Australian Football

Clever wingman Joe Groves was a member of Essendon’s first league team in 1897 and later that year became a premiership player as the Same Old won the VFL’s inaugural flag. His initial stint with Essendon lasted until 1900 and saw him play 57 games without registering a single goal. From 1901 to 1903 he played in the VFA for Footscray before crossing to North Melbourne in 1904. North went top that year, although there was no grand final, as opponents Richmond objected to the choice of umpire and in effect forfeited. Groves, however, was a member of the team which overcame Footscray in the previous week’s final and is therefore entitled to be called a premiership player.

Groves remained with North until 1908 when he returned for one last VFL game with Essendon.

Author - John Devaney