Football Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of former Socceroo, David Bone (Cap #120) at the age of 94.
Born and raised in Adamstown, NSW, Bone was a talented goalkeeper who carved out a distinguished career in Northern NSW Football.
Bone played his junior football in Adamstown Rosebud FC before joining West Wallsend SFC, where he spent a decade as the club's first-choice goalkeeper from 1948 to 1958. Among his many achievements, he helped West Wallsend SFC claim the Daniels Cup in 1957 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mayfield. He later moved to Awaba-Toronto FC in 1959, where he secured a Northern NSW Premiership title in 1961.
Bone made his one and only appearance for Australia against New Zealand in Melbourne in 1954 (the first leg of a two-match series), a surprise selection ahead of established goalkeepers of the era, Ron Lord and Bill Henderson.
Beyond the national team, he was a key figure in representative football throughout the 1950s, playing for Newcastle-based select teams against touring sides including the English FA (1951), Chinese XI (1953), New Zealand (1954), Rapid Vienna (1955), and FK Austria (1957). Late in his career, Bone also represented the NSW State Team.
At the time of his passing on 11 February 2025, Bone was one of the oldest-living Socceroos. His contribution to Australian football, particularly in Northern NSW, is a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
Football Australia extends its deepest condolences to David Bone's family, friends, and the broader football community.
Vale, David Bone.
