Vale Phil Smith
Posted Feb 1, 2010 - 10:07 AM
by Ron Head
A link with the West Perth premiership team of 1971 was severed with the passing of former full forward, Phil Smith, on the weekend, at the age of sixty three.
Father of star Subiaco goalsneak, Brad, Smith was recruited by West Perth as part of a premiership drive in 1971, along with back pocket player Leon O’Dwyer and centre half back Peter Steward, who later went on to captain coach the Cardinals. Smith had played twelve games as a forward with Geelong, and was an instant success in the WANFL, kicking 104 goals in the home and away games in his first season at the club, and was a big factor in their premiership win.
Runner up to Austin Robertson in the league goalkicking that year, he went on to head the list in 1973 with eighty one goals, kicking a total of 260 for West Perth in three seasons.
When Brad Smith won the first of his four Bernie Naylor Medals, the Smiths became only the second father and son to achieve the feat, following in the footsteps of the Doigs, Charlie and George. Charlie Doig headed the goalkicking in 1908 and 1909 with 26 and 34 majors respectively, while George was successful in the years 1933 to 1937 inclusive, and 1941, before war interrupted the league competition. His winning tallies were 102, 144, 110, 104, 129, and 132.
A knee injury suffered in the second semi final of 1973 effectively brought an end to Phil Smith’s short but outstanding career with West Perth, although he did make a brief comeback three years later.
Teammate in the 1971 premiership, Peter Curley, paid tribute to Smith. “Phil was a solid, reliable player, and a good goalsneak,” he said. “ Soon after he arrived in the West, Polly Farmer nicknamed him “Skippy,” because of his jaw, which, Polly joked, resembled a kangaroo’s pouch.”
“I was fortunate enough to room with Phil on an end of season trip to Singapore at the end of the 1972 season, and we had a lot of fun. He liked a punt, and was just a great bloke to be around.”
Footygoss wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to Phil Smith’s loved ones, the West Perth Football Club, West Perth supporters, and Football in general on the passing of a fine player of the game.
