BIO

Keith Hogan was rated as one of the most brilliant all-round footballers in the South-East while playing at Naracoorte between 1907 and 1912.  At the same time, he was developing musical skills which would culminate in his selection as the mouth organ champion of South Australia in 1929.

Keith was one of the founders of the Warrior Football Club in 1907.  When the Warriors dissolved after four years with the formation of the Naracoorte Football Association, he was a driving force in Centrals’ inaugural premiership success in 1912.

He carried his fine form into his one and only league game with Norwood the following year. 

 Norwood was a rank underdog against the old rival, Port Adelaide, at Alberton Oval  and played a wretched first half. Although inaccurate, Port was in full control and led 4.7 to 1.1 at the major break.
 
On the resumption of play, however, Norwood suddenly came alive.  With ruck-rover Lawrence McNamara crashing  packs, Richard Townsend sturdy in defence and  Les Parnell  spearing four goals,  Norwood hit the front by a point, 5.1 to 4.8. Long-suffering Redleg  fans found their voice as an upset loomed.  It was a false hope.   Port romped home with the breeze , adding 5.3 to a solitary behind. 

Press reporters rated Keith as one of Norwood’s conspicuous players that day, but he was not heard of again as a footballer.  Port went on to win the premiership and Norwood finished bottom.  

Keith was born at Murray Bridge on 6 November 1884 to James William Hogan and his wife Catherine, née Smith.  Keith had three siblings, Catherine, James and Mary.  He married Ann Clark in 1916 and they settled in Chicago -renamed Kilburn in 1930. Keith formed a mouth organ band with six boys ranging in age from three to nine years - his five sons, Keith, Gordon, Stephen, Ray and James, and their friend Gordon Thomas.

Keith’s son Gordon was a strong North Adelaide defender before and after World War II service with three of his brothers.  Gordon Hogan also played 27 games with Norwood-North in the Patriotic Competition between 1942 and 1944.

Keith Hogan worked as a fitter’s mate at the Islington Railway Yards.  He died on 1 September 1974 and is buried at Centennial Park.

See also: https://harmonicariffraff.blog/2019/06/05/hogans-heroes/
 
* Pictures kindly provided by Rob Hogan, grandson of Keith

P Robins, D Cox May 2020, Nov 2022