S.A's Greatest Soldier / Footballer.

Another great article this week from Peter Argent via Indaily,

SA’s greatest soldier/footballer

After 198 games, 414 goals, three premierships and a pair of Magarey Medal either side of World War II for the Magpies, you could quickly surmise that Bob Quinn was a champion of the game.

But there is so much more to the man.

Robert Berrima Quinn enlisted in the Australian Army in June, 1940, as a Warrant Officer Class 2 and was shipped out to fight in the North African campaign.

Quinn was awarded the Military Medal for bravery at the Siege of Tobruk. On August 3, 1941, as one of the famous “Rats of Tobruk” Quinn took command of the 10th platoon and defied German troops.

Maintaining control of Tobruk (a costal port in Libya) was crucial to the Allied war effort. Quinn also saw battle in the Pacific.

The accolades continued after his retirement.

When the new Alberton Oval grandstand was built in 1972, it was named the RB Quinn Stand in his honour.

Finally the SANFL acknowledged his outstanding service with the Bob Quinn medal, initially awarded in 2002. The medal is presented to the best player on ground at the annual SANFL ANZAC match, played between the grand finalists from the previous season.

Surely it is now time for Quinn to be the second South Australian to be elevated to “legend” status in the AFL Hall of Fame, after Barrie Robran (2001).

Peter Argent | 22 April 2015

http://indaily.com.au/sport/2015/04/22/grassroots-sa-footy-round-up-2/

Brilliant article