VALE REX SWANN OAM

The Western Region Football League wishes sincere condolences to the Swann family after the passing of Rex Swann OAM.

A great sporting personality in Melbourne’s west, Swann was a distinguished and dedicated member of the community, receiving several accolades for his work in football.

His football career began in 1949, where he played for Spotswood (winning back-to-back premierships in their Under 18 team in 1949-1950). He also went onto play with Williamstown, before becoming and umpire in the VFA and later in the Footscray District Football League.

Following his playing days, Swann served as secretary and president of the Williamstown Football Club. He is also a Life Member at the Seagulls and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Swann was an administrator with the Altona Football Club for a season in 1976. He then returned to Spotswood, also holding the role as administrator between 1982 and 1985.

In 1989 he was awarded Life Membership with the League and was also presented with the AFL Victoria Recognition Award.

Swann was the president of the league between 1992 and 2001. He played an integral role of the change in league name from Footscray District Football League to Western Region Football League.

In 1999 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to Australian Rules Football. That year the league also named the Division 2 Grand Final Best on Ground Medal as the Rex Swann medal.

Swann was a long-time servant of the league and held various other footy roles within the community over his time.

The league administration and the wider WRFL community’s thoughts are with the Swann family.