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Full name
Bert Harper
Known as
Bert Harper
Born
26 January 1923
Died
29 December 1992 (aged 69)
Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 20y 102d
Last game: 29y 142d
Height and weight
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Senior clubs
Essendon
Jumper numbers
Essendon: 12, 13, 8
Club | League | Career span | Games | Goals | Avg | Win % | AKI | AHB | AMK | BV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essendon | V/AFL | 1943-1944, 1946-1952 | 76 | 32 | 0.42 | 66% | — | — | — | 7 |
Total | 1943-1944, 1946-1952 | 76 | 32 | 0.42 | 66% | — | — | — | 7 |
AFL: 5,148th player to appear, 3,157th most games played, 2,841st most goals kickedEssendon: 570th player to appear, 248th most games played, 243rd most goals kicked
Originally from Castlemaine, where he played between 1939 and 1941, Bert Harper made his VFL debut with Essendon in 1943, but a combination of army commitments and recurring injury problems restricted him to just 76 games in almost 10 seasons. A useful utility player, he boasted commendable speed, was extremely aggressive, and kicked accurately to position. He was equally effective across half forward or half back, as well as on a wing. He played in Essendon premiership teams in 1946 and 1950, but missed the winning Grand Final of 1949 with a knee injury.
Author - John Devaney