Australian Football

South Fremantle recruited Bruce Monteath from Cockburn and he made his WANFL debut in 1972. A talented, strong marking ruck-rover, half forward or forward pocket, he was a key player for the Bulldogs for three seasons, winning a fairest and best award in 1974. In 1975 he crossed to Richmond where he performed creditably, topping the club's goal kicking list in 1978 with 55 goals, and captaining the side to a premiership in 1980. Monteath was actually suffering from an ankle injury at the time of the 1980 Grand Final, but his team mates lobbied for him to be included in the side; however, because of the injury he spent most of his time on the interchange bench.

In 1981, after 118 VFL games and 198 goals for the Tigers Monteath returned home to South Fremantle. Still a damaging player, he carried on for another three seasons, which were highlighted by a close to best afield performance in the losing Grand Final of 1981 against Claremont, the club to which he crossed in 1984 to play out his final two senior WAFL seasons.

Bruce Monteath played half a dozen interstate games for Western Australia during his career, earning All Australian selection after the 1979 Perth state of origin carnival. He spent the 1987 and 1988 seasons as senior coach of South Fremantle but was unable to get the side above fifth place on the ladder.

Author - John Devaney