A famous Collingwood footballer
The famous Collingwood player, Les. Hughes, is entitled to be numbered among the greatest footballers of the day. He has given abundant evidence that he possesses those qualifications which count for greatness in any branch of sport—mastery of the details of play, judgment in putting them into operation and a clear appreciation that he is not playing a lone hand, but has a common purpose with his fellow-teamsmen. Then Hughes has stamina that has not only seen a game or two out, but has endured the strain of many seasons in the field.
When the capable Collingwood man was a dashIng youngster his services to his side were valuable; but years of hard work have not impaired his importance as a factor in Collingwood football. He is as useful at the moment as he was in early youth. The first bounce sets his ardour glowing, and the time-bell finds it still burning.
Endurance is a first essential in the make-up of a follower, and Hughes has it in ample measure. Perseverance is another necessity of back play, and here again the Collingwood specialist is richly endowed. An even temper is highly desirable and once more Hughes fills the trill to overflowing. His outstanding fairness, indeed, wins the warm approval of opponents, who are always glad to meet so good a sport however tough his opposition may be.
Clever at marking
The popular veteran is a wonderful mark, who makes the utmost use of this height. His kicking is notably accurate, whether the drop or punt is used. Collingwood rovers, waiting on the fringe of the scramble, can all testify to his skill in hitting out to them. Jogging tirelessly from start to finish, Hughes is a constant battler who indulges no relaxing of effort and yields to no weariness.
For 12 years Hughes has been a kind of foundation member of the Collingwood team. His junior apprenticeship consisted of one season with Collingwood Traders for whom he helped to win a creditable premiership. When not following he plays half-forward. That he has not been misplaced there, is apparent from the club's records, which show that he has actually headed the goal-kicking list for a season. A fortnight ago six sixers were collected by this versatile veteran at the expense of Melbourne. This would be a notable bag even for a specialist, let alone an all-round man.
Training methods do not worry the big Woodman. Ordinary routine work enables him to keep on the move all the afternoon, and he is naturally satisfied to leave well alone. Being appropriately limbed for a man of 6ft. 2in., he gets aibout without a suggestion of clumsiness, his 13-stone 10lbs. being carried with the ease of the lightweight.
Like other staunch clubmen, Les Hughes thinks the season's premiership will fall to Collingwood. He likes playing at Victoria Park, particularly when it is decorated with the pennant for the previous year. But all grounds suit the evergreen follower. He seems at home anywhere, and never appears to have a day off.
During the summer months cricket has sometimes tempted Hughes, but he makes no profession of star qualifications in the gentler pastime. All the same, he did some service for Collingwood Footballers in years gone by.
"Boxer" Milne admired
Asked to recall some of the best players he has met in the football field, this experienced observer at once exclaimed, "Too numerous to mention." He was incautious enough, however, to let the name of "Boxer" Milne slip out. How would Hughes himself compare with such a man as "Boxer" Milne, or with, say, Cumberland or Henry Young? Those who may be curious on the subject are invited to inquire at Victoria Park.
Footnotes
Title: A famous Collingwood footballer. Career of Les Hughes. Publisher: The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882-1950), syndicated from the ‘Weekly Times’. Date: Wednesday 2 July 1919, Third Edition, p.2 (Article) Author: Rover ("Weekly Times) Web: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article81394525
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