Stanley Heal

PLAYER: 1939-53

GAMES: 206: West Perth 180; WA 18; Melbourne 8

PREMIERSHIPS: West Perth 1941, captain-coach 49, 51; Melbourne 1941

HONOURS: Coach of West Perth from 1947-52; Simpson Medal 1949; WA captain 1946, 51; WA captain-coach 1950; West Perth fairest and best 1947;

Like many great players of this era, Stan Heal’s record would have been even better but for World War II which restricted him to 28 games in six seasons.  However, the war did enable Heal to achieve what was then a unique football milestone. 

In 1941 he became a VFL and WAFL premiership player seven days apart.  Heal played with Melbourne during military training and was brought back to play in the grand final for West Perth.  At his peak, regarded as the finest wingman in Australia and was selected in that position in The West Australian’s team of the Century.  He finished second in the Sandover Medal in 1940, third in 1948 and 1950, and fifth in 1947. 

A great coach, he led West Perth for six seasons from 1947 to 1952, making five grand finals and winning two.  Three sons – Stephen, Graham and Laurie – all played more than 100 league games each and were also fine footballers.