Australian Football

A Collingwood stalwart for a decade, Ken Turner packed plenty of ability, drive and courage into his slightly stocky 178 cm, 76 kg frame. A staunch Magpie supporter as a youngster, he worked his way through the club's junior ranks before making his senior VFL debut in the fifth round of the 1956 season against Carlton at Princes Park. On 16 September that year he lined up on a half forward flank in the losing Grand Final against Melbourne, and he would later play in the losing play-offs of 1960 and 1964 against the same opposition.

Turner's proudest moment, however, came in the winning 1958 Grand Final - yet again against Melbourne - when his dynamic, strong-marking performance on the wing belied the wet, slippery conditions. A VFL interstate representative on seven occasions, the last of Turner's 170 VFL games came in the losing Preliminary Final of 1965 against Essendon when he was close to best afield.

Turner booted a total of 56 goals in his career, and was perhaps a touch unfortunate never to win a Copeland Trophy although he almost invariably polled well. After retiring as a player he continued to serve the club he loved as a committeeman. 

Author - John Devaney