Almanac Footy: The Story of Jack Wrout – Roger Spaull

 

JACK WROUT OF NORTH MELBOURNE & CARLTON

 

A RESILIENT, SPIRITED & TALENTED CHAMPION.

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Jack Wrout began his VFL career at North Melbourne at a time when the club struggled to make inroads in the league. . Because of NMFC’s lowly position on the ladder, in that era, it appears that the achievements of Jack and several other Northerners may have been marginalized by VFL historians. Jack was quite an idol of the NMFC faithful and an emerging young star of VFL football before he crossed to Princes Park in 1936.

 

A little known fact is that Jack Wrout was selected to play for Victoria in 1933 after just a handful of games with the Shinboners (i.e. North Melbourne).  It was a astonishing selection and while fully justified it seems to have been overlooked in many accounts of Jack’s football career.

 

In his 130 games with the Blues, Jack developed into one of the best half forwards of that epoch. As a player, he always made his ‘presence felt’ but never more so than in 1938 when he ‘stood tall’ and helped Carlton to a long-awaited premiership. Unfortunately, this remarkable footballer was forced into retirement in 1944. This is the story of Jack Wrout…

 

EARLY DAYS-CYMS FOOTBALL

 

John (aka Jack) Everett Wrout was born in West Melbourne in 1911; and commenced his education St Mary’s Primary School before attending the Christian Brothers College in North Melbourne.

 

 

St Mary’s Primary School – Source-: Golden Jubilee of the Christian Brothers’ College.

 

 

Jack Wrout won the Under 15 High Jump at the Christian Brothers College sports day.   Source:  Advocate  October 26^th 1926 Page: 26.

 

 

It is documented that Jack then played in the CYMS (i.e. Catholic Young Mens Society) Football League. The CYMS was as a ‘fertile breeding ground’ for VFL footballers; and the competition had a good reputation, throughout the suburbs, for its standard of football. The history of CYMS football can be traced back as far back as 1895 and…

 

“By the 1930’s the CYMS had established competitions across Melbourne and before the WW 2, the CYMS competition also played combined matches against rival interstate teams.  Source:  ‘The Argus’ August 20^th/ 1938.

 

One source said that Jack played with the Ascot Vale CYMS team; but in another interview in 1933, it is also mentioned that he had played with the West Melbourne CYMS team…

 

 

Extract text: “For CYMS the most conspicuous were Wrout (the East Melbourne half back)…”  Source: ‘The Age’ August 17^th 1931. Page: 12.

 

 

A SERIOUS INJURY TO OVERCOME

 

Unfortunately, Jack Wrout suffered a debilitating   injury during his years at Christian Brothers College. It is believed that, at the age of sixteen years, Jack suffered a severe compound fracture of his leg following a fall from a building in Flinders Street.

 

The break was complicated; and the situation was so grave that, at one point during Jack’s hospitalization, the doctors had considered amputation. It is stated in the text ‘Carlton-The 100 Greatest’ that Jack carried the scars of that dramatic episode for the ‘rest of his life.’ However, ‘The Argus’ in 1933 gave brief reference to the fact that Jack was forced to stand out of football for two years…

 

“Jack was educated at the *Christian Brothers College, North Melbourne, but, unfortunately, his services as a footballer were denied the school eighteen. He broke his leg…and was not able to play the game again until two years after he left the college, when he stripped for the C.Y.M.S. team at West Melbourne.” Source: ‘The Argus’ July 20^th. 1933.

 

NORTH MELBOURNE SIGNS TEENAGER JACK WROUT

 

It was some time in the 1930 season that Jack Wrout, (who was playing as a defender in CYMS football), came under the notice of North Melbourne FC officials.   Other well-known VFL players who started their careers in the CYMS suburban competition included:  Bob Green ( Carlton-Ascot Vale CYMS ), Leo Merrett ( Richmond-Glen Iris CYMS), Ted Leehane ( Essendon-Brunswick CYMS), Jim Bohan ( Hawthorn-Hawthorn CYMS), Claude Curtain( Fitzroy-North Brunswick CYMS ) and Jack Gibby ( Footscray-Kew CYMS).

 

The Christian Brothers College ‘cultivated’ many VFL footballers and ‘The Advocate’ (April 9^th1936) published an extensive list (including Jack Wrout’s name) of students who had graduated from the CBC to VFL ranks.

 

 

Text: “Jack Wrout was congratulated on his play for the CYMS in the Inter-union game.” Source: ‘The Advocate’ September 3^rd 1932. Page: 26

 

JACK WROUT MAKES HIS VFL DEBUT IN 1931

 

AFL records indicate that Jack Wrout first played with North Melbourne Senior XVIII in Round: 17 in September 1931.  It was late in the season for any young player to break into  VFL ranks   but it appears that Jack may   have rejected an earlier offer to play with the North Melbourne Seconds in that same year.  On the day of his VFL debut, Jack’s age is listed in the VFL archives as 19 years and 332 days.

 

 

Jack Wrout crossed to Arden Street from CYMS West Melbourne in 1931. Jack played two games that season in Round: 17 (Melbourne) and against Footscray (Round: 18). The source of this photograph, showing the outer at Arden Street, was the ‘Weekly Times.’

 

It is documented that Jack played two senior games (Rounds: 17 and 18) in 1931.  He made his VFL debut at the MCG, against Melbourne; and was  one of three teenagers who played for NMFC that day.  The others ‘youngsters’ were George Peters and Syd Barker Jnr (the son of the famous VFL and VFA star Sydney Quinton Barker).

 

Melbourne kept the Shinboners goal-less in the last quarter to record an easy victory by 44 points. Other well-known VFL players who played for North Melbourne that day in 1931 included: Wally Carter, John Lewis (see below) George Jerram, Neville Huggins and Johnny Gregory.

 

 

Johnny Lewis. This photo of Johnny Lewis was published in ‘The North Story.’ Norm Smith once said: “If ever there was a strong player in league football, Johnny Lewis was the strongest.” Source: R. Holmesby and J. Main ‘The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers.”  Johnny played 150 games with NMFC and 46 games with Melbourne FC.  

 

In Round: 18, Footscray defeated North Melbourne in a low scoring affair by nine points. Jack Wrout, played in defence that day, and was listed among North’s better players in ‘The Age’ newspaper’s review of the game…

 

“North’s best were Cameron (wing)…Gregory (half-back). Huggins, Wrout and Donnellon were reliable defenders-W. Lewis (first appearance) and Jackson followed well …” Source: ‘The Age’ September 14^th. 1931.

 

An interesting historical fact, about that game, is that the coach of North Melbourne was listed as Jack Pemberton. Jack had played three games with Richmond in 1908; and it appears that he only coached NMFC for eight games that season. NMFC Historian, Father Gerard Dowling mentions that Norm ‘Hackenschmidt’ Clark (ex-Carlton) was also coach of the club for some part of that season.

 

It is not known if Jack Pemberton was sacked or resigned from the job; and  the available records indicate that former Melbourne centreman, Dick Taylor, was appointed to the position of coach of the Northerners in 1932.

 

 

Dick Taylor was an elite centreman who played 164 games for Melbourne before crossing as playing- coach to NMFC (1932-34).  He coached North Melbourne on 42 occasions and had a win-loss ratio of 32.14%  Dick represented Victoria on 15 occasions.

 

A SLOW START IN VFL FOOTBALL

 

Jack Wrout did not exactly ‘set the world on fire’ in his first full season of VFL football; and he struggled to secure a permanent position in the Senior XVIII.  In 1932 Jack played in the Round: 1 clash against Geelong at Corio Oval but after that game, he could only cobble together four more games that season.

 

 

Source:  ‘The Age’ May 6^th 1932 Page: 6

 

It was hard to uncover why Jack managed just five senior games in 1932; and perhaps he was injured but that could not be confirmed for this article.

 

As can be seen in the above extract (May 6^th 1932), Jack was omitted from the team (due to injury) for the clash against Essendon but he returned for the game against South Melbourne at Arden Street on May 21^st (Round: 4)

 

North Melbourne made some headway in 1932;  and  the club  finished the year on a ‘high note’ with three successive victories ( Round 16: defeated  Melbourne by 25 points …Round:  17 defeated St Kilda by 20 points …Round 18 defeated Footscray 26 points). Those three wins lifted the club to eighth rung on the VFL Ladder with eight wins and a percentage of 97.1%. Dick Taylor had delivered some hope to Arden Street and the loyal fans had begun to ‘dream again.’ Note:  NMFC had finished on the bottom of the VFL Ladder in 1931 (with no wins and 18 losses and a dismal percentage of just 50.8%),

 

1933 JACK WROUT UNLEASHES HIS FULL POTENTIAL

 

 

Jack Wrout (No: 3) in action against Richmond at Punt Road in Round:  2 1933.
Caption text:  “An exciting moment in the Richmond versus North Melbourne game last Saturday. M. Sheehan is watching M. Bolger, Richmond, beat T. Fitzmaurice for the ball, whilst J. Wrout, North Melbourne, fails to judge the flight. Source: ‘Table Talk’ May 11^th 1933.

 

By the start of the 1933 season, Jack Wrout had amassed a total of only seven Senior XVIII games; and very few experts, if any, could have predicted the way in which young Jack took his football to a higher level in the early part of that season.

 

It is possible that some football scribes may have glossed over Jack’s performances;  and perhaps others were ‘caught napping’ but by Round: 12,  Jack Wrout  had worked his way into consideration for selection in the Victorian team to participate in  the Australian National Football Carnival,  in Sydney in August,  that year. It was a ‘purple patch’ in Jack’s career.

 

In the first twelve rounds of in 1933, Jack Wrout had not only cemented his place in the Shinboners’ team but found his name was being associated with VFL luminaries. He had come from the ‘back of the pack’ to gain VFL selection.

 

The Victorian squad included  such household names as Bob Pratt ( South Melbourne), Reg Hickey (Geelong),Allan Hopkins (Footscray ), Gordon Coventry (Collingwood),  Gordon Strang (Richmond) and the legendary Haydn Bunton from Fitzroy.  Young Jack Wrout must have pinched himself for being among such distinguished company. It was a meteoric rise in football and underlined Jack’s maturity, spirit and, above all, his undoubted ability.

 

JACK WROUT IS NAMED IN THE VICTORIAN SQUAD FOR SYDNEY

 

 

 

Source: ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ July 11^th 1933. Page: 13. The photograph is of Charlie Gaudion.  Charlie (ex-Footscray and Coburg) was North Melbourne’s other representative in the 1933 Victorian team. Charlie was a versatile utility player and was the skipper of the VFL in 1936. Charlie’s son, Michael, was a star with NMFC and also for Eaglehawk.

 

 

As can be seen above, Jack Wrout was included in the Victorian squad for the Sydney Carnival.  Syd Coventry was the skipper and Reg Hickey was the vice-captain. Jack’s team mate from NMFC, Charlie Gaudion, was also included in the squad. Charlie would, in time, become a star in interstate football.   The state teams that participated in the series were:  Canberra, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. The carnival was played over eleven days (August 2^nd -August 12^th).

 

 

The 1933 Sydney Carnival Record. Source: NSW Football History Society.

 

The football ‘extravaganza’ was an important event on the national sporting calendar; and an opportunity for the game of Australian Rules football to make further inroads into ‘foreign territory.’

 

A BAD BREAK IN MORE THAN ONE WAY

 

Injury is the bane of all footballers and misfortune could not have come at a worse time for Jack Wrout. He had set the scenes ablaze with his brilliant forward play in the early part of 1933 but tragedy struck when he fractured his leg at the Brunswick Street Oval in Round: 12…

 

 

 

 

Jack Wrout’s injury was big news in football circles as shown by ‘The Herald’ in July 1933. 

 

“LEG BROKEN SIMPLY Wrout Misses Sydney Trip NO HARD KNOCK

 

1. Wrout, the North Melbourne half-forward, who will miss a trip to Sydney with the Victorian Football League’s carnival team because who broke his leg in the North Melbourne -Fitzroy match oil Saturday, is still wondering how it happened.”I can’t get over it” he said today. “It was the simplest accident imaginable. I just went up for a mark, slipped and fell, and could hardly believe it when I found I couldn’t rise, because my leg was broken. Nobody even touched me while I was in the air.

 

“I have had hundreds of falls like that playing football, and scores of really hard knocks, but not anything really serious before. It is almost laughable to think that I stood up to all those knocks, only to go down in this fashion. “It hurts to miss a trip to Sydney. That’s the worst of this accident.”

 

NATURE OF FRACTURE Wrout has been transferred from the Melbourne Hospital to a private hospital in Flinders Lane. The extent of the fracture of his leg will not be known until tomorrow, but it is believed that it is q simple break. Five years ago, when at school, Wrout broke his arm and leg when he fell three storeys from a building in course of construction to a cobble-stone pavement. That accident stopped his football for nearly three years. Now he may miss another year.”

 

It is known that the Victorian selectors called upon Ronald ‘Jimmy’   Adamson to replace Jack’s place in the squad. However, in an extremely generous and caring gesture, Jack’s Wrout’s team mates contemplated sending him to Sydney to be part of the action despite being unable to play

 

“The young player is an idol at North, and genuinely popular with the players, so they will do their best to raise a sum sufficient to send him over. All, of course, depends upon whether Wrout will be able to travel. North’s move is a fine example of splendid club spirit.”  ‘Sporting Globe’ July 19^th 1933

 

 

Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ July 19^th 1933. Page 8

 

For Jack, the Sydney Carnival and the season were over.  As a brief summary of the 1933 season, NMFC had finished eighth on the table having won seven games with a draw (against Fitzroy in Round:1) . Jack Wrout polled five votes in the Brownlow Medal that season.

 

Note: An interesting piece of history, regarding the officer bearers at NMFC, during that period of the VFL history was that Arthur Calwell (later to be leader of the Australian Labour Party) was president of the club.

 

1934   STATE SELECTION AGAIN

 

With his leg well and truly healed, Jack sprang back into action with gusto in 1934 and played the first eight games with great success. In Round; 5 against Melbourne he booted three goals and won plaudits for efforts in his attack. This cutting was published in the ‘The Argus’ (May 8^th 1934)…

 

 

 

To underline Jack’s prominence (and resilience) he was chosen in the Victorian team that would meet South Australia in Adelaide in June.The cutting below illustrates the depth of talent in VFL football during that era; and it is important to remember that Jack Wrout was still learning his craft. Team members selected in the line-up included: Sid Coventry, Jack Regan, Haydn Bunton, Eric Zschech, Eric Huxtable (Carlton), Stan Spinks (Hawthorn)’ Colin Watson (St Kilda) and South Melbourne’s brilliant spearhead Bob Pratt. It was galaxy stars and for Jack Wrout it was true that…

 

‘Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.’

 

 

 

VFL Record Round:  6 1934. Page 12. Below is Jack Bissett who captained Victoria in 1934. Jack originally played for NarNarGoon in Gippsland. Jack later played with Richmond in two stints and won fame when he led South Melbourne to the VFL premiership in 1933. Jack Bissett was named Coach of the Sydney Swans’   Team of the Century. Photograph source: Hoadley’s Victorian Footballers series.

 

 

Jack Wrout is third from the left in the back row. Source: ‘The Age’ June 18^th 1934. Page:  6

 

As shown above, Jack was the only NMFC representative in the team; and the match was a high scoring affair and described in ‘The Australasian’ newspaper as…‘ one of the finest exhibitions ever seen at the Adelaide Oval.’  

 

The result of the match would have surprised the people ‘back home’ in Melbourne, as South Australia completely outclassed the talented Victorian combine and won 21. 15 (141) to 18. 22 (130). It was a classical exhibition of Australian Rules; and it delighted the large crowd of 26,195 (mainly South Australian supporters who bathed in the glory of overcoming such a powerful Victorian outfit).

 

 

A scene from the interstate match in June 1934. South Australia’s rover Arnold Sefton (aka Sef) Parry is heading towards goal. Sef kicked three majors that day.  Sefton Parry played for West Adelaide, East Perth, Subiaco and also played five games with Fitzroy in 1933. Sef’s first VFL match was against North Melbourne at Arden Street.  Jack Wrout played for NMFC and the result was a tie. Of the eleven goals scored by Fitzroy in that match, Jack Moriarty kicked eight.  Source of photograph:  ‘The Advertiser’ June 18^th 1934 Page: 15

 

It is difficult to gauge how Jack played in that game but it is known that he…

 

‘…goaled with a long punt during the second quarter of the match’

 

Goal kickers for Victoria: Forbes 5 Bunton 4 Pratt 4 Shea 3 Evans and Wrout

 

Best for Victoria:  Collier Forbes Huxtable Bunton Shea Bissett

 

1935 –A FORK IN THE ROAD FOR JACK WROUT

 

 

A long-lost photograph of Jack Wrout in action at North Melbourne FC.  This rare image was found after an extensive search on a website known as ‘Antiques Reporter,’

 

Although 1934 was a memorable season in Jack’s climb in VFL football, it appears that 1935 was most significant in Jack’s career because he was:

 

• Free of serious injury and played in sixteen games (22 goals).
• Established him as a key centre half forward in the league. Despite North Melbourne’s lack of success, Jack held his own and was a standout player for his club in tough and testing times.

 

 Jack received accolades for his performance against Hawthorn in Round: 1. The ‘Sporting Globe’s’  ‘Pat on the Back’ on May 1^st went to three prominent Jack’s…Jack Regan , Jack Dyer and Jack Wrout…

 

 

A ‘Pat on the Back’ for Jack Wrout from the ‘Sporting Globe’ May 1^st 1935. Page : 8

 

 

As shown in the extract below, Jack was selected in the VFL team that played Bendigo at the Upper Reserve (now known as the Queen Elizabeth Oval). The VFL 20.16 (136) defeated Bendigo 14.19 (103). The goal kickers for Victoria that day were:  Gordon Coventry 7, Comte 3 Perkins 2 Wrout 2 Poole 2 Johnson 2 Knight and Crisp.

 

 

The star studded VFL team that travelled to Bendigo in August 1935. Jack Wrout was named at centre half forward, and Gordon Coventry was the spearhead.  Source: ‘The Herald’ August 2^nd 1935 Page: 13.

 

 

The magnificent grandstand at the Upper Reserve (now known as the Queen Elizabeth Oval) where Jack Wrout played for Victoria in August 1935. It known that first class cricket matches were played on the oval in 1897.

 

North Melbourne won only one game (against Footscray in Round: 16) in 1935;   and sat ‘rock bottom’ on the VFL ladder by the end of the season.  It appeared that a ‘chronic malaise’ had descended upon Arden Street; and the way forward seemed fraught with complications. In a selfless attempt to lift the club, Tom Fitzmaurice,  who had coached the club that season,  ‘handed the reins’ to Paddy Scanlan to ‘finish the job’ in 1935.

 

1936 A MID SEASON DECISION

 

Jack brought up his 50^th game in Round: 3 1936 (against Richmond at Punt Road) but things were grim for Paddy Scanlan and his team; and, although it is only a supposition, perhaps Jack was looking for ‘greener pastures.’

 

Those readers who have played football will appreciate  the fact that there are numerous factors that cause a player to seek a clearance to another club; and at some time,  around  June 1936 , Jack Wrout decided that his ‘time was up’  at North Melbourne. It had been a difficult injury-ridden tenure at Arden Street for Jack; and, in six seasons, he played in only six winning teams in a total of 53 games.

 

It was no secret in football circles that South Melbourne was searching far and wide for tailor-made recruits; and Jack Wrout  was targeted,  by SMFC officials,  to cross to the Lakeside Oval; and,  to cut a long story short,   Jack played his last game for North Melbourne against St Kilda ( Round: 6) that year. Jack’s career was in limbo for some time as South and North tried to negotiate a deal but when the talks stalled and floundered, Carlton ‘swooped’ …

 

 

Source : Record ( emerald Hill) July 4^th 1936 Page:5

 

 ‘The Emerald Hill Record’ ( July 4^th 1936)   carried a most comprehensive report regarding the background to Jack’s decision to cross to Carlton FC mid-way through the 1936 season…

 

“ J. WROUT WANTED TO JOIN SOUTH But Slip Occurred in Negotiations

 

North Melbourne high flier, who has been unable to reproduce his best form at North, would be cleared to the local club, in exchange, for the services of a local Second Eighteen player, woo had intimated his willingness to accept North’s guarantee of a regular place in the League team. Although the player was recently omitted from South’s training list, the extensive list of injuries amongst South’s players apparently induced him to change his mind.

 

He informed South officials that he would prefer to remain with South Seconds and take his chance of regaining a place on the senior list. As a result, negotiations with North came to an abrupt end, and Wrout, who was anxious to link up with South, will now wear the Carlton colours. (Wrout’s papers were lodged with the League on Wednesday night, and he will be cleared through the special meeting of the P. and U. Committee. In return for Wrout, Carlton has cleared Crawford, a Third Eighteen player to North.” 

 

Jack’s future was ‘on hold’ as the three clubs sorted through the complicated clearance wrangle but the issue was eventually resolved (and all the VFL transfer papers were dutifully signed before the set deadline).

 

TRADING PLACES-THE WROUT FOR CRAWFORD DEAL

 

It was hard to find any extensive details of the details of the trade deal that was done by Carlton in securing Jack Wrout from North Melbourne in July 1936.    As mentioned above, Carlton swapped a ‘raw’ and inexperienced young player, named Alan Crawford, to help secure Jack’s clearance…

 

“Jack Wrout, then of North Melbourne, was exchanged for Alan Crawford, of Carlton. That was in 1936. North took the risk, for at that time Wrout was at the top of his form and one of the best players in the game, while Crawford had not played League football. The Blues thus obtained a readymade footballer with years of football before him for one who had only promise to recommend him.  Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ July 12^th 1944

 

 

A rare photograph of Alan Crawford who was part of the Jack Wrout trade to Carlton. In time, Alan proved to be a fine player for NMFC. Source:   ‘Examiner’ July 4^th 1947.

 

As time would reveal, it was one of the better swaps made in VFL football because Alan Crawford went onto render magnificent service for the Shinboners. Alan (born: 1916) played his first game for the Northerners against Footscray in Round: 18 in 1936; he was 20 years of age. In total, he played 77 games, in two stints at Arden Street.  He was a tall (187cm) and powerful ruckman; and it is said that his palming of the ball at centre and ‘around-the-ground’ stoppages was so effective that his rovers (Bill Findlay and Syd Dyer) were often given ‘arm chair rides.’

 

Alan also played in the SANFL (South Adelaide FC) and he coached two Tasmanian clubs (Launceston and Penguin). He won North Melbourne’s Best & Fairest trophy in 1944;  and also represented Victoria and South Australia in interstate matches. Alan Crawford died in 1988.

 

STABILITY AND A NEW START AT PRINCES PARK

 

 

Jack Wrout in his Carlton guernsey. Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ June 7^th 1939. Page: 10.

 

 

Jack Wrout had seen five coaches ‘at the helm’ during those difficult years at NMFC:- Norm Clark, Jim Pemberton, Dick Taylor, Tom Fitzmaurice and Paddy Scanlan. Such changes, in coaching personnel, indicated the degree of instability and volatility at Arden Street.

 

In the same period (1931-36) Carlton had only two coaches: Dan Minogue (1929-1935) and, in the year of Jack Wrout’s arrival at CFC, Frank Maher (ex-Essendon) had been appointed as the new coach. Jack missed five games of football while the clearance negotiations took place; and after an impressive display in the Carlton Seconds XVIII (with five goals) he was selected for his first senior game with Carlton FC…

 

“Wrout at Carlton.. Promotion Expected soon…Wrout the former North Melbourne and interstate player was the best player for Carlton seconds on Saturday. He was centre half forward and had a turn in the ruck. Neeson also played well; he and Wrout kicking five goals each.”  ‘ The Argus’ 21 July 1936.

 

 

JACK WROUT HITS HIS STRAPS AT CARLTON

 

Jack Wrout’s first senior game at Carlton was against Fitzroy in Round: 12 at Princes Park; and the Blues won by 28 points and Jack kicked two goals.

 

On that day his team mates included household names in VFL Football such as:  Jack Hale, Ansell Clarke, Charlie Davey, Harry Vallence, Jim Francis, Mickey Crisp, Frank Gill and Bob Green.

 

Frank Maher, as mentioned above, was the Blues’ coach while Fitzroy’s playing coach was the legendary Haydn Bunton (who kicked four goals that day).

 

 

Source: Sporting Globe June 21^st 1939 Page: 10

 

 

In the clash against Richmond in Round: 15, Jack Wrout starred with five goals which were his best-ever return to that point of time in VFL football….

 

 “…Wrout, who has plenty of determination and courage, was outstanding at centre half-forward, and rattled on five great goals.” ‘The Age’ August 17^th 1936.

 

 

 

 

Jack also received praise for his strong play and three goals in Carlton’s nail-biting one point victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park in Round: 17.Although St Kilda, led by the irrepressible Bill Mohr, unexpectedly, ‘upset the apple cart’ in the last game of the season, Carlton finished third on the VFL Ladder with 12 wins; meanwhile, Jack’s former club languished in eleventh spot with just four wins. Jack may have felt that he had made a wise decision in ‘trading places’ in 1936.

 

1936 INJURY STRIKES JACK IN HIS FIRST-EVER VFL FINAL

 

Although it was only September, it may have seemed like Christmas to Jack Wrout as he was selected to play for the Blues in his first-ever VFL final. It must have a been a genuine highlight of Jack’s football career.

 

 

Caption: FLYING FORWARDS at Carlton’s practice run last evening. Jack Wrout and Harry Vallence are the performers. They were training for the League semi-final against Melbourne on Saturday, Source: ‘The Herald’ September 11^th 1936 Page: 12

 

As mentioned above, Carlton finished third and, consequently, was set to play against Melbourne in the First Semi-Final. Carlton started firm favourites but a determined, perhaps inspired, Melbourne outfit outplayed the Blues in the early stanza and had set up a handy lead by the half-time break.  Carlton challenged strongly in the third term but inaccurate kicking marred any attempt to haul back the Redlegs’ lead.  According to Graeme Atkinson, Jack Mueller was magnificent at centre half back; and it is recorded that he lined up on Jack Wrout that day.

 

Jack Wrout had kicked one goal and was influential in attack but, as reported by Percy Taylor, he was forced from the field with a serious injury in the second quarter…

 

“…Wrout, Carlton’s centre half-forward, was playing well when he sustained a hip injury that compelled his retirement in the second quarter.”  Source: ‘The Australasian’ 14^th September 1936.

 

Further comments regarding Jack Wrout’s engrossing duel on Jack Mueller and his untimely injury were also carried in the ‘Weekly Times’…

 

“Mueller was indomitable on the half-back line, and repeatedly he swept the ball out of the danger zone. Then Wrout, Carlton’s only outstanding mark, had to leave the field owing to an injury, and Anderson, who had been preventing la Fontaine from having things all his own way in the centre, had to go forward with a badly sprained ankle.” September 19^th 1936

 

Carlton surged in the final term but broke down in front of goal. Melbourne fought desperately to hang on and win.  ‘Bad kicking is bad football’ and Carlton’s inept execution of the game’s most basic skill denied the club any chance to go deeper in the final series that year.

 

The match details were:

 

Melbourne: 5.4    9.7   13.11    14.13. (97)

Carlton:        2.4    5.9      8.16   11.22 (88) 

 

Goals for Melbourne:   Baggott 3 Glass 3 Jones 3 Reiffel 2 Taylor 2

Goals for Carlton:  Vallence 3 Clarke 3 Cooper 2 Anderson Shea Wrout

 

Best for Melbourne:  Wartman Mueller Taylor Jones Lewis Fisher Ogden Roberts 

Best for Carlton: Carney Cooper Hale Mackie Shea Clarke Green Dunn Mutimer 

 

 

1937 INJURY FREE AND JACK GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

 

Jack Wrout stepped into the top echelons of VFL football as his performances went from strength to strength. His new surroundings at Princes Park were important spurs in Jack taking his game to new heights. ‘Holmesby and Main’ stated that Jack’s football ‘blossomed’ at Carlton FC and the ‘Blueseum’ website described his style of play as….

 

“Powerfully built at 180 cm and 85 kg, Wrout’s game was built around his determination, his unselfish team play, and his long, accurate drop-kicking.

 

An indication of Jack Wrout’s burgeoning status in VFL football was found in the ‘Australian National Record’ (a football publication)  of that period…

 

“…the most sensational high mark in Victoria; his tremendous leaps and effortless kicking are greatly admired.” ‘Carlton…The 100 Greatest’ Page: 407.   

 

In 1937, Percy Rowe was appointed as the coach of Carlton. Percy was a tough and respected footballer at Collingwood and had coached in ‘the bush’ and also at VFA and VFL levels (Albury, Wangaratta, Northcote and Fitzroy).

 

 

Percy Rowe coached Carlton in 1937. Percy’s win- loss ratio was 61.11%; and the Blues missed the VFL Finals and finished fifth on the ladder that season. Brighton Diggins was appointed CFC Coach the following season   Source: ‘Collingwood Forever’ website.

 

 

Although Percy was a most experienced coach, things went awry and the Blues missed the finals and finished in fifth position on the ladder that year.  However, it was a year of consolidation for Jack Wrout as he played sixteen games and booted 32 goals ( including a ‘bag of six’ against Footscray in Round: 7 at Princes Park).

 

Jack had a virtually ‘injury-free run’ in 1937 and his form was imposing as illustrated by the following comment in ‘Weekly Times’ column entitled: ‘Stars of the Week’:

 

 

Source: ‘Weekly Times’ July 31^st 1937 Page 72

 

 

In November 1937, Carlton FC was saddened with the news that the legendary Jack Worrall*, who had coached the Blues to three consecutive premierships in 1906-07-08, had died. * Note: Jack also played eleven test cricket matches for Australia.

 

 

AN EXCEPTIONAL EXHIBITION ON THE GREATEST STAGE OF ALL

 

 

Source: Sporting Globe September 28^th 1938 Page:9

 

In 1938, under the astute leadership of ex-Western Australian and South Melbourne star ruckman, Brighton Diggins  , Carlton won the premiership in a tense and ‘no-holds’ battle against Jock McHale’s highly disciplined and talented Collingwood team.

 

 

Caption: What Wrout did to Boyall- A photograph of the bulky Carlton centre half forward high above his opponent. The other photograph is of Brighton Diggins. Source: Unknown.  

 

 

The story of Carlton’s win makes for captivating reading while the performance of Jack Wrout in that final series   was  nothing short of exceptional.  Jack kicked four goals in the 1938 Grand Final and, along with Jack Hale, Mick Crisp and Brighton Diggins, was listed as one of Carlton’s best players.

 

Jack Wrout,  who took the game by the ‘scruff of the neck’ at crucial tipping points, gave a gallant exhibition considering that he had only played three games ( Rounds : 3, 5 and 18) of senior football in the lead-up to the final series  that season.

 

There are few mentions, if any, in VFL history, that Jack Wrout had actually missed fifteenhome and away matches in 1938.  It is difficult to pin-point the exact reason(s) but perhaps a persistent knee injury had restricted Jack to the sidelines during that season.

 

However, his performance, in that Grand Final, further underlined his grit, resilience and stamina.  Jack’s comeback that season was legendary stuff!   Jack’s cool head and precise kicking, as Collingwood desperately hit back, in that exciting last quarter, ‘steadied the ship’ for Carlton.

 

Jack’s presence of mind came to the fore when, in the dying minutes of the game, he passed to Ken Baxter who converted. That goal sealed the game for the Blues and, in turn, the fate of the Magpies that day. Much credit for the mighty victory was rightly bestowed upon Brighton Diggins but Jack wrote his name into Carlton folklore that Saturday in 1938…

 

“ Brighton Diggins’ tactical nous – including instructing his flankers to push out wide to the wings, to give Wrout plenty of space to use his marking skills one-on-one against Collingwood’s Marcus Boyall-paid off superbly, and brought the Navy Blues our first flag for 23 years. Carlton’s heroes in a 15-point victory were rover Jack Hale, captain Brighton Diggins, and Wrout, who finished the match with four goals and provided a reliable avenue to goal all match.”  Source: Blueseum website

 

It was arguably Jack Wrout’s finest game for Carlton;  and the grim determination that he had displayed, in returning to the team for the 1938 final series, is supported by…

 

“ Wrout was one of the toughest footballers ever to wear the Carlton Guernsey and often would push himself through the pain barrier…” Carlton.” ‘Carlton- The 100 Greatest’ Page:  407

 

* Note: Jack was named in the best players in the Blues win over Geelong in the Second Semi-final that year also.

 

 

The 1938 Carlton premiership team Source: Carlton FC website

 

 

APRIL 1939: JACK WROUT WINS  A LONG DISTANCE KICKING CONTEST

 

Jack Wrout also hit the news in April 1939 when he won a kicking contest which was a preliminary try-out for an annual contest between Carlton Football Club and Stanford University. On that particular day, Jack drop-kicked the ball some 72 yards which is equivalent to 65.8 metres.

 

 

The text is reprinted below- Source: ‘The Age’ April 12^th 1939 Page: 8

 

 “Wrout’s 72-Yard Kick…The annual contest between Carlton and Stanford (U.S. A.) University was advanced a stage at Princes Oval yesterday, when the Blues conducted their kicking, tests. Great interest was taken In the performance of the players participating, and the best efforts were those of Jack Wrout and Jack Hale. Details: 

 

                                                                Australian Ball    American Ball.

1. WROUT (Drop)                                     72 yds.               67/2 yds.
2. HUXTABLE (Punt)                              65 yds.               81 yds.

R.GREEN (Punt)                                             65 yds.

J.HALE  (Place)                                               68/2yds.           66  yds:”

 

 

THE WAR YEARS

 

As during World War I, a fierce debate raged as to whether football (and other organized sports) should be discontinued during the war. It was an acrimonious debate and for many players it was an anguishing decision to play football while friends and family were ‘fighting at the front.’

 

The nation was bitterly divided on the issue;  and it fair to say that football lost a lot of its support, appeal and importance as the conflict worsened in the Pacific, Northern Africa and Europe.  The-then Prime Minister of Australia, Robert Menzies was unequivocal in his backing for football to continue throughout that period.

 

“Sportsmen can best help by completing their football programs. A healthy well-occupied mind is the best instrument I know with which to avoid panic. Sport plays a big part in providing this healthy outlook, so to you sportsmen I say ‘Carry on.”’   Source:   ‘The Record’ September 9^th 1939.

 

 

 

The famous photograph of JIm Park who played in defence in Carlton’s 1938 premiership victory. On that day, Jim restricted Collingwood’s power forward, Ron Todd, to three goals. The mark, as shown above, was taken over Melbourne forward Eric Glass in Round: 6 in 1938. In that game, Ron Barassi (Senior) kicked one goal for Melbourne; and sadly, both Jim Park and Ron died on active service during World War: II. Jim is also seen with Jack Wrout (28) in the caricatures of Carlton players of that era. (Source: Original source not known but maybe an Alex Gurney illustration/cartoon via the Blueseum website).

 

JACK WROUT’S HIGHLIGHTS 1939-44

 

During the war years, Jack had numerous highlights in matches with CFC including:-

 

• In Round: 3 1939, Jack kicked six goals against his former club at Princes Park. That season, North Melbourne was coached by former Essendon star Keith Forbes and Jack lined up on Ossy Parks (ex-Yarraville).
• In Round 3 1940, Jack played reached his 100 VFL game milestone against Collingwood at Victoria Park. Jack was 28 years of age and he booted three goals despite Collingwood securing victory by 37 points.
• Jack kicked his 200^th VFL goal against Essendon in Round: 12 in 1941.
• Although hardly a highlight of his career, Jack was reported by an umpire in Round: 4 in 1942 (v Fitzroy) for the nebulous charge of ‘jostling in a pack.’ Jack was cleared by the Independent Tribunal and no penalty was imposed. It appears that was the only occasion that Jack Wrout ever faced the tribunal.
• Jack played his 150 the senior game against Richmond in 1943.
• In the 1943 season, Jack played in the Patriotic Games which were organized to assist in financing the war effort. Carlton played Essendon and all funds raised was donated to the Merchant Navy; Jack was also part of a special gridiron ball throwing competition on that day.
• During the years of war, Carlton was moderately successful; and in 1941 and 1943, under the leadership of Percy Bentley, Carlton played in the finals. Jack played in three, but unsuccessful finals, in that period. In 1943 Jack was granted as Life Membership of CFC

 

 

Jack Wrout flies high in the match against Geelong at Princess Park in Round: 13 in 1939. The Geelong player (14) that Jack has collided with in mid-air was Jack Grant who played 145 games and kicked 157 goals for with Geelong. Jack Grant played for Victoria, skippered Geelong; and, a little known fact about Jack Grant, was that he won the Stawell Gift in 1938. Source: ‘Sporting Globe” July 15^th 1939 Page: 5.

 

 

1943 JACK GOES ON A SPREE WITH SEVEN GOALS

 

Source: ‘The Herald’  July 31 1943

 

In Round: 12 in 1943, Jim Francis and Jack Wrout went on a goal kicking spree at Victoria Park and ‘combined’ to boot 15 goals Jim kicked eight majors and Jack kicked seven.

 

It was a superb display of forward play and Carlton overcame its arch rivals by a whopping margin of 104 points. The scores that day were:  Carlton 28.10 (178) defeated Collingwood 11.8 (74). The quarter by quarter analysis shows that the Blues booted 10 goals in a ‘runaway’ last term. Mick Price chipped in for five goals and Charlie McInnes kicked four goals…

 

“After a quiet opening Carlton sized up the strength of Collingwood and, playing fast football, had no difficulty in defeating the “Magpies.” With a winning centre line, where many of their moves started, the “dark blues!’ kept up – an Incessant attack and, after subduing Naismith in defence, -Wrout and Francis had a field day. Although Collingwood fought on to the end they had no chance with their irrepressible opponents, who scored at will.” Source: ‘The Age’ August 2^nd1943.

 

 

 Jim Francis- A very big part of the Carlton story as a player and coach. 

 

Carlton’s best that day were listed as *George Gneil, Frank Anderson, Vin Brown, Jim Francis, Jack Wrout, Jack Green and Fred Fitzgibbon.

 

* Note: George Gneil also played with Geelong. George played 143 VFL games and won Carlton’s Best & Fairest award in 1943.  Vin Brown was recruited to Carlton from Thornbury CYMS.

 

JACK WINS THE BLUES’ GOAL KICKING TROPHY

 

1943 was the only season that Jack won a goal kicking trophy in his VFL career; that year he booted 33 goals.  In 1943, Jack was the only Carlton player to kick more than 30 goals which suggests something about the man-on-man style of defence in that era. Mick Price (27), Charlie McInnes (26) and Jim Mooring with 24 goals were the ‘best of the rest.’

 

In his VFL career,   Jack Wrout kicked 319 goals at an average of 1.74 per goals; and his best yearly returns were in 1941 (42 goals) and 1940 (38 goals); Jack booted more than 30 goals in a season on seven occasions.

 

While Jack was a consistent goal kicker he always played ‘second ‘fiddle to Harry Vallence who won the club’s goal kicking award on eight occasions. Paul Schmidt, a much under-rated forward at Carlton, won the club goal kicking award on three occasions in that era.

 

Unfortunately, Paul Schmidt ‘lived in the shadow’ of the Blues’ champion Harry Vallence and it seems that Paul has become another forgotten name in VFL football.  In his 78 games with CFC, Paul kicked 228 goals (an average 2.92 goals per game) and, the VFL records show that against St Kilda in 1941, he booted 11 goals.

 

Another prolific goal kicker and close team mate of Jack Wrout was Ken Baxter who played 153 games and kicked 365 goals. Ken was an aerial acrobat and one of the most thrilling forwards to watch in overhead marking duels. It seems that Carlton has had a ‘fair share’ of exciting high flyers throughout the club’s rich history including:  Alex Duncan, Jim Park, Keith Warburton, Alex Jesaulenko and David MacKay.

 

DOUBLE TROUBLE -ANOTHER BROKEN LEG FOR JACK

 

 

Source: The Argus September 5^th 1944 Page: 13

 

Jack’s impressive VFL career came to a tragic end when, once again, he broke a bone in his leg in the match against Footscray in Round: 18 of the 1944 season.  On that day Jack Wrout had kicked two goals before being ‘stretchered’ from field in the third quarter.  To ‘rub salt into the wound’,  Footscray, coached by one the club’s finest players of all time, Arthur Olliver, won a thrilling contest by one point.

 

Champion centreman Harry Hickey won the game for Footscray with a behind after the final bell; and Harry’s minor conversion prevented the Blues from playing in the 1944 VFL final series. The well-worn adage ‘every kick counts in football’ is so true as Carlton discovered that day at Princes Park.

 

 It is interesting to note that Carlton finished fifth on the ladder that season and was just one rung on the ladder above Jack Wrout’s former club (North Melbourne). Furthermore, In 1945, Carlton and North met in the First Semi Final. It was North Melbourne’s first-ever appearance in a VFL final and Jack was probably a ‘face in the crowd’ that day. The twists and turns of football never fail to astound.

 

 

The 1944 Carlton team. Jack Wrout is shown on the extreme right of the second row. Despite the optimistic banner heading as shown above the image, Carlton lost to Footscray by one point in Round: 18 and Footscray took the Blues’ place in 1944 Finals Series. Photographic source: ‘The Australasian’ June 3^rd 1944. Page 11.  

 

NO CHANCE OF A COMEBACK

 

There may must have been some thought,  during the summer months, of Jack returning to play with Carlton in 1945;  but  a brief statement in ‘The Argus’ ( 16^th April 1945) gave the last word on that  matter…

 

 

“WROUT (CARLTON) RETIRES : Jack Wrout, who played 130 games for Carlton after 53 games for North has decided to retire. He has been a great player.”

 

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ April 16^th 1945. Page: 13

 

 

It was short and sweet announcement about Jack but left a great deal unsaid. It is true that Jack had been a great player but one word (i.e. ‘great) could hardly explained his long journey and courageous in VFL football.

 

From his first game at the MCG in 1931 until his last game in 1944, it had been a roller coaster ride for Jack. Severe injury had robbed him of many opportunities to achieve legendary status but in the ‘game of life’ he had given his all and had left ‘nothing in the tank.’

 

Jack Wrout was 32 years   of age when he retired from VFL and he had played a total 183 senior games and kicked 319 goals.

 

A DEDICATED AND LOYAL CLUBMAN

 

Jack Wrout was a steadfast and loyal official at Carlton Football Club long after he had ‘hung up his boots.’ He was a well-known and extremely popular official and, one source said, that he was regarded as a ‘father-figure’ among the playing group.

 

Jack seemed to be ‘across all matters of things’ at Carlton;  and his passion for Carlton and knowledge of the game made him a lynchpin in the organization at Princes Park for many years.

 

 

Caption: Jack Wrout, Chairman of Selectors with an anxious Ron Barassi and a relaxed Syd Jackson on the bench in 1968. Source: ‘Living on the Mornington Peninsula’ as published on the ‘Peninsula Essence’ website. Note: In the Round: 15 match at the MCG on the 10^th August 1940, Ron Barassi’s Father played against Jack Wrout. Within a year, Ron (Senior)   died in action at Tobruk in Libya.

 

Jack was elected as an office bearer of CFC (Vice -president), a position which he held for twenty years.  He was also the Chairman of Selectors until 1978. Jack Wrout was given recognition for his wisdom and judicious approach to a wide range of football issue in Ron Barassi’s book…

 

“In 1965, Ron Barassi moved to Carlton…Around Barassi the Carlton reformers had built a formidable administration: among many were former player Rod Mclean as chairman of selectors; the wise and diplomatic and well-loved Jack Wrout as a senior member of the match committee…”    Source: ‘Barassi’ ( by Ron Barassi & Peter McFarline)  Page:  67.

 

A FINAL WORD REGARDING JACK WROUT

 

 

Source: Carlton Football Club website

 

Jack Wrout died in June 1981; and he didn’t ‘let go’ without another battle. Jack’s ability to rebound, persist and ‘fight on’ was never more on show than in his final days. It is never easy to sum up any man’s life but

 

Jack was inducted of the Carlton Hall of Fame in April 2016 he was described as follows…

 

“…While a broken leg put paid to his on-field career in 1944, Jack would spend the remainder of his life serving his beloved Navy Blues; first as a tough, canny committeeman, then later as a legendary chairman of selectors.   Wrout was elected to the club committee in 1958 and went on to hold the position of Vice-President for twenty years.

 

Throughout that time, which saw the 1968, ’70 and ’72 flags unfurled at Princes Park, Jack commanded respect as a highly-respected, no-nonsense chairman of selectors…”   

 

 

 

Jack Wrout’s Certificate of Life Membership of Carlton FC. Source: ‘Peninsula Essence. ’

 

In conclusion, perhaps the following succinct quote may offer some justice to Jack Wrout’s dedicated and loyal contribution to Carlton Football Club…

 

“One of the most influential Blues of his time…”Source: ‘Blueseum’ website.

 

This article was written for ‘Footy Almanac’ by Roger Spaull in July 2023.

 

THE END

 

 

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