Australian Football

Ruckman Allan Crabb began his senior career in 1942 with the West Adelaide-Glenelg wartime combination. When full-scale football resumed in 1945 he made his home at the Bay Oval, where he went on to give a dozen seasons of excellent service, becoming in the process one of the most popular and well-respected footballers in the state.

Outwardly placid, indeed seeming almost contemplative at times, Crabb was nevertheless well able to take care of himself when the going got vigorous. A superbly deft palmer of the ball, he was equally proficient at thumping it mightily forward when the occasion demanded it. His kicking was polished, accurate and appealing to the eye, and he was almost equally capable with either foot.

Allan Crabb was a regular member of South Australian interstate teams for many years, often forming a highly effective ruck partnership with Norwood’s John Marriott. He was runner-up in the Magarey Medal in both 1949 (on a countback) and 1950, with the former loss being retrospectively upgraded to a win by the SANFL in 1998. Crabb also won the Bays’ 1949 best and fairest award, and captained the club for three seasons.

Author - John Devaney