Former Australian Test cricketer and Swan Districts football legend Keith Slater has passed away at 89 after a long illness. A remarkable multi-sport talent, Slater excelled in cricket, Australian rules football, and baseball, leaving an enduring legacy in Western Australian sport.
Tributes have flowed following Slater’s passing, with former Australian cricketer Simon Katich among those honoring him. Speaking on SEN, Katich reflected on Slater’s influence through Slater-Gartrell Sports during his early cricketing years.
“It was like a second home for me in those late teenage years when I started playing grade cricket for Midland,” Katich said.
“Every Monday and Friday, I would be having a hit with Garty in the store. Even though Garty was the one coaching me, Spud was always there to offer support, chat, and share his experience. He was a wonderful man, and I feel very blessed to have had his guidance. It’s really sad for Spud.”
A Distinguished Sporting Career
Born in Western Australia in 1936, Slater was a gifted all-rounder in cricket. A right-arm fast-medium bowler and hard-hitting batsman, he also demonstrated proficiency in off-spin.
Between 1955 and 1963, Slater played 61 first-class matches for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, amassing 2,198 runs and taking 140 wickets. His Test debut for Australia came in the 1958-59 Ashes series, making him the first West Australian to feature in an Ashes Test. Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he dismissed English stars Peter May and Ted Dexter. However, concerns over his bowling action led to his exclusion from further Test matches. Despite his brief international career, Slater remained a vital player for Western Australia, recording a first-class century against Queensland and maintaining a batting average of 21.
An Australian Rules Football Champion
Slater’s sporting prowess extended to Australian rules football, where he played 166 games and scored 199 goals for Swan Districts. A three-time WAFL premiership winner, he played a crucial role in the club’s famous 1961 victory over East Perth, effectively neutralizing legendary ruckman Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer. Despite suffering a broken rib, Slater’s outstanding performance earned him the Simpson Medal as best on ground in the grand final.
Swan Districts went on to secure three consecutive premierships from 1961 to 1963, with Slater playing a key role. He also represented Western Australia in state football 21 times, captaining the team on three occasions and contributing significantly to WA’s historic victory at the 1961 Australian Football Carnival in Brisbane.
In 1964, Slater made a surprise move to Subiaco as captain-coach, playing 52 games over three seasons. He later returned to Swan Districts in 1967, retiring with a total of 239 games and 257 goals. His contributions to football were later recognized with his inclusion in the Swan Districts Team of the Century.
A Multi-Sport Talent and Community Leader
Beyond cricket and football, Slater was also an A-grade baseball player for the Swan Districts Angels. Off the field, he made a lasting impact on Western Australian sport, co-founding Slater-Gartrell Sports with his close friend Kevin Gartrell. The business became one of the state’s most recognized sporting institutions.
Slater was also a prominent figure in sports media, serving as a cricket and football commentator on radio and television for several decades. He played a significant role in the annual Lilac Hill festival match and was a dedicated board member of the Western Australian Institute of Sport.
His contributions to sport were formally acknowledged in 2020 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This prestigious honor recognized his significant service to cricket, Australian rules football, and baseball in Western Australia.
Tributes from the Sporting Community
David Templeman, Minister for Culture & the Arts, Sport & Recreation, International Education, and Heritage, paid tribute to Slater’s legacy.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Slater, one of WA’s greatest sportsmen. Keith played Test cricket for Australia and won three league premierships for Swan Districts. He also excelled in AFL and enjoyed a game of baseball. My thoughts are with his family at this time,” he posted.
The Midland Junction Amateur Football Club also honored Slater, recalling that he began his senior football career with them in 1954 before being recruited by Swan Districts. He won the club’s fairest and best award three times and played a pivotal role in the team’s WAFL success in the early 1960s.
Keith Slater’s passing marks the end of an era for Western Australian sport, but his influence and achievements will be cherished for generations to come.