Johnny Warren, MBE, OAM

The 24-time Socceroos skipper passed away after a long battle with cancer in November 2004, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a player, coach, administrator, writer and broadcaster.

It was in 1967, at the age of 24, that Warren captained Australia to their first ever trophy on the international stage in war-torn Vietnam.

Seven years later, he was a vital part of the squad who secured the nation’s maiden FIFA World Cup Finals appearance in West Germany.

Yet as Warren hung up the boots soon after, his role as a fierce advocate of the game was only in its infancy.

In the years that followed, his work at ABC and SBS developed the iconic ‘Captain Socceroo’ image and exposed the world game to a fresh generation of Australian football enthusiasts.

All the while he toiled tirelessly behind the scenes, striving for the betterment of the game.

In a 12-year career with St George Budapest, Warren and his club were NSW state league champions on three occasions. He also won a premiership and two state cups.

Johhny Warren

In his last ever appearance for the club, Warren scored the match-winning grand final goal in the 1974 Grand Final against Sydney City Hakoah. Fittingly, while player-manager for the team, Warren subbed himself off.

Having made his international debut in November of 1965 against Cambodia, Warren went on to make 42 appearances and scored six goals.

In 1967, he captained the Socceroos for the first time against New Zealand and captained the side a total of 24 times.

Warren was also part of the first ever Socceroos squad to go to a FIFA World Cup in 1974 in West Germany. In their opening match against East Germany, Warren & the Socceroos would earn themselves respect globally with a strong showing.

Unfortunately, a foot injury that he couldn’t recover from meant that Warren missed the remaining group games against West Germany and Chile.

Warren spent a few years coaching and his last year at St George was as player-manager. After helping to found Canberra City, Warren was head coach of the side for two years from 1977-1978. He also ran his own training camps in Canberra and Sydney for over a decade.

While coaching with Canberra, Warren spent his time promoting the game anyway he could, whether it be radio, newspaper, or TV. He worked as a commentator, analyst, and pundit for many years with the ABC and SBS.

His infectious passion for the game made him the face of the sport and the unofficial spokesperson for football and its long fight for mainstream acceptance. Warren’s commitment to the game at every stage of his career, has left a long-lasting legacy for football in Australia.

Martin Tyler reflects on Les Murray and Johnny Warren

Hall of Fame 1999 Inductees

Johnny Warren, MBE, OAM

Added: 1999
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Julie Dolan AM

Added: 1999
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Rale Rasic OAM

Added: 1999
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Frank Arok

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Joe Marston, MBE

Added: 1999
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Charlie Yankos

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Harry Williams

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Connie Selby

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Cliff Sander

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Ray Baartz

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John Perin

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Harry Dockerty

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Frank Parsons

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Jeff Olver

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Les Scheinflug AM

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Sjel "Mike" De Bruyckere

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Gordon "Bunny" Nunn

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Attila Abonyi

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Sergio Melta

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Gary Marocchi

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Tom Jack

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Allan Johns

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Jimmy Mackay

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Manfred Schaefer

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William "Bill" Henderson

Added: 2003
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John Kosmina

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Jack 'Digger' Evans

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William "Bill" Coolahan

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Jim Armstrong

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Peter Wilson

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Jimmy Rooney

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Ron Adair

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John Watkiss

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Zoran Matic

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Ray Richards

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Graham Jennings

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Col Curran

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John Nyskohus

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James McNabb

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William Maunder

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Frank Loughran

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Bob Lawrie

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Alf Quill

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James "Judy" Masters

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Ron Lord

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Bob Bignell

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Reg Date

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Sir Arthur George AO

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Ron Wright

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Sir William Walkley

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Frank McIver

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Graham McMillan

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John "Martin" Royal

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Peter Nikolich

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Des Miles

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Ron Smith

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William Thomas

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Joe Vlasits

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Fred Barlow

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Donald Campbell OAM

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Harry Croft

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Pamela Gilbert

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Keith Gilmour

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Tom Grimson

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Tony Kovac OAM

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Brian Le Fevre

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Jack Logan

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Eric Worthington

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Laurie Schwab

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Julius Re

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Sam Papasavas OAM

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Dieter Klose

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Brian Corrigan AM

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Ian Brusasco

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Giacomo "Jim" Bayutti OAM

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Michael Weinstein AM, BEM

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Elaine Watson OAM

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Vic Tuting MBE

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Robert Telfer

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Theo Marmaris MBE

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Arthur Gibbs

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John Walter Fletcher

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Tony Boscovic

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George Smith

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