Bill Collier

Ernest Frederick "Bill" Collier (27 June 1921 – 19 October 2015) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s.

Collier (back, 3rd from right) in St. George's 1941 premiership-winning squad.

Bill Collier
Personal information
Full nameErnest Frederick Collier
Born(1921-06-27)27 June 1921
Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
Died19 October 2015(2015-10-19) (aged 94)
Mortdale, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionLock
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1941–43 St George Dragons 28 2 0 0 6

Career

Born in Kogarah, New South Wales, 'Bill' Collier played three seasons with St George Dragons during the war years between 1941–1943. He was the last living squad member of the victorious Dragons 1941 premiership season and the losing 1942 Grand Final.[1] He played centre and lock-forward with St George during his time at the club.[2]

Collier was a father to 4 children, a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 14 and lived much of his life in Kingsgrove, New South Wales[3]

War service and later life

Collier's rugby league career was curtailed by World War II. He served in the Australian Army between 1942–1946, and saw active service in New Guinea and Borneo. The Ashton-Collier Medal is awarded to the 'man of the match' in the annual St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters NRL match that is played on every Anzac Day. The medal is named in honour of Billy Collier and Ferris Ashton. Collier died on 19 October 2015 at the Ferndale Gardens Aged Care facility in Mortdale, New South Wales after a long illness.[4][5]

References
  1. N.a. "Just one member of historic Saints side remains." Dailytelegraph.com.au. 22 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/just-one-member-of-historic-saints-side-present-and-accounted-for/news-story/aabd7959a2229a87bac8dca9b4412377>
  2. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson – The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. 1995 Edition, ISBN 9780732908164
  3. The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader (article) "Glory days recalled by the Oldest Dragon.". by Brad Forrest 25/04/2013
  4. http://www.nrl.com/vale-bill-collier/tabid/10874/newsid/90600/default.aspx
  5. Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Death Notice. Ernest Frederick Collier. (page 92) 23 October 2015
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