The foundation of a Sydney AFL Hall of Fame Award coincided with the Centenary Year for the Sydney AFL - celebrating 100 years of Australian Football in Sydney.
The award recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Sydney AFL, as a player or administrator, since it began in 1903.
In its inaugural year (2003), ten members were inducted into the Hall of Fame, with a maximum of three members inducted each year. New inductees are announced at the annual Phelan/Snow Awards Presentation.
Selection Criteria:
The level of service and overall contribution to the game.
The number of playing years shall be a consideration but shall not be the sole determining factor in assessing a person's eligibility.
A player may only be eligible to be inducted as a Hall of Fame member once they have been retired from playing for a minimum period of three years.
A member of the selection committee may be a candidate but shall not vote for their induction as a Players' Hall of Fame member.
Only those who have played in a senior competition in Sydney will be eligible.
HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Ralph Robertson (played between 1903-1914) (Inducted 2003)
Born in England in 1883, Ralph came to Melbourne aged two. He played junior football, and in 1899, aged 16 years, he was selected to play with St Kilda until end 1900. In 1902 he moved to Sydney to work and played rugby. When the NSW League was reformed in 1903 he became Vice Captain and later Captain of East Sydney in 1905-6. In 1909 he transferred to the North Shore Club where he subsequently captained the side from 1911-14. He captained NSW on twelve occasions between 1904 - 14 from eighteen appearances, apart from the three Australian Carnival Teams where he captained NSW in each: 1908 in Melbourne, 1911 in Adelaide & 1914 in Sydney. He played in the 1903 East Sydney premiership team and North Shore premiership side of 1911. Although accepted in the 1st AIF, Ralph resigned to enlist in the British Army as a lieutenant. He was subsequently killed in a flying accident over Egypt on secondment to the Royal Flying Corps. But for the occasional mention in Jim Phelan's subsequent writings on Sydney Football, Ralph Robertson's feats and accomplishments would have been lost forever. His record demonstrates that he was truly an outstanding footballer of his time.
Jack Dean (played between 1944-1982) (Inducted 2003)
Born in Sydney and due to his father's influence (Joe Dean also played for Easts) he joined the Eastern Suburbs Football Club at the age of 16 years. Jack was chosen to play for NSW as a 17-year-old and became a driving force as a ruckman at Eastern Suburbs, going on to represent NSW on 25 occasions. He played in East's premiership teams between 1953-58, and coached Ardlethan FC in the Riverina from 1959-60, before returning to coach Eastern Suburbs in 1961. In 1962 Jack crossed to Sydney Naval and played there until he retired in 1966. He won four Best & Fairest Awards and was runner up on four occasions with East's, and in 1958 won the Best & Fairest Trophy representing NSW in the Centenary Carnival in Melbourne. Later, he became a State Selector for 12 years. Jack was President of East's from 1970-82 during which the club won six premierships. He received the ANFC Merit Award for Service to Australian Football in 1977. Jack was involved with East's Juniors as a coach and was Junior State Selector for the NSW Under 15 Shell Cup and Manager on several Shell Cup Interstate trips. In a career spanning 20 years, Jack played 310 games for Easts, 45 for Sydney Naval, 40 for Ardlethan and 25 for NSW. He also won Best & Fairest Awards for NSW against Western Australia, Queensland and ACT during his career.
Stan Milton (played between 1919-1940) (Inducted 2003)
Kicked in excess of 1200 goals in Sydney football between 1919 -1938 - more than any other player to this day. Stan came to Sydney from Melbourne in 1919 as a 17-year-old and played for Paddington. He transferred to East Sydney in 1922 but returned to Paddington in 1923 before playing for Eastern Suburbs after both clubs combined in 1926. He headed the SFL goalkicking in 1922, 1924-25, 1927 & 1933 and more than likely in seasons 1920 & 26 (incomplete). He played for Eastern Suburbs against Geelong in 1927 booting an amazing 10 goals on the leading VFL fullback of the time, Jocka Todd. Stan represented NSW on 26 occasions kicking 151 goals. He was secretary of Eastern Suburbs between 1931- 34, a state selector in 1939 and went on to coach Rosebery in the Metropolitan Football Assn in 1940. He also played midweek in the Tramways Assn in the 20s and 30s. His was an outstanding career in the twenties with hardly a NSW team chosen without his inclusion.
Roy Hayes (played between 1943-1964) (Inducted 2003)
Came to Sydney during WW II from Perth and played over 300 games with Eastern Suburbs in a 20-year period, which included 22 NSW State appearances. He is widely recognized as one of the best players to have played in Sydney in the 1950s. Roy coached the senior team and during his time at Easts passed on his knowledge and skills to hundreds of budding young players. Roy was the engine room in the Eastern Suburbs premiership teams of 1953-59, and who finished runner-up in 1947, 1949 and 1951. Roy Hayes was Mr Eastern Suburbs during his time at the club.
Jimmy Stiff (played between 1929-1937) (Inducted 2003)
One of the most dynamic rovers of his period. Born at Mascot in 1911, Jimmy went to Gardeners Road Public School, a nursery for Australian Rules Footballers and during his time there played in several schoolboy state teams, twice as captain. As a senior, he represented NSW on nine occasions, though following selection, missed his first game for the state at aged 17 through injury. A fearless player, Jimmy was awarded best on ground in a match against Victoria in 1931. At the All States Carnival in Sydney in 1933, he was judged the best player of the Carnival winning the Major Condor Trophy. Jimmy was considered by many observers as the best player of the decade. He played in the South Sydney premierships of 1934-35 and grand final sides of 1932, 1936-37. He also won the league's reserve grade best & fairest medal in 1928 at age 17. Jimmy played first grade rugby league with South Sydney and again injury caused him to miss the 1937-38 Kangaroos tour of England. He represented NSW in schoolboy cricket and played first grade for the Glebe Club. He was judged by Frank Dixon, the former South Sydney and state coach and Eastern Suburbs FC official, and Jack Hammond, life member of the league, as one of the best players they had ever seen.
Jack Williamson (played between 1932-1941) (Inducted 2003)
Won four Phelan Trophies (Medals) 1933, 1935, 1937-38 and represented NSW on 20 occasions. Played at centre half back where he continuously repelled the attack from his own goal. Born at Kyabram Victoria in 1913, he moved to Leeton NSW with his family as a boy where he played junior football and then sought work in Sydney during the depression. He was a scrupulously fair player and well liked by his peers.
Harry Free (played between 1947-1963) (Inducted 2003)
A legendary player with the Newtown Club in the forties and fifties. Began his first grade career in 1947, initially as a back pocket but alternated between that position and fullback. In over 380 club games he won a number of best and fairest awards with the Newtown Club and went on to play 19 games for NSW over a 15 year period. He was very much respected as a footballer and one of the first chosen in representative teams. He finished third in the Phelan Medal in 1952 and again in 1959. Harry played in premierships with Newtown in 1945-50. He is considered by many as one of the best local products to ever play football in Sydney.
Col Harris (played between 1946-1970) (Inducted 2003)
Col played a club record 347 games for the St George club from 1946 until 1970. He had several stints as both captain-coach & non-playing coach including 1970, the year he retired. The highlight was being a member of the St.George 1964 premiership side. He was a regular State and Sydney representative player and played a total of seven games for NSW. Prior to joining St George, Col played for Queanbeyan (1942-43) in the ACT League and 10 games for Subiaco in the WAFL in 1944 whilst serving in the RAAF. A highly respected player and person, Col is regarded as St George's best-ever player in a golden-era of football in Sydney.
W R "Billy" McKoy (played between 1924-1935) (Inducted 2003)
A wingman from Albury who played with the Sydney Club, Billy represented NSW on a record 31 occasions, more than any other player. He won the Phelan Trophy (Medal - then called the Provan Trophy) in 1928 & 29. Played in Sydney's premiership teams of 1925 & 31.
Rod Podbury (played between 1980-1993) (Inducted 2003)
Rod Played with Bankstown and later Campbelltown in the Sydney AFL. He won the Phelan Medal in 1983, 1986-87 and 1990, and was runner up once, and third on two occasions. Represented NSW on six occasions and was instrumental in the Campbelltown Club's dominance in the SFL in the late 1980s. He played in Campbelltown premierships in 1986-89.
Ellis Noack (played between 1953-1980) (Inducted 2004)
Outstanding ruckman of his time. Played 470 senior matches for Ariah Park (1953-1956), Eastern Suburbs (1957-1958), St George (1959-1960), Newtown (1961-1964), Southern Districts (1965-1967), South Sydney (1968), Southern Districts (1969-1976), Campbelltown (1977-1980). Captain/Coach of Newtown and Southern Districts. Played an additional 200 games while in police force. Represented NSW on 8 occasions. Played with both sons at Campbelltown. Won several best and fairest awards.
Cec Quilkey (played between 1952-1973) (Inducted 2004)
Played first senior game aged 16 in 1952 for Balmain. A slightly built rover who played 328 matches finishing in 1973. He played his first 200 matches without missing a game. Kicked over 600 goals during career. Captained Balmain for 4 seasons. Won club best & fairest awards on 4 occasions - 1961, 1965, 1967, 1973. Club leading goal-kicker 8 times. He represented NSW twice and Sydney once. Runner up in Phelan Medal on four occasions.
Jack Armstrong (played between 1945-1959) (Inducted 2004)
Moved to Sydney after World War 2. Played in excess of 300 senior matches. South Sydney (1945-1950), Newtown (1950-1955, 1960), Liverpool (1956-1959). Took up umpiring aged 37 for five years (1961-1965), including umpires coach in 1964-1965. Returned to South Sydney, aged 44, midway through 1967 as captain coach and played for another 3 seasons. Won at least 3 club best and fairests. Represented NSW on five occasions. Life member of AFL (NSW/ACT).
Alf Penno (Inducted 2007)
Recognised as one of the best local-born players of the game, from the Alexandria and Newtown area, Alf Penno has been inducted into the Sydney AFL Hall of Fame. Alf played 200 plus games for East Sydney, was a Grand Finalist in 1947, 1949 and 1951and tasted premiership success winning seven premierships in a row from 1953 to 1959! He Captained/Coached three of those premierships from 1956 to 1958. He was twice best and fairest in 1950 and 1955, represented NSW 21 times and was the Captain Coach of the 1958 State team at the Centenary Championship in Melbourne. Alf was inducted into the Sydney AFL Hall of Fame on Monday 10th September, 2007 with his children Jennifer and Douglas in support.
Ian Allen (Inducted 2007)
Ian Allen who played over 300 plus games for North Shore and East Sydney from 1966 to 1984 has been inducted into the Sydney AFL Hall of Fame. He started off his career with the North Shore Football Club in 1966 and picked up two Best and Fairest awards and was Vice-Captain in 1971, during that time he also trained with Richmond Football Club in 1969, Ian also played with East Sydney for over 11 years from 1973 to 1984, winning premierships in 1973, 1976, 1980, 1982 and 1983, he won the Best and Fairest for the club in 1982. His represented NSW 5 times and won the best player award twice against Victoria and South Australia. Ian was inducted into the Sydney AFL Hall of Fame on Monday 10th September, 2007
John "Ossie" Grose (Inducted 2008)
John "Ossie" Grose came to Sydney from Kempsey in 1942 to join the Newtown club (1942 – 1958). A 5’ 2" rover, "Ossie" was a key player in the Blood Stained Angels premiership team that year and went on to play in another six premiership teams for Newtown – 1945 - 1950 in a "golden age" for the club. "Ossie" played over 200 games for the Newtown club and held various leadership and coaching roles in the 1950’s. He also represented NSW on seven occasions including the 1947 ANFC Carnival in Hobart. Described in the press as "the best rover in Sydney" during the 1940’s accounts as recorded in the Football Record and in newspaper articles of the time indicate that "Ossie" was one of the best players of his era. "Ossie" was represented by his son John and grandchildren at the 2008 Phelan/Snow Medal Presentation Dinner on Monday September 15.
Anthony "Tony" Quinn (Inducted 2008)
Locally born Anthony "Tony" Quinn played with the St George Juniors & St Pats Sutherland before joining St George Senior club in 1984 and playing 194 games, retiring in 1997. Tony was the 1993 Phelan medallist and named St George’s Best & Fairest in 1989,1993 – 1995 and represented NSW on four occasions and Sydney on five occasions. Senior Captain from 1992 – 1996 inclusive, Tony was admitted as a life member of St George in 1995 and to the club hall of fame in 2007. Tony was inducted in to the AFL Sydney Players’ Hall of Fame in front of friends and family at the 2008 Phelan/Snow Medal Presentation Dinner on Monday September 15, 2008.
Chris O'Dwyer (Inducted 2008)
Chris O’Dwyer played his junior football in Barooga before going to Assumption College in 1988/89. Chris played with the Swans in 1990,1991,1992 (& later in 1995) before joining Eastern Suburbs where he played 168 games between 1993 and 2000. The 1994 Phelan Medallist (28 votes – 83 for his career) represented the Sydney League on five occasions and was named Best & Fairest for Eastern Suburbs on four occasions. He captained the club in 1996, 1999 and 2000 and was playing coach in 1997 and captain coach in 1998. In recent years Chris has served on the Campbelltown Club committee and played a leading role in bringing together the regional committee for Sydney South West as part of AFL Greater Sydney Juniors. Chris was inducted in to the AFL Sydney Players' Hall of Fame at the 2008 Phelan/Snow Medal Presentation Dinner in front of friends and family.
Last Modified on 19/08/2009 10:30