Bobby Dimond

Former Australian International winger Bobby Dimond, who is recovering from a stroke, was extremely appreciative when he received a surprise visit from Gold Coast Men of League Foundation Welfare Officers Greg Sylvester, Bobby Honan, Dennis Ward and Johnny Lang at his Gold Coast residence.

Bobby was selected for the 1948 kangaroo tour to Great Britain and France from Dapto in New South Wales, the first tour since the ending of the Second World War. This tour lasted seven months as travel both ways was by the ocean liner “Maloja”. Aged just 18, Bobby was the second youngest player to be selected for a Kangaroo tour. Upon his return Bobby signed with the mighty Western Suburbs Magpies, playing 25 first grade games in seasons 1950-51, scoring 12 tries. His career prematurely ended when he broke a leg in a motor cycle accident.

In his employment with the New South Wales Fire Brigade, Bobby was extremely lucky to survive several accidents, including cheating death from poisonous gasses, on numerous occasions.

The Dimond family was an institution in Australian sport, as Bobby’s daughter Jenny was a top tennis player in the mid 1970’s, being ranked No.75 in the world. Jenny played in four Australian Opens, three Wimbledons, two French and one US Open. In 1975 she lost to Evonne Goolagong in the quarter finals at Wimbledon, Evonne was subsequently defeated in the final by Billy Jean King. His brother Peter was also an International representative for Australia, playing on the wing and in the centres. Peter toured Great Britain and France with the 1963-64 kangaroo side, whilst Bobby’s nephew Craig played second row for Illawarra, Cronulla and Canberra.

Before taking their leave, the boys presented Bobby with a Men of League cap and shirt, and a promise to return in the near future to take him out for coffee.

Greg, Bobby, Dennis and Johnny would like to express their sincere thanks to two wonderful girl’s, Bobby’s wife Elsie and daughter Jenny for their extreme hospitality, it was greatly appreciated.