DEMONS LOSE A LEGEND - Roy Harper

Ine December 2012 the Perth Football Club mourned the death of 1955 premiership player,  Roy Harper. Roy made an indelible impact on the club during his 11 year career as a senior player for  213 games, including captaining the league team in 1964.

Roy joined the club in 1954 when it was still based at the WACA ground. He came with a big reputation.

He had been vice captain of Midland in the Metropolitan Junior Football Association, which played on Saturdays. On Sundays Roy played with Herne Hill in the Hills Association, winning the association's fairest and best award.

Roy initially played for Perth on the wing and a half forward flank. It was as a half forward in the 1955 grand final that his accurate left foot notched two invaluable goals in the team's 11-goal total that were crucial in getting the club across the line by two points, breaking a 48-year premiership drought.

The grand final team was led by Roy's older brother Keith, who also captained WA and achieved All Australian selection as a wingman.

Roy later found his niche on the half back line where he quickly established a reputation as a no nonsense defender who made his opponent earn every kick.  From that position he won three Butcher Medals as fairest and best in the league side. In 1962 he also won the Simpson Medal  for his outstanding performance for Western Australia against South Australia.

At one stage Roy's colleagues on Perth's half back line were Neville Beard (1961 Sandover Medallist), and 1955 premiership team mate, the late Charlie Skehan. They were all, at the time, serving police officers. The Demons' first line of defence became known as the "arresting half back line".

The massive contribution of Roy and Keith Harper to our club was recognised when the annual Legends award was introduced. Roy and Keith were made joint legends, marking their long and brilliant careers with our club.

The Perth Football Club extends its sincere sympathy to the Harper family on Roy's passing.

* By Peter Kennedy