Australian Football

Ray Ball was a strong, close checking key position defender who had few frills about his game, but who generally performed solidly, particularly during his time with South Melbourne. Prior to joining South he spent three seasons with Richmond but only played 12 senior games during that time without kicking a goal. Seeking greater opportunities he crossed to the Swans in 1971 and, after struggling with injuries in his first season, became a more or less permanent fixture in the seniors for the following three years. He played 43 games for South and, just as with the Tigers, he failed to score a goal.

From 1975 to 1978 Ball played 51 games and scored three goals for VFA first division side Caulfield. He rounded off his playing career with a two season stint as captain-coach of Mulgrave, which yielded an Eastern Football League division two premiership in 1979.

Author - John Devaney