VALE Gordon Shepherd

Gordon Shepherd, one of the last surviving players from the Club’s 1955 Premiership team, passed away on Friday, 6 September 2024.

As a 19-year-old, Gordon was one of the players to help break the Club’s then 48-year premiership drought, in winning the 1955 flag.

Gordon was born on 8 January 1936 to Ruby and Alan Shepherd.

Alan had been a champion footballer for Perth, playing 135 League games from 1926 to 1934, winning the Club’s fairest and best in his first season, playing a number of State games, and being a runner-up in the Sandover Medal. 

Gordon initially lived in Menzies where Alan had the hotel, until 1940, and then moved to Perth to live in Leederville. During this period, Alan had the Subiaco Hotel.

Gordon attended Leederville Primary School, and later, Scotch College, after the family had moved to Scarborough. Gordon played in the first XVIII at Scotch, then amateur football before moving to Perth for the 1955 season.

Gordon married Alison in 1958, and moved to Kellerberrin as a representative for Caltex Oil. Two sons were born while living in Kellerberrin – Bradley and Cameron, both of whom later went on to represent Perth at League level.

Gordon then managed the Kellerberrin Hotel for a three year period, and coached and played for the Kellerberrin football team.

Later, in 1963, the family returned to Perth, where Gordon began working in real estate, and developing apartments and offices. He later branched into hospitality in hotels and taverns.

After moving to Perth, Gordon and Alison had four more children – Geoffrey, Natalie, Zachary and Ryan. Gordon remained in real estate, and the hospitality industry, throughout his working life.

Gordon, with Ken Armstrong was one of two 19-year-olds in the Club’s 1955 Premiership team. Gordon started the game in a back pocket, changing on the ball, as the Club recorded a two-point victory against East Fremantle. Gordon went on to play 75 League games for the Club, between 1955 and 1958, before moving to Kellerberrin.

Later, when Brad and Cam were playing at the Club, Gordon became involved at Board level, rising to the position of Vice-President. Gordon, together with his father, and Brad and Cam, is one of two sets of three generation Perth League players – with his 1955 Premiership teammate Ken Armstrong, who was 19 days younger than Gordon, and Ken’s son (Gary) and grandson (Steven).

The Club salutes Gordon for his service to the Club, firstly as a player, and then as a Board member, and a father of two League players.

The Club extends its condolences to Alison, and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.