Spike Pola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spike Pola |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Jack Stephen Pola | ||
| Nickname(s) | Spike | ||
| Date of birth | 16 November 1914 | ||
| Place of birth | Fremantle, Western Australia | ||
| Date of death | 6 January 2012 (aged 97) | ||
| Place of death | Mount Lawley, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Mount Hawthorn (MJFA) | ||
| Position(s) | Rover | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Jack Stephen "Spike" Pola was a famous Australian rules footballer. He played for the West Perth Football Club in the Western Australian National Football League (WANFL). Spike was born on November 16, 1914, and passed away on January 6, 2012. He was a key player for West Perth for many years.
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Who Was Spike Pola?
Spike Pola was born in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1914. His birth name was Giovanni Stefano Pola. In 1928, his mother suggested he change his name to an English-sounding one. This was to help him avoid teasing during a school football event. So, he became Jack Stephen Pola.
Early Football Days
Spike started playing football for a team called Mount Hawthorn. This team was part of the Metropolitan Junior Football Association. He quickly showed his talent. Soon, he moved up to a West Perth team that played in the Western Australian National Football Association (WANFA). This team was like a reserve squad for the main West Perth club.
In July 1935, Spike was chosen to play for a special WANFA representative team. This team went on a tour to the Goldfields region. Later that same year, he made his first appearance for the senior West Perth team.
A Champion Player
The year 1941 was a very special one for Spike Pola. He was named the captain of the West Perth team. He had been the vice-captain the year before. That year, he also helped lead West Perth to win the premiership! This means they won the league championship.
Spike also shared the 1941 Breckler Medal. This award is given to the club's best and fairest player. He shared it with another great player, Ted O'Keefe.
Serving His Country
In January 1943, Spike Pola joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He served as a leading aircraftman during World War II. He was discharged from the RAAF in February 1945.
Return to Football and Retirement
After serving in the Air Force, Spike returned to West Perth in 1945. He was again named captain for that season. He continued to play for two more years. He retired from football in 1947.
Over his career, Spike Pola played 152 games for West Perth. He also kicked an impressive 203 goals for the club.
Later Life and Legacy
Spike Pola passed away in January 2012 at his home in Mount Lawley. He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. He was the very last surviving member of the famous 1941 premiership team. Spike Pola is remembered as a true legend of the West Perth Football Club.
