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24th January 2003, 07:13 PM
The decision by the Western Suburbs Football Club to rename as the Sydney Magpies Australian Football Club Incorporated was something that was not taken lightly or without a lot of soul searching.
Western Suburbs Football Club was first formed in 1926, but with the onset of the Depression, folded in 1930. A keen group of enthusiasts reformed the Club in 1947 and after four years Western Suburbs won its first premiership in 1951.
The Club became the first licensed Australian Football Club in NSW in 1962 and during the period from 1963 to 1977 appeared in 15 Grand Finals winning eight NSW AFL premierships. The Club's latest premiership success was in 1996.
During the 56 years to 2003 Mr Bill Hart, who served as a player, secretary, president, president of the licensed club and president of the NSW AFL for many years has had a continuous association with the Club.
The first junior association was formed by the Club in 1960 and was known as the Greater Western Junior Australian Football Association.
Western Suburbs are based in Croydon Park and wear a playing strip unique across Australia. Home games have been played at W.H. Wagener Oval since 1985, with this ground being one of the few dedicated Australian Football grounds in Sydney.
When the club was formed it was indeed located in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and Parramatta was considered as the outer west and further out as the "bush".
The history , tradition and culture of success is something that can not and will not be erased. It is the privilege and the duty of the current players, supporters and administration to build on this proud legacy and take the club to a new generation of Australian Rules devoutees and spread the Magpie name throughout the community.
David Spence
President
Sydney Magpies
Western Suburbs Football Club was first formed in 1926, but with the onset of the Depression, folded in 1930. A keen group of enthusiasts reformed the Club in 1947 and after four years Western Suburbs won its first premiership in 1951.
The Club became the first licensed Australian Football Club in NSW in 1962 and during the period from 1963 to 1977 appeared in 15 Grand Finals winning eight NSW AFL premierships. The Club's latest premiership success was in 1996.
During the 56 years to 2003 Mr Bill Hart, who served as a player, secretary, president, president of the licensed club and president of the NSW AFL for many years has had a continuous association with the Club.
The first junior association was formed by the Club in 1960 and was known as the Greater Western Junior Australian Football Association.
Western Suburbs are based in Croydon Park and wear a playing strip unique across Australia. Home games have been played at W.H. Wagener Oval since 1985, with this ground being one of the few dedicated Australian Football grounds in Sydney.
When the club was formed it was indeed located in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and Parramatta was considered as the outer west and further out as the "bush".
The history , tradition and culture of success is something that can not and will not be erased. It is the privilege and the duty of the current players, supporters and administration to build on this proud legacy and take the club to a new generation of Australian Rules devoutees and spread the Magpie name throughout the community.
David Spence
President
Sydney Magpies