Australian Football

One of Port Melbourne's all time greats, wingman/centreman Billy McGee played 153 games for the club in two separate stints, and was captain from midway through the 1900 season until 1902, and again in 1907 and 1910, when he also coached the side. Renowned for his tremendous skill and intelligent use of the ball, he was a member of the Port Melbourne side that, in 1897, won the first VFA flag to be contested following the defection of the eight VFL founder members. Four years later he led the club to another premiership, although he was forced to miss the season's decisive match following the death of his sister. (Until 1903, VFA premierships went to the team which headed the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away rounds.)

From 1903 until 1906 McGee played with South Melbourne where, over the course of 51 VFL games, he enhanced his already high reputation still further. In 1904 he captained the side to fifth place on the ladder.

Returning to Port in 1907, McGee continued to give excellent service for another five seasons, but the side proved unable to repeat its earlier successes. McGee's importance in the history of the Port Melbourne Football Club was affirmed in 2003 when he was selected on a wing in the club's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Author - John Devaney