New book on NSW football
History Society Committee member, Miles Wilks, has written a book on Australian Football Clubs in NSW published by Bas Publishing. The main theme is NSW players who have gone on to participate in the VFL/AFL.
“I have been writing it on and off for a number of years now and at last it has come together to enable me to have it published,” Wilks said.
“It is amazing how many players have played big time footy from such small beginnings in Sydney or regional NSW.
“I have counted over 400 and the number is growing. This goes to show that we are capable of producing the talent which justifies the investment the AFL is making in the state.”
This is the second book on football written by Wilks, his first was Grand Final Champions.
Wilks’ latest book focuses on VFL and AFL players to come out of NSW clubs and competitions over the years.
It begins with a four-page assessment and brief history of Sydney Swans and how the club has helped grow the game of Australian football in the state since moving from South Melbourne in 1982.
It then lists the top 25 clubs in NSW that have contributed to the AFL, among which includes AFL Sydney clubs: East Sydney, North Shore, Pennant Hills, St George and Western Suburbs
All up the book recognises 63 clubs in the state.
Other AFL Sydney clubs which rate a mention in the book are: Balmain, Holroyd Parramatta, Campbelltown, East Coast Eagles, Moorebank Sports and St Ignatius College, Riverview.
Orders can be placed with Miles for his new book at: footyclubsnsw@hotmail.com. The cost is $25 plus $10 for postage.
His work is very well written and presented on high quality paper, with a number of amazing photographs of footballers and their clubs from around NSW.
If you are a footy tragic this book is a must for your collection.