By Gerard Drew, Williamstown Heritage Officer
In a glittering career with the VFA Seagulls, John:
- Played 133 games and kicked 15 goals from 1952-58 in the #8 jumper;
- Played in four premiership teams in the 1950’s (1954/1955/1956/1958);
- Won the Liston Medal in 1956 and finished third in 1958;
- Won the Club best & fairest award in 1956 & 1958 and was runner-up in 1955;
- Was runner-up in the Seconds’ best & fairest award in 1952;
- Was awarded a special services trophy in his first senior season in 1952;
- Was awarded the most improved player trophy in 1953;
- Was awarded the most consistent player trophy in 1954;
- Won the Herald & Sporting Globe best player award in 1956;
- Tied for the Williamstown Chronicle best player award in 1955;
- Won the Williamstown Advertiser & Chronicle awards in 1956 & 1958;
- Won the Sporting Globe best player award in 1958;
- Was selected on a wing in the WFC Team-of-the-Century;
- Was admitted to the WFC Hall-of-fame in 2014;
- Received life membership of the WFC in 1995.
After leaving Williamstown at the end of the 1958 season, John captain-coached Wentworth in 1959 & 1960 and then Irymple in 1961, winning the McLeod Medal for best & fairest player in the Sunraysia League in 1960 & 1961. He later coached West Newport for 7 seasons, winning the premiership in 1968. John then returned to Williamstown in 1978 as chairman of selectors when John ‘Sticks’ Fanning was captain-coach.
John’s father, John Martin snr, also played for the VFA Seagulls in 1923, 1924 and 1927 and was captain-coach in 1926, playing 42 games and kicking 41 goals. He had earlier played in Footscray’s 1920 VFA premiership side.
From everyone at the Williamstown Football Club, our sincere condolences are sent to Theresa, John, Brendan, Damian, Craig, Pauline, Adam and the extended Martin family.
RIP, John.
Johnny Martin receives his JJ Liston Trophy from Alex Gillon, President of the VFA, before the 1956 Grand Final, from the Martin family collection.
The Age, October 1, 1956 – Johnny Martin receives his JJ Liston Trophy from Alex Gillon, President of the VFA, before the 1956 Grand Final.
Johnny Martin waiting to receive his Liston Medal from VFA president, Alex Gillon, before the 1956 Grand Final v. Port Melbourne at St Kilda’s Junction Oval on September 29. Standing behind are, from left, Eric Bietzel, Maurie Gear, Alan McPherson, Jack Curran, Ray Smith, John Ramsay, Sid Wookey, Allen Laurie, Bob Jones, Ken Reed and Frank Sims.
