Australian Football

Joe Fanchi’s name became immortalised at the 1961 Brisbane carnival when he kicked the decisive goal for Western Australia against the VFL to hand the sandgropers the title on percentage. It was the highlight of a stellar season for Fanchi, who also won West Perth’s fairest and best award, and kicked 48 goals to top its goal kicking list.

Of stocky build, Fanchi was typically used as a rover, although he could also play almost anywhere in the forward lines. He played the game with great vigour, and was a master of obtaining the hard ball. His kicking was also exceptional, especially his drop kick and stab pass.

Fanchi joined the Cardinals in 1959 after two seasons with GNFL side Mines Rovers. While with the Diorites, he had finished second in the league fairest and best count in 1957, and helped a goldfields representative team to a highly creditable draw against Swan Districts the following year. From 1959 to 1965 Fanchi played a total of 129 WANFL games for West Perth, including the winning Grand Final of 1960 against arch-rivals East Perth. He represented Western Australia five times.

Author - John Devaney