Australian Football

Strongly built, agile and quick, Viv Valentine was one of the earliest of the many brilliant Tasmanian players to have made their mark in Victorian football over the years. Originally from Launceston, he made his debut with the club of that name in 1906. His impact was immediate and pronounced, and later that year he was selected to represent a combined NTFA team against a visiting Collingwood combination. The following season he was transferred in his employment, and joined Latrobe, where he played for two highly successful years.

In 1908, Valentine was selected to represent Tasmania at the inaugural Australian championships in Melbourne, but was unable to travel. Another job-related move in 1909, this time to Devonport, saw Valentine fronting up with Mersey, which won that season's NWFA premiership. In a challenge match at the end of the year against TFL and state premier Cananore, a Valentine-inspired Mersey caused something of a sensation by winning easily.

After one final season with Mersey, Viv Valentine ventured across the Bass Strait to join Carlton, where he would play out the remaining eight seasons of his league career. His vigorous, all action approach to the game coupled with his renowned penchant for performing at his best in inclement weather made him a success in the VFL right from the start and he was selected as first rover in the VFL's 1911 carnival team.

Later on, he played in the Blues' 1915 premiership side, as well as the losing Grand Final combination of 1916. He played 116 VFL games for Carlton, kicking 91 goals. In 1919, the season after his retirement as a player, he became the first Tasmanian ever to coach a VFL side when he steered his former teammates to fourth place on the ladder. He was replaced as coach the following year by Norman Clark, but his all round contribution to the club had been considerable, and was recognised shortly afterwards with life membership.

Author - John Devaney