Charlie Stewart

Charlie Stewart was a stalwart of Preston Football Club, as a player, coach and supporter. He played 94 games between 1941 and 1951, missing four seasons due to World War Two. He was a tough competitor on the field, playing mostly in the centre of the ground or on the wing. His brother Syd also played 46 games with Preston. Moving into coaching in 1960, Stewart achieved a remarkable hat-trick. He coached the Preston Thirds to back-to-back Premierships in 1960-61, followed that with a Premiership with the Seconds in 1962 before assuming control of the senior side and guiding them to their first ever Premiership in 1963. His son Bob was the club’s Best and Fairest that year to boot!

Stewart stepped down as senior coach after Preston were immediately relegated back to the second division in 1964, but he returned to Preston as a specialist coach in 1981 under head coach Harold Martin. He became a life member of Preston Football Club, helped considerably in fund-raising efforts and often organised past-player functions.

Membrey, Brian (2004). Where we come from: Celebrating Preston Football Club’s admission to senior VFA ranks in 1903. Preston (Vic.): Northern Bullants Football Club.