Australian Football

Wally Lock gave solid service to Melbourne in a war-interrupted 140 VFL game career, commencing in 1936 and ending 13 years later. Early in his career he suffered a number of disappointments, missing the club’s triumphant 1939 grand final through suspension, and the following year’s winning play-off with injury. He finally got to play in a premiership team in 1941 when, lining up at full back, he was the best player afield in a 29 point grand final defeat of Essendon.

Between 1942 and 1945 Lock served in the army, but when he resumed his football career in 1946 he quickly showed that he had lost none of his prowess. He won a club best and fairest award in 1947 and was named in the prestigious Sporting Life Team of the Year the same season.

In 1948 Wally Lock again missed the opportunity to play in a premiership team when he injured his knee in the second semi final clash with Essendon. Melbourne went on to turn the tables on the Bombers after a replayed grand final.

The high esteem in which Lock is held was reflected in his inclusion as an interchange player in Melbourne’s official ‘Team of the Century’.

Author - John Devaney