Western Suburbs Magpies News: Western Suburbs RMC 2014 Award Winners

Jeff 'Swinging Doors' Aplitt

2014 Pratten Park Magpies Clubman of the Year

Jeff commenced his association with Wests Magpies in 1957 when he played rugby league for Auburn United at the D grade level before progressing to A grade. He was a handy player who was somewhat unique in that era; he never consumed alcohol. Jeff recounts that after each game the players would be given a bottle of beer and as he did not drink his allocation was keenly sought by his team mates.

In 1962 he joined Wests Magpies Football Club for the princely sum of 10 shillings. In 1987 he commenced duties with Wests Magpies who were competing at the NRL Level. Since then he was worked closely with Steve Ghosn, Laurie Frier, John Bailey Warren Ryan, Wayne Ellis Tom Raudonikis, Bob Lindner, Steve Georgallis, John Dorahy, Pet Gentle, Tim Sheens, Wayne Pearce, Terry Lamb Michael Potter and most recently Leo Epifania.

In addition to our elite teams, he has also assisted with our 1st Division, Premier League, NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup, Metropolitan Cup, Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, Harold Mathews and various Development squads.

As a manager, he mentored many of our up and coming junior rugby league players who went on to participate in the elite NRL competition. They include, but are not limited to Bryce Gibbs, Liam Fulton, Luke Cavell, Albert Hopoate, Tom Arbour, David Spencer, Mick Neil, Ossie Osborne, Shannon Gallant, Ben Roberts, Isaac De Gois, Rocky Trimarchi, Chris Lawrence and Terry Matterson.

The roles, whilst varied, put to good use his organisational and inter personal skills. They include, but are not limited to:

· Coach, Team Manager or Assistant Manager.

· Change Room and Door Attendant

· Ground Manager, Gear Steward, Time Keeper and Sin Bin Official

· Merchandise and Gate Sales

· Junior League Secretary

Jeff simply rolls up his sleeves and gets on with the job, never a word of complaint. We are lucky to have a man of such quality and integrity representing the Magpies. Jeff never seeks personal reward. He is one of the first to put up his hand when Wests Magpies organise fundraising events. He financially contributes to our golf days and other initiatives. He uses his own vehicle to travel to games and training, the running costs would have certainly added up over such a long period.

When given the opportunity, Jeff proudly talks about the history and culture of Wests Magpies and the many great players it has produced. If all of this wasn’t enough, Jeff also works as a game day official at Wests Tigers. I am sure you would agree that we could not have a better ambassador working with our joint venture partner.

Jeff’s strong character ensures he does not take short cuts; he has always put the game of rugby league first. As he often quotes “Rugby League, The Greatest Game.” How did he get the nickname of ‘Swinging Doors’? Well it was given to him by BBQ Bob Murray many years ago. Why? Perhaps it was because he worked on the door at Wests Tigers on game days letting people in and out of the rooms. We will probably never the true reason.

He is a Life Member, Auburn United JRL, Wests Magpies Ashfield, Wests Magpies Campbelltown, Wests Magpies District RLFC, Balmain JRL and a Director, Western Suburbs District Junior Rugby League Football Club.

Congratulations to Mr Jeff Aplitt, the recipient of the 2014 Pratten Park Magpies Club Person of the Year.

Wests Magpies Ron Massey Cup 2014

Bill Carson Award for Best performed local in grade