Stanley Raymond "Stan" Heal (18 March 1922 – 14 November 2010) was an Australian rules footballer and coach. He played for Richmond and South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s and 1950s, and later had a successful coaching career in the Western Australian National Football League (WANFL).
Early Life and VFL Playing Career
Born in Melbourne, Heal began his VFL career with the Richmond Football Club, making his debut in 1940. A versatile and skillful player, he quickly established himself as a key component of the Tigers' lineup. Heal played as a wingman and half-forward, known for his speed, clean disposal, and goal-kicking ability.
His most notable achievement as a player came in 1943 when he was a member of the Richmond team that defeated Essendon in the VFL Grand Final, securing the premiership. He remained a consistent performer for Richmond for a decade, playing 148 games for the club between 1940 and 1949.
In 1950, Heal transferred to South Melbourne, where he played 50 games over three seasons until 1952. During his time at South Melbourne, he also took on a coaching role, initially as a player-coach.
Coaching Career
Stan Heal's coaching career gained significant prominence after his VFL playing days.
- South Melbourne (1950–1952): Heal served as a player-coach for South Melbourne, guiding the team for part of his tenure there.
- Perth (WAFL) (1953–1959, 1962–1963): Heal moved to Western Australia to coach the Perth Football Club in the WANFL. He achieved considerable success with Perth, leading the club to back-to-back premierships in 1955 and 1956. He is credited with modernizing the club and developing a strong playing list. He coached Perth for two separate stints, first from 1953 to 1959, and then again in 1962 and 1963.
Legacy
Stan Heal is remembered as a premiership player in the VFL and a highly respected coach who made a significant impact on Australian rules football in Western Australia. His coaching tenure at Perth established a strong foundation for the club's future successes. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 88.