Bill Dempsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill DempseyMBE |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | William Brian Dempsey | ||
| Date of birth | 17 March 1942 | ||
| Place of birth | Birdum, Northern Territory | ||
| Position(s) | Ruckman, back pocket | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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William "Bill" Dempsey (born March 17, 1942) is a famous former Australian rules footballer. He played for two important clubs: the Darwin Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) and the West Perth Football Club in the Western Australian National Football League (WANFL). Bill Dempsey is a special member of both the AFL Northern Territory and the West Australian Football Halls of Fame. He played 341 games for West Perth, which is a huge number, second only to another club legend, Mel Whinnen.
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Bill Dempsey's Amazing Football Journey
Bill Dempsey is an indigenous Australian who was born in Birdum, a small railway town in the Northern Territory of Australia. He started his football career with the Buffaloes Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League.
Early Success in Darwin
Bill was part of the winning teams for the Buffaloes in 1958–59 and 1959–60. This early success showed everyone how talented he was.
Moving to West Perth
After his great start, Bill was asked to join the West Perth Football Club in the WANFL in 1960. He quickly became a regular player for West Perth. He often played as a ruckman, which is a player who jumps to tap the ball down from a bounce or throw-in. He also played in defence, helping to stop the other team from scoring.
Key Moments with West Perth
- In 1966, Bill won the Breckler Medal, which means he was voted the best and fairest player for West Perth that year.
- He was a key player in West Perth's championship-winning teams in 1969 and 1971. These were big wins for the club!
Playing in Both Leagues
During most summers, Bill would go back to the Northern Territory to play in the NTFL. He even captained the Darwin team in the 1964–65 season. He was also part of their undefeated championship team in 1967–68. Overall, he played 145 games for Darwin.
Representing Western Australia
Bill Dempsey also played for the Western Australia state team. His first game for the state was in June 1963 against Tasmania. He played a total of 14 games for Western Australia, including two matches in the 1972 Australian Championships. He retired from playing at the end of the 1976 season, having played 341 games for West Perth.
Awards and Recognition
Bill Dempsey has received many important awards and honours for his contributions to Australian rules football.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
In June 1976, Bill was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his "services to sport." This was a very special honour, and his teammate Mel Whinnen also received it.
Team of the Century and Hall of Fame
- In 2000, Bill was named in the back pocket position for West Perth's Team of the Century. This means he was considered one of the best players in the club's entire history.
- In 2004, he was one of the first people to be inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame.
- In 2010, he was named a "Legend" in the first group of people inducted into the AFL Northern Territory Hall of Fame.
- In 2005, he was also chosen for the Indigenous Team of the Century, which celebrates the best Indigenous Australian rules footballers.
Lasting Legacy
Bill Dempsey's impact on football is still remembered today.
- One of the entrance gates at Patersons Stadium (a famous football ground) is named after him.
- A stand at Arena Joondalup, West Perth's home ground, is called the Whinnen–Dempsey Stand, honouring both Bill Dempsey and Mel Whinnen for their amazing contributions to the club.
- Bill's grandson, Malcolm Rosas Jr, is also an AFL player for the Gold Coast Suns, continuing the family's football legacy.
