Australian Football

Despite his comparatively diminutive (170cm, 70kg) stature Jack Kirby certainly did not shirk the physical elements of the game. In fact, he seemed positively to thrive when the going was at its most strenuous. From 1911 to 1915 and in 1918 he played 77 VFL games for Essendon and kicked 113 goals.

A half forward flanker for most of his League career, he boasted good judgement and was a fine kick. He was also accomplished at creating the loose man in the forward lines. In both 1912 and 1913 he was the Same Old’s top goal kicker with tallies of 43 and 29 goals respectively. The undoubted highlights of his career came with his membership of winning grand final teams in 1911 against Collingwood and 1912 against South Melbourne.

Author - John Devaney