Life Member
Inducted 1965
Dr J.B. Day was President of the Adelaide University Football Club for ten years, at a time when the Club grew in numbers and strength. The A1 team played in ten Grand Finals, winning six, and five lower grade teams took out Premierships.
John played for ‘Varsity as a student from 1940 to 1944, was Captain in 1944, and then after War Service returned to play for two more years as a Graduate student in order to participate in Inter-Varsity competition- an experience that had eluded him, being a student during the War years.
After participating in two Inter-Varsities, John finally retired as a player from St. Peter’s Old Collegians with four more playing years to his credit.
John was an Honorary Member and Vice-President prior to his appointment as President in 1960. For his outstanding service to ‘Varsity football, he was made a Life Member in 1965.
The Dr J.B. Day Trophy for the Most Consistent player in A1 (now re-named Runner-up to the Best and Fairest) has been awarded since 1947 and is a highly valued trophy.
During his period as President, John acted as Chairman of Selectors for the State Amateur League team and toured Australia as Team Manager of those sides from 1963 to 1967. He also found time to manage the Adelaide University team at the Inter-Varsity Carnival in Melbourne.
Dr Day was instrumental in securing the acceptance of Sir George Ligertwood, then Chancellor of the University, to the position of Patron of the University Football Club in 1966. This move was the envy of all other University sporting clubs. Following Sir George, also through John’s efforts, the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Badger, later Sir Geoffrey, graciously accepted the position of Patron. He proved to be a most dedicated supporter of the Club.
Although John continued to show a keen interest in ‘Varsity football, unfortunately he was unable to see many games in the 1970’s because of an involvement at Norwood where he was Chairman of the Redlegs Club. He was also a Vice-President of SAAFL and has a Premiership Shield named in his honour. This shield has been won by ‘the Blacks’ on a number of occasions.
Club members always appreciated John’s good humour and constructive comments. His status in the history of the Club was acknowledged when he proposed the toast to the AUFC at the 75th Year Dinner and unveiled the Honour Roll in the change rooms in August 1984.
Dr J.B. Day has a son, John P. Day, who played 34 games for ‘the Blacks’ between 1974 and 1976.