Roy Witzerman was one of the great fullbacks of
the league and has been described as an immaculate dropkick who could punt the ball to the centre of North Hobart Oval almost every time. He was of sturdy build, just under 6 foot tall and made many a full forwards life very tough with his close checking but fair play.
He played tight and hard and was difficult to score against.
Roy Witzerman played at New Town from 1945 to 1951 and played for Devonport during 1952 and 1953, then had a final season with New Town in 1954.
He was a part of the famous New Town / Glenorchy premiership era when he played fullback in the premiership victories in 1948,1949 and 1951. In 1950 he was vice captain and full back when they lost to Hobart in the grand
final.
Roy Witzerman (right) attempts to
spoil another Hobart attack from Hobart player J Evans with the help of Harold Loring in the second semi final against Hobart at North Hobart Oval in 1951.
In 1951 he was captain of New Town in their premiership win over North Hobart.
To cap things off the club beat North Hobart in all three grades.
Roy Witzerman
chases to help out Bob Stokell in the 1951 grand final against North Hobart at North Hobart Oval. Giff Smith is on the left for North North Hobart and Dasher Eaton is behind play.
Roy Witzerman marks in front of North
Hobart's Dave Challender and Ossie Stewart while Harold Loring rushes in to help in the 1951 grand final.
In 1948 he won the first Roy Cazaly medal for the club best and fairest.
When he went to Devonport he was captain/coach both seasons he played with the northern Magpies. While in the north he represented the NWFU in their 1953 victories over the NTFA at Devonport and their victories over the TFL
(twice) at Hobart and Burnie. When the NWFU beat the TFL at North Hobart Roy Witzerman was declared the best on ground.
Roy Witzerman played 135 games for New Town, represented the TFL , played for Tasmania four times in the 1947 Hobart Carnival and once in the Tasmanian vs VFA interstate match in Hobart in 1951.
Roy Witzerman in the Tasmania
versus the VFA match at North Hobart Oval in 1951. Roy, the fullback and vice captain, is pictured on the left of the picture toe to toe with VFA full forward Bruce Harper while Darryl Cresswell, the Tasmanian half back tries to repel another attack. The VFA centre half
forward Dennis Condon is waiting to mark the ball.
Roy Witzerman was honoured in August 2000 when he was announced as part of the New Town / Glenorchy Team of the Century.
Back to Top
Roy Witzerman - A Tasmanian Football Legend
