Ron Bywater
Australian rules footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ronald Charles Eric Bywater (8 January 1919 – 18 May 1975)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[2]
Moonee Ponds
| Ron Bywater | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Ronald Charles Eric Bywater | ||
| Born |
8 January 1919 Moonee Ponds | ||
| Died | 18 May 1975 (aged 56) | ||
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Weight | 83 kg (183 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1942–1950 | South Melbourne | 58 (39) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1950. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
A key position player, Bywater missed many games early in his career due to his war service.[3] He made just two appearances from 1942 to 1945.[4] During the 1946 season, in July, Bywater announced his retirement, due to heart problems.[5] He however returned the following year and in what was his first full season came within five votes of winning the 1947 Brownlow Medal, finishing equal third[4] and was runner up to Bill Williams in the 1947 club best and fairest award.[6]
As a result of a broken ankle, Bywater was out of action for much of the 1948 season.[7] He was used up forward in 1949 and kicked 25 goals from his 16 appearances.[4] Only Dick Jones kicked more goals for South Melbourne that year.
Bywater left South Melbourne midway through the 1950 season and joined Corowa, a club which he would later coach? He was reunited with former teammate Billy King, the then captain-coach.[8]
Bywater transferred to the Rutherglen Football Club in 1951.[9]
