External links
- Sonny Morey at AustralianFootball.com
| Sonny Morey | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Sonny Morey | ||
| Born | 1945 (age 79–80) Yambah Station, Northern Territory | ||
| Original team(s) | Gawler Centrals | ||
| Position(s) | Wing / Half-back | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1964–1977 | Central District | 213 (28) | |
| Representative team honours | |||
| Years | Team | Games (Goals) | |
| South Australia | 4 | ||
| Coaching career | |||
| Years | Club | Games (W–L–D) | |
| 1981–1988 | Central District U17 | ||
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1977. | |||
| Source: AustralianFootball.com | |||
Sonny Morey (born 1945) is a former Australian rules footballer who played 213 senior games for Central District in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) between 1964 and 1977. [1] An Arrernte man, he was born at Yambah Station in the Northern Territory and removed from his family as part of the Stolen Generations. [2]
Morey spent part of his childhood at St Mary’s Hostel in Alice Springs, where he lived for six years before being transferred to Adelaide in 1958. [3] His surname was changed from Gorey to Morey by authorities. [4]
He was fostered by Ada and Sydney Maguire and began playing junior football with Gawler Centrals, where he won under-17 and senior best-and-fairest awards. [5]
Morey made his senior debut in Central District’s inaugural SANFL season in 1964 and recorded the club’s first league kick. [6]
He became the first Central District player to reach 200 games in 1976. [7] He retired the following year, finishing with 213 appearances and 28 goals. [6]
Morey won Central’s Best and Fairest award in 1970. [6] He was runner-up in the 1972 Magarey Medal and received both Central District and SANFL player life memberships. [7] During his career, he represented South Australia in four interstate matches. [7]
After retiring, Morey coached Eudunda Football Club from 1978 to 1980, guiding them to a premiership in 1978. [8]
He later coached Central District’s under-17s between 1981 and 1988, including their 1985 premiership. [7] [6]
Outside football, Morey worked as a fitter and turner, storeman, and sports store manager. He also served for 12 years with South Australia Police, where he worked in community engagement roles. [9]
Morey has been married to Carmel for more than 50 years; they have two daughters, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. [9] His daughter, Kim Morey-Hure, has spoken publicly about his experiences and the continuing impact of the Stolen Generations. [8]
Morey’s mother searched for him after his removal, and he later travelled to Napperby Station to honour her memory. [5]
