FAREWELL FOR WATTS
Tributes for Cats legend who penned theme song
SIMPLE lyrics imbued with passion — the words of John K Watts have been sung at Geelong’s finest moments over more than five decades.
The Cats legend who gave the club its celebratory soundtrack died at the weekend aged 79, with figures from the worlds of football, entertainment and business paying tribute to the larger-than-life personality.
Born in Perth in September 1937, Watts made his name as a burly defender from East Perth in the WAFL before heading east to join the Cats in 1963.
It was an action-packed year for the player noted for using his 95kg frame to charge out of defence and launch long drop kicks.
Not only was he part of the famed 1963 premiership side, but he also penned We Are Geelong during the lead-up to that flag-winning day.
With some contribution from his teammates, the musically gifted Watts shaped the Geelong theme around The Toreador March from the Georges Bizet 1875 opera Carmen.
Cats vice-president Bob Gartland said Watts was a natural entertainer whose role in one of the club’s greatest years was well remembered by fans.
“John was one of the great characters in the story of the Geelong Football Club,” he said. “His legacy lives on through We Are Geelong.
“(He) was a very funny man, a larger-than-life character not only known for his role in the 1963 premiership but for his success in the media and business back over in Western Australia.”
Watts played 52 games and kicked four goals during his three seasons with the Cats before finishing his career in Tasmania. He returned to Western Australia in the late 1960s and became a TV presenter for Chan- nel 7, hosting panel programs and sport telecasts.
By the 1970s, Watts had conquered the breakfast radio ratings in Perth with his breezy brand of humour. His long-running breakfast show featured star interviews with names such as Neil Diamond and Bob Hope.
His showbiz status in Perth earned heartfelt plaudits from former Wheel of Fortune host John Burgess and football commentator Basil Zempilas, among others, yesterday.
“Very sad news with the passing of John K Watts in Perth this weekend. Football & radio legend, loved a laugh and an absolute champion bloke,” Burgess wrote on Twitter.
Mr Watts was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2011, after having previously battled prostate cancer in 2000.
On social media yesterday his son Jon described his father as his “confidant, friend, accomplice, drinking buddy, singing partner, comedian, and so much more.”
Watts is survived by his wife, Lorraine, sons Jon and Luke, and daughters Joanna, Donna and Vanessa.
“John was one of the great characters in the story of the Geelong Football Club.” BOB GARTLAND