Australian Football

Combining tremendous pace with a pronounced ruthless streak, West Perth's Ray Lucev was Public Enemy Number One as far as many opposition supporters were concerned. He made the first of precisely 100 WANFL appearances in 1961, and spent the early part of his career playing mainly as a full back. However, it was not long before the Cardinals selection committee began to regard him as a liability in that position, owing to the large number of free kicks - and easy goals - he gave away.

Lucev was moved to centre half forward where his strength, vigour, and authority in the air, coupled with his trademark dash and physicality made him a decided asset. He was chosen to represent Western Australia for the first time in 1964, and went on to play all three of the state's matches that year. In 1965 he crossed to South Melbourne where he played 30 VFL games in two seasons, kicking 14 goals.

Author - John Devaney