Neil Kerley, South Australian Poem by Paul Warren

Born the son of a digger in country SA
A tough childhood leaving home at 16 to find his way
His course was set early on
When he captain-coached North Whyalla to a premiership won

His working life was as a builder's labourer
And was like working in a gym all day to savour
Finally he settled in Adelaide during the golden time
When local SA football was so fine

He played or coached in premierships for the SANFL
For the West Adelaide, South Adelaide and Glenelg clubs so swell
But cutting down a goal post at the Adelaide Oval escapade
Set a legend that has lasted and didn't fade

There were multiple best and fairest awards
During his playing days at Westies we did applaud
And he earned his nickname as Knuckles Kerley
When the Australian game had enforcers roaming free

Who could forget the 1963 state game at the MCG
When SA beat the Vic's so wonderfully
But as a coach he did shine
Taking South Adelaide from bottom to top in a season divine

The state games were special in the 32 played
And other times as a coach do not fade
I remember at the MCG embracing Ted Whitten in front of the crowd
And our tears were with him all being allowed

He was the first manager of the Adelaide Crows
And had a part in their premierships two in a row
We learnt of his analysis of the game
As a boundary rider at the games in the frame

So now he has left us with such memories
As a tough player in football's golden age we did see
He would be one to play football for your life
Neil Kerley, South Australian now one of our history's highs.

© Paul Warren Poetry