Keith Harper

PLAYER: 1948-60

GAMES: 246: Perth 228; WA 18

PREMIERSHIPS: Captain 1955

HONOURS: Perth fairest and best 1951, 53, 57, 59; Simpson Medal 1954 (v Victoria); WA captain 1955-56; All-Australian 1956; Perth captain 1955-60

The elder of two brothers who were both wonderful players for Perth, they played 441 league games for the Redlegs, often together.  Often mistaken for each other, Keith and Roy Harper were both left-footers, won a Simpson Medal, captained Perth and won several fairest and best awards.  Keith had a great record at State level, winning the Simpson in a game against Victoria in 1954.  The following year he was made State captain.  He was captain of Perth in the famous 1955 grand final when the team came back from the deat at half-time to win by two points.  Harper said it was “like the Battle of El Alamein”.