Bears of the Century

skeeta

James "Skeeta" Wilkinson

Considered by many experts to be the greatest Australian football player of all time, "Skeeta" began his football with Weston in 1929. In a playing career which spanned 24 seasons, he played an Australian record 574 first class games - 461 of those with Weston and won representative honours with Australia, NSW and Northern NSW. This nation will long remember him not only for his wizardry on the football field and the joy he gave to those who watched him play, but also for his record of unblemished sportsmanship. He was truly an ornament to the game, the prince of right wingers.

 

mcnabb


Jim McNabb


Jim McNabb represented New South Wales as a fullback against Queensland early in his career but suffered a knee injury before the 1931 season and decided to try out as a goalkeeper. He went on to become Australia's number one custodian.

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Gilmore
Jack was one of Weston's first ever international players. He played 2 tests against China and Canada scoring a double in both matches.

 

Warren Halverson
Warren won caps at Australian U/23 and NNSW levels and was a great attacking defender when he played at Weston.

 

Jim Williams
Jim was a goalscoring freak. He scored 151 goals for Weston between 1929 and 1934. One games saw him sent off at the old Homestead Ground for swearing - only problem was he couldn't hear and had no speech. The referee apologised to all and sundry later

 

Tom Snedden
At one stage Tom was included in the Australian team and was also NNSW. Without a doubt was one of the best defenders Weston ever produced and would have stood out in any era. Won the Sydney Morning Herald Best and Fairest in 1973. Both his parents are life members of the Club.

 

John Joseph Turnbull
JJ as he was known was a NNSW representative. He was a fast, strong, bustling forward with a never say die attitude. JJ was a must in any Weston forward line - he was a great Club man and an example of the youth that came through the ranks.

 

Roy Johnson

Roy was a NNSW Rep on numerous occasions and was one of the first picked to play against touring sides. He was a tremendous defender and would have figured in any arena. Roy also coached the Bears 1st grade which involved a last minute equaliser in a grand final against Adamstown and unfortunately lost in the penalty shootout.

 

Jackie Manion

Another Australian and NNSW representative with various honours in that both arenas. He had pace to burn and scorched the left hand touchline scoring an amazing 76 goals in 3 seasons.

 

John Bond

A NNSW rep, Bondy was a formidable midfielder. He was strong in attack and a staunch defender with talent to burn. Coached Weston 1st grade to a 3-0 Grand Final victory over the Central Coast in 1983.

 

Jack Avis (snr)

A NNSW rep and captain. Scored over 200 goals in a sterling career that saw him play against China in a packed arena - one of Weston's top line players.

 

Dennis King

Midfield dynamo who played in plenty of Weston grand final wins. His energy in the engine room is well documented as is his tenacious tackling - a tremendous asset for the Bears. Dennis has also been a terrific sponsor of the Club.

 

Tom Oliver

An Australian and Coalfields representative. Has always been highly regarded - this is justified through his 5 tests in the green and gold.

 

John Thomas Turnbull

A U16 NNSW rep the year they won the National Title. Rale Rasic, the Australian coach at the time selected Jack in the Aussie U16 team. Jack played 222 games for the Bears over 15 years. He represented NNSW as well as coaching the Bears to grand final success in 1984 with JJ Turnbull.
Jack lived and breathed the Bears and you would not find a better club person - he is still greatly missed today.

 


web shop1

 web

Go to top