Vale John Dwyer

We are saddened to advise that 1956 Olympian John Dwyer has passed away. Mr Dwyer was a respected Olympian, lifelong servant of the game and accomplished sports journalist. 

Australian Player #133

Queensland Player #138

A talented goalkeeper, John won three Best and Fairest player awards throughout his career and was known for his style of playing as much as possible from the top of the Dee and for his long, accurate clearances with either foot.

He considered one of the highlights of his career winning the Noall Shield for national supremacy with Queensland in 1954 with victories over New Zealand (2-1), South Australia (1-0), Western Australia (2-1), Tasmania (4-0), and New South Wales (6-2). The only loss was a 1-0 defeat to Victoria.

John represented Queensland every year from 1951-1958.

For Australia he was selected for a test against New Zealand in Sydney in 1954, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and a tour of New Zealand in 1958.

Unfortunately John broke one of his kneecaps in a club game in 1959 that ruled him out of contention for the 1960 Olympics.

Off the field, John worked as a journalist for most of his life – first at the Queensland Times, Ipswich and then at the Sydney Sun, where, with Pat Nilan and Heather McKay, he wrote a series of tips for playing hockey. He also covered Lawn Bowls and Australian Rules football for the paper and won an award for his coverage of the game.

John Dwyer received an Australian Sports Medal for services to hockey in 2000.

Hockey Queensland extends its deepest condolences to John’s wife Nan, his family, friends and all those across the hockey community who were touched by his life and legacy. He will be remembered as a proud Olympian, a passionate storyteller of sport, and a man who gave so much to Australian hockey.