Australian Football

Frank Mockridge was a solid, unspectacular but eminently reliable footballer who occupied a number of different roles during the course of his seven season VFL career with Geelong. Best known as a defender, he also produced good football when thrown onto the ball, especially if a negating function was called for. He joined Geelong from Chilwell, and made his league debut as a 21-year-old in the round 10 clash with South Melbourne at Corio Oval in 1925.

Later that season, the Cats broke through for their first flag for 39 years when they overcame Collingwood in the Challenge Final, but Mockridge had yet to fully establish himself, and failed to achieve selection. When Geelong next reached the decisive match of the season, against Richmond in 1931, Frank Mockridge's best days as a player were behind him, but despite having made just seven senior appearances for the year he earned a place on the bench, and ended the afternoon as a premiership player despite never actually taking the field. It was the last time Mockridge ever wore a Cats jumper as he retired after the match, having played a total of 72 VFL games and kicked two goals.

Author - John Devaney