Australian Football

Despite a late start to his league football career - he was already twenty-four when he joined South Adelaide from Blyth in 1934 - Jack Cockburn was one of the most accomplished footballers of his generation. Often evocatively referred to as 'The human horse stinger', he won a Magarey Medal in only his second season, was a key member of two South Adelaide premiership teams, and played 7 times for the state. His Magarey Medal win was memorably saluted in the "SANFL Football Budget" thus:

Although of particularly robust physique, Cockburn has compelled admiration by the transparent fairness of his methods, and his concentration on the ball. What an easy task our umpires would be set if every player emulated Cockburn's style! The ball is invariably his objective, and his brilliance in gaining possession by dashing groundwork, and brilliant high flying, has made him the outstanding player of the season.¹

While stationed briefly in Melbourne during World War Two, Cockburn played 10 VFL games with Essendon including the Bombers' grand final loss to Richmond in 1943. The last of his 151 league games for South Adelaide (SANFL) was played in 1947. He also played briefly in the VFA with Williamstown as well as making 16 appearances for the South Adelaide-Sturt combination which competed in the SANFL between 1942 and 1944.

Few people would have been surprised when he gained a place on a half back flank in South Adelaide's official 'Greatest Team'.

Author - John Devaney