John Todd Passes Away at 86

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grassy1
Champion of Essendon
Posts: 12561
Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:48 pm

John Todd Passes Away at 86

Post by grassy1 »

A Legend of Western Australian Football and Australian Rules Football has passed away,at the age of 86.

JOHN TODD

An enormous talent as a young man,he stamped his name as a Star of the future,with 7 Goals in the Reserves Grand Final,as a 16 year old,for South Fremantle in enabling the Bulldogs to have a Thumping Win over Perth,to Win the Flag.

Being instantly promoted to the League Team in 1955,Todd famously Won the Sandover Medal in his 1st year of League Football,aged 17 making him in the youngest player to Win the Coveted award in an open age of League Football.

Despite South not Winning The Flag that year,Todd had arrived as a Champion in the making.Todd was a driving force in South's bid to climb to the top of the Football Tree in 1956.

Tragically,a knee injury cut him down in his absolute prime,but instead of retiring,Todd decided to carry on,trying a knee brace that enabled him to play through the pain of another 100 League Games,before it became too much for him to carry on,so he retired after 132 Games.

Whilst his playing career netted no League Flags,he played a Vital part in Western Australia's Famous 1961 Carnival Victory in Queensland,that prompted a major welcome home for the Western Australian Heroes at Perth Airport.

Early days of Captain Coaching and Coaching at South didn't go to plan and the best South could manage was 3rd in 1967,after Syd Jackson cut loose in the 2nd Half of the Preliminary Final.

A stint at his 2nd Club at Arch Rivals in East Fremantle,bought a League Premiership in his 2nd Season at Old Easts,at the expense of Perth again,with Class players such as then current Sandover Medallists Graham Melrose and David Hollins,future Sandover Medallist in Brian Peake,Doug Green,Simpson Medallist Gary Gibellini,Tony Micale and one Tony Buhagiar.

Disappointing seasons followed and by the end of 1976,a new challenge awaited at Swan Districts to get them off the bootom starting in 1977.Despite early frustrations and rumblings he might face the Sack,the one important person in his corner,showinng patience and support,was Club President in John Cooper.

Steady improvement in Swan Districts' results through the latter half of 1978 and most of 1979,had Swans on the verge of something big,with the depth of a Big Premiership Win in the Reserves,to back them up.

Graham Melrose's return to Western Australia had him heading to the Black and Whites instead of East Fremantle and Swans' fortunes were really looking good!

However,it wasn't until a 3rd Finals campaign,that Swan Districts really stamped their authority on the WAFL,with a Premiership Hat -trick in 1982,'83 and '84,with Melrose,Gerard Neesham,Leon Baker and old hardheads like Nowotny,Boucher,Skwirowsky providing great leadership and strength amongst a calvalcade of Super players and a Super Team.

Todd had Coached a Famous Hat - trick,stamping his Mastery at Coaching.Further Premierships at Swan Districts in 1990 and South Fremantle in 1997,cemented his already assured place in History.

Whilst his stint at West Coast may have seemed unsuccessful,the latter part of '89,set the Eagles up to be a Powerhouse into the future and besides,his work in the Media either side of it,had everyone listening.

John Todd,I salute you and may you Rest in Peace in that Rocking Chair you spoke fondly of.
grassy1
Champion of Essendon
Posts: 12561
Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:48 pm

Re: John Todd Passes Away at 86

Post by grassy1 »

For a listen on Toddy's reflections,go to Sport FM(Western Australia)and search for Programs,Great Sporting Lives with Glen Mitchell and feel free to have a listen to the Great Man!
grassy1
Champion of Essendon
Posts: 12561
Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:48 pm

Re: John Todd Passes Away at 86

Post by grassy1 »

John Todd Cup

Saturday June 15
Bassendean Oval 2.30PM

Swan Districts v South Fremantle
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