1957 SEASON

Wests again made the semi-finals in 1957 with a record of ten wins, one draw and eight losses. South Sydney were again their nemesis in the semi-final, defeating Wests 26-13. Off-setting the loss of two very good players in Cliff Smailles and Ron Watson gains were made of Darcy Russell (from Southern Division), who played all 19 games, and Ron Sudlow from Easts. The team was hampered by significant injuries to Keith Holman and Bill Carson during the year.

Harry Wells won the Herald “Best and Fairest” Player Award, while Darcy Russell was the season’s top point-scorer with 169 points.

It was a record year for the Juniors, with the addition of an ‘E’ Grade and the acquiring of two additional grounds for Sunday football – Concord Oval and Granville Showground.

Keith Holman, Harry Wells, Kel O’Shea, Mark Patch and Dacy Henry all made Representative teams.

The sad news was recorded that two legendary ex-players, Tedda Courtney and Cec Fifield had passed away. Tedda Courtney was truly a foundation player, not only of Western Suburbs, but rugby league itself.

Dashing fullback Darcy Russell in action at the SCG