Australian Football

When Claremont recruited Arthur Heusler - popularly known as 'Reg' - in 1938 his credentials did not seem all that impressive, in that since managing four senior games for Norwood in 1935 he had been playing his football in South Australian country areas. However, Heusler's signing proved to be a master stroke, as he would go on to become an integral part of the Monts team that would dominate West Australian football for three years. Playing mainly as a centre half forward, Heusler made a total of 70 league appearances in four seasons with the club, and was a member of all three of their winning Grand Finals: against East Fremantle in 1938 and 1939, and against South Fremantle in 1940. In the 14.11 (95) to 11.10 (76) victory over Old Easts in 1939 he gave a majestic display of the centre half forward's craft, highlighted by superb marking and prodigious, and accurate, kicking, to be many observers' choice as best afield.

Between 1942 and 1944 the WANFL senior competition was suspended, and when it resumed Reg Heusler had departed for pastures new, having been appointed captain-coach of Perth. He spent just one, inauspicious year in the role as the side managed a mere eight wins from 20 matches to finish second from bottom, but from the playing point of view he continued to produce excellent football. Top goal-kicker for the Redlegs in 1945 with 34 goals, he continued as a player under new coach Sydney Sinclair the following year, and when he retired had added a final 23 WANFL games to his career tally.

Author - John Devaney