Fred Keays
Frederick William Keays (12 July 1898 – 24 June 1983) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy (1919–1921) and Collingwood (in the 1922 VFL season) in the Victorian Football League (VFL). After his playing career, Fred competed in the 1927 Stawell Gift won by his rival at that time, Tom Miles. He was a trainer and committee member for Fitzroy spanning two decades until the Second World War. He served for a second time in WW2 having previously served and twice been wounded as a 16-year-old ANZAC in WW1.
| Fred Keays | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fred Keays in Egypt prior to Gallipoli, France combat | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Frederick William Keays | ||
| Date of birth | 12 July 1898 | ||
| Place of birth | Richmond, Victoria | ||
| Date of death | 24 June 1983 (aged 84) | ||
| Place of death | Newcomb, Victoria | ||
| Original team(s) | Army / Fitzroy District | ||
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1919–20 | Fitzroy | 5 (1) | |
| 1922 | Collingwood | 3 (0) | |
| Total | 8 (1) | ||
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1922. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Keays eldest son, Desmond Charles Keays enlisted in 1941, was reported as missing in July 1942 and died in 1945 as a POW at Sandakan camp. Desmond is also remembered for paying the ultimate price for his country on the Fitzroy Football Club website – Fitzroy Football Club Anzac Day Tribute.
Fred Keays' grandson Terry Keays also played Australian rules football with Collingwood. His great-grandson Ben Keays is a current Australian rules footballer with Adelaide.