Subilions' Tales

 AUSTIN ROBERTSON jnr.

Austin Robertson jnr, son of the famous champion swimmer, sprinter and footballer, Austin snr, commenced his career with Subiaco in 1961. He joined the Maroons from Scotch College where he had kicked 199 goals in only 23 matches in the Alcock Cup competition. This tally included an incredible 105 goals from 10 games in 1960. Robertson showed promise early and was fast-tracked to the league side after only 17 games. He played 14 thirds matches for a tally of 70 goals, and 3 reserves matches before making his league debut. The 1962 season saw Ocker boot 89.40, the highest tally kicked by any Subiaco player since Jack Jennings in 1934 and 1935. The final 5 matches of that season saw Robertson bag 30 goals. He spent the 1966 season playing with South Melbourne where he produced 60 goals, the second highest tally in the VFL. Ocker's league career spanned 13 seasons and 251 games, and he was a member of the Lions 1973 premiership team. Arguably the greatest full-forward in the WAFL's history, Robertson was a strong mark on the lead and had a flawless technique, executing the drop punt with exceptional accuracy. He was the Club's leading goalkicker on 12 occasions and was the state's leading goalkicker on an incredible 8 occasions. He is the Australasian record holder for goals kicked in qualifying rounds, 157 goals in 1968. He scored 15.11 in the final game of that season against East Fremantle. He won the Club Fairest and Best Award in 1965 and 1968, and was runner-up in 1967. He represented WA on five occasions, 1963/65/67/69 and 71. His career tally of 1,211 goals, 688 behinds proved his brilliance in front of goals. A testimonial was held for 'Ocker' on 28 July 1975. He was elected to Life Membership of the Club in 1972, and was selected at full-forward in Subiaco's Champion Team 1946-76. In my opinion Austin Robertson was the greatest full forward in the history of the WAFL competition, and it is a tragedy that he has not been recognised by the football world for his achievements.

KEITH WATT

Anyone who was lucky enough to see Keith Watt play football can think themselves lucky. The career of this little rover although short, was filled with outstanding achievements and awards. Keith played his first league game in 1971, graduating from the reserves. He won the Best & Fairest and represented his state in the same year, a remarkable feat. Keith topped-off his sensational career playing a major part in the Lions most famous premiership in 1973. Watt retired prematurely at the end of that season, much to the amazement and disappointment of his many fans.

MIKE FITZPATRICK

From the same era as rover Keith Watt came a ruckman named Mike Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has amazing adjility for a player his size and forged a career in football that exceeded his playing days.

CAM BLAKEMORE