VALE JOHN COLGAN

South Fremantle Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of John George Colgan.

John George Colgan, passed 21 June 2026.

John (Cap 733) was one of South’s greatest players, the last surviving member of our Golden Era Premiership Players and an individual who made a lasting contribution to our Club.

John played 220 games between 1951 and 1961, plus 10 State games, winning 2 Premierships and appointed Captain of our club in 1957 and 1960. He was also appointed Captain of WA’s 1961 winning Brisbane Carnival side, but had to withdraw because of injury.

John changed football in WA by covering more ground than the average wingman and then developing his theory on “pre-determined play” ie knowing what you were going to do with the ball before you got it.

John was awarded Life Membership in 1960 and was an Inaugural Inductee into the South Fremantle Hall of Fame in 2011.

On finishing his playing career John acted as Chairman of Selectors under Colin Beard, was a Member of the Board of Management and also Chairman of the Football Development Committee for many years and just recently our 2024 Ball Legend.

A life well lived and respected by all who knew him.

South Fremantle Football Club offers its condolences to all members of the Colgan Family at this time.