PLAYER:  1954-65

GAMES: 223: West Perth 202, WA 21

PREMIERSHIPS: Captain 1960

HONOURS: Sandover Medal 1959; Simpson Medal 1960 grand final; West Perth best and fairest 1957 and 1959.

A story of perseverance, of a struggling giant playing reserves football who eventually became one of WA’s finest ruck-men in a golden era for big men.  In 1957 Brian Foley polled 85 votes to win West Perth’s fairest and best by an incredible 45 votes.  It was the start of the big ruck-man’s best years against adversaries of the caliber of Graham Farmer and Jack Clarke.  In that context, his romping win by 10 votes in the 1959 Sandover Medal was remarkable.  So was his effort in racking up 22 WA games.  He assumed West Perth’s captaincy from Don Marinko five games into the 1960 season, led the team to the flag and held the role until 1964.