The death of Tom Chadwick
Footballers of a past generation, especially those from Essendon, heard with regret a day or two ago of the death of Tom Chadwick, who was one of the leaders of Essendon in the early days of the club, when they played their matches in the paddock behind the home of the first president, Mr. R. McCracken. In an old book in my possession, dated 1877 (49 years aqo), the following description is given of Tom Chadwick:-
"Has not played very often this season, best runner with the ball in the team, and thoroughly reliable; anywhere; medium kick."
It would be interesting to know how many of that old Essendon band are still in the land of the living. Their names are:- Adamson, J. Amess, B. Barnett, Boyd, Coote, Cox, J. Cox, Crow, Dodd, Elliott, Feehan, Forrester, Cordon, Graham, James, Kelham, Kemp, Kernan, Lethbridge, Lyons, McCarthy, C. McCracken, A. McCracken, McPhail, Miller, Morgan, J. O'Neill, F. Peake, Powell, W. Raper, Robinson, Ryan, P. Swanson, and P. Toohey. Mr. Raper, who only resigned the presidentship of his old club a year or so ago through ill-health, is still with us to talk of those wonderful old days, when none were for a party, but all for the side when playing in McCracken's old paddock.
Chadwick was a noted half-back, a man of character that lifted the status of any sport with which he was associated. After his football days, Mr. Chadwick became a famous coursing judge, unrivalled in the land, his decisions never ever being questioned.
Footnotes
Title: DEATH OF TOM CHADWICK
Author: John Worrall
Publisher: The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria, 1864-1946)
Date: 22 May 1926, p.39 (Article)
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