Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Jan (later John, Johnny) Van Oosten was born in The Hague. The family emigrated to Australia in 1954, when Jan was 7 years old. They settled in Victoria Park. His father was Dutch, his mother Polish, they had met each other in Germany where they were both forced labourers during WWII. His father had played football for ADO in The Hague and was an inspiration for his son.
Jan (now John) started the play football at his high school in Perth. At age 17 he began his football career with the (local) Ukrainian club Kiev and the Dutch football club S.C. Windmills in 1964. His early years laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey in Western Australian football. He quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer, earning a reputation for his precision and consistency on the field.
However, after a serious alternation with a referee, he was banned for life. Fortunately for him and football in Western Australia, during the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1977, the Soccer Federation of Western Australia granted an amnesty to all players, and so John also received a pardon. At the time he was running a sports goods shop in Claremont.
“I didn’t think much about it at the time,” he says. “I know I got up spectacularly high, but it was just another goalscoring effort that was laid on by my team-mates. I had a lot to thank them for during my career.”
Azzurri and the Golden Years
After his initial stint with the Windmills, in 1966, he joined Azzurri, where he would spend the majority of his illustrious career. It was with Azzurri that he truly made his mark, scoring 213 goals in league matches alone. His time with the club was decorated with numerous accolades, including five First Division championships, three Night Series titles, three D’Orsogna Cups, and three Top Four Cup medals. His goal-scoring prowess was unmatched, as evidenced by his achievement of being the leading scorer in the State in both 1968 and 1971, netting 29 and 39 goals respectively.
Representative Career and International Recognition
Van Oosten’s talents were not confined to club football. His representative career for Western Australia was equally impressive, playing on twenty-eight occasions and scoring 16 goals. The pinnacle of his representative career came in 1968 during the Malaysian Merdeka Tournament. Van Oosten’s exceptional performance, scoring six goals, nearly led Western Australia to victory, finishing third. For his outstanding contribution, he was awarded the Merdeka medal for the ‘Best Player of the Tournament.’
Induction into the Hall of Champions
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, John Van Oosten was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame Western Australia in 2005, joining the prestigious Hall of Champions. His legacy as one of the most iconic figures in Western Australian football remains intact, with his goal-scoring records and numerous titles standing as a testament to his skill and dedication.
Legacy and Continued Involvement
Even after his retirement, Van Oosten’s presence in the football community remains strong. He is a regular at Dorrien Gardens, where he continues to support the new generation of Azzurri players, sharing his experience and passion for the game.
Conclusion
John Van Oosten’s journey from The Hague to the pinnacle of Western Australian football is a story of talent, dedication, and remarkable achievements. His 213 league goals, numerous titles, and international recognition highlight a career that has left an indelible mark on the sport. Inducted into the Hall of Champions and still an active supporter of the game, Van Oosten’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers.
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