Australian Football

Described in 'The Australasian' as "the crack high mark of the Association", Syd Hall was a stalwart of Preston's early VFA sides. He began with the club during its early Victorian Junior Football Association days, continued in 1903 (after a short stint with Essendon's VFL side in 1902) when it entered the VFA, and remained there throughout what was a time of almost risible under-achievement, until 1911. The following year, when Preston underwent a forced 'merger' with Northcote - it was actually tantamount to a take-over - Hall elected to play with the Brickfielders, while a team calling itself Preston embarked on a decade and a half stint in the VJFA.

Hall played for much of his career as a centre half back, in which position he represented the VFA in matches against against South Australia. In 1915, he joined Preston's VJFA team as captain-coach, but any long term coaching aspirations were thwarted by the war.

Syd Hall's two brothers, Parry and 'Dooey', also represented Preston with distinction prior to the Great War.

Author - John Devaney, with updates by Andrew Gigacz