West Adelaide has won the South Australian league premiership eight times and produced many outstanding players during their history including Bernie Smith, Jack Broadstock, Bruce McGregor, Bob Snell, Neil Kerley, Henry 'Dick' Head, Bob Snell and Grant Fielke. At various times 'Westies', whose colours are red and black, have been known as the 'Blood and Tars', the 'Bloods', the 'Wolves' and the 'Bottletops'.

In 1911, when this song was published, West Adelaide were not only South Australian premiers but went on to become Champions of Australia when they defeated Victorian premiers Essendon at Adelaide Oval 8 goals 9 behinds, 57 points to 7 goals 12 behinds, 54 points. This was the second time West had been the champions of Australia, previously winning the title in 1908 when they defeated Carlton.

Little is known about composer Reginald Stoneham other than he was a songwriter who lived in St Kilda, Melbourne.

Stoneham's music was published widely, usually with local publishers and sometimes by himself. His themes were largely based on localities, sporting pastimes (including this one), patriotic songs and songs about new technologies such as the gramophone. He also undertook commercial commissions and dance and salon pieces for the piano.

Kelly, W. T. (William Thomas). History of West Adelaide Football Club, [Adelaide : s.n.], 1965 (Adelaide : E.J. McAlister & Co. Printers)
Agars, Merv. Bloods sweat and tears : West Adelaide Football Club, 1877-1987, [Adelaide? : West Adelaide Football Club,], c1987
Holmes, Robyn. The collector's book of sheet music covers, Canberra : National Library of Australia, 2001

West Adelaide Football Club
Full Points Footy : West Adelaide history page
SA Memory page : Bob Snell's Magarey Medal

Treasures of the State Library
Go to Treasures of the State Library, scroll down to Magarey Medal