SA Footy

Can anyone inform me of why Jack Oatey left Norwood at the end of 1956. I was talking to a mate about his career and we thought it was interesting that he left to go to West after coaching Norwood to 3 flags.

From what Ive read :
Some of the players held a meeting at a service station
Amongst them were several big name players at the club
One of the matters allegedly raised was Oateys comments that were directed at players on game days, amongst other things

Subsequently Jack Oatey resigned sometime after this meeting after 12 years at the helm [1945-1956]
Jack Oatey went and coached WA the following season [1957-1960]

mal wrote:From what Ive read :
Some of the players held a meeting at a service station
Amongst them were several big name players at the club
One of the matters allegedly raised was Oateys comments that were directed at players on game days, amongst other things

Subsequently Jack Oatey resigned sometime after this meeting after 12 years at the helm [1945-1956]
Jack Oatey went and coached WA the following season [1957-1960]

Was one of the ringleaders a player who later went on to have a long commentary career and was also the "stepladder" for the SANFL's most famous mark.

The white-anting of Jack also lead to the premature retirement of John Marriott I was always lead to believe

JK wrote:The white-anting of Jack also lead to the premature retirement of John Marriott I was always lead to believe

I was going to mention that as well. Of course Marriott was a qualified dentist so that may have influenced his decision as well, but I think he was only 26 when he retired.

robranisgod wrote:

JK wrote:The white-anting of Jack also lead to the premature retirement of John Marriott I was always lead to believe

I was going to mention that as well. Of course Marriott was a qualified dentist so that may have influenced his decision as well, but I think he was only 26 when he retired.

Yes very true, but my understanding is that JM was fiercely loyal to JO and the NFC, so rather than cross either party he retired.

John Marriott stands atop my list of players I wish I could have seen play the game (probably because my old man has done nothing but rave about him for as long as I can remember)