West End Chimney Ceremony

Just a brief piece on when and why the ceremony started.

The "Brewery Chimney" tradition began in 1954 when an employee suggested that due to the fact the brewery was in West Adelaide's territory, the chimney should be painted the teams colours of RED & BLACK.

The then managing director of SA Brewing agreed providing West Adelaide went top that year.

Fos Williams, then Port Adelaide captain and coach, said his team had no intention of letting West Adelaide win the premiership, and would he consider painting Port's colours on the chimney if Port won. It was agreed.

Port Adelaide beat West Adelaide in a thrilling 1954 grand final. It was Fos Williams who, after helping to stir the white paint, suggested that a red stripe be added to the chimney to symbolise West's gallant fight.

Ever since the colours of both the winners and the runners- up have adorned the chimney each year.