In August 1915 the Sydney Morning Herald reported:
A. Quill graduated in the junior ranks with Ultimo, Bulwarra, was with West Sydney in 1911, 1912, and 1913, and has played with Glebe in every match this season – the only player who can boast of such distinction. He is an energetic outside-right, and a little more experience in first-class company should bring him into the first flight. Quill was born at Ultimo 22 years ago, is 5ft 7in high, and weighs 9st 9lb.
Arthur Quill was 21 when the war started and was one of the most promising players in Sydney. He played outside right for a number of clubs including West Sydney and Ultimo in the junior competitions before getting a run with Glebe in the Sydney First League. Quill was part of the New South Wales team that toured Queensland in 1914.
Quill served with the 4th battalion in France and was a Lance Corporal when the war ended. He returned to Sydney on Christmas eve in 1918.