Where are they now – Robin McVee

Robin McVee started his life with the Swan Districts Football Club as a player, but it has turned into a lifetime involvement and the black-and-whites will forever hold a cherished place in his heart.

McVee grew up in Collie and he dreamed of one day playing for South Fremantle and even doing so alongside his hero John Todd.

However, as fate would have it he landed at Swan Districts in 1960 and would go on to become a premiership player, he is now a life member, has been instrumental in the contributions of the Swansmen Association, and even ended up forming a lifelong friendship with Todd.

McVee played the first of his league games with Swan Districts in Round 1, 1962 and while he missed selection in the premiership team of that year, he remained a strong contributor with his versatility in 1963.

He could play as a ruckman but given the strength that Swans had in that position, he was also more than effective as high marking forward or as a ruck rover alongside the likes of Keith Slater.

He would end up booking his place in history by playing in the 1963 premiership triumph in the win against East Fremantle.

McVee would end up playing 122 games in total with Swan Districts up until the end of the 1969 season, but even in the 55 years since the football club has remained an integral part of his life.

McVee and his wife Marie have been constant attendees at Swan Districts game days and functions right throughout that time, his contributions have been significant especially with the Swansmen Association.

When McVee reflects now, he has no doubt that the decision to join Swan Districts when he moved to Perth from Collie was the best one he ever made.

"Possibly the best decision I have made in my life was to sign with Swan Districts in 1959," he said.

"My dream was to play with South Fremantle as John Todd was my hero when I was young.

"Little did I expect to become a friend of his later on I had offers from three other clubs, but I was impressed by the approach of committee members Tom Moiler and Lew Armstrong as was my mother."

While McVee had dreamed of playing with South Fremantle, it was the more familiar feeling to home he got when he first arrived at Bassendean Oval that instantly won him over as he looks back on his early years with Swan Districts.

"The atmosphere at Bassendean felt more comfortable to a country boy from Collie," McVee said.

"I spent the whole season of 1960 in the thirds coached by John Cooper. 1961 was mainly thirds and reserves in the latter part and I was fortunate to be included in the touring party to "Tasmania in November 1961 together with three other 19 year olds in John Turnbull, Eric Gorman and Jack Read. "This was a great experience and gave me the opportunity to get closer to the stars who had won the first premiership."

McVee's first league opportunities then presented in 1962 even though it was a star-studded team on the way to win a second straight premiership, and while it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it set him up to be ready to contribute down the track.

"1962 started well for me and I was selected in the team for the first match, not as a ruckman as it would have been impossible to replace any of the follower group," McVee said.

"That consisted of five state players Keith Slater, Fred Castledine, Tony Nesbit, Bill Walker and Haydn Bunton. Cyril Litterick made up the five. He was a state player later.

"Instead I was placed at right half forward. It was not a good day for me (Round 1 debut) and I thought I would not be in the team for the next game. Things got a little better from then on and I played in 14 games.

"That year I did play in the ruck, but only if someone was injured. Other than that I was used in every position except across the centre.

"Injuries interrupted consistency at times, but overall I enjoyed all my time being involved with great people."

After McVee was part of the 1963 premiership team, he became the starting ruckman for Swan Districts in 1964 once Slater joined Subiaco, and while he will always feel he could have done more, it created lifelong memories.

"1964 opened up more opportunities when Keith Slater signed with Subiaco," he said.

"I admired the people who gave their time to keep the club in good shape

"In summing up I consider that every player would say that perhaps they could have given more."

McVee's WAFL career with Swan Districts ended up with a shattered jaw in 1969 which ironically created his nickname that he received from Todd up until his passing earlier this year.

McVee didn’t stop playing, though, he would spend another six years playing at Metropolitans which for him was more convenient in terms of his work and home life with the shorter travel time than to Bassendean.

"I finished playing in the early stages of 1969. After shattering my jaw i considered my position as far as employment was concerned. That is why John Todd's salutation was "How are you doing glass jaw"," McVee said.

"I was working with John Turnbull at Retravision in Fremantle and it was impossible for both of us to get to training regularly, so I decided to retire as he would be of more value to the team.

"I regret it in some way but I started playing for a Sunday League club where I spent many years both playing and in administration."

McVee also had a firsthand view of some of Western Australia's all-time great footballers that he played against in his career too.

"The players that I enjoyed watching most were those that I have mentioned so far, plus Ken Bagley and a few from other clubs," McVee said.

"Namely Bill Dempsey, John McIntosh, John O'Connell, Mel Whinnen, John Gerovich, Polly Farmer and Steve Marsh."

McVee continues to be a great supporter of the Swan Districts Football Club and that along with his family is always going to hold the majority of the room in his heart.

"It is hard to believe that the club was a force, purely by their efforts in raising money with raffles and donations," he said.

"My family have been and still are a great support to me in my continuing involvement with the football club, particularly the Swansmen.

"I have been playing tennis since the 1960's with a group which was initially formed by John Cooper and consisted of ex Swans players and friends.

"Added to that I have a large garden which needs constant attention I still find time to have a weekly luncheon with a group of friends where many important issues are discussed and solved."

Plenty of stories come to mind when McVee thinks back to when he first came to Swan Districts 65 years ago, but it's a trip to Tasmania in 1961 that is always going to be tough to top.

"In 1961 when we were touring in Tasmania we were transported by two Greyhound buses. One was continually breaking down but no one was overly concerned," McVee said.

"They would organise a game of two up. It didn't matter where it was and sometimes the locals would join in.

"No police happened upon the scene at any time. Our final outing before leaving for home was the Melbourne Cup.

"At the close of the racing, while waiting to be picked up Tony Sangalli decided to start a game of two up at the gates of Flemington.

"Our group of 30 swelled to 60 or 70 and eventually we were politely asked to move on by the police. I believe that some of the locals that were involved that day did the same the next year."