VALE DR STEVE KARGOTICH, ARTHUR GREY AND JOHN FRY

The Perth Football Club is mourning the deaths of our long term team doctor, life member and club patron, Dr Steve Kargotich, after a short illness, another life member and former trainer Arthur Grey, and ruckman John Fry.

Steve Kargotich began his involvement with Perth in 1963 after being invited, along with his brother Tom - also a doctor and life member - to be club doctor by then CEO, Jack O'Dea, and head trainer, Ted O'Callaghan. The job entailed attendance on training nights and at every club fixture in the football season. That involved 28 weekends each year, including scratch matches. In fact a Kargotich was always present on training nights. After his brother's death in 1977,  Steve took on full responsibility himself.

In conjunction with Tom, Steve designed the new medical rooms for the club at Lathlain Park which became the trendsetter for other clubs. He also acted as team doctor for several state sides.

Steve had been a promising footballer at Aquinas College. While studying medicine at Melbourne University he played A grade amateur football and in 1952-53 was invited to train with the Carlton Football Club. But medical studies came first.

He was a leader in the introduction of sports medicine to WA football clubs for conditioning, recovery and the treatment of injuries.

Steve and brother Tom assisted many players in business and personal matters, free of charge, indicative of the trust the players had in their doctors. They acted as champion player Barry Cable's managers, and handled his transition to the VFL. In fact Barry signed to play with North Melbourne in 1969 at their surgery in Basinghall St, East Victoria Park, with North Melbourne official Ron Joseph present.

The Kargotich family has continued its active involvement with the club through Steve junior who has been an active member of the club board.

The club has also been saddened to learn of the recent deaths of former long term trainer, Arthur Grey, who was awarded life membership in 1999,  and former ruckman John Fry, who played 32 league games in 1961-63.

We extend our sincere sympathy to the Kargotich, Grey and Fry families.