The Perth Football League is proud to celebrate North Fremantle Football Club stalwart and PFL Hall of Champions inductee, Peter Grosser, who has been awarded an Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding service to Australian rules football.
A true all-rounder, Peter has worn many hats throughout his more than 50-year association with the North Fremantle Amateur Football Club - as a player, coach, president, vice-president, general manager, bar manager, and a dual life member. His journey with the club began in 1972, after a playing stint with Claremont, becoming one of the first WAFL players to transition into amateur football. He went on to play over 200 games for North Fremantle, earning Fairest & Best honours at both club and league level.
Peter represented WA in the State Amateur team from 1973 to 1975 and later coached the club’s top side in 1975 and 1976. Off the field, his contribution has been equally impressive. From 1989 to 1993, he served as club president and has remained active on the committee in various roles ever since.
A tireless advocate for inclusion in sport, Peter was the driving force behind the establishment of the Integrated Football Competition for players with disabilities. In recognition of his work, the premiership trophy in the competition proudly bears his name: the Peter Grosser Cup.
Peter also played a significant role in the wider amateur football community, serving on the board of the then WA Amateur Football League from 2002 to 2012 and as State Coordinator of WA’s State Amateur Teams from 2004 to 2012. He further contributed nationally as an All Australian U23’s selector in 2013 and as assistant team manager at the AFL National Inclusion Carnival in 2015.
Among his many contributions is the organisation of the annual ANZAC Day remembrance ceremony at the North Fremantle Fallen Soldiers Memorial, honouring the 13 club footballers lost in World War I.
In 2016, Peter was awarded League Life Membership, adding to his North Fremantle Life Membership. He was inducted into the Perth Football League Hall of Champions in 2019, a fitting recognition for a man whose service has always been driven by a simple love for the game.
“I’ve done it for the love of footy, not for rewards,” Peter said. “But getting that call was a real thrill.”
The Perth Football League congratulates Peter Grosser on this richly deserved national recognition and thanks him for a lifetime of selfless service, leadership, and unwavering community spirit.
Image credits: Jackson Flindell/Jackson Flindell / The West Aust