WA Football celebrates the life of John K. WattsTuesday, June 6, 2017 - 5:41 PM

The football community is celebrating the life of John K. Watts after the WA Football Hall of Famer passed away at the age of 80 on the weekend.

Watts will be remembered as one of the state’s best-ever full-backs, an East Perth legend and a true entertainer who always gave generously of his time and talent.

Watts played in six grand finals in a stellar football career with East Perth, winning three premierships. After the 1962 season, he received offers from St Kilda and Essendon before a phone call from his mate Polly Farmer convinced him to join the champion ruckman at Geelong.

The decision was vindicated when he starred in the 1963 grand final against Hawthorn, holding back the Hawks’ attacking thrusts with 10 marks, including Mark of the Day.

After 52 games for the Cats he moved to Tasmania to captain-coach the Hobart Football Club for a premiership in 1966, achieving the rare feat of playing in three premiership sides in three different States.

Watts retired from football in 1968 and returned home to Western Australia.

While still involved in the game as a compere and promoter of shows, many of them for charity, it was the entertainment world that beckoned him, with a radio and television career culminating in an award-winning breakfast show with Barry Martin.

He was always more than willing to assist clubs in tributes and fundraising events, and his hosting skills always guaranteed the success of an event.

Watts is a life member of the Royals, a Simpson Medallist for his efforts in the 1959 State game against Tasmania, plus an inductee at the West Australian Football Hall of Fame.

He was also named full back for the official East Perth Team of the Century from 1945-2005.

He will remain well-known from bringing much light heartedness to a game that can often take itself too seriously and will always be held in very high esteem by the football community. 

John Albert Watts (aka John K. Watts)

WA Football Hall of Fame 2008

166 games for East Perth (1954-1962)

52 games for Geelong (1963-1965)

60 games Hobart (Tasmanian Football League - as captain coach 1966-1968)

Played 12 state games for WA.

Premierships: As player in three states, East Perth 1956, 1958, 1959, Geelong 1963, Hobart 1966 (captain coach).

Honours: Simpson Medallist 1959, WA v SA.

Represented WA in the 1958 Centenary Championships in Melbourne.

Represented Tasmania in the 1966 Australian Football Championships.

Outstanding career in radio and television sporting coverage for decades.

Best Clubman East Perth FC in 1956 1957,58, 59, 60.

Best Clubman Geelong 1963, 64, 65.