Ted Kilmurray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ted Kilmurray |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Edward Kilmurray | ||
| Nickname(s) | Square | ||
| Date of birth | 18 August 1934 | ||
| Place of birth | Wiluna, Western Australia, Australia | ||
| Date of death | 10 January 2025 (aged 90) | ||
| Original team | Kenwick | ||
Edward "Square" Kilmurray (born August 18, 1934 – died January 10, 2025) was a famous Australian rules football player. He played for the East Perth team in the West Australian National Football League (WAFL). He played an amazing 257 games between 1953 and 1966.
Contents
Early Life and Football Start
Edward Kilmurray was born in Wiluna. He was raised in the Sister Kate orphanage in Queens Park. There, he met another future football star, Graham 'Polly' Farmer.
Playing Together
When they were just 15 years old, Ted and Polly started playing senior football for a team called Kenwick. They played in the South Suburban Football Association. They were very successful, winning two championships in 1949 and 1950.
In 1951, Kenwick joined a Saturday amateur league. Ted and Polly kept playing for Kenwick on Saturdays. They also played for Maddington on Sundays. They won another championship with Maddington in 1952.
Joining the WAFL
In 1953, Kilmurray and Farmer wanted to play in the top league, the West Australian Football League. They tried to join the Perth team, but they were not accepted. Luckily, the East Perth Football Club welcomed them.
A Star Player at East Perth
Ted Kilmurray became a key player for East Perth. He often played on the half forward flanks. This is a position where players help both attack and defend. He also played as a main forward and a ruck-rover. A ruck-rover is a player who helps win the ball from contests and moves it forward.
Special Skills and Awards
Ted was known for his great "flick pass." This is a quick, short pass using the hand. In 1958, he won East Perth's top award, the Best and Fairest. This award goes to the team's best player. He also won the Sandover Medal that year. The Sandover Medal is given to the best player in the entire WAFL competition, as voted by the umpires.
Championships and State Games
Ted Kilmurray helped East Perth win three championships during his career. He was also chosen to represent Western Australia in four interstate football games. These games were played against teams from other Australian states.
After Professional Football
After a knee injury, Ted Kilmurray stopped playing WAFL football. He went back to his old club, Kenwick. There, he continued to play and also became a coach.
Honored as a Legend
In 2005, Ted Kilmurray received a special honor. He was named to the interchange bench in the official Indigenous Team of the Century. This team recognizes the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in Australian rules football history.
Ted Kilmurray passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 90.
