2009 Pratten Park Reunion

The Famous Black and White Arch on to Pratten Park

AT THIS YEARS REUNION WE HONOUR THE PLAYERS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP OF WESTERN SUBURBS DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB

•                     *    Indicates deceased
•                     ** Indicates played during Kelly’s Kids era

Ackling George *  First Grade in 1939

Barclay Wal *         Played in 1909, possibly the clubs first life member

Berger Dud *          First grade player from 1951-1953. Coached First Grade in 1960 and Reserve Grade from 1961-1966. Club treasure 1967-1971. Secretary from 1974-1977

Caffery Jack *         Played in season 1939. Coached Third Grade 1948-1953. Assistant secretary 1955-1966

Carson Bill *            First Grade player from season 1954-1964 playing 143 first grade games. Played in the 1958 and 1961 grand final teams. Represented Australia against Britain in 1962 at the SCG setting up a try that won the game. Long time committeeman and was the Club President from 1977-1981.

Charlton Neville (Boxhead)    Played from season 1954-1961 playing 143 First Grade games and was a member of the Clubs grand final teams in 1958 and 1961 where he was captain. Represented NSW in 1959 and 1961.

Clark Bruce (Bruiser)      Played 87 first grade games between 1979-1987. Showed his true Magpie spirit after West’s were reinstated to the competition in 1984 turning his back on a lucrative contract with Cronulla to play where his heart is.

Cody Jim **       Played from 1961 until 1971 and again in season 1973 playing 117 first grade games. City representative who played in the 1961 and 1963 grand finals.

Cogger Trevor      Great clubman who holds the record for most games played for the club between 1981-1991 (308), 162 in first grade as well as club try scoring holder (88)

Courtney Edward  (Tedda) * Played season 1911 until season 1924 playing 170 games. He had played 5 tests prior to joining West’s. Toured with ashes winning Kangaroos in 1911 and again toured the UK in 1924.

Courtney Ed (Jnr) * Played from season1924-1927 and again in 1929 playing 25 first grade games. In 1924 played along side his father Tedda Courtney.

Dimond Peter **  Power house winger who played from season 1958-1967 playing in 4 grand finals. 155 first grade games Peter scored 83 tries 5 goals and 2 field goals.Represented at every level including 7 tests against Great Britain. Toured with the Ashes winning 1963 Kangaroos.

Donnelly John (Dallas) *  Great character who represented the club from season 1975-1984 playing 147 first grade games. Dallas was a member of the 1977 AMCO Cup winning team.  Represented Australia against New Zealand in the 1975 World Cup series.

Downie George   Great clubman who played first grade from 1959-1960. Long time committeeman as well as third grade secretary from 1973-1988 and is still on the board of Western Suburbs Magpies.

Elford John (Snoozer)**   Joined club from Smithtown in 1966 and played until 1968, again played in seasons 1970-1972 and 1974-1976 playing 114 first grade games. Chosen in the 1972 World Cup squad and played two teats against New Zealand in 1972.

Elliot Charlie*       Played in the clubs inaugural season 1908 and again in 1909. One of the clubs first life members. Assistant secretary from 1928-1934.

Fitzgerald Jack*    Played 64 first grade games from 1949-1955 and was a member of the 1952 premiership winning team. Was reserve grade coach from 1956-1960 and first grade coach from 1961-1964. Coached the club to three grand finals 1961, 1962 and 1963. Named “ Club Coached of the Sixties” in 2008.

Ford Tony **     Big stepping fullback who played 104 first grade games between 1967-1974. In that time he kicked 317 goals. Go to Tony’s interview on this website for a more in depth story of his great career with West’s.

Gillam Ray*    Played in seasons 1936 and 1937 playing 21 games. Reserve grade coach 1943-1946 and long serving committman. Brother in law of Sir Donald Bradman.  ( I think he played for St George)

Hayes John (Chow)**   Played from 1958-1969 playing 121 first grade games including 3 grand finals 1961, 1962 and 1963. Coached reserve grade from 1971- 1973. NSW Selector and Kangaroo Tour Manager in 2004 and 2005. Current president of The Pratten Park Magpies.

Holman Keith (Yappy).   The greatest of them all. Joined the club in 1949 and [played until 1961. Was captain-coach in seasons 1955 and 1955. Represented Australia in 12 test series playing 32 tests, 14 against England. Played also in the World Cup successes in 1954 and 1957. Later became first grade referee and officiated at international level and in two grand finals. In 1977 returned to club to coach first grade to a big upset win against East’s in the AMCO CUP.

Hooper Eddie *   Tough front rower who played in seasons 1951, 1953-1955 and 1957, third grade coach from 1960-1962. Long time committeeman and elected Club President in 1968-1969 and again from 1971 until 1976.

Horder Bill *               Tough front rower who played from 1948-1953 playing in 91 first grade games. Played in two winning grand finals for Wests in 1948 and 1952. Represented NSW in four games in 1949. Nephew of Harold Horder.

Joass W (Ranji) *         Played 141 first grade games from 1911 until 1922.

Keato Bill             Represents everything the club stands for. Great full back and goal kicker who played from 1938-1942 and 1944-1950 playing 120 first grade games kicking 376 goals. Holds club record for most points in a career 767 consisting of 10 tries and 376 goals. Served on the committee as treasurer from 1951-1974 and in 1974 he also preformed the secretary’s duties.

Kelly Noel (Ned)**            Joined club in 1961 and remained until the end of season 1969 playing 115 first grade games. Was captain-coached from 1966-1969. Played in three grand finals 1961,1962 and 1963. Played for NSW as well as Queensland. Toured on three Kangaroo tours. Named in Australia’s and West’s Teams of the Century. Is currently active in the Men Of League programme. Go to Ned’s interview on this web site for more information on this truly remarkable life.

Kowald Brian (Horse)**Tough front rower and great clubman. Joined the West’s family in 1961. He played first grade from 1964-1966.

Lindfield Bob *          Played in 1923 and 1925-1934 playing 138 first grade games. Played in clubs premiership winning teams 1930 and 1934.

Lucas George (Butcher)*   Played in season 1938 and again from 1940-1944 playing in 46 games.

Malone Don (Irish)**                      Local who played half and five-eight playing 68 first grade games between 1958 and 1966. Played in two grand finals. Coached third between 1967 – 1969 and reserve grade in 1970. Served for long period on clubs committee.

Matterson Frank *      Played in three different positions from season 1924-1931 and again in 1933 playing 74 first grade games. Played in 1930 grand final. Played for NSW in 1929.

Matterson Neil*          Played from 1922-1929 playing 56 first grade games scoring 21 tries.  Coached Reserve grade in 1932 and third grade in 1933.

McFayden Claude*     Played from 1908-1916 playing 85 first grade games scoring 16tries and 43 goals. Coached third grade in 1935 and reserve grade in 1942. He was club secretary in 1927 and president from 1931-1936. He again held the position as secretary from 1937-1941.

McGuinness Albert (Podgy)*    Played from 1933-1935 and again 1937-1943 playing 107 first grade games. Was Captain coach in season 1942 and third grade coach in seasons 1946 and 1947. assistant third grade secretary from 1948-1953.

McLean Peter* Played from season 1947 until 1953 playing 90 first grade games. Was member of 1948 premiership winning team and was captain of the 1952 premiership winning team. Reserve for NSW in 1950. Was regarded by Neville Charlton as the hardest man he had encountered in rugby league.

McMillan Frank (Skinny) *       Played from 1921-1924 and from 1926-1935 playing 159 games in first grade. Captain of the 1930 and 1934 premiership winning teams. Played for NSW in 1922 and was captain of the 1933 Kangaroos. In 1936 coached first grade. 

Mead Les (Mousie)*        Played from 1929-1930 and 1932-1937 and again in 1941 playing 86 first grade games, scoring 474 points. That’s 32 tries and 189 goals.

Member of the 1930 and 1934 premiership teams. Played for NSW in 1933 and toured with the Kangaroos that year. Formed great scrum base combination with the great Vic Hey.

Mescia Ciriaco (Cherry)     Joined club in 1991 and played 156 games until 2001. He is currently Performance manger at West’s Tigers.

Mowbray John (Jazza)**  RIP 20/11/2009    Very Speedy winger playing 80 first grade games between 1959 and 1968. John scored 85 tries during this time. Played in the 1963 grand final.  Go to Johns interview on this website for more info on the one and only Jazza.  

Murray Don*            Played in season 1934 and again in 1936-1939 playing 45 games.

O’Shea Kel                 Lanky Queenslander who played 110 games between 1956 and 1963 including four grand final appearances. Representative honours include playing for Queensland and NSW and  15 tests for Australia. Was member of 1957 World Cup wining team. Formed arguably the best second row partnership ever to represent Australia with StGeorge great Norm “Sticks” Provan.

Owens Bill (Blah Blah) **      Great clubman who played 47 first grade games between 1954-1958 and again in 1960. Coached third grade from 1964-1966 and reserve grade from 1967-1969. Long time committeeman and is the clubs resident “Cecil B. DeMille”,song writer and poet laureate . Joint founder of the Pratten Park Magpies .  Go to Bills interview on this website for a look at his football history from the 50’s to the 60’s.

Parish Don (Mick) **         Stylish fullback who joined club from Dubbo in 1961. Don played with Wests until 1967 playing 71 first grade games. Don scored 18 tries and kicked 184 goals. Played in the 1961 and 1963 grand finals. Played for Country,City, NSW and Australia.  Don played in one teat against New Zealand in 1961 and one test against England in Sydney in 1962.Coached Wests first grade from 1972-1976. This era became known as  "Parishs Babes"

Prentice Clarrie*             Rugby Union convert who played from 1915-1924 playing 127 games. Represented NSW in 1918 and toured with the Kangaroos in 1919 and 1921 playing in all Tests. Coached first grade in 1927.

Raudonikis Tom **       Joined West’s in 1969 and stayed until 1979 playing 201 first grade games. Went on to play for NSW on 24 occasions. Toured New Zealand with the Australian side in 1971 at the age of 20.  Played in two World Cup series in 1972 and 1975. Made 20 test appearances and captained the winning third test team in 1973. Toured with the 1974 and 1978 Kangaroos. He was appointed coach of NSW State of Origin team in 1997 and 1998 and introduced the now infamous “cattle dog” move. Returned to coached West’s in the late 90s.

Russell Garry *         Played from season 1960 and again 1962-1964 including two grand finals appearances. From 1970-1972 he coached third grade. Was third grade assistant secretary from 1975-1977 and club secretary from 1978-1979 and was a long serving committeeman.   

Sharman Jim *      Played 68 first grade games between 1934-1939. Played for NSW in 1935. Well known for his boxing tent that was a fixture at shows particularly The Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

Sherwood Ken *      Played 76 first grade games from 1927-1932 scoring 23 tries. Member of the 1930 premiership team.

Simpson Stan *        Played in 23 first grade games in seasons 1936-1940. In season 1940 he was also reserve grade coach an appointment he held again in 1941.

Skandalis John (Skando)         Local Campbelltown player who played with West’s from 1996 until 1999 playing 75 first grade games. Was selected to play with West’s Tigers and was a member of the winning 2005 premiership team. After a short stint in England in 2008 he has rejoined West’s and is playing with the West Tigers currently. 

Snare Jack                                 Played seasons 1943-1947 playing 27 first grade games. Later became club selector.

Stanmore Frank (Paddles) *      Brilliant five –eight who formed great scrum base partnership with Keith Holman. Played 93 first grade games between 1948-1953 scoring 23 tries. Played in the 1948 premiership team and would have been in the 1952 but was selected to tour with the Kangaroos. Played for NSW in 1948 and toured with the Kangaroos in 1949 and 1952. Played against the great French touring side in 1951. I’ve heard he was so good they named a suburb after him.

Summons Arthur                         Rugby Union international who joined the club in 1960 and remained until season 1964. Arthur played 56 first grade games. Was selected as captain coached of the 1963 Kangaroos which became the first Australian touring team to regain the ashes since 1911.

Taylor Walter (Dookie) *          Played from 1942 until 1945, 36 games in first grade. Coached reserve grade from 1948-1953. Played in grand final at age 15. World War Two prevented him realising his full potential.

Thompson John                     Speedy rugby union convert who had played for NSW. Played from 1964- 1958 playing 58 first grade games scoring 28 tries. Foundation President of the Pratten Park Magpies.

Vest Dick *                              Played 82 first grade games from 1914-1923. Coached third grade in 1932 and reserve grade in 1934. Represented NSW in 1919 and played one test against New Zealand that year.  Played against England in 1920 and toured with the 1921 Kangaroo playing in all tests.

Watson Ron (Red Dog) *      Great club stalwart who played from 1950, 1952-1953 and 1955-1956. Red Dog played 63 games in first grade. Went on to coach West’s first grade in 1970 and 1971. Great servant of the club and was a long time committeeman.

Wells Harry (Dealer)            Blockbusting inside centre playing for West’s from 1956 until 1961 playing in 85 first grade games scoring 32 tries. Played in grand finals in 1958 and 1961. Dealer had toured New Zealand in 1957 prior to joining West’s. Toured with the 1959 Kangaroos and was the foil for the emerging St George great Reg Gasnier.

Stan "Ikey" Mildwater the oldest living ex player aged 92 chatting with the not so old Ted Brennan

From the old to the new....... well almost

Alan Fallah and his favorite frontrower Ian ' Herbie ' Freeman 

Jim Leis with two Kellys Kids Steve Winter and the Flying winger John Fisher

Steve in his playing days

Neale Holman his dad Keith and Paul Dillon

Just a little poem about  Keith "Yappy" Holman and the late  Frank  Stanmore take the time to read this poem written by Peter Fenton.

Holman and Stanmore

The year is 1948 and I am twelve years old,

And weekends bring a very special joy,

We gather round the fuel stove and battle with the cold,

As Mum cooks bacon, eggs and saveloy.

By lunchtime we have done our chores and donned our finest gear,

Excitement builds within us sure enough

Were off to Pratten Park to watch the team we hold so dear,

To watch the mighty Magpies strut their stuff.

Let me take you back to Ashfield, to those heady post war days,

When Frankie Stanmore seemed to own the ball,

When he and Yappy Holman in their brilliant daring ways

Tore teams apart and thrilled us one and all.

The orphan boy had come to town to play in black and white

 West’s talent scouts had found them in the bush,

A pair of halves still in their teens would set the place alight

Few realised the boundaries they’d push.

Keith Holman and Frank Stanmore would become such famous names

The football world would soon be at their feet,

They mesmerized opponents as they orchestrated games

Had any pair of halves looked more complete?

We marvelled at their talents as they answered every call

Few matched them for their courage and their flair,

So talented yet humble with such qualities on call

They rose to heights that few will ever share.

Those days are gone and fair enough all men must stand aside

The game moves on; new idols take the stage,

But those who had the pleasure to enjoy that famous ride

Will not forget the Magpies’ golden age.

Yappy a few years ago in the Wests dressing room Pratten Park

Two Life Members Noel Kelly and Brian Kowald

Fred Mullen and man about town Paul Dixon

Former Wests and Australian forward Ron Costello with Ben Fisher

(thats a good book Ben)

Bill Owens (Life Member) and Pat Toohey

Kevin Smith

Wayne Merry

Bob Dickinson one of the hard working men form the Western Suburbs Archives Section

Crowd in front of  the stand at Pratten Park

Wests v St George Pratten Park 1964?