Australian Football

Tom Hedley commenced his senior career with Williamstown, for whom he played between 1899 and 1902. Williamstown was a top four side in the VFA throughout that period, and Hedley established a reputation as one of the most consistent and commanding ruckmen in the competition. As a result, it was no surprise when he was enticed to VFL club Essendon in 1903 where, initially at least, his performances only served to enhance his reputation. Midway through his debut season he was selected to represent the VFL against the Ballarat Football League in Ballarat.

After 10 games of the 1904 season, however, it emerged that Hedley was unhappy with football in the VFL, and he asked for a transfer to North Melbourne in the VFA. This was refused, but when the 1905 season began he was back in the VFA in any case, albeit with Footscray. Over the ensuing three seasons, Hedley proved himself a fine player with the Tricolours, whose rucks he led in the losing Grand Final of 1906 against West Melbourne. He later returned to Footscray for two further, brief stints, in 1909 and 1913.

Author - John Devaney