BIO

Brian Wells was a tenacious footballer and a good ball handler. His accurate disposal by foot was probably his best asset, although he was also a very good mark for his size.
 
In 1951, Norwood coach Jack Oatey captained a State Second 18 against a side representing the Broken Hill Association. Wells was every impressive playing as a centreman, winning the award for the best player in the Broken Hill side and his classy performance was noted by the legendary Oatey.

In 1953 he was runner-up in the Middleton Medal, the award for fairest and most brilliant player in the Broken Hill Association. He had also been appointed captain of Central Broken Hill FC in 1953 and, playing in the centre, had represented Broken Hill against Essendon and South Adelaide during the season.
 
Norwood however had to wait until 1954 before Wells moved to Adelaide and played his first game for the Redlegs. Wells made his League debut against Glenelg in Round 1, as a centreman. He was one of the League's best first year players, making 19 appearances and completed a fine season playing at centre half forward.
 
In 1955 Wells was named at centre half forward in the Norwood team which was defeated by Port Adelaide in the Grand Final. During the year he represented the State Second 18, ironically against a Broken Hill combined team, on the Adelaide Oval. He was awarded the Norwood trophy for "Best Placed Man" in 1954-55.
 
Wells returned to Broken Hill after the 1955 season, coaching North Broken Hill to a flag in 1957. He won the Middleton Medal in 1957, and played for New South Wales in the 1958 Centenary Australian Football Carnival in Melbourne.
 
He returned to Norwood in 1959, and played in his second losing SANFL Grand Final in 1960. Wells was selected at half forward against North Adelaide and Norwood were defeated 13.12 to 14.11. Wells was named the best team man for the 1960 season.
 
After leaving Norwood Wells continued to play and coach. He joined South Whyalla in the Spencer Gulf Football League where he coached and played from 1961 to 1962, winning a premiership in 1962. He played 24 games and kicked 30 goals in his two years with South Whyalla. He also coached Broadview in the South Australian Amateur Football League.
 
A talented sportsman, Brian Wells also played A Grade cricket for East Torrens and Glenelg. He had a season with East Torrens in 1954/55, and in 1959 joined Glenelg.

R Cialini Dec 2014