The Australian football community is mourning the loss of Richard "Dick" Manning, a pivotal member of the Subiaco Lions team that broke a 49-year premiership drought in 1973. Manning passed away last month at the age of 73.
A Premiership Drought Breaker
Dick Manning's legacy is forever tied to the 1973 WAFL Grand Final, where Subiaco defeated West Perth to claim their first flag since 1924. Playing on the wing, Manning delivered a match-defining performance, famously shutting down his gifted opponent, Ian Logan, while also becoming a decisive attacking force himself.
Logan's own recollection in his West Perth life members biography is telling: "I remember Dick Manning absolutely caned me, and I was replaced early in the match." Manning played 49 games for the Lions between 1971 and 1976, but his contribution in that historic grand final remains his crowning achievement.
Ross Smith, the Brownlow medallist and captain-coach of that 1973 side, remembered Manning as a gritty, selfless team player. "He bought in to the game style that year that valued players who worked hard to win the ball but just as hard to get it back," Smith said. "Dick's work ethic, his ball contest and running ability made him a strong contributor to our success."
From Harvey Farm to Football Fame
Manning's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. Raised on a farm in Harvey in Western Australia's South-West, he held his high school's 200m record for around 30 years. A multi-talented sportsman, he was a linchpin in back-to-back Alcock Cup football championships at Scotch College, captaining the second title win alongside future Lions teammate Neil Randall.
Randall described Manning as a disciplined and hard-running teammate. "He was fast and he was disciplined... He would run hard forward and he would run harder back. Great teammate," Randall recalled.
His football journey almost faced an early setback due to back issues, for which he wore a heavy brace recommended by Fitzroy champion Kevin Murray. Manning's dedication saw him rack up an astonishing 73 possessions in a teachers' training college match, which put WAFL clubs on notice.
A Life of Service and Adventure
Beyond football, Manning was a primary school teacher who, according to his brother Ernie, would bring his city-based students to the family farm in Harvey to experience rural life. His commitment to community continued long after his WAFL career, with roles including president of the Willetton Football Club.
He remained fiercely loyal to his Subiaco teammates, acting as a catalyst for reunions and gatherings, especially for former players based on the eastern states. He attended the Lions' 50-year premiership reunion in 2023 and had proposed bringing the next gathering forward.
In his later years, Manning embraced adventure, travelling extensively before settling on the Caribbean island of Antigua, where he became a well-known figure in the local community. He is survived by his three children: daughters Natalie and Andrea, and son Joel.
Teammate Brian Sierakowski summed up Manning's on-field persona: "He gave 100 per cent every game he played... He was a tenacious player who loved his club and teammates." Vale Dick Manning, a true Subiaco legend.
