Vale Glen McPherson

VALE GLEN McPHERSON 1924-2020

Glenelg Football Club is saddened by the passing of outstanding and popular player of the 1940s and ’50s Glen McPherson.

Glen, a 100-gamer and life member at the Bay who served in World War II, was 95.

One of the Tigers’ most popular players, he is remembered as an absolute gentleman who loved a chat and continued to love and go to watch the Tigers play into his nineties.

He was small in stature at just 170cm and 70kg but McPherson was lightning-quick and dangerous around the goals, playing as a rover, wingman and small forward. And he was willing to mix it with anyone, despite his size, standing up to Sturt ruckman Wally May and earning the respect of one of the iron men of SA footy of the 1950s.

McPherson, who was born in Dandenong, Victoria, on 8 July 1924, served in the RAAF for nearly three years in World War II. Returning from the War his search for work as an accountant led him to SA. Glenelg found a job for him he remained in for 40 years and he became the 335th player to represent the Tigers in 1947. He gave his everything for the club, missing only one game through injury and playing 121 games and kicking 105 goals before retiring in 1954. He played on the wing in the Tigers’ losing grand final against Norwood in 1950 and was picked in South Australia’s Second 18 that played Geelong at Adelaide Oval in 1951. After his playing days were over Glen had an impressive coaching career, including guiding Glenelg’s seconds to a grand final and mentoring Minda Home footballers for nine years. And wherever he went, he was a highly-regarded and much-loved figure.