R.A. McDonald inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame

Richard Alexander McDonald is the sixth and final person to be to be inducted into the Swan Districts Football Club’s Hall of Fame in 2023. He joins Simon Beasley, Leon Baker, Brian Gray, Eric Gorman, and Tallan Ames.

R.A. McDonald, fondly known as Dick, was considered by many as the architect and founder of the Swan Districts Football Club. He was known for possessing high qualities of leadership and dedicated his life to the district.

The Swans Hall of Fame selection criteria requires at least one administrator or volunteer to be inducted in at each Induction ceremony. McDonald falls into this category.

McDonald accepted the Presidency role three times over the club’s first 15 years – in 1934, 1937 and 1950.

As an active member of the Bassendean Road Board since 1915, McDonald was instrumental in 1928 raising 370 pounds ($7,500) to set out a recreation reserve for the Swan Districts Football Club.

Ratepayers had confidence in McDonald and in 1934 his tireless efforts were rewarded as his fully-equipped league team entered the WANFL competition.

In the years leading up to 1934, McDonald established a league ground and consolidated a team, who in their first season won seven matches, which stands as a record for a team debuting in any senior football competition.

McDonald’s name still stands proudly on the old grandstand at Steel Blue Oval Bassendean which has become synonymous with the club.

A further two members of the Hall of Fame will be elevated to Immortal status this year, and a second Iconic Moment will be included into the club’s Hall of Fame.

These, together with the 6 new Inductees, will be officially recognised at the Hall of Fame Induction evening held at the club on Saturday 1^st July 2023. It’s an opportunity for supporters to meet the Swans royalty.  

Tickets cost $100 and includes complimentary drinks on arrival and dinner.

Tickets can be purchased here - https://www.trybooking.com/CGDXB