The Geelong Football Club is mourning the passing of 1963 premiership player John K Watts who passed away on Saturday after a long battle with cancer, aged 80.
 
Watts played 52 games for the Cats between 1963 and 1965 and was a pivotal member of the 1963 premiership side.
 
The former full back was known for his toughness and reliability and was an exceptionally strong player yet nimble player.
 
In 1963, Watts led a group of teammates in composing the club’s theme song, “We are Geelong” which is still sung with great enthusiasm to this day.
 
During his three years at the club, Watts was a regular on radio 3GL, later know as K-Rock.
 
Watts was captain-coach of Hobart in the Tasmanian Football League before returning to Perth in 1969 where he played 166 games for East Perth in the WAFL and 13 state matches for Western Australia.
 
On retirement, Watts began a career in the media which spanned more than 30 years.
 
Watts was inducted into the WA Hall of Fame in 2008.
 
“The club extends its deepest condolences to John’s wife Lorraine, family and friends at this sad time,” Geelong Cats acting CEO Justin Reeves said.
 
“John’s achievements on and off the field, his flamboyancy and great sense of humour will forever be remembered.”