Bill Plunkett enjoyed outstanding success and an immense reputation in two states. He began with Norwood in 1896, and was one of four brothers to represent the club. In 1901 he played with both Norwood and West Perth and, forty years before Stan Heal managed the same feat with Melbourne and West Perth, he achieved premiership honours in two different states in the same season.

After 1901, Bill Plunkett stayed in the west where he was regarded as one of the state's top footballers. In 1904, he was chosen to captain Western Australia's first interstate team on its eastern states tour, and the following year he led the Cardinals in their controversial premiership win over East Fremantle. All told, he played 50 senior games for West Perth, plus 2 for Western Australia. It is unknown precisely how many games he played for Norwood, as the club did not commence maintaining such records until 1907, but it is known that he played twice for South Australia.

When East Perth entered the Western Australian Football Association in 1906, Bill Plunkett was appointed as the fledgling club's inaugural coach, but only managed to steer the side to 1 win from 17 starts.

*Courtesy of John Devaney at www.fullpointsfooty.net

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