Australian Football

s a youngster in 1963 George Lakes was voted the best player at the Australian schoolboy championships whilst representing New South Wales, as a result of which he was regarded as a highly desirable commodity. Allegedly, eight out of 10 SANFL clubs as well as several from the VFL vied to secure his signature, with Melbourne ultimately winning the race. A glittering schoolboy career does not automatically guarantee success at senior level, however, and during his time in the VFL Lakes was repeatedly hampered by injuries. A centreman for most of his league career, he clearly boasted exceptional ability but his body had problems coping with the brutal realities of top level football. From 1968 to 1972 he played 49 games with the Demons and registered 20 goals.

In 1973 Lakes crossed to South Melbourne where he failed to establish himself, playing just half a dozen games and scoring a couple of goals for the year before calling time on his VFL career.

Author - John Devaney