A promising career as a jockey at 17, when he actually spent time in Queensland, was thwarted by a significant growth spurt. He lived in Morningside under the tutelage of Fred Best, and knocked back an offer to play for what was to become future arch rivals in the Panthers. After returning to Victoria he was a late starter to football at 19. When working as a carpenter a young John Blair was a work colleague. He quickly made his mark with 180 VFA games, a B&F and Team of the Century membership at Mordialloc.
A gangly but athletic Ruckman who was a priority recruit by Southport from Coolangatta for their entry to the QAFL in 1983. Won the Sharks’ first two QAFL B&F awards in 1983-84, and tied for the ’83 Grogan Medal with Sherwood’s Bill Peirce. Played in three premiership sides in 1983-85-87 and was No.1 QAFL ruckman of the mid-late 1980s. Was a State team stalwart, wearing the Maroons jumper 13 times during the successful 1980s era.
Chosen in the Southport Celebration Team of 1983-2008 to mark the club’s first 25 years in the AFLQ competition, he kicked off a new AFLQ tradition in 2008 when he presented the premiership cup to his former club.
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