Australian Football

In addition to being a highly determined, resourceful and effective rover, Martin Gotz (sometimes spelt 'Goetz') was also something of a character who, according to his daughter-in-law, never did a day's paid work in his life, preferring to make a living form his main passion, gambling. As a footballer, Gotz gave Carlton seven seasons and 106 games of excellent service, laced with controversy. 

He began with the Blues in 1906, but after starring all year was forced to sit out the Grand Final win over Fitzroy with injury. He made amends in 1907 and 1908, however, with key roles in the club's second and third successive premiership wins. Major controversy arose in 1912 when he sought a clearance to St Kilda; when this was refused, he opted to sit out of football for the year, but in 1913 he was back for one final season with the Blues.

Gotz had commenced his senior playing career with Port Melbourne in 1902, and that was where he finished it in 1914, having played a total of 30 VFA games for the club. In 1903 he had moved to Western Australia and played a dozen games that year for Perth, before crossing to East Fremantle the following season. Gotz played a total of 14 games for Old Easts, culminating in participation, on a half back flank, in the club's 1904 Grand Final defeat of his former side Perth. In 1905 he resumed briefly with Port Melbourne before embarking on the VFL phase of his career at Carlton.

Author - John Devaney