Don Malone – a Magpies legend

Our Western Sydney Wellbeing Officers Garry O’Donnell, Noel Willick and Les Clark recently undertook a wellbeing visit to Don Malone, a former rugby league player from Western Suburbs Magpies who has been experiencing health issues.

Back in the day, the Magpie legend was marvellous clubman who played 130 games for the club, with 68 in first-grade. He played in three of the classic grand finals against the all-conquering St. George side of his era; 1958, ‘62 and ‘63.

He played in the Magpies 1959 winning reserve grade side and then coached third grade for three years, snaring a grand final win there too. Don’s wife Jan and son Greg also shared in the sorting through memorabilia with the volunteers.

Don explained that it wasn’t the tough Dragons players he worried about; it was Balmain.

“Whenever I played Balmain, they belted me. They called me a traitor because I was a Balmain junior,” Don said.

The Wellbeing Officers gave Don a Men of League Foundation polo and cap which he put straight on.

Our volunteers had a wonderful time chatting with Don as he remembered his playing days and were glad to bring a smile to his face.

Report submitted by Les Clark, Western Sydney Committee Wellbeing Officer