SA Footy

ARCH WILKEY North Adelaide
Heard of his unfortunate death this week, probably aged in his early sixties ?
Was a NA player about the early seventies years
Saw him play a few times, memories are that he was a great overhead mark.
He played CHB + CHF ? was tall and thin.
I seem to recall he stood Johnny TWO EIGHT Wynne[Norwood] one day and
sparks were flying as the 2 great men had a rugged duel.
Had long sideburns and flowing dark longish hair from memory.
There were 3 other guys who took high marks for NA back then ROBRAN/HEARL/WILKEY

If NA wear the black armbands in the G/F this week it will be for Arch.

Late 60's/early 70's. Versatile key position player; you could even throw him into the ruck.

Sad to see some of these names from our childhood passing away.

Cheers Guys -

Does anyone have his exact DOD and place of Burial?

WILKEY, Archibald Cyril born 27/10/1945 (190 cm, 87kgs)

Hi Mark.

Tues Oct 2 2007 Advertiser report p83 states Arch Wilkey died on Saturday Sept 29 2007 aged 61. Funeral notice on p79 states his funeral in Folland Chapel at Enfield on Friday Oct 5 2007 @ 12.30pm.

My memories of Arch are of a exciting flamboyany player prone to erratic moments - I think he did an absolute "trying to bounce the ball" clanger in the 67 prelim final against Port at a very crucial time.

Thanks mate - I must start buying the paper with more regularity
Regards
Mark

From 1967


Note Craig Cock on the left WITH HAIR

The caption of the photo has a sensational last sentence - champagne comedy from 1967...

I would often go to the trots with Arch and Barry Longman,who played Res footy for N.A.If i remember Arch used to work as a bouncer come doorman at the swingers disco at the Hotel Australia in the 70s. Arch was a top bloke sadly will be missed.

As a lad playing footy in the backyard with my brothers - whenever I was "North", I'd assume the identity of Arch Wilkey. It's only now I'm wondering why?? There was a player called Robran around that era, so why Wilkey??? What number did he wear??

Fatty - everyone wanted to be Robran, you just didn't follow the crowd!

Arch wore number 23.

Just look at those boots in the photo. And the lomg white laces, plus the sprigs.

Oh what memories - the first pair of footy boots - normally hand-me-downs. Covered the ankle. Every week, one would clean them to an inch of their life. Laces would be washed weekly (Mum would even iron them! I know she knew there was a god once black laces were "invented"). The sprigs and the sprigger. At every footy club the sprigger WAS God. None of these screw ins or moulded sole nonsense. Sorry, the beer is talking and I'm getting misty eyed. Apols to AW for nicking his thread, but thanks for the memories.

Leaping Lindner wrote:From 1967

Note Craig Cock on the left WITH HAIR

I would have hoped he did. That was his first league season and he was only 19 at the time

If we had a pic of Arch Wilkey circa 1972, we'd see those classic mutton chop sideburns that were the flavour of the day.