Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 - 1956), Saturday 21 March 1936, page 7


EAST PERTH'S RE-UNION

? ♦ ? ROYALS FACE 1936 WITH CONFIDENCE

How East Perth had fought back determinedly from the bottom to nrar the top of the list was stressed by the W.A.N.F.L. president (Mr. W. Stooke) at the annual re-union of the East Perth Football Club at the Protestant Hall on Thursday night.

Over at Perth OvaJ they are very satisfied with last season's performance^, when tbe club was only (beaten after a great struggle in the ..final; and with ad a Imps t identical team this year and a trip to Tasmania to follow, it was not at all surprising that there was such a bipr rollup and such enthusiasm shown on Thursday. Included amone the gathering were a number of former Ea«t Perth champions.

air. w. oeookc m responding to tbe toast of the W.A. National Football League, proposed by Mr. J. G. Allen, mentioned how East Perth had fallen from srrace after a record run of premiership^, but that they bad shown great spirit in pulling themselves out of tbe mire to make themselves once again a power in the football world. The Eastern States trip, he said, was a most laudable function, as it broadened the outlook of the players and brought them closer together. ?During the evening life membership was bestowed on two of the GREATEST FOOTBALLERS who have worn the blue and black for many years— Jack Gulil and Billy Thomas. The former, who can be classed as one of the finest wing-men ever to pull on a jersey, has been with the rovalg 12 sea

sons, playing 19;- games in the colors, and has also been a regular member of the State side. Thomas, it will be recalled. -von football's holiest honor— the Sandover Afedal for fairest and l-p*t — in- 1920 and turned out 113 times with Easts. Their exeat records were praised by the Hon. J. C. Willcock who made the presentations. ;hi hi proposing the toast of Kindred Clnb*=. Mr. Harry Mann, a former president of East Perth, expressed the opinion that 'there is NO BETTER TYPE of young chap than the one who plays football.' The sneaker emphasised tl*? need for players to stick together and pointed to thp success of East Fremnntle ;n that, regard. Responses on behalf or the other clubs were made hv Messrs. W. Bevis (West Pertlil, F. Murphy (Suniaco), R. Buchanan (East Fremantle). F. Lange (Swansl. F. Townsend (South Fremantlel. H. Mercer fClaremont) and J. r:iliott (Perth). Mr. J. J. Simons, who was one of those mainly instrumental in the formation of the chib. proposed the toast of tbe East

Perth Football Club, the response being made by the royals' popular coach. Mr. -1. ('Jerry'! Dolan. In the midst of the rejoicing and merry-making, however, 'thore was one !-oi-rn;mt touch when Mr. George Booth, f:itl»«r of that grp.it sport, tbe late Vie Booth, who vras fatally injured last year. was presented with an enlarged photo of last season's team, of which his son ivss vic«vrapt:iin. Various siteakers had p.iid tribute to th»» Into footballer'^ SPORTSMANSHIP AND PROWESS (he meeting having ©ppned with two miuutes' silence as a mark of respect, and in making the presentation the Hou. J. J. Kenneally told Mr. Booth that it would serve as a permanent reminder of the esteem in which his son was held at Kast Perth. The following players were later presented with trophies: K. Crow (most regular at training). D. Cronin (best m.tn at training). L. Graham (ruck play). R. Thomas (best firs-t-year-player). B. Ryan (fairest and best). R. Lawn (back play), -T. King (best man in final). S. Parry (most consistnet player). J. Guhl (centre nlay). A. Mussman (forward play). S. Hroom (nil-round ability). H. Screaigh and L. Giirnaut (serviceable play).