John Watkiss came to Australia as a ten-year-old and developed his skills in Sydney's Canterbury area under Joe Vlasits.
He transferred to APIA and created a then-scoring record of five goals in a match, against St George in a final at Sydney's Wentworth Park.
He was a versatile player who started as a striker, then switched to midfield before turning to defence.
Despite being injured playing for APIA in the 1968 Australia Cup final he was signed by Hakoah for the 1969 season - the same year he made his debut for Australia as a defender against Greece at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
His first goal for Australia was in a World Cup qualifier against South Korea at Seoul in 1969 where he reverted back to a midfield role.
Watkiss played more than 450 matches for Sydney clubs Canterbury, APIA, Hakoah and Sutherland, leading to 23 full 'A' internationals including the 1970 and 1974 World Cup campaigns.
Hall of Fame 1999 Inductees
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