Snapshot: Geraldton High School football team makes its mark in the 1950s

With the GNFL grand final this past weekend and the AFL premiership decider to be held in WA for the first time, it’s fair to say we have football on the mind.

This week’s image features the Geraldton High School Inter-High School Football Competition team from 1949.

Football was one of three sports played during the August inter-high schools sports carnival held in Perth.

Football games were held at Subiaco Oval, while hockey and basketball were played at Langley Park.

Unfortunately The West Australian reported this Geraldton team was beaten by Albany in the second round. Best players noted for the Geraldton team during this match were L. Royce (third row from back, first on left), N. Gratte (second row, fourth from left), B. Herbert (front row, first on left), N. Byrne (back row, second from right), A. Blood (vice captain, third row, third from right) and K. Teakle (captain. holding the ball).

The Geraldton High School team also recorded a loss against arch-rivals Bunbury. Victory was also out of reach for the hockey and basketball teams. However, it is reported that Geraldton High School returned with purpose in 1950, recording at least one win over Northam.