Alan Barnett
2010
2010
Player/Administrator 1956 - 1970
University Amateur Football Club & Swanbourne/Nedlands Amateur Football Club
Alan Barnett’s football career began in 1969 when he first pulled on the boots for the University Amateur Football Club. He played 53 games over three seasons with University before moving to country football where his work on and off the field is legendary. The WA Amateur Football League is proud his long-serving career began with us and would like to pay due recognition.
Alan started his career with University’s Colts side in 1969. His talent was quickly recognised and he was moved to their A Grade side in 1970 where, in his first season, he completed the rare double and won both the leading goal kicker and association best and fairest.
Even more remarkably, he repeated the feat in the following season, again taking out both awards.
His outstanding form for University saw him selected to represent Western Australia at the Australian Championships in Brisbane. Although WA was unsuccessful in its attempt to claim the national prize, Alan’s football talent saw him selected as a part of the All Australian team.
After three successful seasons in the WAAFL, Alan moved to the Southern Districts Football League in 1972 where he continued his goal kicking form for the North Albany Football Club, winning the league’s leading goal kicker award in his first year.
Injury struck in 1973 and Alan took up a coaching position at North Albany, taking their colts to a Grand Final before returning to Perth.
Upon his return to Perth Alan joined the Swanbourne/Nedlands Amateur Football Club and began his work behind the scenes, serving on the committee for six years. After a stint in Port Headland he continued his work as a committee man back at the North Albany Football Club and served as their Vice President throughout the 1987 and 1988 seasons.
In 1989 he was elected as Vice President for the Southern Districts Football League and became President in 1990.
The Great Southern Football League was established in 1991 and Alan served as inaugural President, finishing his term in 1996. His outstanding commitment to football saw him awarded Life Membership in 1997.
Alan returned to North Albany Football Club in 1998 and served as their President until 2007, the same year which saw him awarded Life Membership of the club.
Simon Beasley
2011
2011
Player/Administrator 1975 - 1989
University Amateur Football Club
From humble beginnings as a teenager in University’s Colts team, Simon Beasley went on to become a star of the WAFL and one of Western Australia’s proudest football exports.
It only took one season for Simon’s talents to shine through in the WA Amateur Football League. After kicking 68 goals and being crowned the A Colts leading goal kicker, Simon earned selection in the 1976 State Team which competed in the National Carnival in Adelaide. Simon won the teams’ best player award and was named in the All-Australian side, his outstanding performances at a national level earning him a Full Blue from the University of Western Australia. Simon continued playing for University the following year and was again recognized as one of Western Australia’s outstanding footballers with his second successive selection in the State Team.
After 51 games for University Simon was recruited to the Swan Districts Football Club where he remained for four seasons and 82 games. He continued to be a prolific goal scorer in the WAFL, kicking 295 goals in total and tying with Claremont’s Warren Ralph for the leagues’ leading goal kicking award in 1980 with 82 goals. The following year in 1981 he kicked 119 goals, the first time he broke the prestigious “ton” and also won the Simpson Medal for best afield in Western Australia’s clash with Victoria, kicking six goals five.
Beasley, a stockbroker and later a bookmaker, moved to Melbourne at the end of 1981 and was snapped up Footscray. He played 154 games for Footscray in the VFL and kicked 575 goals including 105 goals in 1985, earning him the Coleman Medal - awarded to the leading goal kicker in the VFL and now AFL. In 1988 he would kick 82 goals and overtake Kelvin Templeton as Footscray’s, and now the Western Bulldogs, all time leading goal kicker. In May of 2002 Simon Beasley was recognized by the Western Bulldogs as their greatest ever full forward when he was awarded the starting position in their Team of the Century.
Shane Beros
2016
2016
Player/Coach 1996 - 2011
West Coast Amateur Football Club & Mt Lawley Amateur Football Club
Shane Beros began his football with the WAAFL in 1996 with West Coast Amateur Football Club. He spent two seasons with West Coast, representing the state in both years before being recruited to the Swan Districts Football Club In 1998 he made his debut for Swan Districts playing 18 games and kicking 11 goals.
He finished his WAFL career in 2008 with 193 games to his name and kicked 112 goals. He won the 2003 Sandover Medal and finished runner up in 2004. He won two Swan Medals as Swan Districts Best and Fairest in 2003 and 2005. Shane was also Captain of the Swan Districts Football Club from 2004-2007.
Shane represented Western Australian four times from 2003-2006.
In 2009 Shane joined the Mount Lawley Amateur Football Club where his brother Damon was playing. He assisted Mount Lawley in winning the B Grade Grand Final which allowed them to be elevated into A Grade the following year.
He won the WAAFL B Grade Fairest and Best and was judged as the Best on Ground in the Grand Final.
In 2010 he coached the Mount Lawley A Grade side finishing just one game out of the finals. He returned to coach the side again in 2011 finishing on top of the ladder before losing the Grand Final to University. This Grand Final appearance is the best A Grade effort for Mount Lawley since their run of premierships in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Shane is an ambassador for the Swan Districts V Swans Program and often returns to Mount Lawley to take old footballs, boots and clothes with him for the kids in the Pilbara.
The WAAFL inducts Shane Beros into the Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.
Gary W. Buckenara
2011
2011
Player 1976 - 1990
TTC Churchlands Amateur Football Club
Gary William Buckenara is one of amateur football’s greatest products. He began his football career in 1976 playing for the Teachers Training College Churchlands, going on to play 50 games over three seasons in the WA Amateur Football League. His remarkable talent emerged early when in 1977 he won the WAAFL’s “E” Grade fairest and best and headed the goal-kicking with 78 goals. Recognising his talent, Buckenara was selected to play for WA against the Southern Districts Football League in Albany, the South West Football League in Bunbury and then against South Australia at Subiaco Oval.
The following year in 1978 he was a member of the Teachers Training College Churchlands Premiership team and again represented Western Australia, this time against the Great Northern Football Association and then against South Australia in Adelaide.
Subiaco snapped up the budding champion in 1979 and he remained there for three seasons and 61 games, finishing runner up in their best and fairest each year he was there. An incredibly skilful half forward with a unique ability to kick goals under pressure, Buckenara won the Simpson Medal in 1981, the same year he headed Subiaco’s goal kicking. In 2008 the Subiaco Football Club inducted Buckenara into their hall of fame.
Hawthorn was quick to recruit Buckenara after his three impressive years at Subiaco and in 1982 he debuted for the VFL powerhouse. He went on to play 154 games for Hawthorn and was a part of four Premierships in 1983, 1986, 1988 and 1989 in one of the most dominant teams in VFL/AFL history. Described by legendary coach Allan Jeans as Hawthorn’s “best big game player”, Buckenara’s talents were recognised when he was selected on the half forward flank on Hawthorn’s team of the century and in 2010 when he was inducted into the Hawthorn Football Club Hall of Fame.
Buckenara played in 11 State games - including being named Captain in 1988 and 1989 - and went on to coach the Sydney Swans in 1992. After handing over the reins in 1993 Buckenara returned to Western Australia, later coaching Subiaco in 1995 and 1996.
In 2004 Buckenara was an inaugural inductee into the WA Football Hall of Fame as recognition of his fantastic career and is now also honoured in the WAAFL Hall of Champions.
Richard Colless
2010
2010
Player/Coach/Administrator 1965 - Present
University Amateur Football Club
Richard Colless is one of amateur football’s all-time highest achievers. He started his career with University’s A Grade Colts in 1965 and over the next 15 seasons played and coached across a range of grades.
In total, Richard played a total of 199 games of amateur football for University and was involved in a variety of off field positions at the club including Team Manager, Secretary, and President.
Richard quickly moved up the ranks in amateur football and by 1968 was playing regular A Grade football with University. His form earned him selection as part of the 1969 All Australian Inter Varsity Team.
While serving as President in 1971 and 1972, Richard was captain-coach of University’s B Grade team, taking them to a Grand Final in his first season and a Premiership in the next. A two year stint in London interrupted his football career but he returned to University, again as captain-coach taking the club to an A Grade Premiership in 1975.
In 1978 Richard joined the Sunday Football League as coach of South Perth, but it wasn’t long before he was back at University, again being appointed coach of University’s A Grade side and in 1980, coaching their C Grade side to a Premiership.
He served as assistant A Grade coach in 1981 and 1982. His devotion to amateur football and University Football Club in particular saw Richard awarded his Life Membership of the club.
Richard’s undoubted business acumen saw him successful in the board room too. He was appointed as a board member of the newly established independent WAFL board in 1984 and served as Chairman of the Review Committee in 1986. This committee was tasked with looking at a Western Australian team’s entry into the VFL. His work ethic, football knowledge and drive saw him appointed as Chairman of Indian Pacific, the vehicle that resulted in the West Coast Eagles entry into the AFL.
After moving interstate to pursue his business growth, Richard became a board member of the Sydney Swans in 1993, becoming Chairman of the club in 1994, a position he holds to this day.
His work with the Sydney Swans led to his appointment by the AFL to Chair a Task Force to look at growth of football across New South Wales, and then, from 1998 to 2002, he chaired the Task Force appointed to further develop the game in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
The WAAFL takes great pleasure in announcing Richard as one of the inaugural recipients of the High Achiever Award.
William J. Faul
2012
2012
Player/Coach 1928 - 1971
Wembley Amateur Football Club
Bill Faul is one of WA amateur football’s great High Achievers. He played in Wembley Football Club’s first organised scratch match against Swan Valley in 1926, and was an inaugural committee member of the Wembley Football Club from its foundation year in 1927, serving until 1929.
Faul was an exciting all-round sportsman, playing football, basketball and cricket for the Wembley Athletic Club from 1926 until 1929, but his highest achievements were in Australian football.
From his humble beginnings at Wembley, Faul would go on to compete in more than 500 senior games for Subiaco, South Melbourne, Prahran, Northcote and Moorabbin. He still holds the Victorian Football Association’s record of most games as a player and coach with 313 appearances.
From 1932 to 1938 Bill Faul played 117 games for South Melbourne, and, in his first year, won the club’s Best and Fairest award and was runner-up to Haydn Bunton senior in the Brownlow Medal.
Faul was a dashing half-back and played in South Melbourne’s 1933 Premiership team. His remarkable career is demonstrated by him being named in South Melbourne’s Hall of Fame, the Sydney Swans Team of the Century, the Prahran Team of the Century, and the Subiaco Team of the Century.
Bill Faul was part of the famous Foreign Legion, South Melbourne’s remarkable recruiting campaign in 1931 that lured players of the caliber of Austin Robertson senior, Johnny Leonard, Brighton Diggins, Bert Beard, James O’Meara, Laurie Nash (Tasmania), and Jack Bissett (Richmond). It was the beginning of the Depression, and players relished the chance to be given a full time job by the business supporters of South Melbourne.
Faul had won Subiaco’s fairest and best in 1931 and South Melbourne were looking for a classy half back flanker to play alongside legend Laurie Nash at centre half back. After 117 games with South Melbourne in the VFL, Faul went on to coach VFA teams, Northcote (1948), Prahran (1949-1952) back to Northcote (1953-56), and then Moorabbin (1957-59). Faul also spent time in charge of several teams in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, coaching approximately 144 matches. He also coached the VFA combined side in the 1950 and 1956 Carnivals.
In 1960 Faul took over as coach of South Melbourne, winning the VFL night premiership that year, and coaching the team in 1960 and 1961.
Tonight the WA Amateur Football League recognises the great contribution of Bill Faul to our Australian game by naming him as a High Achiever in our Hall of Champions.
Brian Featherby
2012
2012
Player/Administrator 1949 - 1970
Wembley Amateur Football Club
The WA Amateur League Hall of Champions reaches another milestone tonight with the induction of Brian Featherby as a High Achiever.
The induction of Brian means for the first time two members of the same family have been honoured in our annual award categories. Brian is the father of 2010 High Achiever inductee Peter Featherby, who starred at the senior level of football in WA and Victoria.
Brian Featherby has earned the respect of his own club, opposition teams, and amateur league officials for his devotion to amateur football in Western Australia, both on and off the field. His long and illustrious career saw him play 255 games for Wembley, including winning the club’s fairest and best award five years running, in 1960, 61, 62, 63 and 64 – demonstrating the impact he had on the amateur game.
Brian’s ability as a forward was emphasised when he was crowned the WAAFL’s leading goal scorer in 1958 and 1959. In total, Brian kicked 1003 goals in his amateur playing career, scoring 100 goals in a season four times. His great talent as a player was recognised with selection in WA Amateur State teams on four occasions: 1956, 58, 59 and 62.
Brian Featherby started his football career in the metropolitan juniors, playing three seasons for Wembley in the under-age competition. Several League clubs were interested in his talent and West Perth coaxed him to play for three seasons in their reserves team, where he won the fairest and best award in 1952. The lure of the amateur game ran strongly in Brian’s veins, however, and he rejoined Wembley to become one of the club’s all-time greats.
While Featherby was a great footballer for Wembley, he also contributed off the field where he was on the club committee for many years. His dedication to the club led to him being elected President of the Wembley Amateur Football Club in 1969.
It was no surprise a year later to see Brian Featherby named as a Life Member of Wembley, an award that was greeted with great enthusiasm by officials, supporters and players alike. Tonight the WA Amateur Football League salutes one of its all-time great contributors to amateur football by naming Brian Featherby as a High Achiever in our Hall of Champions.
Peter Featherby
2010
2010
Player 1970 - 1988
Wembley Amateur Football Club
Peter Featherby began his football career from humble beginnings playing colts football for the Wembley Amateur Football Club. His talent was quickly recognised as he won the A Grade Colts Best and Fairest award in 1969 and was invited to play in a scratch match for Subiaco in 1970 where he impressed the club and was signed.
Injuries struck in 1971 and Peter drifted between Subiaco’s league and reserves teams, leading to a remarkable outcome. Although only playing 10 League games, he finished third in the best and fairest count whilst being runner up in the Reserves best and fairest in the same season.
In 1973 Peter played in his first premiership with Subiaco and was also selected to represent Western Australia for the first time in a match against South Australia, his performance in the state game earning him the Simpson Medal for best on ground. He went on to represent Western Australia a further 13 times and even represented Victoria once after his career headed east in 1975.
Peter’s performances for Subiaco and in state matches caught the attention of Footscray (now the Western Bulldogs) and he joined them for two seasons in 1975 and 1976, playing 42 games.
Peter returned to Subiaco Football Club for the following two seasons, before Geelong enticed him back to Victoria in 1979. Peter was a star for Geelong, playing 93 games, kicking 79 goals and winning their best and fairest in 1981.
Peter’s hard running, high possession style of game saw him credited with the second highest amount of possessions ever in one game when he collected 43 kicks, 8 handballs and 12 marks in Geelong’s round 16 games against Melbourne in 1981.
Upon returning to Western Australia in 1984, Peter played another five seasons with Subiaco, in 1986, played in his second premiership 13 years after winning his first.
Peter retired during 1988 at the age of 36, a household name in Australian football. The WA Amateur Football League salutes him as a High Achiever after starting his career with the Wembley Amateur Football Club.
Neale Fong
2014
2014
Player/Administrator 1981 - 2010
Nollamara Amateur Football Club
Having been involved with football for over 43 years, Dr. Neale Fong is one of the most important figures in Western Australian football history.
Neale began his involvement in the WAAFL when he moved from the West Perth Football Club to play A-Grade with Nollamara Amateur Football Club in 1981. He had two stints at Nollamara 1981 to 1985 and 1987 to 1989.
The ‘in between year’s returning to West Perth where he played for 14 WAFL league matches.
While at Nollamara, Neale won the C.J Jamieson Medal as the A-Grade’s Fairest and Best player in 1981, 1982 and 1983 – making him the only person to have won the award three years in a row.
In 1990, he joined his A-Grade coaching brother Les, with one year at Trinity Aquinas Amateur Football Club.
During his amateur career, Neale represented the WAAFL State Team on three occasions, including 1984 as Captain.
In 1991, Neale joined Wanneroo Football Club in the Sunday Football League and, under the coaching of brother Les, won the 1991 and 1992 Sunday Football League premierships.
After retiring from playing, Neale continued to be involved with the game. In 1993, he joined West Perth as a Director, a position he held for two seasons. In the same year, Neale became Chaplin of the West Coast Eagles Football Club, a position he held until 2011.
He was elected a Commissioner of the WA Football Commission from 1999 until 2010, and Chairman from 2002 until 2010.
Throughout his time on the WA Football Commission and still till this day, Neale continues to be involved in football at a grassroots level, having been involved as coach, assistant coach and runner for his two sons, Sam and Jack’s football teams.
Robert Hendrie
2011
2011
Player 1966 - 1976/Umpire 1976 - 1988
Carlisle Amateur Football Club/WAAFL, WAFL, AFL
Our great Australian game would be nothing without the umpires and tonight’s nominee Rob Hendrie is one of our most decorated.
As a player he played 115 games with the Carlisle Amateur Football Club before taking up umpiring - a decision he made after being knocked unconscious in a scratch match in 1976. He umpired in the WA Amateur Football League for three seasons under the tutelage of the late George Meiers before joining the WAFL in 1979.
His career involved many country games, some Grand Finals, and even amateur games while on the WAFL’s panel of umpires. His love of the game saw him act as the Treasurer of the WAFL Umpires’ Association for four years and, in 1986, he took up goal umpiring with great success.
As a goal umpire Rob Hendrie officiated five WAFL Grand Finals as well as VFL and State of Origin games. In all he was goal umpire for 218 games, including 99 AFL matches, four of which were finals.
In 1994, Rob Hendrie was recognised by being invited to umpire at the London exhibition match between the West Coast Eagles and Adelaide at The Oval.
After retiring as an active goal umpire in 1998 Rob Hendrie was appointed as the AFL’s goal umpires’ coach for Western Australia in 2000 and 2001. His achievements were recognised when he was awarded Life Membership of the WAFL Umpires’ Association and then a Hall of Fame inductee to the WAFL Umpires’ Association.
A member of the WAFL 200 Club, Hendrie’s career was highlighted in 2002 when he was selected in the 1993-2002 WAFL Umpires Team of the Decade as a goal umpire.
Today, the Hendrie name continues in the umpiring ranks of the WAFL and AFL with both his sons officiating at the highest level. Rob himself continues to be involved with the game he loves operating as an AFL interchange steward.
Ross Kelly
2012
2017
Player/Administrator 1956 - 2010
Maylands & Collegians Amateur Football Clubs
Ross Kelly has achieved more than most in Australian Football. When he played his first amateur game for Maylands in 1956 nobody would have thought his career would reach the highest levels of administration in Western Australian football.
From those 42 amateur games in 1956 and 57, Kelly would go on to play 132 games for the West Perth Football Club and represent Western Australia 10 times over six seasons. But it was his role in decision-making that took over and saw him elevated to many important posts in football, most at critical times of development of the code.
He started his administrative role on the committee of the West Perth Football Club and then became chairman of the interim board of the Fremantle Football Club in 1994. This, in turn, led to him being named the inaugural chairman of the Fremantle Football Club, a position he held from 1995 until 1998. As part of that role he took over as inaugural chairman of the Fremantle Football Foundation in1999 and helped raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the facilities at Fremantle Oval for the Fremantle Dockers.
His outstanding involvement saw him become a commissioner of the WA Football Commission in 2002 for eight years.
In another important role, Ross Kelly was appointed inaugural chairman of the Clontarf Foundation in 1999, a position he held until last year.
Back in 1956, Kelly played 20 games for Maylands amateurs before he joined Collegians the next season and played a further 22 games.
A West Perth official, Colin Cavanagh arrived on Ross’s doorstep during the 1958 pre-season and told him to collect his gear and come to training. After playing the first 11 games for West Perth, Kelly suddenly found himself selected in the Western Australian State Team to play in the Australian Championships in Melbourne. He made his State debut on the MCG.
Kelly was an important member of West Perth’s premiership team in 1960. After his first 60 games, Kelly left on a 12-month overseas business trip in 1961. He returned to West Perth in 1962 and played for another four more seasons, retiring at the relatively early age of 27 to pursue other interests.
Ross Kelly has made an indelible mark on Australian football at all levels of the game. Despite his elevated positions in football he always has taken an interest in the amateur game and has been a sounding board for lots of amateur decision-making.
The WA Amateur Football League is pleased tonight to announce that we recognise the unlimited talents of Ross Kelly by naming him in our Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.
James T. McGann
2012
2012
Player/Administrator/Coach 1949 - 1974
Victoria Park, Inglewood/Mt Lawley, Claremont/Nedlands & Scarborough Amateur Football Clubs
Jim McGann played a significant role in amateur football from 1949 with the Victoria Park Amateur Football Club to, along with Bill Fitzgerald and Gra Grosveror, being co-founder of the Scarborough Amateur Football Club in 1970. As Scarborough recently celebrated 40 years in amateur football, it is pertinent that the late Jim McGann be recognised as a High Achiever by the WA Amateur Football League.
His career embraced playing, administration and coaching, which included being the foundation coach of the Scarborough Amateur Football Club. In 1972 he had the rare privilege, at the age of 45, of playing what was said to be his 200th game in a B Grade fixture for Scarborough alongside his two sons.
Jim McGann knew how to play at the top level, having represented the WA state amateurs six times from 1951 to 1959, the last at the age of 32. In the early 1950s McGann played several games with the Perth Reserves team in the WAFL, but his love was amateur football.
In an illustrious 25-year career, Jim McGann captained Victoria Park amateurs in 1950, and then played for Inglewood/Mt Lawley, before joining Claremont/Nedlands at Melvista Oval where he was captain coach. He spent a year in the wheatbelt as a captain/coach in the Mortlock League and then retired to coach his son’s school side, Servite College (St Phillip’s), in the mid-to-late sixties.
In 1970 McGann coached the inaugural Scarborough Colts to be runners up for the flag, staying in that position for 1971. The following year he coached Scarborough’s B Grade Reserves side, leading to him becoming the senior coach in 1974.
Like all achievers in amateur football, McGann was also active off the field and was vice-President of Scarborough from 1970 to 1973 and was awarded his life membership to Scarborough in 1989. McGann’s ability as a coach was recognised by the WA Amateur League who appointed him to coach the State amateur side in 1972 and 1973.
The Scarborough Amateur Football Club has made a proud contribution to amateur football in Western Australia and it is great that tonight we honour one of their legends, the late Jim McGann by admitting him to the Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.
Bernard G. Naylor
2013
2013
Player 1940 - 1954
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club
The WA Amateur Football League inducts into its Hall of Champions as a High Achiever one of Western Australia’s greatest full forwards – Bernie Naylor.
Naylor played for CBC Old Boys in 1940 and after the end of World War II went on to play in six South Fremantle premiership teams.
He led the WA goal-kicking in the WANFL six times, from 1946 to 1948 and again from 1952 to 1954. His fast leading and trademark spiral torpedo punt kick from long distances on any angle will be remembered by anybody who saw him play. Naylor’s brilliant football career was interrupted for five seasons by World War II when he did Army service in both Darwin and New Britain.
After the war ended he rewrote the record book for kicking goals. He set a record for most goals in a single game – twenty three of South Fremantle’s 35 goals against Subiaco in 1953. An amazing sidelight to that effort was that he failed to kick a goal in the second quarter. That year Naylor topped the goal kicking with 156 majors, and won South Fremantle’s fairest and best, a wonderful feat for a full forward.
His career brilliance was highlighted by the fact that he kicked 10 or more goals in a single game on 17 occasions. So great was his contribution to Australian Football at the senior level that he was inducted into the Fremantle Football Hall of Legends in 1996 and in 2005 into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame.
The leading goal kicker in the WAFL each year now wins the Bernie Naylor Medal. In all, Bernie Naylor kicked 1034 goals in a 195-game career, kicking more than 100 goals in each of five seasons.
The name Naylor is synonymous with CBC Old Boys, one of WA’s greatest amateur clubs, because of the exploits of both Bernie and his brother Tom. Tom Naylor is also in the amateur league’s Hall of Champions, being named in the inaugural list of Champions.
Bernie Naylor was a unique player who became a household name in Western Australian football. After his debut at CBC Old Boys, and service for Australia in the war, he had an outstanding career.
Bernie Naylor passed away in 1993 at the age of 70 and the WA Amateur Football League is pleased to honour him as a High Achiever into our Hall of Champions.
Gerard J. Neesham
2012
2012
Player 1972 - 1998
Graylands Teacher’s Training College & Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club
The WA Amateur Football League is proud that a person of the stature of Gerard Neesham is tonight officially recognised as a High Achiever. He is one of Western Australia’s favourite football sons and the WAAFL is proud to have provided him the opportunity to start his distinguished career.
Neesham played his first amateur game with the Graylands Teachers’ Training College team in the C Grade Colts. In all he played 37 amateur games for the Teachers, winning the competition fairest and best in his first year in 1973. He then joined CBC Fremantle in 1974, playing 19 games and winning the A Grade WAAFL fairest and best.
His football ability shone early and he was selected in the WAAFL State Team in 1973 to play in the Melbourne Carnival, followed the next year with selection to play against the SWNFL and then against an all-Australian team in Sydney. Playing amateur football was the start of a remarkable career that saw Neesham play and coach in the WAFL, play in the VFL and then coach the Fremantle Dockers for 88 games between 1995 and 1998. Many say his innovations as coach played a big role in transforming AFL football into the modern game. Some suggest that his outstanding ability as a State water polo player, where possession is so important, contributed to his football game-plan.
After his amateur career, Neesham played football at the senior level for East Fremantle (79 games), Swan Districts (97 games), and Claremont (42 games) and was chosen in three WA State teams. Neesham’s ability was also recognised by the Sydney Swans where he played nine games in 1982.
A great student of football, Neesham became a player-coach with Claremont in the WA Football League, winning premierships in 1987 and 1989. In 1991 and 1993 he again won flags, this time as a non-playing coach.
Today Neesham is involved with Aboriginal footballers at the Australia wide Clontarf Academy, a successful operation that is a great testament to his foresight, vision, empathy and decision-making. In 2006 he was awarded a John Curtin Medal at Curtin University for his vision, leadership and community service. The widespread respect for his work led to him being a finalist for the WA Australian of the Year Awards for 2012.
Gerard Neesham has previously been named in the West Australian Football Hall of Fame and tonight we recognize him as a High Achiever as a former amateur footballer by naming him in our Hall of Champions.
Terrence O’Connor
2011
2017
Player/Administrator 1958 - 2002
University Amateur Football Club
Terry “Boof” O’Connor AM has a proud history in football as a player, coach and administrator. Once described as the heart of the University Football Club, Terry played more than 250 games for Uni over 16 years, being awarded a Half Blue in 1959 for outstanding sporting achievement. Once retired from playing Terry then went on to the highest echelons of Australian Football – firstly as West Coast Eagles Chairman for three seasons, including the 1992 Premiership season, and then as an AFL Commissioner from 1993 to 2000.
As a player Terry O’Connor was a tough and resolute defender. He started his football with University in the metropolitan juniors and was a great club man, serving as president, secretary, captain, coach and playing in almost every grade in the club. The following extract from James Wieland’s book, The Green Machine, the official anecdotal history of the University Football club, describes the way Terry played:
"Many an opposing forward badly misread “Boof” who, with his long shorts (sometimes held up by an old tie), scuffed boots, fruity accent and G.J. Cresta horn-rimmed thick plastic glasses tied behind his ears, looked like someone who had wandered in from a 1920s English novel. But, built like abrick dunny, these same forwards soon learned that, despite his appearance, he was fearless and would run through anyone who got in the way as he cleared the ball with deep, penetrating drop kicks into the forward line."
Off the field Terry’s keen academic mind saw him play important roles in the development of football, from setting up the WA Football Commission to becoming chairperson of the Task Force appointed to develop football in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Outside of football he was also a high achiever: he became a QC in 1987 after studying law at the University of Western Australia, subsequently being appointed chairman of the Western Australian Anti Corruption Commission and was Chancellor of Notre Dame University from 1990 to 2005.
Anthony Parentich
2014
2014
Player 1950 - 1959
University Amateur Football Club
As one of the finest centre men to play WANFL during the 1950’s, the WAAFL inducts Anthony (Tony) Parentich into its Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.
Tony Parentich started his football career within the WAAFL competition, playing at centre half forward for the University Football Club in 1950 and 1951.
In 1950, Tony was recognised as the WAAFL A-Grade Best and Fairest and in 1951 was selected for WA in the Australian Amateur Football Council State Carnival held in Melbourne.
Tony proved himself as a highly skilled player in just two years, and in 1952 went on to join the West Australian National Football League. He made his debut for the South Fremantle Football Club and at the end of the season was one of the best players afield as South Fremantle won the premiership in that same year.
He won further premierships with South Fremantle in 1953 and 1954.
Although South Fremantle could not continue their premiership streak into 1955, they did make the grand final in 1956 where Tony, although not taking home a premiership, was awarded the Simpson Medal as best on ground.
After seven league games, Tony gained state representation in 1952. He added further state representation in 1953 (Adelaide Carnival), 1954 (Perth Carnival) and 1958 (Centenary Carnival, Melbourne).
Winner of South Fremantle’s Best and Fairest award in 1957, Tony played a total of 162 WANFL games between 1952 and 1961. Due to work commitment he did not pay in the WANFL competition in 1960 and played part of the season in 1961 before retiring.
In addition to his centre man position, Tony was known to be a focussed and skilled player easily slotting in on the half forward line either at centre half forward or on a flank.
A strong and skilled footballer in his prime, the WAAFL inducts Tony Parentich as a High Achiever into the Hall of Champions.
Desmond J. Reed
2017
2017
Player/Administrator 1956 - 1970
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club
Des Reed played 200+ games for Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club. He was a captain/coach in 1956-1958, 1961-1962, 1964 and 1970.
He was a triple premiership player in the WAFL for South Fremantle in 1952, 1953 and 1954.
Des was the inaugural premiership coach of the Fremantle CBC league side in 1961 and was made a life member of the club in the same year. Des served on the committee from 1960-1970.
Des was included in the Fremantle CBC 1960’s Team of the Decade and was a Hall of Fame Inductee of the club in 2010.
Des Reed is inducted into the WAAFL Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.
Richard Roe
2013
2013
Player 1932 - 1936
University Amateur Football Club
The WAAFL is proud to announce that a footballer born 100 years ago has been honored by the people of today as a High Achiever and had his name added to our prestigious Hall of Champions.
Richard ‘Dick’ Roe was born in Geraldton in 1913 but his parents moved to Perth when he was 18 months old. Richard attended Subiaco Primary School and Narrogen School of Agriculture, and while still a teenager represented Western Australia in the State Schoolboys competition, then highly regarded as the nursery for future football champions.
He went on to Muresk Agricultural College where he was Captain of the school, dux, and champion athlete, captain of cricket and captain of football.
Roe went to the University of Western Australia just before his 20th birthday and joined the University Football Club in 1932 where he very quickly displayed skills that caught the eyes of the umpires. Not only did he win the club Fairest and Best in his second year he also won the 1933 Association Fairest and Best.
Dick Roe went on to be part of Association football history as the captain of the University club that in 1934 became the first team in amateur football to go through the season undefeated. From there, he repeated his effort of the previous year, winning the club and association Fairest and Best.
He was awarded blues in both football and cricket by the University of Western Australia.
The talented Roe was selected to play in the State Amateur team against the WA Football Association and was one of the best on ground in a game that lost by just seven points.
After finishing his study, Roe worked for the CSIRO and was transferred to Canberra where in 1936 he joined the fledgling Ainslie Football Club and tied with Roy Seton as the inaugural Mulrooney Medal winner, given for the Fairest and Best player that season in games organised by the Canberra Australian National Football League.
He was a member of the Ainslie team that went through the season undefeated. Newspaper articles of the time said that Dick Roe, a 6 foot 1 inch tall but very mobile player, was generally regarded as a talented footballer who could kick equally well with either foot.
The Canberra Times reported in October 1937 that Roe was the best and fairest exponent of the national code ever to play in Canberra. So highly regarded was he as a footballer that in 1936 the Ainslie Football Club organized for all the players in the winning premiership team to sign the match football which was presented to Roe. This football was given back to the club in 1993 by Roe at a presentation lunch held in his honour and has a place of prominence in the club today.
Roe was also an excellent cricketer playing A Grade for the University club in Perth and for University in Queensland where he once scored 152 not out. His cricket exploits in Perth saw him play two games for Western Australia, scoring a total of 122 runs in three innings.
It is a wonderful testament to amateur football that our grassroots national game has been played in all Australian States and Territories for many years and that a footballer as talented as Richard ‘Dick’ Roe – a man who died at the age of 95 and who graced our grounds many years ago should be recognised as a High Achiever and his name added to our Hall of Champions.
Keith N. Slater
2015
2015
Player 1954
Midland Junction Amateur Football Club
Keith (Spud) Slater commenced his senior football career in 1954 with the Midland Junction Amateurs before being recruited by Swan Districts Football Club the following season.
Slater went on to play 166 games for Swan Districts and win the club’s fairest and best on three occasions in 1956, 1957 and 1960. During the same period, he also played test cricket for Australia.
Slater was one of the driving forces to Swan Districts winning a hat-trick of WAFL premierships between 1961 and 1963.
Regarded as one of the greatest grand final upsets in WANFL history, Swan Districts beat East Perth in 1961. Slater went into the grand final with a broken rib against Australia’s greatest ruckman Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer. He and fellow ruckman Cyril Litterick curbed the dominance of Farmer which saw Slater awarded the Simpson Medal for best player.
Whilst a fantastic WANFL player, Slater played an important role with the WA State Team. He represented WA in 21 matches in which he captained three. Slater was a major part of the legendary WA win against Victoria in Brisbane at the 1961 Australian Football Carnival.
In 1964 after 166 games with Swans Districts, Slater accepted the role as Captain/Coach at Subiaco Football Club. He played a further 52 WAFL games with Subiaco. He ended his career back at Swan Districts in 1967 to complete a football career totalling 239 games and an impressive 257 career goals.
Whilst thoroughly immersed in football, Slater was also a fantastic cricketer for WA. His cricket career spanned 13 years where he accumulated 2198 first-class runs and took 140 wickets.
Whatever his sporting involvement, Keith Slater is an ornament to football and cricket in WA. It is a wonderful testament to amateur football that a player as talented as Keith should be recognised as a High Achiever and his name added to our Hall of Champions.
Paul Smith
2012
2012
Player/Coach/Umpire/Administrator 1971 - Present
Bayswater Amateur Football Club & North Fremantle Amateur Football Club
Paul Smith has been a remarkable contributor to Australian football since he played his first games for Bayswater Amateur Football Club Colts in 1971, with a few senior games in 1973. Over 42 consecutive years he has been a dependable player, umpire, coach and administrator and in all cases a high achiever in anything he has been involved in.
Smith’s umpiring career started part-way through 1973 as a central umpire with the WA Amateur Football League, leading to him umpiring the 1974 A Colts Grand Final and the 1975 B Colts Grand Final. He then joined the WA Football League’s central umpiring panel, umpiring colts and country football.
In 1980 he took up goal umpiring in the WAFL, Country and Sunday Football Leagues and umpired his first WAFL League game in 1984. His umpiring skills were quickly recognised leading to his first State game in 1985 and his first grand final in 1987, a feat he repeated in 1991, 92 and 94. In all he umpired in 210 WAFL games.
It was a natural progression to the AFL where he umpired 109 games, including two finals at Subiaco Oval and three at the MCG before retiring in 1999.
While doing the hard work on the track, Smith played a key role in the WAFL Umpires’ Association where he was treasurer from 1988 to 1994 and also in 1998 and 1999. He was assistant treasurer from 2000 to 2005. In 1993 he was made a life member of the WAFL Umpires’ Association and in 1998 a life member of the AFL Umpires’ Association. He was further recognised by being named in the umpiring team of the 90’s and the umpiring team of the half century. In 2000 he became the umpires’ coach in the WA Amateur Football League.
For his outstanding efforts, Smith was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 1998.
In 2005 Smith had the rare honour of being selected to travel with the All Australian Under-23 Amateur Football team to Ireland where he co-umpired games of Gaelic Football compromise rules in international games against Irish selection teams.
Retiring from umpire coaching in 2006, Paul Smith was approached by the North Fremantle Amateur Football Club. He took over as team manager of the A Colts. The following year he became treasurer, a position he holds until today where his considerable financial acumen is held in high regard. For his outstanding work at North Fremantle he was voted Clubman of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
Many times at Colts matches when the call goes out for a goal umpire, Paul Smith still puts up his hand. Little do the Colts players, or others, realise they have one of Western Australia’s greatest goal umpires in the history of the game calling the shots.
Tonight the WA Amateur Football Club thanks Paul Smith for all his work and has great pleasure in announcing he has been inducted into our Hall of Champions as a High Achiever.