Fred Keays
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| Fred Keays | |||
|---|---|---|---|
_(3).jpg) Fred Keays in Egypt prior to Gallipoli, France combat | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Frederick William Keays | ||
| Date of birth | 12 July 1898 | ||
| Place of birth | Richmond, Victoria | ||
| Date of death | 24 June 1983 (aged 84) | ||
| Place of death | Newcomb, Victoria | ||
| Original team(s) | Army / Fitzroy District | ||
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1919–20 | Fitzroy | 5 (1) | |
| 1922 | Collingwood | 3 (0) | |
| Total | 8 (1) | ||
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1922. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Frederick William Keays (12 July 1898 – 24 June 1983) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy (1919–1921) and Collingwood (in the 1922 VFL season)[1][2] in the Victorian Football League (VFL). After his playing career, Fred competed in the 1927 Stawell Gift won by his rival at that time, Tom Miles.[3] He was a trainer and committee member for Fitzroy spanning two decades[4][5] until the Second World War. He served for a second time in WW2 having previously served and twice been wounded[6] as a 16-year-old ANZAC in WW1.[7][8]
Keays eldest son, Desmond Charles Keays[9] enlisted in 1941, was reported as missing in July 1942[10] and died in 1945 as a POW at Sandakan camp. Desmond is also remembered for paying the ultimate price for his country on the Fitzroy Football Club website – Fitzroy Football Club Anzac Day Tribute.
Fred Keays' grandson Terry Keays also played Australian rules football with Collingwood.[11] His great-grandson Ben Keays is a current Australian rules footballer with Adelaide.[12]
