Allen 'Radar' Phillips
A Tiger From Another Era
Podcast
Some footballers are remembered for the games they played. Others are remembered for the people they were. Allen “Radar” Phillips belongs to both. At 91 years of age, (2026) Allen “Radar” Phillips remains one of the precious living links to a remarkable era of Boulder City Football Club history.
A footballer, committee man, family man and lifelong Tiger, Radar represents a generation that helped build the club through loyalty, toughness, humour and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. A Young Tiger in 1952 Radar made his League debut for Boulder in 1952, aged just 17. A versatile utility footballer, he could seemingly play anywhere on the ground. Tough, courageous and dependable, he developed a reputation as a player who would give everything for his team.
His football ability earned him selection at full forward in a Goldfields All Star Team, recognition of the quality of his performances during an era rich in talented footballers. Radar also represented the Goldfields National Football League against leading Perth clubs, including Claremont, Swan Districts and East Perth. These representative matches gave country footballers the opportunity to test themselves against some of Western Australia's finest players. Radar was among those who earned that opportunity. Football in a Different Era
The Boulder Tigers of Radar's playing days knew plenty about hard football.
Success was never guaranteed. Matches were fiercely contested, conditions were demanding, and players were expected to stand their ground. Radar remembers those years with characteristic humour. “We didn't win much… so not much to laugh about back then.” It is a wonderfully understated reflection from a footballer who experienced the highs and lows of country football firsthand.
There were difficult seasons, bruising contests and disappointments. But there was also something that endured beyond the final siren — the friendships. Good Blokes and Good Memories When asked which former Tigers he would most enjoy sitting down with again, Radar nominated three familiar names: Ray Willis, Soapy Tillett and Fred Galbraith.
His explanation was beautifully simple. “Good blokes with a bit of humour.”
Those few words say a great deal about the football culture of the time.
The memories were not necessarily about famous victories or individual performances. Often, they were about the characters in the dressing rooms, the conversations after matches and the friendships formed through wearing the same jumper. One memorable reunion photograph brought together three Tiger identities — Stephen Michael, Allen “Radar” Phillips and Soapy Tillett.
Different football journeys, but a shared connection to the Black and Gold. A Family Woven Into Tiger History
Radar's story extends well beyond his own playing career. Through connections with the Beaton family and the Forrest and Phelan football families, the Phillips name forms part of a wider network of Boulder families whose histories have become intertwined with the football club.
For generations, Boulder City has been more than a place to play football. It has been a meeting place for families, a source of lifelong friendships and a connection between people who may have moved away from the Goldfields but never entirely left the Tigers behind. Radar's story is a reminder of just how important those family connections have been.
A Tiger Beyond the Boundary
When his playing days ended, Radar's association with Boulder did not. He continued contributing as a committee man, remaining connected to the club and the people who had shared those earlier football years.
Like so many volunteers from his generation, his contribution cannot be measured simply by games played or awards won. Clubs survive because people continue to give their time, maintain friendships and keep the spirit alive long after their last match. Radar was one of those people.
From Boulder to Gwelup
The years have passed, and life has taken Radar from Boulder to Gwelup. Yet the connection remains.
At 91, his memories provide a window into a football world that has changed enormously — a world of hard grounds, tough opponents, close-knit families and characters whose stories deserve to be preserved. There is something especially valuable about hearing that history from the people who lived it. Radar does not need to embellish his memories. His humour, honesty and affection for his old teammates tell their own story.
The Legacy of Allen “Radar” Phillips Every football club has its premiership heroes, champion players and famous victories. But its history also belongs to those who helped establish its character. Allen “Radar” Phillips was a talented and versatile footballer, a Goldfields representative, an All Star selection and a committed club man. More importantly, he belongs to a generation whose loyalty and friendships helped shape the Boulder City Football Club we know today.
A Tiger at 17.
A Tiger at 91.
A Champion Honoured
In 2021, Ted's standing within Goldfields football was recognised when he performed the ceremonial coin toss at the GFL Grand Final. It was a fitting acknowledgement of a man whose contribution had helped shape the competition over many decades. An even greater honour followed in 2026. Ted Robinson was inducted into the Goldfields Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising a lifetime of outstanding sporting achievement and service. The occasion was made particularly special by the presence of his brother Percy. As Ted addressed those gathered, the familiar presence and determination that had characterised his football years were still evident.
The applause was not simply for a champion footballer. It was for a leader, a brother, a teammate, a mentor and a man whose influence had touched so many lives.
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger
Ted Robinson's football journey carried him through different clubs, competitions and sporting pursuits. He collected medals, coached premierships, represented his abilities at WAFL level and earned recognition among the great sporting figures of the Goldfields. Yet the foundations of that remarkable journey were laid in Boulder. In the backyard with his twin brother Jack. On the cold evening rides home from junior training. Under the guidance of Jack McNally. And in the black and gold jumper of the Boulder City Football Club.
His story reminds us that a football club's history is about much more than premiership flags and honour boards. It is about the people who wore the jumper, the values they carried and the example they left for those who followed. Ted “Punter” Robinson was a champion of his era — and a man whose legacy extends well beyond it.
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A Tiger at heart.
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A leader among men.
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And a name that will forever hold a special place in the history of Goldfields football.
