Australian Football

Despite his comparatively light (184cm, 80kg) frame Grant Allford was able to hold down either a defensive or forward key position with aplomb. He commenced his senior career with Latrobe in 1968 for whom he played 17 games and kicked 19 goals before crossing to Richmond in the VFL where he spent two seasons in the lower grades before making his senior debut in 1971. Playing mainly as a fullback, he made a generally good impression, without necessarily stamping himself as an invaluable player. Between 1971 and 1973 he played 30 VFL games for the Tigers whilst registering one goal.

The 1974 season found him at Claremont where he gave good service in 79 WANFL games over four seasons, during which he booted 62 goals. He then returned to Tasmania where his five season (81 game, 36 game) stint with Launceston saw him represent Tasmania on a couple of occasions besides winning both a club best and fairest and the equivalent award for the NTFA, both in 1980.

Author - John Devaney