Australian Football

One of the first Tasmanians to make a significant impact in Victorian football, George Vautin began his senior career with Launceston-based NTFA side City. In 1889 he was a member of a Tasmanian representative side that played four matches in Victoria, and one presumes that it was during this tour that he came to the attention of Essendon officials, for the 1890 season saw him lining up for the Same Old.

Renowned for his pace, elusiveness and guile, Vautin quickly established himself as one of the VFA's top rovers and indeed players. Between 1891 and 1892 he helped Essendon to four successive premiership wins. Still a top quality performer when Essendon became a founder member of the VFL in 1897, Vautin was a key contributor to the club's flag win that year. Having played an unknown number of  VFA games, he then added a total of 26 VFL matches in 1897 and 1898 before retiring at the end of the latter season.

Author - John Devaney