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Active Tasmania

Rex Elvyn Garwood

Member 1987 - Born 15 May 1930 - 16 May 2007

As a champion Australian Rules footballer, cricketer and a top man in the world of bowls, Rex must go close to being the best all-round sportsman ever produced by Tasmania. Rex started his senior playing career in football with New Town (now Glenorchy) in 1950 and played in three league grand finals, two of which resulted in premierships for New Town.

In the 1951 season he won the William Leitch Medal. While with New Norfolk, Rex won the William Leitch Medal twice - in 1955 and 1958 - and is one of only two League players to win the William Leitch Medal three times.

He won his first representative guernsey in 1951 and went on to play every representative game (Tasmanian captain from 1955 to 1958) from that time until his retirement in 1959.

Rex Garwood's love for sport had its expression in the summer through cricket. While still an underage footballer, he began first grade cricket with Glenorchy in 1947. Rex played with Tasmania against the touring Australian eleven twice, as well as against South Africa, the West Indies and Victoria. He was selected in every State team during the period 1948-1954. In the 1954 season he topped the TCA batting average.

Towards the end of his football career Rex began to take an interest in bowls, playing with the New Norfolk club. His skill, impeccable delivery and touch soon became apparent. Rex became a top lawn bowler, won several Tasmanian championships and represented Australia in a test match against New Zealand in Adelaide in 1985, the first Tasmanian for 13 years to do so. He also won a gold medal in the pairs championship at the Australia Games in 1985.