Gil Fraser opens up

by LES EVERETT

IT'S 50 years since North Fremantle won the premiership in the famous Ex-Scholars under 21 competition.

That is, of course, the perfect reason for a reunion.

nf 1955

North Fremantle Ex-Scholars Football Club. Premiers 1955. Back: R Backshell, R Sorrell, R McCarthy, E Wilson (trainer), J Wilson, J O'Donnell, A Blades. Middle: S Whipp (coach), H Harper, W Touchell, R Horton, F Houlahan, L Francis, G Mavor, R Staples (treasurer). Front: R Bailey, B Vinten, W Johnstone (president), R Langridge (captain), R Herdman (vice captain), K Wych. Sitting: R Lawrence, R Stanton, D Whiteford.

It's also 60 years since the end of the Second World War and North Fremantle had more than its share of ex-servicemen, many of whom paid the ultimate price. So 2005 is a good year to recognise North Fremantle Football Club's contribution to the community in general.

When Stanley Whipp, who coached the Ex-Scholars premiership team in 1955, and his vice captain Ray Herdman decided to work on organising a reunion they found so many people had an interest in the club's home at Gil Fraser Reserve that the project just grew and grew.

North Fremantle was one of the clubs to receive a centenary certificate at this year's Sandover Medal presentation.

The club is credited with a premiership in the First Rate Junior competition in 1897 and it was part of the WAFL from 1901 to 1915.

Listing prominent football identities with North Fremantle associations would take forever but it is worth mentioning a few.

AFL hall of fame member Phil Matson.

Sandover Medallists Ray Sorrell (a member of the 1955 premiership team) and Jim Conway, player for North along with other WAFL greats including Max Tetley (West Perth); George Mavor, Ron (Trizzie) Lawrence and George Meiers (East Fremantle).

WWI veteran Peter Casserley was also a North Fremantle player.

Legend has it that Albert Franks (who later played 99 games for South Melbourne) once walked 100 miles for a game with North Fremantle.

And no mention of NFFC could ever be made without reference to legendary administrator Laurie Tetley.

The organisers have also found references to the Kingston Football Club which was based on Rottnest Island and played at Gil Fraser.

If you've had any involvement with the North Fremantle Football Club or have played any sport at Gil Fraser Reserve or you'd just like to give the place the once over you're invited to the reunion/picnic day/open day on Sunday October 23.

Things will kick off at 10am and everyone is welcome.

From the Fremantle Herald.

Disclaimer