Australian Football

An extremely vigorous and determined footballer who invariably gave one hundred per cent effort, Jack Hale began his senior career with Carlton as a half forward flanker and also played many games as a defender. However, it is as a rover that he is best remembered, most particularly for a superlative performance in the 1938 grand final defeat of Collingwood. 

Quite tall and hefty for a 1930s rover at 175cm and 78.5kg, he used his strength to good effect, and was also a fine overhead mark. Between 1933 and 1941 he played a total of 123 VFL games and booted 78 goals for the Blues, as well as representing the VFL at the 1937 Perth carnival. He was forced to retire prematurely aged just 26 after breaking his leg. 

Hale returned to football as non-playing coach of South Melbourne midway through the 1948 season, and remained at the helm until the end of the following year. He later coached Hawthorn between 1952 and 1959, steering the side to its first ever finals series in 1957.

Author - John Devaney