| Ron Bywater | |
| Fullname: | Ronald Charles Eric Bywater |
| Birth Date: | 8 January 1919 |
| Birth Place: | Moonee Ponds |
| Height: | 183 cm |
| Weight: | 83 kg |
| Statsend: | 1950 |
| Years1: | 1942–1950 |
| Club1: | South Melbourne |
| Games Goals1: | 58 (39) |
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]
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]