Tuppence brings up his ton

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/eagles-great-reaches-100/story-fn525un5-1225854240277
GEORGE ``Tuppence'' Kersley - the man responsible for the early development of some of Woodville-West Torrens' greatest players - turns 100 on Monday.

As coach of West Torrens' and then Woodville's juniors during the 1940s, '50s and '60s, Kersley helped launch the careers of legends including Lindsay Head, Malcolm Blight and Fred Bills.

He won eight premierships in 21 years and later went on to be a selector at both clubs before they merged in 1991.

These days he is still a passionate Eagles man - he drove himself to the club's first game against Port Adelaide a fortnight ago.

``I haven't missed a season for 98 years,'' he said. ``I remember sitting on my mother's knee looking over the pickets and watching my dad play.

``The club means a great deal to me.''

A member of West Torrens 1935 Reserves premiership, Kersley was a handy player despite being undersized.


``I've had the nickname Tuppence since primary school.

``On my first day the teacher looked at me and another short girl and said we'll call him Tuppence and her Threepence.''

But it was as a coach that he made his name, only missing the top four twice during 13 years in charge of West Torrens under-19s.

``There was no messing around, they knew that,'' he said.

After being moved on by the Eagles, Kersley was offered the under-17s job at Woodville and thrived by winning three premierships in eight years including a flag in his final season in 1967.

Kersley is celebrating his 100th birthday at the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club, Oval Avenue, Woodville, on Sunday, April 18, at 2pm. Open invite. RSVP Pat Hayes on 8355 5980.

He will be watching a little bit of the u18s then.