VALE BERT WANSBROUGH

Bert Wansbrough, who was aged 87, was one of the most talented and versatile key position players to represent the Perth Football Club.

Recruited from Beverley as a full forward in 1952, he made his interstate debut for WA against Victoria in 1954 at Subiaco Oval at centre half-back. The next year he starred in both positions in the club's historic two-point grand final victory over East Fremantle, and in 1956 lined up for WA at centre half-forward against South Australia!

Bert's potential was recognised early by Perth's astute president E. W. "Brusher" Jones. He had played in the unbeaten State Schoolboys side in 1947, and "Brusher" invited him to travel from the family farm at Beverley to try out with Perth in 1952, aged 19.

A shade over six feet tall, weighing about 13 stone, and possessing an impressive leap, he was making his mark at full forward. Then league coach George Bailey recognised the strapping young farmer's potential at centre half back, and he never looked back.

Bert's interstate debut against the Vics in 1954 was short lived. He made a promising start at centre half back but snapped his ankle at the 10 minute mark.

His greatest effort for Perth was in the 1955 grand final when the club was aiming to break a 48 year premiership drought in champion ruckman Merv McIntosh's last game.

Appointed vice-captain to star wingman Keith Harper and aged just 22, Bert played the first half of the premiership decider against East Fremantle in defence. Trailing by 34 points at half-time, the position seemed hopeless.

But in a stroke of genius, coach Ern Henfry swung Bert to full forward. He delivered with four third quarter marks and four goals, and Perth was back in the game! It's history now how the Redlegs, as the club was known, outscored Old Easts against a stiff breeze to snatch a two point win, with Big Mac awarded the Simpson Medal for best afield.

Bert played most of his football after that as a forward, kicking 56 goals in 1956 and 69 the next year. His best hauls were nine, opposed to East Perth's Johnny Watts and seven in the 1957 preliminary final.

He retired in 1958 after just 127 games due to stomach issues and farm pressures but was appointed playing coach of Beverley in the Avon Football Association, leading them to an inaugural premiership in 1960.

Bert was selected on a half back flank in Perth's Team of the Century, and was a popular Club Legend in 2008. He was awarded Life Membership last year and will be elevated to the Club's Hall of Fame in 2021.

The Perth Football Club extends its sincere sympathy to Bert's wife Norma, his daughters and their families on their loss. Bert was a fine citizen, a valued contributor to our Club and always epitomised the best features of our great game.

CAREER SUMMARY:

League Games (1952-58):  127

Premierships: 1 (1955 - vice-captain)

Most Goals: 1956 (56), 1957 (69)

State Games: 4

Butcher Medal: runner up 1955

Team of the Century (1999): Half-back flank

Club Legend: 2008

Life Member: 2019

Hall of Fame: 2021 (posthumous)

Written by Peter Kennedy