Born in Coburg, he arrived in Brisbane from Melbourne in 1923 after playing in the Victorian Amateurs for Old Caulfield Grammarians. A towering overhead mark, he played predominantly at centre half forward and in his first season with the Brisbane Football Club he was vice captain in their 1923 premiership. He also won the League B&F (Malemprie Cup) that year, captained Brisbane to the 1924 premiership and was Queensland vice-captain at the 1924 Hobart carnival.
His clashes with ex-Essendon defender and Valleys captain Leo O’Connor were a highlight of Brisbane football in the 1920’s. Returned to Melbourne in 1925 and was recruited by Melbourne, but after a few senior games suffered an injury that ruled him out of the famous Melbourne team that went on to win the VFL premiership.
Returning to Queensland in 1927, he played a few games for Valleys before further knee injuries led to a premature retirement. As President of the QANFL from 1935-38 he guided the League on principles from his highly successful career as a local businessman. He coached Queensland in 1936 before embarking on a political career. Returned to football administration in 1952 as chairman of the NAFC’s Queensland Advisory Board. An outstanding all-round athlete, who was also a standout boxer and in a golden era of Australian Boxing he was feted by many to turn professional but upheld his true blue amateur status by rejecting these offers. Father of David Pie, who represented Queensland in 1954, and grandson David jnr. who represented Queensland in 1980’s. Was further honoured when the Bruce Pie Cup was named after him.
AFLQ QLD
Partners
