Australian Football

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Key Facts

Full name
James Abernethy

Known as
Jim Abernethy

Born
4 November 1902

Died
1 October 1974 (aged 71)

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 20y 189d
Last game: 29y 255d

Height and weight
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 81 kg

Senior clubs
Melbourne

Jumper numbers
Melbourne: 14, 4

Family links
Bob Abernethy (Brother)

Jim Abernethy

ClubLeagueCareer spanGamesGoalsAvgWin %AKIAHBAMKBV
MelbourneV/AFL1923-1924, 1926-1932130610.4755%11.253.332
Total1923-1924, 1926-1932130610.4755%11.253.332

Pre 1965 stats are for selected matches only

AFL: 2,788th player to appear, 1,682nd most games played, 1,741st most goals kickedMelbourne: 407th player to appear, 104th most games played, 121st most goals kicked

A high mark, an accurate right foot kick and rare pace were the attributes which made him an outstanding utility...¹

Melbourne recruited Bruce Abernethy from Wesley College and had to stave off opposition from St Kilda in order to sign him. Originally from Shepparton, he debuted with the Fuchsias in 1921 and impressed as a tough, hard hitting defender who was equally at home on a half back flank or in a back pocket. He could also ‘pinch hit’ on the forward lines when required. He spent the 1925 season with his home town club, Shepparton, but resumed in time to be a part of Melbourne’s rousing premiership triumph the following year. Indeed, Abernethy was one of the best players on view as the Fuchsias crushed Collingwood by 57 points, 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62).

Jim Abernethy, who won his club’s ‘most versatile player of the season’ award in 1927, continued with Melbourne until 1932, by which time he had played 130 VFL games and kicked 61 goals.

Author - John Devaney

Footnotes

1. “Shepparton Advertiser”, 24/5/46, page 14.

Sources

Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers by Russell Holmesby & Jim Main; http://demonwiki.org/Jimmy+Abernethy, Crème de la Crème

Footnotes

* Behinds calculated from the 1965 season on.
+ Score at the end of extra time.