Laurence Duffy

PLAYER: 1919-29

GAMES: 156: East Perth 147; WA 9

PREMIERSHIPS: 1919-23, 26-27

HONOURS: East Perth fairest and best 1926; member 1924 WA carnival side.

 The history of the Sandover Medal has not always been plain sailing and its introduction in 1921 certainly was controversial.  Although it had official backing from the league, the fans didn’t like the way it was organized with the unpopular umpires voting in the winner   Subiaco’s Tom Outridge, who had tied with Cyril Hoft .  a player competition run by the West Australian was much more popular with the newspaper receiving a remarkable 18,644 votes from readers.  East Perth’s Duffy won the award.  As the Royals came from behind twice in two finals and scrambled home against minor premiers East Fremantle for their third successive flag, legendary coach Phil Matson described Duffy as “the greatest rover ever”.  He was one of only three East Perth players to take part in all seven grand final victories as the royals dominated the competition in the 1920s.