Bunbury footballer Keith Narkle has been inducted into the WA Football Hall of Fame.
Narkle, who won a premiership with Bunbury in the South West Football League in 1970, joined Swan Districts as an 18-year-old in 1971.
He won the thirds best & fairest award that season and made his league debut in September, eventually cementing his place in the league team in 1974.
It was under master coach John Todd that Narkle became a star, winning three league fairest & best awards for Swans, playing three state games for WA and becoming captain of Swans in 1983.
He was the club’s premiership captain in both 1983 and 1984 and was later chosen in the club’s team of the century. He has since returned to Bunbury.
During an induction ceremony at Subiaco Oval on 26 September, Narkle thanked his wife, without whom he said he would never have played league football.
“I’m surprised, actually (to be inducted). Because I didn’t think that I was that good,” the quietly spoken 65-year-old said.
“Toddy said ‘when you get up there tonight, tell em how good you were’.”
Narkle, who was lightly built at just 170cm and 66kg, was best known for his speed and sublime ball handling ability.
He was a star on the wing for Swans during his 254 league games and is one of few players to poll Sandover Medal votes in 13 consecutive seasons.
Narkle left Swans after the 1984 season, when Todd indicated he would be moved into a back pocket for 1985.
Ironically, Narkle proceeded to play much of his football in a back pocket for Carey Park after returning to Bunbury, winning a Harris Medal as the club’s best & fairest in 1988.
Others inducted into the WA Football Hall of Fame were 1950s Perth star Dick Walker, turn-of-the-century East Fremantle stalwart Charlie Doig Senior, 1980s Perth heroes Peter Bosustow and Alan Johnson, umpire Mike Ball, journeyman Derek Kickett, 1960s Perth big man Bob Shields, Brisbane Lions Brownlow Medal winner Simon Black, and Geelong premiership player Joel Corey
Haydn Bunton Senior was elevated to “legend” status, joining his son Haydn Bunton Junior as one of 17 official legends of WA football.