An Absolute Legend of the Game
Passed Away last week just shy of 100 at 99.
Already a Star in the Goldfields with Railways,he headed to Perth with the intention of meeting up with a Mate before heading into East Fremantle's Doors.
His mate didn't show up that night so in he went and found himself in co-tenant South Fremantle's rooms instead.So he joined them and by 1947's end,played a major Role in getting South rolling for The Golden Years,Winning 6 Flags in 8 years.In the 2 years South didn't Win,they finished Runners Up to West Perth by 3 Points and 3rd after an Off Day in the Preliminary Final of '49 against Perth.
He Captained South for 1 year,Won a Sandover Medal one year,where it is said by the likes of another Aussie Rules great in John Todd,that Steve never being backward in coming forward,probably got him into hot water with officialdom.
After 1954 South's League Team results tapered off to a small Degree and after they finished 3rd in '55 and Runners Up in '56,Steve Marsh accepted a Coaching Position with Arch Rivals East Fremantle for 1957 and beyond,in an act South Fans saw as Treason.
That didn't bother Marsh,who Coached Old Easts instantaneously to a League Flag in his 1st Year at the helm.Another Grand Final the season after,against Jack Sheedy's East Perth saw an agonising 2 point loss to deny the Blue and Whites a Back to Back Achievement.
Marsh's propensity to challenge authority came to a head when he blew up at the Umpires and whilst a threatened Strike didn't eventuate,Marsh and East Fremantle felt vindicated with a solid 6 Goal Victory over Perth.
Marsh's Expolits extended to the WA Media,when he became part of WA Footy Media Folklore with his standing in World of Football,with his exploits in massacring the English Language(much like Jack Dyer did),yet concise straight talking when he felt the need to address poor play play on the field.
At the tender age of '89,long after finishing up as an Old Easts Coach,he asked them for a clearance back to South Fremantle,so he could finish up as a Bulldog.It took a while apparently,but he got his wish in the end.
Also coached South Fremantle to a Reserves Premiership,which included the 16 year old Todd kicking 7 Goals in the '54 Grand Final and one John Gerovich,known for his own goalkicking abilities and high marking,following the famous Bernie Naylor,who relished the pinpoint passing of Marsh,particularly in 1953 when kicking 168 Goals for the Season,Finals included.
Rest in Peace Steve Marsh.