Australian Football

'Ned' Officer, who joined Essendon from Scotch College, was one of the finest full backs of the late 19th century. Big, burly and athletic, he played the position with vigour, authority and panache. He was a superb kick, and combined great aerial ability with solid ground play. Originally from Warrnambool, he moved to Melbourne without having played senior football in order to study medicine. When Essendon won four consecutive VFA premierships between 1891 and 1894, Officer was a stalwart of the side, and one of its key performers. His penultimate season, 1897, was his club's first in the VFL. After retiring from football during the 1898 season he moved to Perth where he worked as a doctor.

Author - John Devaney