From the Stone family collection

Photo Gallery

Junior teams, team sheets, newspaper cuttings and match-day moments — a career in pictures. Tap any photo to view it full size.

Chapter one

The Early Years

Where did you get your love for the game?Peter, in his own words

My friend Shane introduced me to the game and I immediately joined the Under 10s Kotara South team. Football was big in Newcastle as it was played by a lot of English coal miners.

In your youth you played for Adamstown. What prompted the switch of clubs?Peter, in his own words

I played for Kotara South until I was 15. Our coach, Ted Baldwin, was approached by Adamstown Rosebud to take the whole team over. Rosebud was founded in 1889 by English coal miners and has a history of more than 130 years.

What brought you to Sydney and to Western Suburbs FC?Peter, in his own words

I went to Western Suburbs in the pre-season of 1973 along with a number of players, including my future fellow Socceroo, Col Curran. I was at Wests until 1978.

What were your strengths as a player?Peter, in his own words

I was a midfielder and I was good on the ball. Ball control seemed to come naturally, and I was also able to read the game very well — I had a sense of the whole field. I enjoyed running with the ball, and getting it away to a forward at the opportune moment was my favourite element.

Chapter three

The National Soccer League

The Philips Soccer League years with Western Suburbs, APIA Leichhardt and St George.

Chapter four

The Socceroo

Socceroo #258 — 15 matches in the green and gold.

Chapter five

Giving Back