Mac Chat – Andrew McCarrey column Round 13

WITHIN every sporting code and every club there are the loyal, tireless supporters, which regardless of the score on the board or the position on the ladder will continuously show their support week in week out.

They are also the people that are seldom acknowledged for the crucial part they play within a club.  As a player, these are the people that when things are not going in our favour, I can draw energy from to stay determined and maintain a positive outlook.

At South Fremantle we are fortunate that we have a group of long time, loyal supporters and followers that have and will continue to stick with us through thick and thin. This has been clearly displayed during the first half of this season, which has obviously not gone to plan. However I do strongly believe that our ladder position does not reflect our true ability and potential. In light of this it would be fitting to acknowledge and get to know some of our well known, dedicated faces around the club, whose support is unwavering.

Wayne Didcock has been a loyal South Fremantle supporter since he was eight years of age. Wayne first became involved 41 years ago when his father would bring him to watch games as a member of the official South Fremantle cheer squad.

It is quite ironic that Wayne started supporting South Fremantle, as he grew up in the Perth Football Club district. He lived in Victoria Park and attended school at Kent Street. He can recall playing a little league game for Perth against South Fremantle at Lathlain Park. He remembers being frustrated as he had to wear the Perth guernsey when he was a loyal South Fremantle supporter. 

Wayne has shared with me numerous great memories from the hundreds of games he has attended.  Of the five premierships he has seen, the 1997 nail biting derby win stands out. East Fremantle gave away a 50 metre penalty in the dying minutes and Warren Campbell sealed the game with a winning goal. Another stand out game was in 1983, where Noel Carter kicked a winning point. He remembers storming onto the ground and embracing the players after the final siren.

In asking Wayne why he chooses to follow WAFL over AFL he explains that he thoroughly enjoys watching the players develop from a young age in colts and then transcend through the ranks to senior football. He also gets great satisfaction from the close player and club interaction. Quite often, come rain, hail and shine, Wayne can be found down at Fremantle oval mid-week, encouraging the players as they prepare for the upcoming game. This amazing commitment is further highlighted by the fact that he has to make his way there via public transport, often catching numerous buses and trains from Maylands.

In his private life away from football, Wayne enjoys spending time with his four siblings. His favourite food is beef curry and he enjoys listening to football related radio. He can often be heard calling in offering his opinion and advice on football matters on 91.3 Sport FM or 100.1 Curtin Radio.

Wayne Didcock will always be a much loved and welcomed face down at South Fremantle. I know that the boys get great satisfaction at training and games from Wayne's presence and constant optimistic outlook. 

Another long time staunch South supporter that can often be seen barracking in the members grandstand is Joan Jones.  She has been supporting South Fremantle since 1973 when she moved to Perth from Balmain in Sydney. She describes the 1980 grand final win over Swan Districts as being her most memorable game. The premiership team was coached by Mal Brown and consisted of many greats such as Stephen Michael and Noel Carter.

Her favourite player over the years is Barry Cooper who was a tireless midfielder back in the late 1970s. Joan currently resides just down the road from Fremantle Oval in White Gum Valley. One of our directors, Terry Dean will often pick her up and take her to games. 

Away from football, Joan has six children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Her favourite food is seafood and she enjoys watching mystery dramas. When asked why she enjoys following the WAFL over AFL, her response was very similar to Wayne who also enjoys the close player interaction and watching the waves of young footballers progress through the system.  

A family that's name is synonymous with South Fremantle Football Club is the McGuinness family. Their support spans three generations with Pam McGuinness and her son Lorne, still actively involved at the club.  

Pam's earliest memories of South Fremantle date back to when she was a young child in the 1940s.  Her father Claude Law served at the club for 40 years in numerous roles including the vice presidency. Pam followed in the footsteps of her mother Thelma Law as a member of the South Fremantle Ladies Committee. Pam then went on to marry Roy McGuinness.

Roy played for South Fremantle from 1948-1952. The reserves fairest and best medal is now named after him. Roy and Pam had two sons, Brad and Lorne. Brad was an active member at the club for many years contributing in many roles, including chairmen of selectors and team runner. Brad is now heavily involved in business outside of football, but still passionately supports the club.

His younger brother Lorne currently runs water for us, which is greatly appreciated by the boys. Lorne has very fond memories of watching South Fremantle play over the years. A notable stand out game was the 1970 grand final win against Perth.  

Whilst residing in Attadale over the years, which lies within the East Fremantle district, the McGinness's had strong ties to South Fremantle. They owned a news agency on South Terrace where Pam has fond memories of future WAFL greats playing with Lorne around her shop. She recalls Stan Magro, Tony Micale and Brian Ciccotosto as children, using the newsagency's front door as goals.

Pam has remained very active herself over the years, only retiring from pennant tennis competition at the age of 60. Both Pam and Lorne's favourite TV show is Home and Away and Lorne loves a good steak!

One of the features that South Fremantle Football Club prides itself upon is being a "Family Club".  This involves embracing and encouraging the diverse range of supporters and creating a caring and nurturing atmosphere. The passion and loyalty demonstrated by these stalwarts underpins the proud foundations of this great club.

This season we are doing it tough, but I know the team really appreciates the unwavering support and faith of Wayne, Joan, Pam, Lorne and the numerous other avid supporters whom I have not mentioned. I have no doubt that success if not far around the corner!

Andrew McCarrey #11