Thirty years of football: Giants of the past
Although the Victorian code of football was played in Western Australia before the gold rush of the early nineties, it made little progress till tales of the new Eldorado at Kalgoorlie reached the eastern states, which, at the time were in the throes of a depression unparalleled in Australia's history.
Every boat to the West was crowded, and love of and enthusiasm for the game was brought by the new arrivals. Our population increased by leaps and bounds, money was plentiful, and soon, the four clubs, Fremantle, Imperials, West Perth and Rovers, entered into competition by securing players on arrival or by enticing many leading players from their eastern state clubs.
It frequently happened that a player's fare was paid by one of the clubs, only to find that another club's agent had met the boat at Albany (then a regular port of call), and, by tempting offers, had altered the player's destination. It did not follow that the club paying the fare secured the player.
The Victorians and South Australians brought such a skill to the game, that most of the local players were forced out. Every boat brought new players, the enthusiasm of the crowds knew no bounds, and money played a big part in the game. Not that the attendances were large as we know them today, but each club was supported by liberal-minded sportsmen who became obsessed with the game, and spent sums which few office-bearers of today would ever dream of.
Great supporters of the game in those days were Tom O'Beirne, R. H. Barrett, and Tom Duff. It was no uncommon thing for side wagers of a few hundred pounds being made on important matches, and I well remember two famous West Perth players, on becoming aware of the heavy wagering on a game at Fremantle Oval, refusing to take the field until handed £50 each.
Each club was strongly supported by sporting hotel-keepers, and players were often boarded free of cost. Many of them, too, worked neither in winter, nor in summer, habits were altered, and after a big match, it was quite a common sight to see many of them, still in football clothes and protected only by an overcoat, ruining constitutions by drinking heavily till all hours of the night. The licensing laws were apparently suspended in those days as far as some of the leading footballers were concerned.
The game was not built on the solid foundation of public support as it is today, and the real enthusiasts found, after a few seasons, the support of a football army too expensive and buttoned up their purses. Their places not being filled, football began to wilt after 1897, many of the champions joined goldfields clubs, some retired, others played on here, while many returned to the East. The result was that our football was at a low ebb from 1898 till the beginning of the new century. It was a period of team building.
From 1894 till the end of 1897, however, football here was of a standard which, in my opinion, has never, been approached. Each club was represented by the pick of Victoria, and in 1895 and 1896 the Fremantle team would have defeated any side in Australia.
Early Fremantle players
The red and whites recruited largely from Essendon, Victorian premiers of 1892-4 [sic][1891-4], and undefeated champions in the last-named season. From Essendon came the mighty Albert Thurgood, that grand follower 'Poss' Watson, Bob Byers and 'Spot' Chadwick.
Byers was a dashing half-back, although built on smaller lines than his three famous clubmates. By common consent, Thurgood was the greatest player who ever donned a uniform. He was a champion from his first appearance with Essendon at the age of 17, and the West was fortunate in seeing him in his best years. As a centre half-forward he stood alone. His marking was marvellous, and twice only during a fairly long career was he beaten, once by Marmo of Geelong, and again by Rolfe of West Perth.
Marmo's success led to West Perth securing him, for Wests, great as they were in those years, were sorely troubled by the great Essendonian. In this country, Marmo had no chance with him. Thurgood was also a rare follower or back man, and he was master of every kind of kick. From 60 yards it seemed impossible for his place kick to miss; his snapshot always went through the correct opening, and, in addition, he was a fine runner at 140 yards and a magnificent high jump. Agile as a cat, he was such a perfect physical specimen that he trained but little. Opponents recognised his pre-eminence. Chatting to Fred Rolfe in 1901, I asked his opinion of Teddy Rowell, whom I had not then seen. "Rowell is a bit of a wonder," said Rolfe, "but he's not a Thurgood." Teddy Lockwood, the ex-Geelong and West Perth half-forward, once said to me: "Thurgood can jump over the Town Hall and kick over the moon!" I saw and played with Rowell in 1904 and in my opinion he was the greatest half forward we have produced since Thurgood's day, and as for Lockwood, it is Jack Worrall's opinion that Lockwood at 40 yards was the deadliest kick ever seen in Victoria. I never saw Lockwood miss with West Perth in their golden years.
A great side
In addition to the four Essendon players, Fremantle fielded David 'Dolly' Christy, a dour follower who loved the ball, and a rare Melbourne stalwart; Tom Wilson, a strong defender from North Melbourne; Frank Musgrove a tall centre man from Fitzroy; 'Chopper' Doran, Harry Duggan, and Ben Page, of South Melbourne fame; tough old 'Jigger' Moorhouse from Carlton; McDonaid, a classy forward from Carlton, Sicily and O'Dea from North Melbourne. Sicily was a clever rover, and O'Dea was one of the best ruck marks of all time.
Fremantle was truly a football constellation. At this time twenty players constituted a side; the ruck consisted of four with a rover, and the ball was hit in by the central umpire, no follower being allowed to touch the ball until it had hit the ground. Goals only counted in the score, with the result that a premium was placed upon accuracy in front of the sticks. Moreover, the 'little mark' was in vogue. This was abolished about 1893 when the players were reduced to 18 and the minimum distance of pass became 10 yards.
Every alteration since that time has made for speed, which is the outstanding feature of today in most things, though speed in football has brought blunders along in plenty. The game is much faster today, but little more rugged, and not nearly so accurate or systematic.
During Fremantle's ascendancy, worthy rivals were found in the yellow and black of the Rovers, and the cardinal and blue of West Perth. Both were Perth clubs, and often pushed Fremantle hard. Rovers were largely composed of 'immigrants' from the East, but among a galaxy of talent Stan Hussey more than held his own, and, Sicily notwithstanding, Hussey was the most dashing rover of the period. Outstanding players in Rovers' ranks were R.G. Robertson of St. Kilda; Vimpany, a Tasmanian champion whom Essendon in their annual visits to the apple isle had failed to tempt away; Girdlestone of Melbourne; Tredinnick, and 'Grip' Johnson, both fine centre line players, and that powerful Carlton defender Jack Geddes, who was usually given the unenviable task of minding Albert Thurgood.
Vimpany was a master, and on one occasion he almost played Fremantle by himself. His fame reached the Goldfields, and frantic efforts were made to secure his services. The opposition met the train down the line, and persuaded the Tasmanian to refrain from playing in the final, and to make matters certain, to return to the island. Vimparey only played a few games on the coast, but his Tasmanian reputation was well founded.
The late R. G. Robertson was the ablest all-rounder whoever stripped with Rovers. A fine big fellow, he could play anywhere and do anything but his speed, bewildering handball and general toughness were his greatest asset. I well remember 'Robbie', stripping for Wests in 1907. He had long gone past football, and, remembering his wonderful skill when in his prime, I felt sorry to see him trying to do things that were beyond his powers and being cut to piece in the process. After leaving the coast at the end of the 1897 season, Robertson went to the fields, then in its heydey, and football was at its height. The centre of football had gravitated inland and though scores of great footballers delighted the crowds there, there was nobody ahead of Robertson.
West Perth's best side
The year 1897 saw West Perth win its first premiership with the best side that ever donned cardinal and blue. A split in the Fremantle side at the end of '96 weakened the red and whites, and among others Tom Wilson and the late Dolly Christy went over to Imperials. But for Thurgood, Wests might have won a premiership earlier.
The 1897 West Perth side played most attractive football, and were magnificently equipped in all sections. Decoit, of Geelong fame, captained the side, and others from Geelong were Ted Lockwood and his brothers Bill and George, and the dashing Joe Marmo, the beau ideal of a half-back. Their ruck was powerful, and in Les Jones of Essendon they found a champion. Sir Thomas Coombes was a great worker, and did much of the roving in conjunction with the renowned 'Dooky' McKenzie of Melbourne. Both were fairheaded, and were often mistaken for one another.
'Barney' Grecian on the wing was dash personified, and Charlie Atkins played finely on the opposite flank. A little later Grecian took up the centre position, and in many respects showed himself the best pivot in our football history.
Their back line was manned by players of the calibre of Freddy Rolfe, a tall 'splinter' from Carlton, who marked much as Ernie Riley did at a later date. Rolfe was a glorious drop-kick as well and was so fair in his methods that a schoolboy could play alongside him with perfect safety. He was a fine cricketer, too, and a great chap altogether. Like Dolly Christy, Dick Sweetman, Hooky Doig, Barney Grecian, Thurgood, and Bob Robertson, Fred has long gone home.
Alongside Rolfe stood Marmo, 'Blinky' Morgan of Footscray, Cleland, Ernie Walton and Ken Messer. It was a very strong garrison, and the whole side combined and played most attractively. Competitions between footballers attested the interest taken by real supporters of the clubs. On one occasion a fierce argument arose about the accuracy of a local player; 'Freddy' Cooper and Thurgood. A match was made, and wonderful interest was worked up. The goal-kicking contest was over a short range and Cooper won.
The respective speed of Fremantle's wing man Farrant and that of 'Bubs' Munyard of Port Adelaide, was also a bone of contention. This was also tested out and Munyard won, but Farrant was a flier on the field.
The Imperials
The youngest of the clubs were the Imperials, whose colours were blue and white. They were not particularly well managed; many of their champions found life a holiday, and the life of the club came to a close when at the end of 1897 it was discovered that many of the bills were unpaid and that creditors were clamorous.
While the club lasted, however, it was a power in the football world. A side must be dubbed first class that held footballers like Tom Keenan (Fitzroy), Dawes, Munyard and Alec MacKenzie all from South Australia. 'Buck' Greaves, Harry Fay, Vince Covacevitch, a grand Adelaide follower, 'Sambo' Manton, 'Goody' Hamilton. Jim Mullaney and Len Morrison, while Sicily, O'Dea, Tom Wilson and Dolly Christy crossing over from Fremantle gave an added strength in 1897.
Covacevitch, Morrison and Christy were followers of the first water, all in their prime and fit to represent any side in Australia. The side, however, was badly disciplined, and failed to realise the high hopes entertained at the beginning of its greatest, as it was, its last season.
In the following year, the East Fremantle Club was founded mainly by the efforts of 'Sammy' Thomson, Tom Wilson, who skippered the side for years, and Dolly Christy. The day of the imported product was gone, but round the two football stars gathered young local players of the calibre of Dick Sweetman, 'Hooky' and 'Scotty' Doig, Jim Thomas, Charles Wakely, Fred Chittlebrough, M. Kenny and Dolph Heinrichs.
Sweetman was the best rover the famous club has ever had and no day was too long for him. His style was attractive, his marking was very fine and when resting at half-forward was a match winner. The Doigs were rare half-backs, and they lasted well. Thomas was a great help to the club in its early years. His marking was a great feature; and his ruck battles with Les Jones of West Perth, are still remembered. Wakely takes his place with "Duff" Kelly as the longest place kick since Thurgood's time.
From last in its first year the club ran into second place in 1899, a highly creditable performance, and in 1900 gained the premiership. Much of the club's success was due to the captaincy and example of Tom Wilson, who was the great friend and inspiration of the young players. Christy was also thereabouts when a goal would win the match, and year after year it was remarkable how the club's juniors progressed under the encouragement and guidance of these two foundation members of the famous blues.
Into the 20th century
The first years of Old Easts were the last years of Rovers and Fremantle, the former's place being taken by Perth, and the latter's by South Fremantle so that in 1899 the competing clubs were West Perth, East Fremantle, Perth and South Fremantle. Wests, headed by Grecian, Loel, and Cullen, were almost the brainy side of 1897.
The new, open style of play suited the trio, and their co-ordination and speed nonplussed opponents. Grecian's dash, hand-ball and pick-up were so electric that no player of the period had the slightest chance with him, and no finer centre player has ever played here. Loel was in perfect accord with Grecian. He combined the speed of the greyhound with the pugnacity of the bulldog, and opponents often resorted to unfair, even brutal, tactics to circumvent this magnificent half-forward. One wonders what a Grecian, a Loel, or a Cullen would be worth to West today.
The cardinals' great follower was Lester Jones, the ex-Essendonian. He was undoubtedly the first follower West have ever-possed, and I am not forgetting McDiarmid of today. Grecian's health broke down in 1900, and an injury to Jones put the latter out of action.
The year 1901 saw the advent of McNamara, of South Australia, and a truly great set of forwards, Loel, McNamara, Daly and Cullen won the premiership for West, The play off was a triumph for McNamara. Unfortunately for the game McNamara contracted fever the following summer, and never again quite reached his high-water mark of 1901, though in 1904 he was still good enough for our first interstate side to tour the East.
New clubs join up
The scope of football was widened in 1901, when new clubs in North Fremantle and Subiaco were admitted, and the game, which had fallen somewhat from the golden age 1895-7 began to revive. North Fremantle made their mark from the beginning, but Subiaco were scourged unmercifully for years. The maroons, however, always came up smiling. The ground was at Shenton Park in those days, and it was a dreary morass, known among players as 'The Aquariuin.'
On one occasion, East Fremantle led by goals at three quarter time, but they were found to be playing 19 men and had their score wiped out. So weak were the maroons that East soon overtook them in the one quarter remaining for play and won easily. Subiaco were of little account till Matson joined the ranks in the years before the war.
At North Fremantle however, enthusiasts had gathered together a powerful team, and in 1902 the red, white and blue threatened East Fremantle, then on the threshold of a glorious succession of premierships that gave them the Farley Cup at the end of 1904. Among the northerners were such exponents as Orr, Gibson, Goddard, Corkill, Joe and Ernie Cooper, Hunt, Jim Thomas, Pearce, Mitchell, 'Pompey' Elliot, Albert Franks, Wakely, Munro, Corkill, Billy Craig, Dolph and Albert Heinrichs, the last two with Thomas going over to their old club East Fremantle, in the following year. Perth and West were little behind East and North Fremantle, and 1902 was a wonderful season. Since then, football has never looked back.
In 1903, a 'test' match was played on the Fremantle Oval between combined Perth and Fremantle sides, the prize to be awarded to the best player being a block of land at Palmyra. The public decided by plebiscite, and the winner was adjudged to be the redoubtable 'Carbine' Gullan, but there is little doubt that the player of the match was Alec Clarke of Perth, who ranks with the best of the many fine followers who have graced our fields. Gullan was a generous fellow, and handed the prize to the widow for whose benefit the match was arranged. As a follower, Gullan caught the public imagination more than any player has done since, and it was a great shock to the football and sporting public when, during the season of 1904, the great follower died as the result of accidental poisoning.
Perth's best years
Perth's best years were in the period 1902-1907, during which their most remarkable players were Barkly Bailes and Alec Clarke. Bailes vied with Sweetman as a rover, and was also an expert wingman with a deadly half-distance pass. As a follower, Clarke was assisted for a time by Hermann Kruss, of South Australia, and Thompson, but he was always up against strong opposition in an age of class ruckmen.
East were served by Charles Tyson, Bromley, Gullan, Albert Heinrichs, and later on by ‘Burley’ Hesketh, but Clarke was a rare battler, not brilliant, and kept the opposition busy throughout four quarters. Others who served Perth well, and whom it is a pleasure to recall were Harry Edmondson, who as full forward yearly collected a full bag of goals. 'Bull' Crase, the Cherry brothers, the Kennedys, Jeffrey, 'Blinky' Morgan, O. Winton, Roy Wilson and J. Chamberlain.
The redlegs were handball experts and played pretty football. Their strength lay in collectivism, and though several premierships appeared within their compass, they failed year after year against the grand rucks of East Fremantle.
Wests won their last premiership in 1905. The premiership contest took place at Fremantle, Easts leaving the field after a stirring struggle under the impression that they had won by a point. In the challenge game at North Fremantle, Wests won by four points. How the game came to be fixed for North Fremantle can only be determined by certain individuals, and there were several unsatisfactory features about the game itself.
The hero of the day was Renfrey of West Perth, who strode the field like a big emu. Has football here ever seen a better half-back than Bert Renfrey when at his best? We certainly have never had a half-back of his pace or power, or one who could change the complexion of a game so rapidly.
The centre player of the period was F. E. Palmer. He had a classic style, was one of the best of dropkicks when running at his top, and was an excellent high mark: it was a football tragedy that a knee injury should have cut short his football career while he was still in his prime. Palmer's place was taken by Gravenall, whose style was almost a replica of that of Palmer. He held North Fremantle together for several seasons, and distinguished himself as a member of our first carnival side in 1908. An added virtue was his ability as a half-forward, where his place-kicking was invaluable.
From 1905, North Fremantle, finding the competition of its neighbours too severe, slowly tottered to its fall. Midland Junction also went out before the war, but Subiaco, with a thickly populated area behind it and a fine ground, made progress.
East Perth were admitted to senior company about 1900 and were a success from the start, and in 1910 under Bob Burns disputed the premiership with East Fremantle. It will be seen that its rise to fame had been rapid, but the club failed to win a premiership till 1919. During these years East Fremantle was always in the running, and strengthened its claim to be regarded as our most famous club. The clubs were evening up, however, due largely to the tuition received by the younger players, first in the Y.A.L. competitions, and later in their progress, in the numerous ex-scholars' leagues. Football, therefore, owes much to the prescience of men like J. J. Simons, H. L. Riley, and 'Son' Bray.
The late 'Ivo' Crapp came West in 1906, and, as an umpire, did much to lift the game to a high place. What magnificent finals Crapp made possible! Before Crapp's arrival, our most noted umpires were ''Ossie" Bertram, Jack Orr, and Fred Lemon — excellent officials, too. Since Crapp's retirement W. Craig and F. O’Connor have stood out.
Subiaco's greatest years
Subiaco's successful run was prior to the war, when the maroons could claim such players as Phil. Matson, who ranks, next to Thurgood, as our greatest all-round player; H. Limb, a splendid full forward; 'Digger' Thomas, a centre man with a wonderful leap; back players like Horrie Bant, S. Snow (in goal), 'Bruiser' Lang, and the two Bushells (terriers both of them). With Youlden and Cain as followers, the maroons were fully equipped. Who does not remember the fights in the air between Matson and Ernie Riley, both of whom were freak marks, or when others had failed to curb Matson? Scobie, too, was a great all-round player. There was nothing that a first-class player ought to be able to do that Scobie couldn't do, but a troublesome knee prevented him from being in the condition required to show off his full powers.
South Fremantle, a lineal descendant of the old Fremantle Club, has been thirty years in existence. Their two premierships were won during the war period, when football naturally fell into the background. In its first years, its leading players were Grif Johns, Alec McCallum, now Minister of Works, Harry Hodge, with George Wyatt and Mclntosh, the club's present coach, and the red and white's ablest centre player, Ned Shaw, and Billy Craig.
As a result of a split in the East Fremantle camp at the end of 1904, the reds were strengthened by Bromley, and Ernie, Otto, and 'Duff' Kelly. The inclusion of Abercromby, and that sterling follower 'Diver' Dunn lifted Souths from a negligible quantity to a fairly powerful combination. It was then that the East South matches began to attract notice, and the rivalry has been perpetuated to the present time. It mattered little how high Easts might be in the premiership table or how lowly South's position might be. South has always been able to extend their fellow-townsmen. Ribs rattled in 1906 as they do in 1929!
Although South Fremantle have participated in many semi finals, an evil genius seems to have pervaded them in most of their important engagements. Until the last few seasons, the club's failures when playing away from home has been most marked. Probably the solution of their failure to win more than two premierships has been a lack of system—and the possession of undisciplined dash.
The club, too, has been unfortunate in losing its match winners to other sides. Brentnall as a centre halt back won innumerable matches for East Perth; Tapping was attracted East; the club failed to retain 'Duff' Kelly and Dunn, and how many scores of matches has 'Bonny' Campbell won for the crack East Perth side and the State combinations?
It is quite conceivable that had South Fremantle had the services of these players exclusively, the club's record would have been a little more imposing. The club's executives have held doggedly on, and it is to their credit that, both relatively and absolutely, the side is probably stronger today than at any other stage in its history.
After the great war
After the Great War, East Perth held away for many seasons. Their fortunes rose from the day they secured Matson, who, though past his heyday, succeeded in gathering to him champions from other clubs and a rare set of colts who were to serve the side for seasons. Matson was a master coach, who believed in a great line from goal to goal. What could be better than Sherlock (in goal), Brentnall (centre half-back), Thomas (pivot), Hebbard (centre half-forward) and Bonny Campbell (forward)? On the wing, too, was that marvellous wingman, Allen.
Football owes much to East Perth for the standard of perfection set up in the period of 1919-1922 and it was this standard that enabled us to whip Victoria at Subiaco in the carnival of 1921 after perhaps the greatest game ever played in the West. West Australia almost defeated Victoria in the 1924 carnival at Hobart, and again in Melbourne during the 1927 series.
If the present style of football has not the chiselled perfection of that of 20 years ago, the game is faster and more rugged. It has been a matter of loss and pain. Our football reputation is perhaps a little dimmed by one or two bad showings in Melbourne, but we have fully extended Victoria on neutral soils, and always won out in the West. Against South Australia, the balance lies with the West. In the interstate and carnival games, much of our success belongs to our ruckmen.
Outridge has been a big factor, as have utility players and followers in Owens, Western, and McDiarmid. Everything considered, however, the greatest match winner has been H. Campbell. Since Campbell's powers declined, the way to our success has been rendered more difficult. By common consent, Campbell was the finest full forward that ever donned a jersey in the West.
The best players
The game has always had its great exponents. There is scarcely a noted player of Western Australia I have not seen or played against, and though the subject is always being debated where footballers and enthusiasts gather, and the writer scarcely claims infallibility, I append the following list of the finest players within my knowledge. There have been great footballers on the goldfields and these are indicated by ('G'). The list is in order of time: —
All rounders: A. J. Thurgood, Vimpany, R. G. Robertson (G), D. Christy, Alec Robinson (G), P. Matson, J. Scobie and G. Owens.
Full backs: H. Crase, G. Munro, J. Beswick, F. Wimbridge and G. Sherlock.
Half-backs: Albert Patterson (G), E. Renfrey. H. Garvin (G), R. Brentnall and B. Jarvis.
Centres: B. Grecian, F. E. Palmer, R. G. Robertson (G), E. Nelson (G), S. Gravenall, P. Matson and W. Truscott.
Wingmen: H. Sharp, B. Bailes, Ike Allen and G. Scaddan.
Half-forwards: Thurgood, E. Rowell (G), H. Loel, D. Kelly, W. Smith (G). Alec Robinson (G).
Full forwards: A. Halliday, H. Limb and H. Campbell.
Followers: 'Poss' Watson, C. Tyson (G), J. Gullan, L. Jones, J. Thomas, Albert Heinrichs, Alec Clarke, A. Franks, Francis ‘Diver’ Dunn, Tom Outridge, and Tom Cain.
Rovers: J. Sicily, W. McIntyre (G), S. Hussey, R. Sweetman, 'Snowy' Jarvis (G). B. Bailes, Hedley Tomkins, J. McKenzie (G), W. Craig, L. Duffy and J. Leonard.
Footnotes
Title: Thirty years of football: Giants of the past.
Publisher: The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879-1954)
Date: Friday, 5 July 1929, p 24 (Article), and Saturday 6 July 1929 p 19.
Author: Dolph Heinrichs
Web: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/32292968 Web: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/32293291
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