Gary Malarkey was one of the best fullbacks produced in Western Australia, but he actually only made 101 appearances with his WANFL club, East Perth. After starring with Geelong in the VFL, he did make up his mind to end his career back with the Royals, but unfortunately a deal could not be reached with the local club, so he committed to the Cats for the remainder of his career, much to the detriment of Western Australian football.    A Trinity college boy, Malarkey made his East Perth debut as an eighteen year old in 1971, on a half forward flank. It was the following season that he was tried in the back line, and so a brilliant career was born. He was a premiership player that year, and blossomed to win his club’s fairest and best award as a defender in 1973, the year in which he played the first of six  games for Western Australia.Gary Malarkey was a strong kicker of the ball, and was at his best in the man on man duels with the top full forwards of the era. He was a good reader of the play, and the ability to mark or spoil effectively made him a hard man to beatHis conspicuous haircut wasn’t the only thing to make him a standout from the crowd...his tough use of the body, coupled with a determined, hard working attitude, made him an outstanding fullback.When he went to Geelong in 1977 he soon confirmed his status as the best custodian in the land. The number five guernsey he wore has since become a celebrated number at the Cats, with the name Gary seeming to be part of the qualifications to wear it. In 1979, Malarkey was selected in the All Australian side, and was runner up in Geelong’s fairest and best in 1983.  After his attempt to return home in 1984 was thwarted, he played a further three seasons at Kardinya Park before retiring from league football, ending his playing days at the Geelong West club in the Victorian Football Association. In 1988, Malarkey became Geelong West’s last ever coach. Gary Malarkey played 173 games with Geelong, 101 for East Perth, 6 for Western Australia, and 2 in the Big V. The tough defender from East Perth was the best in his trade in both Western Australia and Victoria during a fine career.