Sonny Morey
Sonny Morey is a former Australian rules footballer who played 213 senior games for Central District in the South Australian National Football League between 1964 and 1977. An Arrernte man, he was born at Yambah Station in the Northern Territory and removed from his family as part of the Stolen Generations.
Early life
Morey spent part of his childhood at St Mary’s Hostel in Alice Springs, where he lived for six years before being transferred to Adelaide in 1958. His surname was changed from Gorey to Morey by authorities.He was fostered by Ada and Sydney Maguire and began playing junior football with Gawler Centrals, where he won under-17 and senior best-and-fairest awards.
Playing career
Morey made his senior debut in Central District’s inaugural SANFL season in 1964 and recorded the club’s first league kick.He became the first Central District player to reach 200 games in 1976. He retired the following year, finishing with 213 appearances and 28 goals.
Morey won Central’s Best and Fairest award in 1970. He was runner-up in the 1972 Magarey Medal and received both Central District and SANFL player life memberships. During his career, he represented South Australia in four interstate matches.
Coaching and later career
After retiring, Morey coached Eudunda Football Club from 1978 to 1980, guiding them to a premiership in 1978.He later coached Central District’s under-17s between 1981 and 1988, including their 1985 premiership.
Outside football, Morey worked as a fitter and turner, storeman, and sports store manager. He also served for 12 years with South Australia Police, where he worked in community engagement roles.
Honours and recognition
- Inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Central District Hall of Fame
- Central District Best and Fairest: 1970
- First Central District player to 200 games
- Named in the SANFL Indigenous Team of the Century
- Honoured in the AFL’s 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round
- Featured in AFL.com.au article: Fall and rise: The incredible story of SA footy great Sonny Morey
- Profiled in The Advertiser on life, legacy and racism in South Australian football
Personal life
Morey has been married to Carmel for more than 50 years; they have two daughters, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. His daughter, Kim Morey-Hure, has spoken publicly about his experiences and the continuing impact of the Stolen Generations.Morey’s mother searched for him after his removal, and he later travelled to Napperby Station to honour her memory.