Australian Football

George Bruce made his debut for West Adelaide in 1898 and went on to play 43 matches for the club over the next five years. In 1903 he transferred to Carlton, where he immediately impressed with his immense pace, determination, elusiveness and intelligence. Bruce's arrival coincided with the onset of a halcyon era for the Blues, and the livewire wingman was one of the key contributors to that success, being listed high among the best players in each of the side's three successive Grand Final wins from 1906 to 1908. Quite why Carlton chose to ignore players from this key era in the club's history, such as Bruce, when it named its official "Team of the Twentieth Century" remains something of a mystery.

The 1908 season saw the inaugural interstate championship series in Melbourne, and Bruce was named on a wing for the VFL's match with South Australia. However, an injury sustained in that match forced him out of the team for the decisive clash of the carnival against West Australia.

During the final couple of years of his illustrious eleven season, 181-game VFL career George Bruce acted as Carlton's secretary.

Author - John Devaney