Australian Football

Regarded by some as the greatest player of his time, George Coulthard was a major reason behind Carlton's success in the early years of the VFA, most notably in its premiership year of 1877. Quick, highly skilled, aggressive and versatile, 'The Australasian' in 1879 described Coulthard as "the grandest player of his day". Capable of playing in most positions, he was a superb kick, particularly over distance, and was the VFA's leading goal kicker on three occasions (once jointly). 

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A farmer by trade, he travelled north in 1877 to spread the football gospel to the 'heathens' of New South Wales, only to cut his journey short after he was allegedly attacked by a shark while out fishing from a boat.

In addition to his splendid all round talent, Coulthard was not a man to take a backward step. In 1882 he was involved in two fiery altercations with Hotham's Joey Tankard, after the second of which he was suspended for the remainder of the season. 

Tragically, his senior football career came to an end, after a mere seven seasons, without his playing another senior game. In 1883, aged just 27, he contracted tuberculosis, and died shortly afterwards.

Author - John Devaney