Vale - Donald Sarkies (1934 - 2021)

The NSW water polo community is in mourning this week following the passing of former Bronte and NSW State team goalkeeper Don Sarkies, on the 4th December 2021.

Don’s involvement with water polo spanned an incredible six decades, where he competed from the 1950s until well into the 21st century. He commenced his water polo career in the mid 1950’s, but really improved after joining the premier team of the day…

“I started playing 1st Grade in 1959 with then premiers Bronte, taking the place of their goalkeeper Ken Thornett, who had been selected to tour England with the Kangaroos rugby league team. John Thornett and I would catch the tram to Bronte, carry the goals down the stairs, and train with the team at the Baths… but we had to stand up as the pool was far too shallow, and the ball often went into the ocean. Because of this, Bronte switched to Rushcutters Bay Baths about 1960, and under our coach Bert ‘Momie’ Vadas, ‘Rushie’ became the home of Bronte Water Polo for the next decade.”(Don Sarkies, 27 Jan 2015).

As well as having the quickest reflexes, and a remarkable ability to ‘read’ the game, Don helped Bronte sweep the 1st Grade competition over the next three seasons, and was at the back for Bronte during the unique drawn premiership of 1961 against Bondi, when the manager at North Sydney pool turned off the lights because of too many bouts of extra-time! Don was still goalkeeping a decade later when a resurgent Bronte once again took out the NSW 1st Grade premiership in 1970/71. His enthusiastic talent in goals was also recognised by State team selectors, when he was chosen as the NSW goalkeeper for the 1960/61 State team. Don’s lightning fast reflexes ensured his position as the number one goalkeeper for NSW for six consecutive national championships, being selected in the 1961/62 [Champions], 1962/63, 1963/64, 1964/65 and 1965/66 State teams. Indeed, Don helped achieve a unique ‘double’ for Bronte, when in tandem with Brian Ellison, the same club had two goalkeepers selected for the 1962 State team, an accomplishment unequalled in NSW water polo history.

“With Don Sarkies in goals, defending was a breeze… you could take off on counter-attack as an opponent was winding up to shoot, because you just knew that Donny would save it. I can remember a game against Balmain where they intercepted and David Woods charged down the field with no one between him and Donny. Woodsy picked up the ball at great height and threw with all his power into the bottom right hand corner… but Donny knew exactly where he’d shoot, and neatly plucked the ball out of the air with both hands, saying… “Thank You!” Only a few could score against Donny at training.” (Robbie Vadas, March 2019).

As a club man through and through, ‘Sarkies’ was uniquely unaffected by his exploits and it was his unassuming humility and open friendliness that endeared him to all. Don was delighted in helping players improve their game and his unique commentary and instructions to his backs during a game, was a treat to experience. He filled a number of positions with Bronte including Club President, and following Bronte’s collapse in 1975, he remained true to his mates and transferred with them to Northbridge, playing also with Manly (SNB) and other sides including goalkeeping at World Masters Championships well into his 80’s.

“On and off the field, he was a gentleman’s gentleman, always supporting the young members of the club and interested in how you were going, often asking about your family whenever you ran into him at or away from the pool. Donnie was a close friend, and an altruist in the true sense of the word, always attentive in how others were faring. He will be greatly missed by many.” (Roland (Rolly) Flesch, 2021).

Don Sarkies will be sadly missed by his family, but also sorely missed by his many admiring ex-teammates, who recognise in Don’s passing the loss of a genuine and universally respected teammate and friend. His funeral will be held this Thursday 9 December at Macquarie Park Cemetery (Address: Cnr Delhi Rd &, Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113), Palm Chapel at 12:15pm. It will be a 45 minute service. The wake will be held at North Ryde RSL (Address: 27-41 Magdala Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113) from 1:30pm onwards where there will be refreshments.

COVID Restrictions: For those who will be sitting inside the chapel, a mask will be required as well as full vaccination.

By Dr Tracy Rockwell

(NSW & Australian Water Polo - Hon. Historian)