Fred McKean explained

Fred McKean
Fullname:Frederick August Daniel McKean[1]
Birth Date:27 January 1913
Birth Place:Warren, New South Wales, Australia
Death Date:unknown
Club1:Western Suburbs
Year1start:1939
Year1end:44
Appearances1:50
Tries1:6
Goals1:1
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:20
Club2:Parramatta
Year2start:1947
Year2end:48
Appearances2:21
Tries2:3
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:9
Source:[2]

Frederick August Daniel McKean (born 27 January 1913,[1] date of death unknown), nicknamed Snowy, was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. He played for Western Suburbs and Parramatta as a prop. He was a foundation player for Parramatta and played in their first ever match.

Playing career

McKean began his first grade career with Western Suburbs in 1939 and played six seasons with the club. His time with Western Suburbs was not very successful and the club finished last on 3 occasions. In 1947, McKean joined Parramatta who had just been admitted into the competition along with Manly. Before the season began, McKean was the clubs oldest recruit at 34 years old. McKean played for Parramatta in the club's first game against Newtown which was played at Cumberland Oval and ended in a 34–12 defeat. McKean scored the club's second ever try after George Cook had scored the club's first.

Parramatta went on to claim the wooden spoon in their inaugural year after struggling all season with a limited roster and managed just 3 wins. McKean played one further season for Parramatta and retired at the end of 1948.[3] [4] [5]

Personal life

McKean was the father to Fred, Janice and Roy.[6] In World War II, McKean served as a Lieutenant in the 19 Battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps in the Australian Army.[1] [7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: World War Two Service Record . DVA's Nominal Rolls . 4 January 2024.
  2. Web site: Fred McKean - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project. Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  3. Web site: THROWBACK - 1947 - The Originals. 27 March 2017. Parramatta Eels.
  4. Web site: Official Player Numbers. Parramatta Eels.
  5. Web site: Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Players. Wests Magpies.
  6. News: Meet the Boys in Blue and Gold . 24 February 2023 . The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate . 21 May 1947 . 12.
  7. Web site: Veteran Eels: Celebrating Parramatta's ex-servicemen . Parramatta Eels . 21 April 2023 . 4 January 2024.