Q: Which was the first team you played for?

I made my debut for the Marion High School team. The highlight of this particular season was looking down the sprig holes while the ball was at the other end for the majority of the games.

Q: How many grade games have you played and who have you played for?

The most games I played with any one team was with the Boston Football club, totalling 106 games and retiring twice. I was made a Boston’s Life Member in 1984.

Q: Have you tasted premiership success?

Whilst at Bostons’ we made it to the Premiership 3 times and won all 3.

Q: Did you play representative football? If so, when and which teams?

I only ever played one B-Grade representative game.  Port Lincoln against Great Flinders

Q: Best player(s) you played with?

Ray Watherston because he never gave up and was relentless on the oval.

Q: Best player(s) you played against?

Gunny Davey from Tasman Footy club as each time I stood him he managed to bag 10 goals.  He also offered suggestions on how to play on him – “don’t watch the ball, watch me”.

Q: Who was the best and/or favourite coach(es) you ever had?

Richard Fowler because he selected me in the representative team.

Q: What is your most memorable game(s) as a player?

My most memorable game was against Marble Range on Centenary Oval playing full back. Marble Range kicked 16 points and this meant 16 kick-ins for me. The last of which the wind blew back and I scored Marble Range their 17th point.

Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of footballers?

I tell my Grandson, Ari Franklin who is now an avid footballer, to enjoy the game irrespective of the result as you don’t play forever.

Q: Are there any game rules you would like to see changed?

One rule I would like to see allowed is the reintroduction of shirt front bumping. A highlight during my football era was watching players 2x my size being helped off the oval with buckled legs and a trainer on each arm.

Q: What got you started as a sports administrator?

Merv Bawden who was a good friend and standing for President at the time and who asked me to serve as Secretary.

Q: What football administration roles have you done and for which organizations?

I served as President (1981, 1982), Vice President, Social President, Treasurer and committee man of the Boston Football Club. Also coaching under 9’s for 5 years, before moving on to the Secretarial position at the Port Lincoln Football League for 17 years becoming a Life Member in 1995. I was President and patron of the Eyre Peninsula Mortlock Shield, receiving my Life Membership in 1999 and working most recently in the preparation of the Mortlock Shield budget.

Q: Best part about being a sports administrator?

The friendships and comradery you gain across all the Clubs and Leagues.

Q: Hardest part about being a sports administrator?

The hardest part is finding a young replacement.

Q: What do you think the Port Lincoln Football League will look like in ten years?

In 10 years, I think the Port Lincoln Football League will be reduced to fewer teams unless more Juniors are recruited across all clubs, which I truly hope they can achieve.

Q: Are you still involved in football? If yes, in what capacity?

Currently I am working on compiling the statistical records of players past and present which I look forward to doing for a few more years to come.