Eight Legends elevated in South Fremantle Football Club Hall of Fame

EIGHT greats of the South Fremantle Football Club were elevated to Legend status in the Hall of Fame at a sold out function at Fremantle Oval on Saturday night with another 25 players and 10 officials also inducted and recognised for their contribution to the Bulldogs.

The South Fremantle Football Club hosted its first Hall of Fame function back in 2011 where 35 players and a further 10 officials were inducted, and from that group eight were elevated to Legend status in front of almost 400 people in the Griff John Function Centre on Saturday night.

Frank 'Scranno' Jenkins, Clive Lewington, Bernie Naylor, Frank Treasure, Steve Marsh, John Todd, John Gerovich and Stephen Michael are the eight who were elevated to Legend status of the South Fremantle Football Club.

All eight are more than deserving of the recognition and are among the all-time greats of not only the South Fremantle Football Club, but West Australian and Australian football as a whole.

On top of the further recognition for those eight greats, 25 further players and 10 officials were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the South Fremantle Football Club.

The 25 players and 10 officials who went into the Hall of Fame for 2015 is an outstanding group including all-time great players including Ron Edgar, Jack Murray, Don Byfield, Fred Seinor, Stan Magro and Jon Dorotich, and officials such as Terry Dean and Ron Porter.

Basil Campbell and Benny Vigona both flew down from up north be at the Hall of Fame dinner as well while Bob Maumill was the proud master of ceremonies for what was a memorable night for the South Fremantle Football Club in recognition of its amazing history.

SOUTH FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB LEGENDS (full profiles below)
Frank 'Scranno' Jenkins, Clive Lewington, Bernie Naylor, Frank Treasure, Steve Marsh, John Todd, John Gerovich, Stephen Michael

NEW INDUCTEES INTO HALL OF FAME
PLAYERS
Norm McIntosh (1910-33) – 133 games; 1916, 17 Premierships; Captain; Coach 1929, 33
Frank Collins (1912-19) – 115 games; Captain 1916-19; Premiership Captain 1916, 17
Jerry Sunderland (1918-28) – 1144 games; Captain-Coach 1926, 28
Ron Edgar (1924-36) – 173 games; 3-time Fairest and Best; Captain-Coach 1934-35
Cyril Jennings (1924-37) – 178 games; Fairest and Best
George White (1928-39) – 183 games; Captain 1936-37
Percy Renfrey (1936-48) – 126 games; 1947 Premiership; Champion Team 1946-76
Don Wares (1945-51) – 107 games; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships; Vice-President 1968
Jack Murray (1946-59) – 98 games; 1947, 48, 52, 53 Premierships; Colts Coach 1958-59
Bob Mason (1947-52) – 121 games; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships
Alby Western (1947-51) – 102 games; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships
Don Dixon (1948-57) – 134 games; 1950, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
Don Byfield (1950-73) – 239 games; 1953, 54 Premierships; Vice-Captain 1959, Committee Member 1972-73
Colin Beard (1959-76) – 168 games; Fairest and best; League Coach 1974-76
Fred Seinor (1961-74) – 219 games; 1970 Premiership; Captain 1968, 73-74; Fairest and Best
Don Haddow (1969-86) – 168 games; 1970, 80 Premierships; Colts Premiership Coach 1982, 83; Reserves Coach 1984; League Coach 1985-86
Stan Magro (1970-89) – 105 games; Simpson Medal; Vice-Captain 1975; Reserves Premiership Coach 1986; League Coach 1987-90
Tony Morley (1971-81) – 200 games; 1980 Premiership; Captain 1978
Rod Barrett (1975-84) – 195 games; 1980 Premiership; Vice-Captain 1983-84
Basil Campbell (1975-81) – 102 games; 1980 Premiership
Benny Vigona (1977-86) – 165 games; 1980 Premiership
Jon Dorotich (1981-97) – 151 games; 1997 Premiership Co-Captain; 2-time Bernie Naylor Medal; 3-time Leading Goalkicker; Simpson Medal
Wally Matera (1982-94) – 142 games; 3-time Fairest and Best; Captain 1993-94
Brad Collard (1984-2013) – 202 games; Fairest and Best; Captain 1987, 90-91; Director 2010-13
Craig Edwards (1984-92) – 163 games; 2-time Fairest and Best; 2-time Leading Goalkicker; Sandover Medal

OFFICIALS
Bev Morris (1925-58) – Secretary 1925-28, 42; Treasurer for 28 years; League delegate; Life Member
Don Gillan (1933-66) – Trainer 1933-42, 58-66; Head Trainer 1943-50; Committee Member 1945-45
Claude Law (1936-67) – Assistant Secretary 1936-42, 45-50; Secretary 1943-44; Committee Member 1950-57; Vice-President 1959, 62-67; League delegate 1962-67
Tom Goldie (1948-57) – Trainer 1948-50; Head Trainer 1951-57
Dr Ernie Hodder (1961-81) – Club Doctor
Joe Maffina (1962-92) – Secretary/Manager 1962-67; Donation Bonanza organiser 1990-92
Richard Woodgate (1964-91) – 2 games; Treasurer 1969-71, 77-81; Director 1982-85; Vice-President 1986-91
Chris Martinovich (1965-2011) – Club Chiropractor
Terry Dean (1981-2009) – Management Committee 1981; Director 1986-91, 2009; Vice-President 1992-95; President 1996-2008
Ron Porter (1987-2011) – Propertyman 

2011 INDUCTEES

PLAYERS
Harry Hodge (1900-09) – Club's first 100-game player; Secretary 1902; Treasurer 1902-06 
Johnny Campbell (1916-29) – 167 games; Fairest and Best 
Alfred (Sol) Lawn (1925-32) – 123 games; 7-time club leading goalkicker, 2-time WAFL leading goalkicker 
Jack Rocchi (1926-29) – 63 games; Sandover Medal; two Fairest and Bests 
Ron Doig (1927-32) – 99 games; Captain; Captain/Coach 
Neil Lewington (1936-45) – 140 games; Fairest and Best 
Frank 'Scranno' Jenkins (1937-49) – 150 games; Sandover Medal; Simpson Medal; three Fairest and Bests; 1947, 48 Premierships
Jack 'Corp' Reilly (1937-51) – 204 games; Fairest and Best; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships
Clive Lewington (1939-51) – 182 games; Sandover Medal; three Fairest and Bests; Simpson Medal; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships; three-time Premiership Coach 
Dave Ingraham (1940-51) – 135 games; Simpson Medal; Fairest and Best; 1947, 48, 50 Premierships 
Bernie Naylor (1941-54) – 194 games; 1162 goals; 10-time club leading goalkicker; 6-time WAFL leading goalkicker; Fairest and Best; 1947, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54 Premierships 
Frank Treasure (1942-57) – 254 games; Premiership Captain; 1947, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
Eric Eriksson (1942-54) – 210 games; Simpson Medal; 1947, 48, 50, 52, 53 Premierships 
Norm Smith (1942-57) – 129 games; 1950, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
Steve Marsh (1945-56) – 226 games; Sandover Medal; four Fairest and Bests; Simpson Medal; 1947, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
Harry Carbon (1945-52) – 141 games; 1947, 50, 52 Premierships
Len Crabbe (1946-53) – 140 games; 1948, 52 Premierships
Charlie Tyson (1948-55, 61) – 152 games; Fairest and Best; Simpson Medal; 1948, 50, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
Laurie Green (1948-54) – 99 games; Fairest and Best; 1948, 50, 53 Premierships
Des Kelly (1949-54) – 102 games; Simpson Medal; 1950, 52, 53, 54 Premierships
John Colgan (1951-61) – 220 games; 1953, 54 Premierships
Cliff Hillier (1951-60) – 160 games; Fairest and Best; 1952, 53, 54 Premierships
Ray Richards (1951-58) – 147 games; 1952, 54 Premierships
Tony Parentich (1952-61) – 162 games; Simpson Medal; Fairest and Best; 1952, 53, 54 Premierships
Barry White (1952-61) – 160 games; 1952, 53, 54 Premierships
John Todd (1955-66) – 132 games; Sandover Medal, three Fairest and Bests; 1997 Premiership Coach
John Gerovich (1955-69) – 221 games; 11-time club leading goalkicker; 3-time WAFL leading goalkicker
Gary Scott (1957-69) – 255 games; Fairest and Best
Tom Grljusich (1960-76) – 258 games; two Fairest and Bests; 1970 Premiership
Brian Ciccotosto (1967-78) – 211 games; Simpson Medal; 1970 Premiership
Joe McKay (1974-82) – 169 games; Fairest and Best; 1980 Premiership
Maurice Rioli (1975-81, 88-90) – 168 games; three Simpson Medals; 1980 Premiership
Stephen Michael (1975-85) – 243 games; five Fairest and Bests; two Sandover Medals; 1980 Premiership
Noel Carter (1978-85) – 155 games; two Fairest and Bests; 1980 Premiership Captain
Brad Hardie (1979-84, 93) – 140 games; two Simpson Medals; Fairest and Best; 1980 Premiership

OFFICIALS
Griff John – Club co-founder 1900
Joe Coates – 43 games 1904-08; Committee 1910-11; Head Trainer 1913; Coach 1913-19; Secretary 1916-19
Jack Polinelli – Administrator between 1916-66 
Frank Fuhrmann – 113 games 1924-31; Administrator between 1947-60
Bill Hughes – 47 games 1925-27; Administrator 1929-71    
Bill Collins – 88 games 1926-33; Administrator 1938-66
Frank Harrison – Administrator 1929-69
Tom Bottrell Snr (1951-99) – Trainer 47 years; Head Trainer 27 years
Ron Greer – Administrator between 1955-2011
Dr Dick Reid – Doctor for 33 years

PROFILE OF EIGHT LEGENDS
FRANK JENKINS
1937 - 63

150 games
Fairest and Best 1937, 1938, 1939
Premiership player 1947, 1948
Captain 1946
Sandover Medal 1937
9 State games
Simpson Medal 1947
Committee member 1963
Life Member

When he won the 1937 Sandover Medal as a centre-man, Frank 'Scranno' Jenkins set a number of records for that time. 
•    He was the first ever player to win the Medal in his initial year of senior football, later to be equalled by John Todd. 
•    He was the youngest ever player to win, again surpassed by Todd in 1955 when John was only 17 years of age. 
•    He polled the highest number of votes (34) until Stephen Michael set a new benchmark of 37 in 1981. 

Scranno played his early football in the centre, but it was at centre half-back that he really made his mark. There he forged a reputation as a very tough, uncompromising, and relentless footballer. His presence in the team gave his team-mates around him a feeling of confidence and the opposition players a feeling of fear.  

Frank won South Fremantle's fairest and best award in 1937, 1938 and 1939. 

The World War II years interrupted Frank’s playing career, as it did with so many other players of that period. Restricted by injuries in his later years, Frank was finally able to achieve his greatest ambition, to be part of the Premiership sides of 1947 and 1948. He represented WA on nine occasions and won the Simpson Medal in 1947 as WA’s best player against Essendon. Frank later served the club as a committeeman in 1963. 

Highly respected by opponents and teammates alike, Frank 'Scranno' Jenkins is rightly regarded as one of the club’s all-time greats. A true Legend of our club. 

CLIVE LEWINGTON
1939 - 85

182 games
Fairest and Best 1940, 1946, 1947
Premiership player 1947, 1948
Premiership captain-coach 1950
Premiership coach 1952, 1953, 1954
Simpson Medal 1950
Sandover Medal 1947
5 State games
Vice president 1978 - 85
Life Member
WA Hall of Fame

Clive Lewington’s service to the South Fremantle Football Club over a long period of time as a player, coach and administrator is unsurpassed in the annals of the club.

Although missing some of his best years due to the war, Clive forged an enviable reputation as a player. Described as the classical centreman of the period he was balanced, calm, a clean ball handler and a brilliant kick. His list of awards won is a testimony to his quality as a player.

When he took over as playing coach in 1950 he inherited a team of champions. South Fremantle then became a ‘champion team’ – the best in Australia. Seldom losing his cool, Clive trusted his players to play their natural game. He took a personal interest in all of them. Clive respected his players and each and all respected him.

As an administrator Clive was a thorough gentleman. He brought forward the same qualities displayed as a coach into his administrative role. Although quietly spoken, when he did speak people listened. Such was the quality of his word.

A multiple premiership player and coach, Clive is long remembered as one of the great South Fremantle Identities.

BERNIE NAYLOR
1941 - 54

194 games
1162 goals (23 in one game)
Club’s leading goalkicker 10 times
Premiership player 6 times
Fairest and Best 1953
Life Member
16 State games
WAFL leading goalkicker 6 times
WAFL Hall of Fame

With an average of almost six goals per game it is no wonder that Bernie Naylor is regarded as one of the game’s all-time great full forwards.

Bernie was a great reader of the play with the ability to lead to the right place at the right time. With some of the best kicks in the game playing in the South Fremantle midfield he was invariably given the ball lace out. He therefore believed that he had to make the most of the opportunities presented to him. "They give me the ball. I have to finish their work. That is my responsibility."

Consequently Bernie spent many hours practising kicking for goal. He perfected the spiral punt which he used to great effect over long distances and from all angles. He usually practiced from about 40 metres out and into the breeze believing that if his rhythm and technique were right then kicking over greater distances would not be a problem.

Bernie was a thorough gentleman and very supportive of his teammates. It is no wonder that the WAFL’s leading goal kicker each year is awarded the Bernie Naylor Medal.

FRANK TREASURE
1942 - 57

254 games
Premiership player 6 times
Premiership captain 1954
Captain 1955
9 State games
WA Hall of Fame
Life member

As one of the only three players to play in all six of South Fremantle’s premierships during the Golden Era, Frank Treasure is a worthy inclusion as one of the club’s Legends.

Generally playing on the left half-back flank, Frank developed a great understanding with Eric Eriksson who played on the wing in front of him. So great was the synergy between then that it has been likened to that of the Krakouer brothers.

Frank was given the nickname ‘Loafer’ by his teammates partly because of his effortless running style, partly because he was regarded as a lazy trainer. Possessing great ball control, Frank would often play the ball along the ground and challenge his teammates to take it from him. Few succeeded.

He was regarded as a pleasure to play in front of as he was so easy to read. With his great ball-handling skills Frank was able to get around opponents to deliver the ball into the corridor.

Although he usually played on a half-back flank Frank was versatile enough to play on a wing and even, on occasions, at centre-half forward. As a club premiership captain he is a highly respected member of the South Fremantle Football Club all-time greats.

STEVE MARSH
1945 - 56

226 games
Premiership player 6 times
Fairest and Best 4 times
Premiership captain 1953
Captain 1956
Life member
Sandover Medal 1952
Simpson Medal 1953
21 State games
WAFL Legend
All-Australian 1953
AFL Hall of Fame

Steve Marsh is recognised as one of the game’s greatest all-time rovers. As well as possessing great speed and skill he was also a wonderful on-field general.

He was the leader that everyone followed when things got tough. He exuded confidence and this spilled over to the others around him. Possessing the X-Factor, Steve seemed to sense when a game was in the balance and reacted accordingly. His ability to direct play often proved to be a game breaker.

Being quite diminutive in stature, Steve relied on his speed and clean ball-handling ability to break clear of the opposition. His ability to read the play and find a team-mate with a stab pass was uncanny and he could drop kick the ball accurately over long distances.

Although he won a Sandover Medal in 1952 it is said that Steve may have won several more had it not been for his habit of ‘having a chat’ to the umpires when he thought they had made a mistake.

One of the real characters of the game as well as a great player, Steve Marsh is a true South Fremantle Legend.

JOHN TODD
1954 - 97

132 games
Sandover Medal 1955
Fairest and Best 1955, 1958, 1961
Captain-coach 1959
Captain 1961 - 62
Coach 1966 – 68 & 1996 - 98
Premiership coach 1997
13 State games
All-Australian 1961
AFL Hall of Fame
WA Football Legend
Life Member

John Todd played his first game of senior football in South Fremantle’s 1954 reserves grand final at only 16 years of age. His seven-goal game indicated that he was a player of rare talent. This was confirmed in 1955 when he became the youngest player ever to win the Sandover Medal. John was once described by legendary coach Jerry Dolan as the only schoolboy he couldn’t teach anything. John was “that good”. 

Although playing with and against some of the all-time greats of the game, John never felt overawed or inadequate. Possessing great self-belief he was always confident of success. John’s ability was built on hard work and constant perfect practice. He devised games which he set up in his backyard to replicate match conditions. Constant practice kicking with his non-preferred leg enabled him become equally proficient on both sides of his body. 

Then, after only 28 games, John suffered a serious and career-threatening knee injury. When told that he might never play football again he describes this as “like a dagger to the heart”. Determined to prove the doctors wrong John embarked on a very tough and painful rehabilitation program. 

Despite being hampered by a cumbersome knee brace and never again being same the player he was in 1955 and early 1956, John still managed a further 104 games for the club, plus another two more Walker Medals, having won his first in 1955. John represented the State on 13 occasions and gained All-Australian selection in 1961. 

On retirement John went on to forge a long and successful career as a coach, winning six premierships at three different clubs. Our 1997 grand final victory over East Fremantle broke a 17-year premiership drought for the club. 

Despite injury restricting him the opportunity to fully achieve his enormous talent, John Todd will always be remembered as one of our greatest players ever to pull on the mighty Red V jumper. A true Bulldog Legend. 

JOHN GEROVICH
1955 – 69

221 games
743 goals
WAFL leading goalkicker 1956, 1960, 1961
Club’s leading goalkicker 11 times
20 State games
All-Australian 1956
WA Hall of Fame
Life Member

There would be few players, if any, in the history of Australian Rules Football who would be regarded as the equal of John Gerovich in taking spectacular high marks. Possessing a great vertical leap he dominated the air like no other. 

The famous statue erected outside Fremantle Oval not only illustrates the height of his leap but also the perfect balance he generally maintained. South Fremantle supporters of the era acknowledge that John had taken many better marks. They had simply not been captured on film. Such a pity John played prior to the advent of television. 

Such was his marking talent that in one game he took the amazing total of 23 marks and unfortunately kicked 11 goals 12 behinds, but still enough to be a match winner. 

‘Gero’ became a cult hero to many South Fremantle fans who would move each quarter to be at the same end of the ground where he was performing. Always prepared to have a chat to supporters, John would often remain on the ground signing autographs long after his teammates had retired to the showers. 

John won the WAFL goalkicking in 1956, 1960 and 1961, represented WA on 20 occasions and was selected as an All-Australian in 1956. John rejected many offers from VFL clubs and thus remained a 'one club champion' after 221 games. 

Once described by a South Fremantle selector as "a restless untamed spirit" John was a known unpredictable 'football genius'. It is this term which best describes his legacy to South Fremantle. A great South Fremantle Legend. 

STEPHEN MICHAEL
1975 – 85

243 games
Fairest and Best 5 times
Captain 1983, 1985
Life member
Premiership player 1980
Sandover Medal 1980, 1981
17 State games
WAFL Hall of Fame
Simpson Medal 1983
Tassie Medal 1983
All-Australian captain 1983
AFL Hall of Fame

During the mid-1970s and early 1980s Stephen Michael dominated football throughout Australia for eight years. Size, speed, skill, strength and fitness, Stephen had it all. 

Yet in his early years he was somewhat a reluctant footballer, but South Fremantle’s then coach, Colin Beard allowed Stephen to quietly develop into the true champion he became. Once committed, Stephen gave his all. No one worked harder on the training track where he would run himself to exhaustion and then follow up with long sessions in the boxing ring under the tutelage of Laurie Flanders. 

On field, Stephen was three players in one. He could ruck with the best, was skilful and quick enough to ruck-rove and then could rove his own ruck knocks taking the ball out of the centre at will. 

Stephen was pursued by a number of VFL clubs, especially Geelong. However he refused to make the move East, citing strong family ties and the cold, wet weather over there. Stephen says he has never regretted this decision as he knows that he has the respect of football followers Australia wide. 

Dual Sandover Medallist, five times Walker Medallist, Tassie Medallist and All-Australian captain, Stephen Michael will long be remembered as a great South Fremantle champion. Another Bulldog Legend.