Written in 1959 to commemorate 50 years of the St.Mark – Port Football Club
FORMATION
During the year 1909, Port Pirie was in the throes of an industrial conflict between the management of the B.H.P. and employees. With the Smelters closed down the outlook of football was not bright.
To carry on a Church Association was formed and so St. Marks Football Club was born.
St Marks as a club was part and parcel of the Port Pirie Football Association until 1941 when it reverted to the name of Port Football Club.
During that time it played a very important part in Port Pirie Football history and continues to do so under the club Green and White.
The fairest and most brilliant players for St. Marks are hard to assemble but with apologies to any player overlooked those who came readily to mind are:-
Geo Wilson, Len Sandery, Eddie Walsh, Jim Hackett, Bert Zevern, Ivan Davey, Pat Tobin, George Fergusson, Billy Noal, M.A. Kearns, Bernie Condon, Joe Lukeman, Mat Walsh, Tommy Fitzgerald, Perce Baker, Bill Ellis, Cliff Lacey, H. Willis, Jack Brady, Harry Smale, Reg Connole, Leo Lessiere, Rex Honniball, Herb Bromnick.
THROUGH THE YEARS
M.B. CONDON
M.B. (Tiny) Condon was the first winner of the Minn's Medal, now the Recorder Medal, which is the Port Pirie equivalent of the Magarey Medal. He was a big, little man as far as football was concerned.
Tiny migrated from the Y.M.C.A. team to St. Marks and played at centre wing, later being placed at full-forward. A tenacious player and a good team man he made his opponent give of his best at all times in an attempt to curb his ability.
In 1920 he won both the medal for the best junior and the most gentlemanly player and followed up in 1921 being adjudged the outstanding footballer of the year.
Through pressure of business he played only until 1922 but has always remained an ardent supporter of the club.
JOE (JOSS) LUKEMAN
As Harold Oliver was to Port Adelaide, Joe was to St. Marks one of the most brilliant and reliable marks it has been the pleasure to watch in an era of high markers.
Joe who played with Fitzroy and West Adelaide had ability which was admired by friend and foe alike.
Now a successful business man at Wallaroo he was one of the many players who migrated from the peninsula to thrill Port Pirie with their brilliance on the field.
MATTY WALSH
Who of those that had the pleasure of seeing Matty in action can forget his undoubted brilliance and fairness on the playing arena.
Mat made St. Marks his life and many a champion was made by the great club man, who took them through the school's colts team and finally added the polish in A grade.
In an outstanding football family, Mat was supreme and a great gloom was cast over the club and his many friends when his life was cut short much too early.
JACK BRADY
We still remember those full blooded sorties of Pats when the club needed one more goal with seconds ticking away. Strong and courageous with the speed of a rover and the will to win Pat gave of his best always with an armchair ride going to his rovers when on the ball.
It is pleasing to know Pat is again enjoying good health and happy in his position in the Postal Department.
REX HONNIBALL
Clever and fast, deadly in his disposal, Rex could have won the medal from nearly any position.
Rex was an outstanding player for North Adelaide and Broken Hill and on his return captained the side.
A first class runner, Rex now-a-days derives a lot of pleasure between his pigeons and as a spectator at the football.
His father Cec, was recognised as one of the outstanding players to come out of the peninsula.
R.L (GINGER) WILLIAMS
A classy little rover who was never defeated, Ginger was also a first class cricketer.
He is content now-a-days to derive his pleasure as a spectator of both games.
GEO JOBSON
One of the most outstanding players of Port Pirie Football. A good high mark and terrific kick, Geo was a member of the 1938 South Adelaide premiership side composed of country recruits. Many players in that side including George gained Interstate honors.
On his retirement he gave good service to the club on various committees and George now taking it quietly can be seen at every match as a keen critic and spectator.
PAT ROADS
The big chap was a tower of strength to Ports whether on the ball or forward.
An excellent club man, Pat is very happy in his retirement and all wish him many years of contentment with the hope a Roads may once again represent Port Pirie and Ports.