Des Bethke
South Melbourne
AFL career
56 games43 goals
- Debut
- R1 1963 v GEE20 Apr 1963
- Most recent
- R6 1968 v CAR18 May 1968
Stats
Bio
Hailing from Horsham in the Wimmera, Des Bethke initially broke into the VFL on a series of match permits in 1963, balancing senior football with country commitments before moving to the city full-time the following season. He established himself as a versatile utility for South Melbourne, enjoying a standout 1964 campaign where he played every game and booted 27 goals as a forward option. Although he often shifted into defensive roles, including the back pocket, during the latter stages of his 56-game career, his connection to the Lake Oval precinct extended well beyond his playing days. Bethke became a prominent figure in the suburb as the Town Clerk for the City of South Melbourne, eventually earning a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his dedicated service to local government and the community.
Profile
- Born
- 19 Aug 1943 (age 83y 63d)
- Birthplace
- Netherby, VIC
- Height
- 183 cm
- Weight
- 83 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionHailing from Horsham in the Wimmera, Des Bethke initially broke into the VFL on a series of match permits in 1963, balancing senior football with country commitments before moving to the city full-time the following season. He established himself as a versatile utility for South Melbourne, enjoying a standout 1964 campaign where he played every game and booted 27 goals as a forward option. Although he often shifted into defensive roles, including the back pocket, during the latter stages of his 56-game career, his connection to the Lake Oval precinct extended well beyond his playing days. Bethke became a prominent figure in the suburb as the Town Clerk for the City of South Melbourne, eventually earning a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his dedicated service to local government and the community.