Australian Football

Jack Sullivan commenced with Carlton’s under 19s in 1950 but had to wait five years to make his senior debut. A lightly framed wingman, he had an impressive debut season, but failed thereafter to build on the promise shown. In 1959 he was demoted to the seconds where he spent the majority of that season and the next, winning consecutive best and fairest awards at that level. He played the 66th and last of his senior VFL games in 1960, while all told he registered 21 goals.

The 1961 season found Sullivan at VFA first division team Coburg where, playing mainly in the unaccustomed position of back pocket, he quickly established himself as a key player, as well as an important on-field leader. Winner of the Lions’ 1962 best and fairest award, he skippered the side in 1963 under the expert coaching of Len Smith, and was vice-captain the following year, which proved to be his last as a player. His time with the Lions had seen him play 41 games and score three goals.

Author - John Devaney