Australian Football

Nicknamed 'Darkie', Alan Ware played with distinction for Manuka and at senior representative level for Canberra during the 1930s. He was the winner of the 1939 Mulrooney Medal. A member of the first ever ACT schoolboys representative team in 1929, Ware made his senior debut for Manuka three years later. Although not especially robust, his tremendous anticipation and superb marking ability made him a redoubtable opponent anywhere in the back lines, but especially in the two key defensive positions.

Twice selected as Manuka's best and fairest player, 'Darkie' Ware was also chosen in two Canberra representative teams, against Tasmania in 1938, and against New South Wales the following year. Unfortunately, World War II then arrived to nip his blossoming career in the bud, although he did return for one final season at Manuka in 1946, taking his final total of senior games to 158.

Author - John Devaney