Sonny Morey

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Wikipedia

Sonny Morey
Personal information
Full name Sonny Morey
Born 1945 (age 80–81)
Yambah Station, Northern Territory
Original team Gawler Centrals
Position 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]

Early life

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]

Playing career

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]

Coaching and later career

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]

Honours and recognition

Personal life

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]

References

  1. 1 2 "AFL launches 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round with theme Spirit Strong, Game On". AFL. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  2. ↑ "From member of the Stolen Generation to iconic state footballer: the Sonny Morey story". National Indigenous Times. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  3. ↑ "Sonny Morey". More Than Our Childhoods. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  4. ↑ "Sonny Morey". Care Experience & Culture. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 "Fall and rise: The incredible story of SA footy great Sonny Morey". AFL. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Sonny Morey – Hall of Fame". Central District Football Club. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Sonny Morey – SANFL Hall of Fame". SANFL. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 "Morey named AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree". National Indigenous Times. 25 March 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  9. 1 2 "SA Indigenous icon Sonny Morey". SANFL. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  10. ↑ "'This means a lot for SA football': Sonny's great honour". The Advertiser. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2025.