Alan Steel was a classy halfback who enjoyed a distinguished career from 1948 as a 19 year old with Wollongong. In his time at the club he was coached by former Kangaroo Kevin Schubert, Allan ‘Bluey’ Taylor, Billy Burgess and Bob Bartlett. With Steel steering them around the paddock, Wollongong won the premiership in 1950 and 51.
In 1954, Alan moved to Dapto and remained with the club until 1957, where he was coached by another Kangaroo, Bob Dimond. In 1958, the Illawarra representative took up the captain-coaching position with Tamworth City, leading the club to three straight premierships in the Group Four competition.
In recent years, Alan has suffered several strokes and two heart attacks and has constant circulatory problems.
A boilermaker by trade, Alan worked as a sales rep for Saxonvale Wines and then Carlton and United Brewery before he retired in 1992.
Now aged 79, Alan lives in Dapto with his daughter Rebecca and enjoys getting into Wollongong to visit friends, do odd jobs and most importantly have his regular heart checkups.
Alan is tough and very independent but unfortunately his mobility isn’t what it used to be. The Foundation has been able to assist Alan with his transport requirements into Wollongong and to ensure his quality of life is maintained.