Australian Football

A formidably effective forward and follower, Clem Dayman enjoyed success with two league clubs, besides representing South Australia in the interstate arena seven times. He commenced his career with North Adelaide and was heavily instrumental in that club’s emergence as a force when league football in South Australia resumed in 1919 following a three-year hiatus because of the Great War. Dayman was North’s top goal kicker in 1919 with 18 goals, and during that season’s marathon finals series (described here) he vied with the legendary Tom Leahy as his side’s most effective all round contributor.

It was after crossing to Port Adelaide, however, that Dayman truly established himself as one of the foremost footballers in the league. Between 1921 and 1925 he played 69 games for the Magpies, including the winning Challenge Final of 1921 against Norwood. Skipper of the club in 1923, he is listed by some sources as its fairest and most brilliant award recipient in 1922, although according to certain other sources the award went to Charlie Adams. 

What is certain, however, is that he was a highly respected figure at Alberton who, along with his younger brother Leslie, implemented something of a mini dynasty at the club, with his son, Lyle Dayman, later representing both Port Adelaide and the state with distinction during the 1940s.

Author - John Devaney