Vale Bill Dempsey

WA Football is deeply saddened by the loss of West Perth Football Club and WAFL legend and Indigenous trailblazer Bill Dempsey, who passed away in Perth on Sunday, aged 83.

Dempsey is a member of both the West Australian Football and Australian Football Hall of Fames after a decorated playing career in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, spanning nearly two decades.

He grew up in Darwin before moving to Perth as a teenager to play for West Perth Football Club, where he became one of their greatest ever players, all while still playing in the NT during the off-season.

The champion ruckman tallied 343 games for West Perth, the second-most in WAFL history behind former teammate Mel Whinnen.

He achieved so much throughout his remarkable playing career including three WAFL premierships to go with three in the NTFL, a Simpson Medal in West Perth’s 1969 Grand Final victory, four years as club captain and 14 State games for WA.

Dempsey’s career was recognised with West Perth Team of the Century and Indigenous Team of the Century selection, West Australian Football Hall of Fame induction in 2004 and Australian Football Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

“Bill was a true legend of WA and Australian football, highlighted by his induction into both the WA Football Hall of Fame and, more recently, the Australian Football Hall of Fame, recognising his monumental contribution to the game,” WA Football CEO Brad Wira said.

“He was a real trailblazer from the Northern Territory who became one of the greatest ever players for West Perth Football Club and in the WAFL, playing the second-most games in the competition’s history, winning three premierships, becoming West Perth captain and regularly representing WA during his extraordinary playing career.

“On behalf of everyone at WA Football, we send our sincere condolences to his partner Jeran, family, friends, former teammates and many supporters whose lives he influenced.”

Bill Dempsey’s career record:
•343 games for West Perth, 1960-76, 89 goals (second-most WAFL games ever)
•NTFL Player Darwin Buffaloes 1959-69, estimated 140 games
•14 games for WA
•Three-time WA Premiership player 1969, 1971, 1975
•Three-time NT Premiership player 1959, 1960, 1968
•Simpson Medal 1969
•West Perth Best and Fairest 1966
•West Perth Captain 1973-76
•Darwin Captain 1964-65
•West Perth Team of the Century, Indigenous Team of the Century
•Australian Football Hall of Fame
•West Australian Football Hall of Fame