Australian Football

Originally from Colac, Jack Carney was recruited by Geelong in 1930 and made his VFL debut in the opening round of that season against North Melbourne. At just 160cm in height and 54kg, he remains the smallest player ever to represent the Cats at senior level, and indeed was one of the most diminutive men ever to play VFL football, allegedly wearing size three boots. His small stature earned him the nickname of 'Mickey Mouse', and would undoubtedly have been a severe handicap were it not for his boundless courage and superb turn of speed, especially over that vital first three to five metres or so.

Carney played a total of 79 senior games for Geelong, including the winning Grand Final of 1931 against Richmond, when he had 26 telling disposals from centre wing to be one of the most damaging players on view. He crossed to Carlton in 1936, and went on to add a further 84 VFL games to his tally over the ensuing half a dozen seasons. In 1938 he had the satisfaction of playing in a second premiership team when he was on a wing in the Blues' 15 point Grand Final defeat of Collingwood. A regular interstate representative, Jack Carney later served as a Carlton committee man.

Author - John Devaney