Australian Football

A classical centre half forward of the 'old school', Windsor's Dick Parton was a superb aerialist and tremendous drop kick who acted as the fulcrum of his entire team's forward line. It was often said: 'Stop Parton and you stop Windsor'. 

In a war interrupted career he was a member of no fewer than eight Windsor premiership teams and was a virtual ever present in Queensland interstate teams between 1937 and 1952, including as State captain in 1946 and 1947. On one famous occasion he booted nine goals in an interstate match against arch rivals New South Wales.

As Parton's career went on he simply got better, as evidenced by his 1949 Grogan Medal win. As a youngster he preferred rugby league, and was an outstanding junior, but that code's loss was football's gain, and it is doubtful if Queensland football has ever witnessed a more imposing on field presence.  

He coached Windsor Zillmere in their early years in the QAFL, and was awarded the NFL Merit Award in 1957.

Author - John Devaney