BIO

Bryan Hewitt was playing with the Norwood Colts before World War II intervened.  When league football resumed in 1945, he was selected at full forward against West Torrens in the opening round. Norwood led by a point at halftime, 5.10 to 6.3, but Torrens, exploiting the pace and ruck strength that would take it to the premiership, slammed on five goals in eight minutes in the third quarter and ran out a comfortable winner, 14.17 to 9.12.  Bryan kicked two goals but because of work commitments did not play senior football again.  He did, however, pass his football genes on to his grandson Tim Weatherald, joint Magarey Medallist with Sturt teammate Jade Sheedy in 2002.

Bryan played junior football into his 30s, finishing with several seasons with the Aldgate Tigers in the Hills Football Association.  His big moment came as Aldgate captain-coach in 1953.  Aldgate was the favourite in the B Grade grand final but a number of players were off their game that day and Nairne came home with a rush - aided by a favourable free kick count of 55 to 11.  Aldgate just hung on to take the premiership by four points, 10.4 to 8.12.  Bryan proved a match-winner with five goals, bringing his season tally to 101.

Bryan was born in Adelaide on 13 January 1924 and became Chief Technician at the School of Physical Science, Flinders University.  Bryan and his wife Doris Irene, née Peterson, had two sons, Gregory and Dennis, and a daughter, Julie.

Julie Hewitt married Mick Weatherald, Norwood assistant coach from 2006 to 2007 and Sturt assistant coach from 1996 to 2005.  Their son, Tim, played 253 games for Sturt from 1995 to 2007 and 58 for Norwood from 2007 to 2019.

Remembered as a decent, self-effacing man, Bryan Hewitt died on 2 September 1992 and is buried at Centennial Park.

P. Robins, D. Cox October 2021

*We thank Mick Weatherald OAM for the picture and invaluable input.