The South Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of 1964 Premiership player Tony Shaw.

Tony was a vital member of South Adelaide’s revered 1964 Premiership team, playing as a determined and reliable back pocket in their historic victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, witnessed by over fifty-six thousand fans.

Debuting for the Panthers against Sturt in Round 7 of the 1962 season, Tony played eight seasons, amassing 102 games before retiring in 1968. His talent and dedication earned him selection in the SANFL State Squad in 1964.

Beyond South Adelaide, Tony’s influence extended to the Northern Territory, where he built a distinguished football career, earning induction into the Northern Territory Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player, Premiership Coach, and later as President of the League.

South Adelaide President Geoff Baynes paid tribute to Tony’s unwavering commitment to the club’s history:

"Tony was instrumental in ensuring the ‘64 team reunited for milestone anniversaries of their Premiership and remained in close contact with his teammates and the club. His dedication to maintaining those connections was truly admirable. He will be greatly missed."

Former premiership teammate and South Adelaide great Peter Darley fondly recalled Tony’s character and contributions:

"He was a tough, dependable back pocket—and an even better mate. Despite relocating to Sydney, he remained the driving force behind our yearly Premiership reunions, putting in tremendous effort to keep the team connected."

Tony Shaw’s legacy will endure, not just as a celebrated footballer but as a cherished friend, mentor, and leader. His impact on the sport and his unwavering commitment to his teammates will be remembered for years to come.

The South Adelaide Football Club offers its condolences to his children Adam and Kelly, partner Nola and siblings Michael and Rosemary and their extended families and many friends and former teammates.

Panthers News  - July  2015  
Past Player - TONY SHAW 

Tony is one of a select group who played in South’s last league premiership in 1964.  Playing in the back-pocket, he was an integral part of  the now-legendary team. 

Early Years

Anthony Thomas Shaw was born in 1939 in the suburb of Goodwood, into a hard working Catholic family. As a kid he played tennis and football and sold SANFL Budgets outside Adelaide Oval. One of many fine footballers to have come out of Sacred Heart College, he couldn’t make its first eighteen! 

He supported Glenelg, idolising footballers Don Hewett, Alan Crabb and Colin Churchett, and tennis players Frank Sedgman and Lew Hoad . 

Young Tony was zoned to Glenelg but obtained   a clearance to perennial bottom team South Adelaide where he thought he had more chance of getting a game. He had no inkling of the stunning success that was to follow.

South Adelaide and a Flag

Tony debuted as a rover against Sturt in 1962, under coach Bill Sutherland, scoring a goal with his first kick in league football.

He remembers vividly the euphoria of 1964, when new captain-coach Neil Kerley took the league team from bottom to top, and the many characters around the Club.  South already had a talented group of players, but Kerley got them super- fit and hungry for success.  Shaw comments “Kerley lifted us in every facet of the game, and would not accept anything less than 100% effort. He taught us how to win”. 

Shaw believes his personal strengths were  work ethic, anticipation and reading the play. When moved to a back pocket he was determined to learn how to play the position perfectly. 

Reviewing the 1964 Preliminary final, journalist Merv Agars wrote ;   

‘Back-pocket man Tony Shaw enhanced his rapidly growing reputation with another almost faultless display.’

Tony was the players representative on the SAFC Board in 1964, unofficial entertainment director and a popular man around the club,  fostering its esprit de corps. He formed strong bonds with teammates which endure today.

Named in the 1965 SANFL State squad, he  missed final selection in a back pocket to Sturt star Brenton Adcock. 

Shaw rates teammate Peter Darley as the best player of that period, while opposition players Bob Shearman, John Cahill and Ken Eustice always impressed him. His toughest opponents were “anyone from Port Adelaide. ” 

Tony played a total of 102 league games from 1962-1969 under coaches Sutherland, Kerley and Peter Darley. Playing mostly reserves in his last season, he won the Brown’s Cup ( Best and Fairest).

Life in Darwin

Tony was transferred via employment to Darwin after the 1969 season, and played and coached with former teammates David Kantilla and Bob Butcher. 

Tony played for NTFL club St Marys until forced into retirement by a broken ankle, then coached the club to a premiership in 1971-72 . He was NTFL president for eight years and a well known figure in the Top End . 

Tony became a successful businessman in the Territory with a number of ventures including a leading Toyota dealership. 

He lived through Cyclone Tracy in 1974, having to rebuild both his business and family home, and witnessed many tragedies.  

He was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

Tony has two adult children from his first marriage and now lives in Sydney with his partner Nola, enjoying retirement and his grandchildren. 

He retains close ties with the Club, achieving Life Membership and serving on its Board in 2011. He has been the energy behind the 1964 premiership reunions and compered the memorable 50th reunion at the new Adelaide Oval in 2014. 

Tony is a modest man who downplays his achievements and prefers to talk of others. 

A premiership footballer and coach, highly regarded by all at the Panthers, Tony Shaw has secured an honoured place in the history of South Adelaide Football Club.

Dr Randal Williams

SAFC History Committee