Jan Courtin’s Autograph Book: Some stellar Swans

 

Inspired by Robyn Lloyd and her autograph collection, Jan Courtin has dug out her old autograph book featuring some great names from mainly the 50s.

 

 

 

These pages are reproduced from Jan’s book  My Lifelong Love Affair with the Swans  www.myswansloveaffair.com

 

 

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About Jan Courtin

A Bloods tragic since first game at Lake Oval in 1948. Moved interstate to Sydney to be closer to beloved Swans in 1998. My book "My Lifelong Love Affair with the Swans" was launched by the Swans at their headquarters at the SCG in August 2016. www.myswansloveaffair.com

Comments

  1. Luke Reynolds says

    Wonderful Jan. I just need to get your signature on my copy of your book now!

  2. Roseville Rocket says

    WOW! Some absolute gems there Jan!

    I see signatures from Smokey Clegg, Bob Pratt, Billy Gunn and Ian Gillett!
    What a collection!

  3. When we next meet up, Luke, I can certainly do that. Thanks

    The Bob Pratt signature is in fact Jnr. I was there at his first game in 1955 when he kicked a bag of goals, and everyone thought he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. Good autograph to have though.

    Funny how I still remember all of the players from way back then when I was still just a kid, but those memories linger long!
    Thanks

  4. Lynn Baker says

    Oh the memories Jan !
    I too jumped the fence as a kid to get autographs from my hero’s
    I still have my autograph book and like you can remember all the players of the same era as you .
    Cheer Cheer
    Lynn Baker

  5. Keith Maloney says

    Thanks for the memories Jan .: Percy Appleyard ,couple of games and backto AlburyColColhoun full back,Jasck Garrickstalwart ,Jim Dorgan back pocket ,Max Oaten mifonly he couldkickstraiight,Ian Gillett Vic Avenue Albert patk boy Very good player ,Fred Goldsmith Champion player and champion gent .He and Billy Gunn awonderfulbut injury prone signed with the Swans will kick to kick in yarraville street .Fred gotapair offootysocks forsigniing .Br5ian Hungary McGowan,Ron Clegg23 the best player I ever watched ,MarshallYounger and Gerald Croughboth from St Pats Ballarat .Alottofaded toread .Thanks Jan forthe Swaneememories .How good was the LakeOval?

  6. Yes, lots of good memories, Lynn. Send me some of your autographs if you want. Would love to see them
    Cheer Cheer

    And Keith, lovely to see you mention some of the guys, and their backgrounds and what became of them. Very interesting. Skilts, Clegg and Goldsmith probably three of my very favourites, and I loved our little No 3 Brian McGowan. Herbie Matthews jnr was great, and Donny Keyter (1) was also a favourite. Well, they were all favourites really – they were the Bloods! I still get goosebumps when I pass the old grandstand at Lake Oval, especially that they’ve maintained the heritage listed roof, and you can actually see it from the street and road. Cheer cheer!

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