Australian Football

Ken Judge was a determined and highly skilled half forward, forward pocket or ruck-rover who played his best football with East Fremantle in 1975 and between 1977 and 1982. He was named in a forward pocket in the club's 1979 Grand Final-winning team against arch rivals South Fremantle, and the following year saw him take out Old Easts' leading goalkicker award with a highly creditable 63 goals. 

After originally signing with the Swans, Judge was recruited to V/AFL powerhouse Hawthorn, and was a sold contributor to the club, especially during his first three seasons when the club won the 1983 flag over arch rivals Essendon only to be thwarted by the same foe in 1984 and 1985 finales. Playing mainly off a flank forward flank, Judge consistently scored goals and created scoring opportunities for teammates, relying on silky skills and outside run. Voted the best first year player at the club in 1983, by 1986 his form had began to wane, and in 1987 he returned to East Fremantle with the intention of finishing his career with the Sharks. 

Still showing he had what it takes to succeed at the highest level, he was recruited mid-season by the new Brisbane Bears franchise, and over the course of 1987 and 1988 battled manfully, notwithstanding niggling injuries. 

Ken Judge retired at the end of 1988 and returned to Western Australia and take up various coaching roles. As a coach, he enjoyed premiership success with his former club, East Fremantle, in 1992 and 1994, before turning his attention to the AFL where he was somewhat less successful, initially at Hawthorn, and later at West Coast. Judge become a radio commentator with the ABC.

After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010, Ken Judge died on 15 January 2018, his 58th birthday.

Author - John Devaney, with updates by Andrew Gigacz