Frank Gill

Player Stats

Biography

A tough, tenacious and hard-hitting defender of the old school, Frank Gill could lay strong claim to having been the finest full back in Carlton's history. Originally from Wimmera League club Nhill, he spent fourteen seasons with the Blues, between 1929 and 1942, playing a total of 205 VFL games, and winning a best and fairest award in 1939. He was one of the best players afield when Carlton overcame Collingwood by 15 points in the 1938 VFL grand final, having also played well in the losing grand final against Richmond six years earlier. One of the longest kicks in the game, and brilliant overhead, he was a master of upsetting opponents using a range of surreptitious means that avoided attracting the ire of umpires. He was one of many top footballers to make the ultimate sacrifice during World War Two.

Author - John Devaney