Australian Football

Billy Cole (sometimes wrongly referred to as Billy Coles) commenced his senior career in the VFA, as a member of Northcote's all-conquering teams of the late 1920s through to the mid-30s. He was on a half forward flank, and one of the best players afield, in the club's 15.21(111) to 10.9 (69) Grand Final demolition of Port Melbourne in 1929, and played on the wing inconsecutive premiership triumphs against Coburg in 1932 and 1933.

After 101 games for the Brickfielders Cole crossed to St Kilda in the VFL in 1934, but did not make his senior debut until the following year. Between 1935 and 1937 he played a total of 29 VFL games for the Saints and kicked 19 goals. When playing at peak form, usually either on a wing or across half forward, he was elusive and highly damaging, but overall he was too inconsistent to be rated an unequivocal success.

Author - John Devaney