The spirit of Phil Matson
Phil Matson, whose death occurred early in June, 1928, from injuries caused in a motor accident, made a place for himself in the history of Australian football which will never be forgotten.
Wherever footballers foregather, Matson's genius as player and coach is accepted as a standard second to none in the Commonwealth. No club had greater cause to remember the man, was better qualified to appraise his services at their true worth, or felt his influence in greater degree than East Perth.
Matson and young easts
And that club will never forget the debt of gratitude its members owe to the former coach, who, while he was their guiding star, inspired them with a confidence and helped them to a standard of efficiency which had its just reward. Those were the days when East Perth was as formidable, perhaps, as any combination in the Commonwealth—the era of “Staunch” Owens, Duffy, Sparrow, Gepp, Hebbard, Allen, the Harrolds, "Bonny" Campbell, and other champions. With Matson's untimely death, East Perth found premierships harder to win. They dropped headlong in 1929. Today they have an improving side, which is expected to challenge strongly for premiership honors.
The Matson ideal
The tradition of Phil Matson lives. East Perth Club recorded one of the most successful functions of its history on Thursday night. It stirred memories and gave rise to aspirations. With both Phil Matson's name was linked. The occasion was a dinner tendered by the president and committee of management to the players. It was held at the Shaftesbury Hotel, where Mr. J. Safe, the proprietor, did the honors in first rate manner. It was one of the best social gatherings of footballers in recent years.
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On Monday next East Perth meet their redoubtable rivals, East Fremantle. The enthusiasm which marked Thursday's function showed that they are in great heart for the encounter. The chair was taken by Mr H. W. Mann, M.L.A. After the loyal toast had been honored at the bidding of the club president (Mr. C. Haynes), the chairman submitted the toast of the club. He described Phil Matson as a footballer who stood head and shoulders above all others. His outstanding attributes of leadership, and his remarkable skill as player and capacity as coach, ranked him as an emperor of the game.
Team work the key
Players of today were judged by their approach to Matson's standard. East Perth team today consisted of some who had played with Matson, and of others who had seen him play. Their coach (Val Sparrow) was one of his pupils.
Mr Mann urged the players to show complete trust in and look for guidance from their coach and captain. The day of the individual in football, as in all else, had passed; team work meant everything. He remembered when Matson was one of the champions recruited from various States by the Sturt Club (S.A.), in a desperate attempt to win the premiership, but the team became one of individuals; team work was out of the question, and it failed in its ambition.
Team work and balance had won East Perth their past premierships; they were the essentials today, and if the players conscientiously aspired to the Matson standard they must come to the front again.
Bill Glew, the skipper, said that the good fellowship that night's function made possible should reflect itself on the field He agreed with the chairman that the Matson ideal should be their inspiration. He concluded on a note of optimism regarding the team's prospects against East Fremantle.
The club's the thing
Val Sparrow told the players that their striving point first of all should be the attainment of Matson's methods rather than his standard. Team work was the only way to success. He gave Matson's inimitable description of the circumstances of Sturt's determined premiership bid, which came to a climax with their defeat by Port Adelaide in the final.
Let your slogan be “the club is the thing”, the coach urged. Pull together and you should be able to win this premiership. Remember Matson's long suit—the will to win. With that spirit I do not think you will be beaten. East Fremantle is a great team, and has proved it, but they are not unbeatable.
Mr J. O'Dea sponsored the toast of the artists, to which Mr Nat Hanley replied. Mr W. Ferstat paid a tribute to Mr Safe for the manner in which he had laden the festive board, a sentiment with which all present heartily agreed. Mr W. Thomas submitted the toast of the Press. Artists who contributed to an enjoyable programme were Messrs. Hanley, Valli, Baker, Bancroft, Champion, Richardson and Hill, and the Hawaiian troupe of musicians.
Footnotes
Title: FOOTBALL GENIUS Late Phil Matson EAST PERTH MEMORIES
Author: Kudex
Publisher: The Daily News (Perth, WA: 1882-1950)
Date: Saturday, 4 June 1932, Edition: Late city special, p.5 Article Illustrated
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