Vale Brian Faehse

SANFL is mourning the passing of SA Football Hall of Fame member and West Adelaide premiership great Brian Faehse.

Awarded SANFL Player Life Membership in 1956, Brian played a then club record 222 League games for the Bloods from 1944 to 1956.

An inaugural inductee to the SA Football Hall of Fame in 2002, Brian’s devotion to Westies across both sides of the boundary line was illustrated by him being awarded Legend status in the club’s Hall of Fame.

Captain of West from 1951 to 1956, Brian also won Best-and-Fairest awards in 1950 and 1951 and his most treasured onfield moment came when playing in the Bloods’ 1947 premiership win.

Soon after, he was awarded West Adelaide Life Membership in 1949, the same year he joined the club’s management committee for a tenure that would last until 1957.

In that time, Brian was instrumental in the acquisition, planning and establishment of Richmond Oval, which hosted its first match in 1958.

Fittingly, Brian’s name adorns the main grandstand at what is now known as Hisense Stadium, ensuring his legacy will continue to live on at Milner Road for future generations.

Brian’s service to the League included acting as a Tribunal Commissioner from 1964 to 1978 while he also thrived on representing his State as a player on 19 occasions.

SANFL extends its deepest sympathy to the Faehse family as it honours Brian’s outstanding service to the game in South Australia.