The death of Topsy Waldron
Left ▼
Games of the eighties are recalled by the death of Alfred ‘Topsy’ Waldron yesterday. In those days behinds were not counted in the scores, although usually recorded, and there was only one change of ends, each side attacking one goal for about an hour. The game bred men sound of wind and limb.
“Waldron was a wonderful captain”, said Mr J. J. Woods, a former mayor of Kensington and Norwood, who played with him. “I remember a series of matches at the Kensington Oval between Norwood and South Melbourne in October, 1888. Norwood were the local premiers, and South had won top place in Melbourne, so it was really for the Championship of Australia. Three matches were played, and Norwood won them all, the first by 8 goals 4, the second by 6. Waldron was brilliant in them all, both as captain and player”.
"One of the cleverest dodgers and most skilful tacticians I have seen on a football field”, was one comment passed on Mr Waldron by Mr J. J. Woods, deputy vice-chairman of the Football League.
Waldron was 72, and it was during his captaincy in the eighties that Norwood built up traditions unapproached by any other club here. During the 13 years he was with the team, Norwood won eight premierships, including five in succession. He was almost as outstanding in cricket, being a forceful batsman, a good change bowler, and a reliable field. He played in interstate matches and against visiting English teams.
Ability to pass
Messrs. Woods, A. J. Roberts, and A. J. Grayson played with Norwood at the same time as Waldron, and what impressed them most was his ability to pass opponents, and his foresight as captain. “The prince of dodgers he was called”, said Mr Woods yesterday, “and he earned the title. His grip on a match was remarkable. He would study weaknesses of opponents, and concentrate on them. Many times I have seen him change the complexion of a game by changes in position when all chance seemed to have gone.
Waldron came to Adelaide when 22, after he had played a couple of seasons with Carlton, in Melbourne, and he succeeded J. Osborn as captain of Norwood. He usually played centre half-back, but occasionally took a run on the ball to spell a rover.
He was a carpenter, and after his playing days took up league umpiring. Twice married, he left a widow and grown-up family.
Footnotes
Title: Football captain of eighties Topsy Waldron dead
Author: The Register News-Pictorial Staff Writer
Publisher: The Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, SA: 1929-1931)
Date: Saturday, 8 June 1929, p.38 (Article Illustrated)
Comments
This article does not contain any comments.
Login to leave a comment.