Football Australia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Adair, one of the pioneers of Australian football and a player whose impact on the game in Western Australia and nationally will long be remembered.
Born in Northern Ireland, Adair arrived in Australia in 1949 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s finest footballers. Over an eleven-year playing career in Western Australia, he represented Victoria Park, North Perth, Maccabeans, Azzurri and Swan Athletic.
Adair won First Division titles with North Perth in 1952 and Swan Athletic in 1957, and claimed three consecutive Ledger Medals as Western Australia’s fairest and best player with North Perth (1953), Maccabeans (1954) and Azzurri (1955).
Less than a year after arriving in Perth, he made his Western Australia debut as an 18-year-old against an Australian Test XI. Between 1950 and 1960, he played in every State fixture, representing Western Australia 23 times and captaining the side on eleven occasions. He led Western Australia to a runner-up finish at the 1954 Interstate Carnival and was named the tournament’s Best Player.
On the international stage, Adair represented Australia from 1953, becoming the first Western Australian to captain the national team in 1955. He also captained Australia in 1959 and was part of the Socceroos squad that toured New Zealand in 1958.
Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac said Adair’s legacy would endure as one of the game’s true pioneers.
“Ron Adair was a trailblazer whose achievements at club, state and international level helped shape the foundations of Australian football. As the first Western Australian to captain our national team, he broke new ground and inspired generations of players who followed. On behalf of Football Australia, I extend our sincere condolences to Ron’s family, friends, former teammates and all those whose lives he touched through the game.”
Ron Adair’s contributions to football, particularly in Western Australia, helped shape the foundations of the sport in this country. He was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding service to the game.
Football Australia extends its sincere condolences to Ron’s family, friends, former teammates and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Vale, Ron Adair.
