Wests player #174 is listed as R. Swanson in Wests First Grade Heritage List and the Rugby League Project.
Richard “Dicky” Swanson was the younger brother of George Swanson. The brothers were actively involved in a number of sports in the St George District including cricket, lacrosse, rifle shooting, boxing and of course rugby league.
The St George rugby league club did not have a First Grade team until 1921, therefore St George was effectively Wests 3rd Grade team for a number of years. The Swanson’s made their connection to Wests initially through this means.
There is some question as to whether both brothers played with Wests and when. The confusion is highlighted by a 1917 team photo which includes a G. Swanson and therefore it would be easy to assume that it was George Swanson that played in the 1917 team.
A check of newspaper reports from 1917 does not indicate which of the brothers was playing that year. The reports just referred to the player as Swanson.
A more extensive search was made to build a playing profile for the brothers and it was apparent that the brother who was most prominent in rugby league and cricket circles was Richard Sidney Swanson.
