Australian Football

Originally from Geraldton, William ‘Billy’ Thomas played senior football with Kalgoorlie City in 1925 and 1926 before transferring to East Perth in 1927. A premiership player in his debut season with the Royals, he impressed observers with his pace and cleverness as well as the accuracy of his disposal. In both 1928 and 1929, playing mainly as a rover, he won East Perth’s fairest and best award, adding the 1929 Sandover Medal for good measure. 

Always dangerous when resting in a forward pocket, he topped the Royals’ goal-kicking list in 1931 with 30 goals, and overall amassed 169 goals in 114 senior appearances spread over 10 seasons. Thomas played a total of nine state matches for Western Australia, including all five games at the 1930 Adelaide carnival. Like his namesake William ‘Digger’ Thomas, William ‘Billy’ Thomas achieved selection in East Perth’s official ‘Team of the Century 1906 to 1944’.

Author - John Devaney