Frank Sparrow

Background

His father was fellow West Australian Football Hall of Famer Val Sparrow.

Career

Sparrow spent most of his career either as a centreman or across half back. He captained East Perth in 1951 and the following season finished second in the Sandover Medal count. He remained in the role for a further two years before crossing to West Perth for one final season, also as captain-coach.

In 1957 he retired as a player but remained West Perth"s coach, leading them to the final, before joining the media and becoming one of Western Australia"s best known football commentator on both television and radio.

Achievements

• He started his career at his father"s club, East Perth in 1943 during the underage period (due to the war, and won the F. D. Book Medal for their "Fairest and Best" in 1948 and 1952. Swan Districts acquired his services in 1953, as captain-coach, and he won their "Fairest and Best" in his first season. A regular interstate representative, Sparrow played 17 games for Western Australia, most notably in 1951 when he was appointed captain and at the 1953 Adelaide Carnival where he achieved All-Australian selection.