Kenneth J. Mathews

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.