Chook Raper was before my time but my Dad spoke of watching him play the old interstate matches, tests against GB (when international football was the pinnacle). My dad said he is the hardest bloke he had ever seen on a football field, relentless in defence, quite skilful as a ball playing middle but equally adept at running hard and straight.
Through my love of the history of the game I have come to watch plenty of old footage, what a player.
I wish I had been around to watch him live. I shouldn’t complain though, I did get to see Wally, Gene Miles and plenty of other in the BRL mid 80’s at local grounds.