Kenneth J. Mathews

1969

Player/Coach/Administrator 1924-1967
West Perth and Mt Hawthorn West Perth Football Clubs
Protest & Disputes Tribunal 1968-2005

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.

In 1965, Ken served as Assistant Manager of the Carnival team that travelled to Adelaide. In 1966, following a 180 game playing career, Ken retired, was appointed Manager for the Carnival team that travelled to Launceston and joined the WAAFL State Team Selection panel on which he remained until 1980.

From 1968 to 2005, Ken served on the Protests and Disputes Tribunal and in 1998 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.

In 2014 Ken was inducted into the Hall of Champions as a designated Champion of WA amateur football.