
As a sign of respect for Tom, when arch rivals North Fremantle decided to strike an ongoing trophy to recognise their club champion Laurie Tetley, they invited the Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club to nominate Tom Naylor to be a part of the trophy. Now when the two teams meet in any A Grade clash they play for the Laurie Tetley-Tom Naylor trophy.
Tom is a legend at Fremantle CBC and in the WAAFL. He has influenced many footballers who have gone on to play at the senior levels of WA and Australian football, and now his name will live forever as a inaugural Hall of Champions member.
William R. Orr
2011
2011
Player/Administrator 1904 - 1954
North Fremantle Amateur Football Club
William Richard “Billy” Orr was a giant of Western Australian football. Many regard him as the father of amateur football because in March 1922, as secretary of the WA National Football League - the State’s major football competition - he instigated a meeting that saw the conversion of the Mercantile Football Association into what is today’s WA Amateur Football League. He was elected its first President and, satisfied that things were moving in the right direction, he stood down a year later and was elected Patron of the WAAFL.
“Billy” Orr started his playing career with North Fremantle in the WA National Football League, playing 32 games between 1904 and 1906 before transferring to Perth where he played 85 games over six seasons. In 1912 and 1913 he played in back to back premierships for Subiaco and led the league goal kicking in 1913 with 40 goals playing as a rover. His outstanding footballing ability saw him represent Western Australia on five occasions including the 1908 carnival.
Although “Billy” came back to play briefly with Subiaco in 1916 his playing career was interrupted by World War I. Like many footballers at the time he volunteered to go to war and on ANZAC Day 1918, Lance Corporal “Billy” Orr of the 51st Battalion was gassed and wounded in action and evacuated to England. On his return to Western Australia his playing days were over and he assumed his position as secretary of the WA National Football League.
“Billy” served for 35 consecutive years as secretary during which time he played a key role in negotiating with local councils to find enough football grounds to play on whilst lobbying for proper change rooms and facilities. He later moved to Maddington and was a member of the Gosnells Road Board for 25 years, 10 as Chairman, and was also a Justice of the Peace.
Perhaps “Billy’s” biggest achievement in his time in amateur football was his insistence that there always be a strong relationship between the WA Football Commission, as it is known today, and the WA Amateur Football league - a legacy which has been of great benefit to the WAAFL throughout its existence.
The following extract from a newspaper soon after Orr took over as secretary of the WANFL speaks volumes about Orr’s influence on the game:
“He is known officially as W.R. Orr but it is to his credit, and a mark of popularity that he answers easier to the name of “Billy” – a great worker for the game of games. Long may he be spared to do his bit for football.”
He resigned as WANFL secretary in 1953 aged 70 and passed away 10 years later.