Almanac Footy History: Cliff Rankin – the intrepid leader of Geelong

 

 

THE INTREPID LEADER OF GEELONG

CLIFF RANKIN

 

 

Cliff Rankin – leadership by example.

 

 

INTRODUCTION  

 

All seasons bring their bounty but 1925 should be regarded as one of the most memorable years in Australian Rules football. So much happened and it would be possible to write a book about the great events of that season. While this story is about Cliff Rankin and his remarkable family, it also attempts to give readers an appreciation of those ‘heady’ times of VFL football.

 

THE TOP TEN OF 1925

 

To select the ‘TOP 10 of 1925’ football may prove a folly; but most people enjoy lists, and the following events may give some perspective of that changing era of footbal In 1925, these things happened in VFL Football….

• Three new clubs Footscray, Hawthorn and North Melbourne entered the VFL competition.
• In a truly historic result, North Melbourne (ex-VFA) defeated Geelong in the first game of the season by eight points at the Corio Oval.
• A massive crowd of 64,288 attended the Grand Final (a new VFL record).
• 1925 was the most successful financial year (to that point of time) in the history of the VFL.
• The VFL changed the rules related to the ‘right of challenge’ for teams playing in finals.
• Carlton’s coach Paddy O’Brien was sacked after two rounds of football.
• Fred Rutley of North Melbourne was suspended for life.
• The first radio broadcasts of VFL football were aired on 3AR and 3LO.
• Harrie Davey of Melbourne kicked a record eight goals in one VFL quarter.
• Under the leadership of Cliff Rankin, Geelong won its first VFL flag.

 

And now to this story for Footy Almanac’s ANZAC Day commemorations…

 

Rebuilding the Geelong FC after World War I was not an easy task, and for the regional/country club to win a VFL pennant within six years took vision, talent and leadership and it is here that the story of Cliff Rankin begins…

 

EDWIN ‘TED’ RANKIN AND FAMILY

 

Cliff Rankin was recruited to Geelong from Chilwell. Chilwell FC was established in 1874, and, over the years, produced an impressive list of Geelong footballers. Cliff’s father (Edwin Walter aka Ted) had played in the district competition in earlier times before being recruited to Geelong in 1897. Ted played 180 games with the Pivotonians (as Geelong was once called) and was best known as a rover and midfielder.

It is believed that Ted had seven children and was, among many other things, the curator of the Corio Oval for eight years. Ted’s brother (Tom) played 47 games for Geelong between the years 1904-06 and kicked 12 goals.

 

Note: There is evidence to suggest that Mrs Rankin’s first name may have been Adelaide.

 

Cliff and Bert Rankin with Edwin ‘Teddy’ Rankin, in 1923. Source: The Geelong Advertiser August 3^rd 1923.  Page: 6.

 

THE RANKIN SIBLINGS

Albert ‘Bert’ Rankin was Cliff’s older brother. Bert was one of the finest midfielders of his era and captained Geelong and Victoria in 1923. However, his career came to unexpected and unhappy end when he was dumped from the Geelong team during the 1923 finals series. It is a tumultuous chapter in the lives of the Rankin family.

 

This rare photograph of the Rankins was published in The Herald on June 18^th 1921.

 

Cliff had another brother, named Doug, who was also an accomplished footballer. AFL records show that Doug Rankin played 9 senior games in the late 1930s. The Rankin family connections can also be traced to later generations of footballers when Graeme O’Donnell (Geelong/North Melbourne 1961-64) and Garry O’Donnell (Essendon 1987-98) both played Senior Grade VFL football.

 

 

 

Edwin Rankin in later years. Sources: Australian Football (upper) & Geelong College archives (lower).

 

 

CLIFF’S FIRST SEASON AT GEELONG

 

Clifford Egerton Lore Rankin, better known as ‘Cliff’ (born 1896), was eighteen years of age when he debuted for Geelong in 1915. His first VFL game was against Carlton in Round 15 at Princes Park. Carlton kicked poorly for goal that day but won easily. Cliff kicked one goal for Geelong.

Note: Ex-Richmond rover Percy Ellingsen kicked three goals for Geelong that day. Percy’s other ‘claim to fame’ was that he became a leading VFL umpire (1931-33); and umpired in two final series including the First Semi-Final between Geelong and Carlton in 1933.

 

Corio Oval – Geelong FC’s Home from 1878-1940 Source: ‘Austadiums’ website

 

Cliff Rankin played only four games in 1915 and kicked three goals. A minor, but nonetheless unusual, aspect of Cliff’s first four games was that there was no recorded playing guernsey number for Cliff on any of the available team sheets.

 

Bert Rankin played alongside Cliff that day. The youngest player in the team against Fitzroy was Bill Landy (18 years 58 days). Young Bill’s name would take on much more meaning to Cliff in time to come (see below).

 

Cliff Rankin played his last match for that season against Fitzroy at the Brunswick Street Oval. As he packed his bag after the match that evening, Cliff had no inkling that his next game would not be until 1919.

 

1916   THE GRIM REALITY OF WAR

 

In 1916, Geelong FC, along with other clubs, was forced to withdraw from the VFL as the war effort impacted in various ways across the nation. The war was not over by Christmas (as haughtily predicted in 1915); and the grim reality of the Gallipoli Campaign disaster (1915) had a demoralizing effect on so many families. Family and community life changed dramatically as the casualty lists were regularly updated and the news from the front was perturbing and disquieting. The debacle at Gallipoli had shown the nation that ‘War is Hell’ (General Sherman – 1864).

 

Only four clubs participated in the VFL in 1916; and they were the inner suburban clubs of Richmond, Fitzroy, Carlton and Collingwood (i.e. working class areas of the city in those early days of Melbourne).

Lack of finance, disinterest by families of enlisted men and harsh rationing were three major factors in some VFL club’s decision(s) to withdraw from the competition but the over-riding aspect was the inability of clubs to find sufficient players…

“It was not a good year for football.  The depressing news from the war fronts ate further into attendances. Many leading players had volunteered for the AIF; and there was growing bitterness against those who stayed at home. Geelong decided not to take part…” Source: Up Where Cazaly? – Sandercock & Turner.  Page: 77.

 

 

Troops embarking at the Port of Melbourne and sailing for Gallipoli.  Younger readers will appreciate the degree of planning and organization involved in such massive troop movements. The number of soldiers in the above photograph is a stark reminder of how many young Australians enlisted for service during the Great War. The other question that this image evokes is how many of these young men would actually survive the horrors of that dreadful conflagration? Source: Australian War Memorial-Collection H19500.

 

Historian Col Hutchinson agrees with Helen Sandercock and Ian Turner about the plight of clubs in those dark years of the war…

“Many League players enlisted for military service and most clubs were confronted with a shortage of on-field personnel. Geelong decided not to field a team in 1916.” Source: Col Hutchinson – Clubs Page 182

 

 

THE GREAT WAR AND DUTY CALLS

 

Cliff Rankin did not play for Geelong again until Round 13 in 1919 and it is documented that he served in at the front during the Great War.

 

“Cliff would have played more than 200 games for Geelong if he had not served in the AIF in World War I where he played rugby whilst in the service.” ‘Holmesby & Main’ Page 485.

 

Cliff’s wartime service record runs to 22 pages and it is difficult, at times, to decipher some of the handwritten comments by the authorizing officer(s).  However, in short, Cliff enlisted at Queenscliffe (early spelling) on the 30^th December 1915 and his military number was 662.  Cliff’s height was noted as five foot six and three quarter inches. Younger people these days may find it odd that his complexion was defined, by the Army Enlistment Officer, as ‘fresh’. Cliff’s given occupation on that day of recruitment was ‘plumber.’

 

The Geelong Advertiser (February 29^th 1916) carried a small article about Cliff’s impending departure for overseas military duties…

“TO THE FRONT – On Saturday afternoon Pte. Cliff Rankin, who is to leave immediately with siege train reinforcements, was met by members of the Newtown and Chilwell Fire Brigade, who presented him with a wristlet watch. He was wished good luck by Capt. Francis on behalf of his fellow members of the brigade, and Lieut. Geo. Sandford, of the A.I.F gave him some good hints on qualifying for higher positions.”

‘Gunner’ Rankin embarked on the troopship HMAT Nestor (see below) for overseas duty on the 9^th April 1916. Cliff’s service records show that he transferred to No. 338 Australian Siege Battery in England (January 1917); and his age at embarkation was given as eighteen years.

 

HMAT A71 Nestor Source: AWM collection

 

By all accounts, Cliff served at the Western Front for some time and may have travelled to Paris during furlough. Like so many military records, questions are left unanswered but it is fair to say Cliff was ‘always on the move.’ It is documented that on the 18^th March 1919, Cliff ‘proceeded to England with the AIF rugby team.’

 

GLAD TIDINGS FROM ABROAD

 

The Geelong Advertiser announced Cliff’s return home to Australia on the 19^th June 1919…

“Mr. E.  Rankin, Park Street, Newtown has been officially notified that his son Gnr. Cliff Rankin, of the 36th Heavy Artillery Group, is returning from the Front by the Orontes, due to arrive in Melbourne about July 1st. ‘ He was a playing member of the Geelong football team in the latter part of 1915, and since being on active service has played Rugby football with some success with an overseas team in England and France.”

 

Cliff had survived an indescribable ordeal on the Western Front and it is only in recent times that the full horror and deprivation experienced by so many soldiers, on the battlefields of France and Belgium, have been brought into the ‘light of day.’ Recent films, documentaries and books reveal the appalling suffering that soldiers faced in trench warfare.

The official correspondence that Ted Rankin had received, as described above, would have been the source of great joy and gratitude.

 

COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS

 

With the Armistice signed and peace secured, huge crowds turned out in all Australian cities and towns to rejoice in the ceasefire across the Europe. It is known that back in Cliff Rankin’s hometown of Geelong, 15,000 packed into Malop Street to revel in the victory celebrations.

 

Cliff Rankin left England aboard the RMS Orontes for the long voyage back to Australia on the 15^th May 1919. His time at sea may have allowed him to reflect up his own good fortune in seeing out the war ‘alive and in one piece.’ Younger readers may not be aware that of the 330,000 Australians who served in the Great War, 59,000 died in action while a further 166,000 soldiers were wounded. Cliff was ‘blessed’ that he had survived the ‘war to end all of wars’ (H.G. Wells)

 

FALLEN COMRADES AND TEAM-MATES

 

Two of his teammates from Geelong team of 1915 had not been so fortunate. Bill Landy, who had played in the last game of 1915 at Fitzroy with Cliff, was killed at Fromelles in July 1916.

Bill had only played two games with the Pivotonians before ‘duty called’; and, according to a most reliable source, Bill was known as Plugger.’  Bill died at the Battle of Fromelles on July 19^th 1916.

 

Les James, who had played 72 games with Geelong died at Passchendale in 1917. 

 

Les James was also a member of that same team (i.e. with Cliff and Bill at Brunswick Street on August 21^st 1915). Les first played with Geelong in 1909 and had played 72 games with Geelong before enlisting. Les was one of three brothers (the others Fred and Syd) who wore the Geelong colours. At the time of his death, at Passchendaele in October 1917, he was serving with the 14th Battalion of the A.I.F.

Other Geelong footballers who died on active service in the World War I were: – Joe Slater, Alan Cordner, Joe Crowl, Arthur McKenzie, James Aitken and John Bell. Each had their own story; and all should always be remembered for taking part in the ‘bigger and toughest game of life.’

 

Note for younger ‘students’ of the game: Fallen, by Jim Main and David Bell, is compulsory reading for those wishing to know more about the list of VFL footballers who died in battle. It is probably the most significant football book ever written about VFL footballers. Jim and David’s research deserves commendation because it tries to keep alive the memory of so many brave and adept sportsmen who had to choose between to continuing to play a sport, that they relished, or take their chances in mortal combat.

 

A TRIBUTE TO JOE SLATER

 

While Cliff Rankin never played in a match with Joe Slater, he would have known of Joe and been aware of his undoubted ability and reputation. Joe was born in 1888 at Ballarat and was a remarkably gifted athlete. He was recruited to Geelong from the United Methodists team and played 108 senior games with GFC before enlisting for military service…

 

“…he (Joe Slater) had been appointed a lieutenant on probation in the newly formed Senior Cadet Battalion in Geelong. A Lieutenant in the Citizen Forces, he left Australia for Gallipoli in May 1915. He survived two years of frontline service on Gallipoli and in France. Promoted to the rank of Captain in France, he was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig on 13 November 1916 and appointed commander of a bombing school before taking command of an entire division of bombers. He was killed in action at Second Bullecourt on 3rd May 1917.”  Source: ‘Heritage Net. Geelong College

 

Source: Geelong Advertiser May 22^nd 1917. Page 2

 

These photographs were published in a tribute to Joe Slater on the Geelong Cats website on April 25^th 2021. The article identified more than 180 Geelong footballers who had served at some time with the Australian forces during wartime.

 

Much to the amazement of some and the chagrin of a few, Joe Slater was selected in Geelong’s ‘Team of the Century.’ It was an inspired selection but when the team was announced in 2001, the reaction of younger and less informed football supporters was disappointing.

However, the Geelong selectors ‘got it right’ and should be congratulated as there is no doubt that Joe Slater was an elite footballer of his era and one of Geelong’s finest all-time players.  Sadly, memories fade but it is hoped that Joe Slater will never be forgotten as a true champion in GFC’s rich history…

 

“Without any hesitation, I place Joe Slater as the greatest centreman to whom I was ever opposed.  He was big, very fast, a great mark and a magnificent mark. He made fools of everybody on the Geelong oval.”  Source:  Harold ‘Lal’ McLennan- Former Fitzroy captain; as published in Fallen By Jim Main and David Allen. Page: 176.

 

CLIFF RE-IGNITES HIS FOOTBALL CAREER

 

Cliff was discharged from the Army on the 22nd August 1919. In the documents related to his demobilization, he requested that his Victory Medal should be forwarded to a given address in Newton, Geelong. It had been almost four years since Cliff had played for Geelong and his return to the team was on August 9^th 1919 (Round: 13) against Carlton.  He wore number 6 on his jumper that day.

 

Cliff Rankin returned to the Geelong team in 1919 He was selected at centre-half forward. Source: The Herald August 9^th 1919. Page: 3

 

The outcome of Cliff’s ‘comeback’ game at Corio Oval saw Geelong beaten by 35 points but, on an individual note, he had played well and was awarded a tobacco pipe for his sterling efforts…

“At the recent euchre tournament… a pipe was won by Mr. W Gallagher. As the latter is a non-smoker, he offered the pipe to the man who kicked the greatest number of goals in Geelong’s next engagement. Martini and Cliff Rankin scored two each, on Saturday, but, Martini generously allowed the prize to go to Rankin, as he was a returned soldier, and was playing his first match with the team for some years.” 12^th August 1919.

 

While the above extract, from the Geelong Advertiser, stated that Cliff and Percy Martini kicked two goals, the official VFL statistics show that both had actually kicked three goals. Cliff played the remaining six games of that season and kicked 12 goals. It was a ‘subdued comeback’ but the best was yet to come.

Percy Martini was Geelong’s leading goal kicker on nine occasions and in his 148 game career with Geelong he kicked 333 goals.  Source: Wikipedia/ original source: unknown.

 

In the book ‘Tigers of Old’ by Paul Hogan it is mentioned that Percy also played ten senior games for Richmond in 1916 and booted 22 goals….

“His individual goal tally at Richmond was 5 in the club’s first win over Collingwood at Victoria Park. He returned to Geelong in 1917 and later finished his career with Geelong’s VFA team. Page 134.

 

 

CLIFF BUILDS HIS PROFILE AS A LEADER AT GEELONG

 

Geelong was a club in transition and the return of Cliff gave the forward line some badly needed firepower. Cliff’s ball skill and ability to convert half chances didn’t go unnoticed and he gained a reputation as a dangerous forward who was difficult to ‘match-up’ for opposition defenders.

In 1920, Cliff ‘bagged’ six goals against Melbourne and then followed up with nine goals against Essendon in Round 15. ‘Holmesby and Main’ is glowing in its description of Cliff’s prowess as a footballer…

“A superb half forward or full forward, Rankin was a true goal-sneak and was the master of the place kick.”

 

Col Hutchinson described Cliff’s style of forward play…

 

“He preferred to make position cleverly and wait for the crumbs rather than fly for big marks. His left foot kicking was superb. Many of his 63 goals in the 1921 season (a new record for a Geelong player) were scored from place kicks.”

 

 

CLIFF RANKIN HITS DOUBLE FIGURES

 

In 1921, Cliff hit ‘double figures’ with a bag of ten goals in a superb exhibition against Fitzroy at the Corio Oval. It was an astonishing performance as the entire team kicked 13 goals to win by 22 points. The other goal kickers that day were John (aka ‘Jockey’) Jones (2) and Alec Eason ‘chipped in’ with one goal.

 

Cliff’s 10 goal haul represented 77% of Geelong’s score and he was only the eighth player in VFL (to that juncture) to kick ten goals in a game. Furthermore, Cliff wrote his name into VFL history that day as he was the first Geelong player to kick ‘double figures’ in a League fixture.

 

In Round: 3, that season Cliff starred against Collingwood at Victoria Park; and it is interesting to note that while Cliff bagged seven goals, the VFL’s greatest forward of that era, Gordon Coventry, managed just three for the Magpies.

 

This sketch of Cliff Rankin was drawn by L.F Reynolds and published in a comprehensive article in ‘Table Talk’ on October 6^th 1927. Cliff is seen holding a black cat (see later).

 

That season, Geelong played off in the First Semi Final at the MCG. Richmond (16.19.115) won easily but was aided by some woeful kicking in the last term when Geelong (6.18 54) kicked eleven behinds. In one text, Cliff was cited as a main offender with inaccurate kicking and Lloyd Hagger is said to have kicked 2 goals 10 behinds. The age old adage that ‘bad kicking is bad football’ was proven true again that day.

                                                                                            

Cliff Rankin had risen to become a ‘leading light’ in VFL football and all opposing coaches knew that he was Geelong’s most dangerous forward. Cliff won GFC’s goal kicking award in 1920 (48 goals), 1921 (63 goals), 1922 (42 goals) and in 1923 he kicked 42 goals. Billy McCarter (ex-East Geelong) won the first of his two club’s Best & Fairest awards in 1921.

 

Note:  ‘Jockey’ Jones (ex-East Geelong 171cm) was a wingman/rover who won GFC’s Best & Fairest award in 1920.

 

 

THE WHEELS FALL OFF

 

The following season (1922) was unspectacular for Geelong as the Pivotonians crashed back to earth with an ‘almighty thud’ and finished second bottom on the ladder. An indication of the team’s rapid descent can be gauged by the fact that in the last game of the season, South Melbourne thrashed Geelong by thirteen goals. South Melbourne was on the bottom of the ladder that year and only 3,000 spectators attended that game. Geelong finished the year with a percentage of 84% the lowest in the VFL that season.

 

In other bad news for the club, Cliff was reported in the game against Collingwood on August 26^th that season. Cliff was found not guilty of the charges and took his place in the Geelong team for the clash against Carlton at Corio Oval on the following Saturday. Geelong struggled in 1922 but as a wise man once said… “Without struggle there is no progress.”

 

 

A RAY OF HOPE

 

However, amid the gloom of eleven defeats, the club had blooded some potential match winners in George Todd, Eric Fleming, Arthur Coghlan and a young recruit, from Cliff’s former club (Chilwell), named Edward Stevenson. In time, Ed would prove a headache for opposition teams with his dazzling speed.

 

Additionally, little did the Geelong ‘faithful’ realize that when George Todd arrived, from Queenscliff, in the 1922 season, the club had secured a player that would, in time, become an elite defender. George set new standards as a backman and could only be described as: ‘one out of the box’…

“After beginning his league career with Geelong as a centre half forward, where he was by no means ineffectual, ‘Jocka’ Todd developed into one of the finest full backs the club, and the game, has ever seen. He was at centre half forward in the Cats’ 1925 premiership-winning team, and at full back six years later when they again triumphed. Three times voted his club’s best and fairest player, he represented the VFL a dozen times.” Source: John Devaney ‘Australian Football’ website.

 

George Todd – One of football’s finest full backs. Source: Weekly Times November 22^nd 2021. This photo was part of a major article entitled ‘Geelong Team of the Country”

 

As readers will know, for a football club to be successful ‘on-field’, it must be well-organized, structured and coordinated ‘off-field’ and it was apparent of the urgent need for a coach to take charge at Corio Oval. Geelong was the only club in the VFL that did not have an official coach at that time.

 

Football had moved on to a ‘new age of professionalism’ and VFL clubs were becoming businesslike in their approach to managing their affairs. Geelong was well and truly ‘behind the times’ and ‘chasing the tails’ of the city-based clubs.

 

 

1923 – BERT TAYLOR IS APPOINTED COACH OF GEELONG

 

One of the most important steps taken by the GFC committee, in rectifying a glaring weakness in the club’s structure, was in 1923 was when it appointed Gilbert Taylor as coach 1923.  From 1914 until 1923, Geelong did not appoint a coach. It is hard to believe that Cliff Rankin had played 57 games before experiencing the tutelage or guiding hand of an official coach but with the increasing and professionalism (see above) and competitiveness of VFL football, Geelong was finally forced into action.

In the documented history of the Geelong Football Club, Bert Taylor hardly rates a mention but closer examination reveals that he was a remarkable footballer. Gilbert Taylor was recruited to Fitzroy from Warragul in 1919 and played his first VFL game against South Melbourne at the Lake Oval for Fitzroy at 18 years of age.

A tall defender, Bert played 50 games for the Maroons and was named as ‘Best on the Ground’ in Fitzroy’s 1922 premiership gallant victory over Collingwood.

On that day, Bert was selected in the back pocket and it appears as though he also took on the ruck work in that clash. Bert received unbridled praise in the Australasian newspaper for his superlative performance for Fitzroy…

 

“The winners had many great players in this match, but two of them in Taylor and Atkinson stood right out from their fellows. Taylor, who has been coming on with every match, played the game of a champion. He alternated…defending with ruck work, his marking and kicking being splendid, while his dash was an eye-opener. It was practically a faultless exhibition of high-class football.” October 21^st 1922. Page: 21.

 

Source: The Herald March 28^th 1923. Page: 7

 

A degree of controversy surrounded Gilbert’s appointment as Geelong’s coach in 1923 but in his first season as coach and, at the young age of 23 years, Bert led the club to the First Semi-Final against his former club Fitzroy. His coaching record at Geelong indicated that, in 17 games, he recorded nine wins and eight losses.

 

Note: The other VFL coaches in 1923 were: Roy Cazaly (South Melbourne), Dave McNamara (St Kilda), Dan Minogue (Richmond), Jock McHale (Collingwood), Horrie Clover (Carlton),Vic Belcher (Fitzroy), Percy Wilson (Melbourne), Charlie Pannam (South Melbourne) and Essendon’s coach was Syd Barker. It is interesting that at least six of this list of names would become ‘household’ names in AFL history; while on the other hand, Bert Taylor is practically a forgotten coach of the era.

 

 

BERT TAYLOR HEADS WEST 

 

For some elusive reason, which requires further investigation, Bert Taylor did not take the field as a player for Geelong in any game throughout the 1923 season. It is said that, in 1924, Bert packed his bags and set out on the long journey across the Nullabor’.

According to the West Perth FC Honour Board, Bert was captain and coach of West Perth in 1925 and the team finished fourth on the league table.

 

Gilbert Roy Taylor, originally from Warragul, coached Geelong in 1923. Gilbert has quite a story which has been sadly overlooked by football historians. Gilbert represented Western Australia at the 1924 Carnival and he also starred for Preston (VFA) from 1928-1931. Gilbert’s greatest claim to fame was that he starred in Fitzroy’s premiership victory in 1922.

 

There is little evidence to support the claim, but perhaps Bert Taylor’s departure from Corio Oval is related to the following matters involving the omission of Bert Rankin. Who knows but Bert Taylor felt the wrath of the Geelong fans and had little option but to make a ‘hurried exit’.

 

 

1923 CLIFF RANKIN REFUSES TO PLAY FOR GEELONG.

 

Cliff kicked 43 goals for GFC in 1923 and won the goal kicking award again but the season ended on a bitter note for his brother Bert. After being captain of the team throughout 1923, Bert was omitted from the team for the First Semi-Final and he walked out of the club and never played VFL football again.

 

Bert had played 132 games for Geelong and had also represented Victoria.* (See below) Cliff Rankin, who was asked to lead the team in Bert’s absence, dropped another bombshell on the club when he stepped aside and would not take his place in the line-up that day…

“A sensation was caused among the Geelong footballers during the week when it was learned that the selection committee had dropped Bert Rankin from the team which met Fitzroy in the League first semi-final today. Bert Rankin has captained the team this season, and his elimination from the eighteen caused considerable discussion.  The committee’s reason for their action was that Rankin was not playing up to form lately, and better men were available. Cliff Rankin, who is ‘ the club’s vice-captain, ‘ was instructed by the committee to lead the team in the semi-final.” Mirror (Perth) 22^nd September 1923.

The reasons that Cliff gave for not playing were most diplomatic but his protest probably cost Geelong the chance to win that final. Divided loyalties in football clubs create turmoil; but credit to Cliff as he ‘played a straight bat’ throughout the whole affair regarding Bert’s omission from the team.

 

 

BROTHER BERT LEAVES GEELONG FC 

As would be the case in any club, the axing of such a player of Bert’s status caused a ‘tidal wave’ of protest. The manifest anger of the supporters spilled over when 1000 members of the GFC gathered at the Mechanics Hall on October 1923. Despite the strong support for Bert and the hostility toward the committee, particularly the selectors, Bert Rankin turned his back and walked away from the Geelong FC.

 

This football card of Bert Rankin was part of a collector series produced by Magpie Cigarettes in 1921. Bert  is credited, by one source, as   suggesting that Geelong be known at the Cats.

 

Lengthy research revealed that Bert Rankin resumed playing football in the Wimmera in 1924. It is known that he also coached Wycheproof and Beechworth in later years.

 

 

On the 17^th April 1936, The Horsham Times reported that Bert had been appointed playing coach of Dimboola…

“When applications were called by the Dimboola Club this year, Rankin applied for the position of non-playing coach and, after consideration, the committee asked him to submit an application for playing coach, as it was thought that his presence on the field would have a good influence on the young players. He did so, and was accepted. Mr. Rankin is 39-years of age and is a member of a well-known football family in Geelong, having played for that town in the Victorian League many years ago…” Page 2.

 

 

REPRESENTING VICTORIA

 

Cliff represented Victoria on 14 occasions and was always a reliable and effective forward in interstate matches.  The Daily News (a Perth newspaper) reveals that Cliff played at the 1921 Australian Carnival in Perth. His brother (Bert) was also selected for that series and this may have been the first occasion that the two brothers played together for the VFL representative team.  John Devaney believes that the Rankin brothers were the first siblings to be selected in the same Victorian representative team.

Some of the well-known names in that team were: Roy Cazaly (St Kida/South Melbourne), Dick Lee (Collingwood), Charlie Pannam (Collingwood), Vic Thorpe (Richmond) and Bert Boromeo from Carlton. Lloyd Hagger and Alex Eason were the other Geelong representatives chosen for championship that year.

Cliff and George Todd were chosen for the 1923 VFL team. The team also included a dashing midfielder from St Kilda named Colin Watson who would become the VFL’s second Brownlow Medal recipient in 1925. In August of the same season (i.e. 1923), Billy McCarter and Arthur Pink joined Cliff and the VFL squad for the interstate clash with New South Wales. The ‘Geelong Advertiser’ reported their departure for the trip to Sydney…

“The three members of the Geelong League team, Messrs Cliff Rankin, W. McCarter and A. Pink, who have been selected to play with the Victorian Interstate team in the match against New South Wales, left by the midday train yesterday for Sydney. A number of their friends assembled at the station and cheered them on their way with best wishes for a happy and successful trip.”  Geelong Advertiser 16^th August 1923. Page 2

 

VICTORIAN FOOTBALLTEAM IN THE WEST AUSTRALIAN CARNIVAL 1921.

 

Source: The Referee August 24^th 1921. Page: 16. Bert Rankin is sitting in the front row, third from the right. Perhaps Cliff is on the extreme right of the second row. Sadly, there appears to be an error in the original print and guesswork was necessary to locate Cliff.

 

The increasing depth of the Geelong team can be gauged by the fact that the Victorian team of 1925 included five Geelong players:  Cliff Rankin, Tom Fitzmaurice (ex- Essendon), ‘Carji’ Greeves, Lloyd Hagger and Eric Fleming. The Coventry brothers from Collingwood were also part of the VFL line-up that day.

 

Eric Fleming was recruited to Geelong from South Bendigo.  He was a ruckman who played 105 games with Geelong including a being a key member of Geelong’s first-ever premiership team. Eric represented Victoria on six occasions; and later captained Oakleigh in the VFA. Eric is not to be confused with Roy Fleming (ex- Chilwell) who also played for Geelong in that era.

 

 

CLIFF KICKS TEN GOALS FOR VICTORIA

 

 

Cliff Rankin hit the headlines when he kicked ten goals for Victoria against West Australia at the MCG in July 1925. Victoria won by more than 14 goals against a lack-lustre WAFL side. A scribe, known as ‘A Southerner’, rated Cliff as the outstanding player of the match….

“The best player for the winners was C. Rankin (Geelong’s captain), who gave a better exhibition of forward play than has been seen in Melbourne for many years. He scouted well, marked the wet ball in all positions, and capped a wonderful exhibition by kicking 10 goals.”  ‘Referee’ 29^th July 1925 Page: 13

 

Readers can imagine how proud the people of Geelong must have felt with the news of Cliff’s ten-goal haul.  Although Geelong was proclaimed a city in 1910, it still had a lingering rustic atmosphere; and, in Australia, there is nothing like a ‘bush boy’ teaching the ‘city slickers’  a thing or two about football, cricket and life.

In 1926, Cliff Rankin was named captain of Victoria for the fixtures against WA and SA.  In his 14 games of interstate football, Cliff kicked a total of 30 goals.

 

 

Caption:  CLIFF RANKIN who will lead Victoria into the field tomorrow. Source: The Daily News (Perth) July 23^rd 1936. Page: 2. The other photo is from the Geelong Advertiser.

 

Note:  It is recorded that Ted (Cliff’s father) played three games for Victoria. Bert Rankin represented the VFL in seven matches and also skippered the team in 1922. There is no evidence that Cliff’s uncle (Tom) was ever chosen to play for Victoria.

 

 

1924   A NEW NAME AND CLUB COACH

Around this time, Geelong became known as the ‘Cats.’ It may appear an unusual moniker for a bayside team but its origins can be traced back to a throwaway comment during the 1923 season and a subsequent sketch by, a well-known cartoonist of the period, Stan Wells.  Somehow the idea seemed to be linked with the club’s improved on-field results; and, consequently,  the name ‘Pivotonians’ slowly, but surely, vanished from Geelong’s lexicon.  The ‘Cats’ became the new emblem for Geelong FC; and the supporters didn’t seem to mind at all.

 

 

This Black Cat badge was found in an article in The Age in 2019.  There is another idea that the emblem resulted from an incident that arose in a VFL Second XVIII match.  The bottom image shows Cliff Rankin and the black cat (Source: Geelong Advertiser June 26^th 1925.)

 

By 1924, Bert Taylor had departed for the W.A. and, consequently, the GFC committee appointed Lloyd Hagger as captain and coach for the season. Lloyd, who had a meteoric rise to from Barwon Thirds to VFL ranks, was a fine high mark and accurate kick for goal. Lloyd, who was nicknamed the ‘Mighty Splinter,’ kicked 42 goals; and while Cliff finished that season with 31 goals.

Under Lloyd’s leadership, Geelong swamped St Kilda by 75 points in Round; 14  and then  doubled ‘McHale’s Mighty Magpies’ score in Round:16. Unfortunately ‘two big wins don’t make a winter’ and the Cats finished a disappointing  fifth on the VFL Ladder. However, the Cats luck was to take a ‘turn for the better’ in 1925.

 

THE INVINCIBLE EDWARD GODERICH ‘CARJI’ GREEVES

 

The Brownlow Medal was instituted in honour of Charles Brownlow who had passed away in January 1924. Charles had been a player and, it is believed, that he had coached Geelong in 1886. He was known to be a dedicated administrator and records show that Charles was President of GFC from 1888 until 1923.

The inaugural winner of the Charles Brownlow was the champion Geelong centreman Edward Goderich ‘Carji’ Greeves.  Carji polled votes in seven matches while Cliff Rankin gained one vote.

 

Originally from Warragul, Edward Goderich ‘Carji’ Greeves won the inaugural Brownlow Medal in 1924. He was also runner -up in the count in 1925, 26 and 28. Source: Geelong College website.

 

‘Carji,’ (born in Warragul in 1903) was recruited to GFC in 1923 from Geelong College. He appears to have been the ‘complete footballer’ and his kicking style was said to be ‘copybook.’  He played 124 VFL games and kicked 17 goals for the Cats. According to authoritative football historian Greg Hobbs….

“He (‘Carji’) gained the nickname Carji’s as a small boy. It came from a well-known entertainer ‘Garjilo the Rajah of Bong’…” Source: Football’s 50 Greatest Page 74. 

Carji’s win in the 1924 Brownlow Medal was no ‘flash in the pan’ as he was runner-up in the award in 1925, 1926 and 1928. It is known that ‘Carji’ and Cliff Rankin were team mates in the VFL representative team in 1925.

 

In 1928 ‘Carji’ was invited to the University of South Carolina to assist gridiron players in the art of kicking. The fact that ‘Carji’ was going to teach the Americans how to play football was major ‘ground-breaking’ news far and wide across Australia…

“Both of the first and second eighteens of Geelong Football Club are going to give farewell presentations to Carjio Greeves before he sails for America to introduce Australian football methods in the University of South California. The principal function will take place in the Mechanics’ Hall…”  Mirror Perth 26th July 1928. Page 12.

‘Carji’ died in 1963; and is buried at the Geelong Memorial Park at Mount Duneed. He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.  A monument/plaque to commemorate the lives of ‘Carji’ and another Geelong legend,  Reg Hickey, can be found at Struan Dam in Lismore. The monument was dedicated on the 15^th May 2011.

 

CLIFF TAKES THE HELM AT GEELONG

 

Source:  The Geelong Advertiser March 3^rd 1925. Page: 5

 

Cliff Rankin was 28 years of age when he was appointed to the position of captain and coach of Geelong in 1925. It was a wise and timely decision by the club. Although it is impossible to travel back 90 years to gauge the degree of influence that Cliff exerted on his players, it seems he recruited well, placed due emphasis upon fitness and injected a new spirit into the club. Jim Main wrote that Cliff…

“…brought discipline and tactical awareness to the Pivotonians…”

It is not unfair to surmise that Cliff had gained a great deal of knowledge about men, discipline and leadership in his years of military service. The following well-worn adage about leadership has proven very true over the years…

“If the coach can’t handle the pressure, the player won’t handle the game.”

In Cliff’s case, he was the right man at that point of time to shoulder the burden of responsibility entrusted to him by the GFC committee. Cliff was probably the best person, at that moment in time, to develop a team which had the necessary profile i.e. balance across all lines, pace, height, skill and, above all, experience.

 

CLIFF DEVELOPS THE PLAYING LIST AT GEELONG

 

In 1925, The Geelong list had several older players such Cliff, Stan Thomas (33 years) and Lloyd Hagger (26); and the emerging stars included Arthur Pink, George Todd, Keith Johns, Eric Fleming, Edward Stevenson and the brilliant ‘Carji’ Greeves. The average age of the squad was approximately 24 years and the ‘mix for team balance’ was practically perfect (see above).

One of the recruiting coups of the Cats that season was the signing of Tom Fitzmaurice. Tom was 26 years of age when he was cleared from Essendon FC; and his strong hands and experience would prove an asset to Geelong.  Tom had departed company with Essendon over ‘matters of principle’ and was the sort of strong-minded player the Cats required to forge ahead.

 

 

Once described by Hec de Lacey as the greatest centre half back in Australian football, Tom Fitzmaurice was cleared from Essendon to Geelong in 1925. Tom was a true champion of his era. He played a total of 188 VFL games with three clubs (Essendon, Geelong and North Melbourne) and kicked 246 goals. Tom represented Victoria and New South Wales in interstate football and also played with Mortlake, Yarraville and Penguin (Tasmania). He was selected in Essendon’s Team of the Century;  and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996. The photo of Tom in action is from the Sporting Globe.

 

Tom Fitzmaurice would later coach Geelong and he played 188 VFL games with Essendon, Geelong and North Melbourne. ‘Holmesby & Main’ state that Tom Fitzmaurice was…

“… One of the truly gifted players of his era… a superb high flying ruckman and centre half back.” Page 174.

 

 

CLIFF RINGS THE CHANGES AT CORIO OVAL

 

Cliff’s blueprint for success was ‘back on the drawing board’ after a shock defeat in Round: 1. VFL newcomers North Melbourne, coached by Wels Eicke, overcame Geelong by eight points at Corio Oval that day. While the result stunned the experts, it galvanised Cliff Rankin into action.

This rare photograph of Cliff Rankin (at the front) and his team appeared in The Referee on August 26^th 1925. Tom Fitzmaurice is next to Cliff. Eric Fleming is third in line. 

 

The following week, five changes were made to the line-up to meet Richmond. The Cats won and that victory was the first of what would become a remarkable streak of twelve consecutive wins. Geelong had several impressive wins that season but nothing matched the ‘return bout’ against North Melbourne in Round: 12 at Arden Street.

Geelong eclipsed North Melbourne by 95 points. Lloyd Hagger starred with 5 goals and defender George Todd went forward that day and booted four goals. The match developed into a spiteful brawl and was described, in one reliable text, as a ‘vicious’ match. Two Geelong players Stan Thomas and Arthur ‘Bull’ Coghlan received hefty suspensions (in excess of one season) while North Melbourne’s Fred Rutley sustained a lifetime ban for kicking an opposition player “…was suspended for life on a kicking charge after a vicious game at Geelong. The suspension was later lifted and he returned to the field in 1930. ‘Holmesby and Main’ Page 749.

 

Source: The Geelong Advertiser  August 7^th 1925. Page 7

 

THE CATS CLIMB TO THE TOP

Cliff Rankin worked his magic as the coach and by the end of the home and away fixtures, the Cats had won 15 games and finished clearly on top of the League table with a percentage of 152.7%.  Note: The importance of being on top of the VFL Ladder (known as ‘Minor Premiers’ in that era) will become clearer to readers as this chapter unfolds.

 

Lloyd Hagger played with Geelong from 1917 until 1929. In his 174 games he kicked 389 goals. He was the club’s captain in 1924 and he won the VFL goal kicking award in 1925. Lloyd represented Victoria on 12 occasions. Source: The Geelong Advertiser collection.   

 

Lloyd Hagger won the VFL goal kicking that season with 78 goals and he had played a significant role in taking the Cats into the final series. It was the club’s most promising season since entering the VFL in 1897. The team had all the hallmarks of greatness and the potential to claim the ‘ultimate prize’ in October. Cliff’s immediate challenge was to ensure that the players were mentally and physically prepared for the ‘quest of a lifetime.’

 

 

THE FINALS SYSTEM OF 1925

 

In 1925 Geelong (top), Essendon (2nd) Collingwood (3rd) and Melbourne (4^th) made up the places in the Final Four. Jim Main succinctly explained the VFL finals system for 1925 in his book entitled ‘Grand Finals’…

“The League decided to re-adopt the format it had used from 1903-23, with the top team having the right to challenge if defeated in the semi-finals.” Page 62.

 

The advantage of Geelong finishing on top of the VFL Ladder was clearly demonstrated in the first three weeks of the series. Collingwood defeated Essendon in the First Semi-Final by 10 points and then the following week Melbourne held off a fast finishing Geelong side to win by 15 points. Geelong was ‘down but not out; and the team had a fortnight to ‘lick its wounds’ and refresh, re-charge and reset for the ensuing clash.

In the Preliminary Final on the October 3^rd, Melbourne did not kick a goal after half time;  and the Magpies, led by its champion spearhead Gordon Coventry (5 goals), ‘coasted home’ by 37 points. Consequently, the scene was set for the VFL Grand Final between Geelong and Collingwood at the MCG on the following Saturday.

Those readers who have coached sporting teams fully understand that self -doubt is the ‘enemy’ of all; and Cliff’s primary role was to restore collective confidence.  Geelong had not played in VFL Grand Final since 1897 the year of the club’s entry into the VFL) and a lot of water had flowed down the Barwon River in that time. Collingwood FC had last appeared on the ‘biggest stage of all’ in 1922.

 

CLIFF LEADS THE CATS TO A GRAND FINAL

 

 

While the supporters’ hearts were full of hope, the disappointing defeat at the hands of Melbourne had brought about a more realistic assessment of the challenges that Cliff Rankin and his team faced. However, the level of excitement in Geelong and around the district that week reached a crescendo and the topic of football dominated the conversations all week …

“All week Geelong has been at fever pitch, with industries working until 6p.m so that both workers could have a day off on Saturday.” ‘100 Years of Football.’ Page 120.

When the Geelong side was announced, John ‘Jockey’ Jones, Frank Mockridge and Nick Brushfield (perhaps a late withdrawal from the team) had been omitted. Dave Ferguson, Bill Hudd and teenager Ken Leahy were brought into the team.

Within 24 hours or so, Dave Ferguson would write his name into GFC history with his amazing exploit as the game ‘balanced on a knife edge.’ As was the case with the Swans’ Leo Barry, in the 2005 Grand Final, Dave made his ‘mark’ on that game.

 

THE GEELONG LINE-UP

 

BACKS	Les Smith           Keith Johns            Dave Ferguson
HBACKS	Bill Hudd           Tom Fitzmaurice    Ken  Leahy
CENTRE	Ed. Stevenson   Edward Greeves   Jack Williams
HF’WRDS	Arthur Rayson   George Todd         Jack Chambers
F’WARDS	Cliff Rankin         Lloyd Hagger         Syd Hall
RUCKS	Eric Fleming        Denis Heagney     Jim Warren
COACH	Cliff Rankin

THE COLLINGWOOD LINE- UP

BACKS	George Beasley  Charlie Dibbs     Jim Shanahan
HBACKS	Charlie Tyson    Bob Makeham    Ernie Wilson
CENTRE	Charlie Milburn Harry Chesswas  Leo Westcott
HF’WRDS	John Harris    Frank Murphy          Jim Lawn
F’WARDS	Les Stainsby  Gordon Coventry    Reg Baker
RUCKS	Syd Coventry  Laurie Murphy     Reynolds Webb
COACH	Jock McHale.

                                   Source: The Courage Book of Finals Page 80

A galaxy of stars from those seminal years of VFL football. Every footballer has a story to tell and one worth hearing. It is hoped that the above players’ names will not be lost in the ‘fog of time.’  On that day Jock McHale was 42 years of age and was in charge of the Magpies for the 245^th time. He first coached Collingwood in 1912 and would hold the reins until 1949. In all, Jock coached Collingwood in 714 games for a win-loss ratio of 66.1%.

 

 

The VFL ‘Football Record’ for Grand Final Day 1925.  Although the above copy is difficult to read, each player’s number, height and weight are shown. Younger readers may be confused because the statistics are given in Imperial Units. Source:  State Library of Victoria.

 

Geelong supporters flocked to the ground in their thousands and many arrived well before the starting time of the game (2.50pm) to ensure a ‘ringside seat.’ The day was cool and cloudy and the MCG was ‘packed to the rafters’…

 

“The attendance was an absolute record for a football match on the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 64,288 people paying £3132 7/9 to witness the great match. It was estimated that 8000 people came from Geelong; 6000 travelled by train, while 500 cars carried about 2000 persons who made the run by road.”  The Horsham Times October 13^th 1925. Page 3.

 

CLIFF STARS IN THE GRAND FINAL

 

While no further proof was needed for Cliff Rankin to be categorized as an elite footballer, his performance in the 1925 Grand Final confirmed his status in Australian football. His five goals set him apart from others; and, on a day when the legendary Gordon Coventry was held goal-less, Cliff’s haul was extraordinary.

 

Caption Text: The feature of the grand final match for the League football premiership, played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, was the enormous crowd which watched the play. Geelong won the match by 15 goals 19 behinds against Collingwood’s 9 goals 15 behinds. When the photograph was taken Collingwood was attacking the Geelong goal. Source: The Argus October 12^th 1925. Page 9

 

This historic photograph of Cliff Rankin and Charlie Tyson, before the bounce of the ball in the 1925 Grand Final, is from the Bob Gartland’s collection. Charlie Tyson played 144 VFL games with Collingwood and North Melbourne and his life in football makes absorbing reading. Both Cliff and Charlie were wonderful characters in life and sport.

 

The toss of the coin is always crucial in Grand Finals;and luck was with Cliff and he elected to kick with the wind. Any doubts about Geelong’s desire to make ‘early inroads’ were quickly dispelled when Jimmy Warren delivered a heavy, but fair hit, to a Magpie midfielder player at the first bounce….

“There was an outburst of cheering as C. Rankin won the toss from C. Tyson, the Collingwood leader, and chose the Richmond goal as his objective, the wind favouring it, giving him an opportunity of an early lead. In the previous games everyone has been struck by the quiet of the onlookers, but this was a noisy gathering. They realised that it was their last chance till next year, and they were determined to make the best use of it and of their lungs. They cheered everything. The clang of the bell announcing the bounce was drowned by cheers, and the game to decide the premiership had begun. Original article was published in The Argus on 12^th October 1925. Page 7. this extract can also be found on Australian Football website.

 

An action shot from the 1925 Grand Final. This photograph was published in Table Talk (15^th October). The opening stanza on this page read: “No football match has ever created such intense excitement as the Grand final of the League football season.”  Readers of the various newspapers would have been delighted with the photographs that accompanied the match reviews. One can imagine fans cutting and pasting such photos into their scrap books. A football picture is worth a thousand words and such images were eagerly sought in those days.

 

Cliff Rankin was brilliant in the opening stanza and he set the example with two majors in the first ten minutes. Cliff is mentioned regularly throughout the available press reports of the game for his accurate conversion and his inspirational leadership.

 

As Ron Barassi once wrote: “…the champion players are the ones who know the time has come…” Ron would surely appreciate Cliff’s interpretation of his words. Cliff was man of bold action at the front and in football.

 

Jock McHale would have been dismayed with his team’s inability to score with the wind in the second term. Geelong kicked four goals against the breeze while Collingwood struggled up forward. Cliff kicked Geelong’s sixth in that term with “…clever dodging and with a long snap.”

 

DAVE FERGUSON AND KEITH JOHNS – THE GREAT WALL OF GEELONG

 

All eyes were on the ball; and history was in the making in the 1925 VFL Grand Final. This photograph is from the famous Bob Gartland collection.

 

Collingwood’s legendary spearhead Gordon Coventry (6) is ‘under the pump’ and surrounded by desperate Geelong players Ken Leahy (25), Jack Chambers (8) and Eric Fleming (11). Jack Chambers was named, in one reference, as Geelong’s best player that day. Source: The Australasian October 17^th 1925. Page 71.

 

HEROES OF GEELONG

The Cats suffered a major setback when ‘Carji’ Greeves took a heavy knock to the head and, as a consequence, suffered dizzy spells at the half time break.” ‘Carji’ had been prominent early but that big hit negated his drive in the third quarter.

Collingwood could not find the required spark or a clear path to goal in the third term.  In an extraordinary performance the Cats full back, Keith Johns, held Gordon Coventry goal-less for the entire match.  It was super performance and ‘badge of honour’ for Keith to wear for the rest of his life. Records show that was the only occasion in a VFL Grand Final that Gordon Coventry did not kick a goal.

 

 

Two of Geelong’s stars in the 1925 Grand Final.  Keith Johns (upper) and Arthur Rayson. Arthur was born at Dunolly (NSW).  Two of Arthur’s sons (Alan and Noel) also played with Geelong.   

Note: One text stated that Dave Ferguson played on Gordon Coventry that day; whereas another reliable reference noted that Keith Johns had the unenviable task. Both ideas have merit as it is possible that Keith and Dave worked in ‘tag’ (i.e. tandem) to limit the opportunities of the champion Collingwood spearhead.

 

 

It would be fascinating to read Cliff Rankin’s pre-match notes about the strategy to counter ‘Gordon the Great.’  Keith Johns and Dave Ferguson were probably the unsung heroes of that victory; and it is perhaps an injustice, that despite the incessant babble of contemporary pundits, the exploits of Keith and Dave are constantly ignored.

AFL statistics show that Keith played his last VFL game in that Grand Final. What a way to say goodbye! Dave Ferguson* (see below) and Keith would always remember the day that they kept the Magpies at bay.

Note: Keith Johns won the Club’s Best & Fairest trophy and played for Victoria in 1922. His brother (Alwyn) had played 80 games with Geelong (1913-1920).

 

DAVE FERGUSON AND THE MIRACLE MARK

The tempo of the game lifted in the third term and the contest developed into a physical affair with ‘no holds barred.’ Ed Stevenson’s goal on the bell was vital in the context of the game and gave the Cats some ‘breathing space.’ The final quarter was tense and dramatic. The Collingwood surge sent a ‘shot of fear’ through every Geelong supporter.

Jock McHale had demanded an ‘all out’ assault in the last quarter; and the Magpies rallied and took control of the midfield. Geelong stalled and when the Magpies’ skipper Charlie Tyson goaled the game was in the balance. Deep into the term, Geelong held a slender lead but it was probably the miraculous mark by Dave Ferguson at the ‘death knell’ that saved the day for Geelong…

“F. Murphy (Collingwood) forwarded from the wing where Ferguson (Geelong) slipped as he ran to contest the mark with three Collingwood men. Flat on his back, Ferguson marked to break up the Magpie attack.”     Graeme Atkinson… Courage Book of Finals

The forgotten defender of the 1925 Grand Final. A rare photograph of David James Ferguson (1903-1975). Dave’s freakish mark probably ‘saved the day’ for Geelong and wrote his name into the annals of VFL history. Dave was probably Boulder City FC’s greatest hero. 

 

This was Dave Ferguson’s finest act in any football match and, despite being an acrobatic and spectacular mark; he could only muster 39 games with GFC. Dave Ferguson (ex-Boulder City FC-Kalgoorlie) also played seven games with NMFC in 1931. Frank Murphy’s kick was Collingwood’s last foray into attack as the siren rang soon after and the Cats had won the flag by ten points.

 

The relieved Geelong supporters were ecstatic when Umpire McMurray signalled the end of the game.Geelong’s  conquering hero Cliff Rankin , who had kicked five goals, was ‘chaired’ from the ground by supporters.  The final scores were:

 

Geelong:          3.2    7.8   10.13      10.19 (79)

Collingwood:  2.5    4.9     6.12         9.15 (69)

Best players for Geelong: Chambers Johns Rankin Rayson Leahy Warren Hudd and Greeves.

Goals for Geelong: Rankin 5 Hagger Heagney Chambers Hall and Stevenson

 

The all-conquering hero of Geelong-Cliff Rankin was lifted and chaired from the ground when the final siren. Source:  From the Bob Gartland collection of photographs. 

 

A little known but important fact, regarding that game, was that Cliff Rankin was the only player to be a multiple goal kicker. According to the available statistics, Collingwood received 46 free kicks to Geelong’s 35 during the match.

 

The 1925 Geelong premiership team. Cliff Rankin (centre front) served his country with distinction in France and led Geelong with unique resolve.  It is true that … “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve.  Photograph source: Geelong Past Players’ website.

Barbara Cullen’s outstanding book entitled Harder than Football may actually explain Cliff Rankin’s dominance in that historic Grand Final. This is only a guess but perhaps Cliff saw life’s vista so clearly from a higher level that day in 1925 and compared to the horrors of war, playing football was a ‘walk in the park.’

 

THE VICTORY CELEBRATIONS

 

The banner headline told the story of a mighty victory over Collingwood. Source: ‘The Geelong Advertiser’ October 12^th 1925. Page: 1.

 

It is not difficult to imagine how the township of Geelong responded to that victory. Nothing had been seen in the town since the celebrations which marked the cessation of hostilities in the Great War…

“The train carrying the victorious team back to Geelong was greeted by near hysteria and the players were driven back to the Town Hall for the celebrations…” Source:  Grand Finals. Page 63.

It was also reported that Cliff Rankin was actually chaired to the Geelong Town Hall by the supporters. The many warm tributes to the team later included…

“…to Rankin for his clever leadership and excellent goal kicking a special word of praise.” Source; ‘The Argus’ 12^th October 1925.

 

The Geelong Town Hall in Gheringhap Street. Source: State Library of Victoria.  Ref: 1673610.

 

Caption text: Flashlight photo of Geelong Players and Officials entertained in Mayor’s Room on Saturday evening.  Source: The Geelong Advertiser October 12^th 1925. Page 1

A special players trip to Sydney the following Saturday was part of the team’s week-long celebrations.

 

 

THE LATER YEARS

 

The Cats had ‘broken the ice’ and Cliff’s name was etched into the club’s history for evermore. He coached Geelong until the end of the 1927 season with further success but nothing could ever compare with that day in October 1925. It- is a coincidence that his last game as GFC coach was in the 1927 Semi-Final against Collingwood. Jock McHale took his revenge that day as the Magpies won easily.

 

As Geelong’s coach, Cliff coached the team in 57 games with a win-loss ratio of 78.9%. Cliff had coached the Cats in four finals but won only one but that was the most important win as a coach and/or player in his career. One of Cliff’s greatest honours was to be selected as the VFL Premiership Coach of the Year. (This coveted award is now known as the ‘Jock McHale’ Medal).

 

As a player, Cliff played his last game at Fitzroy in Round: 17 at the Brunswick Street Oval in 1928. In all, he had represented Geelong on 153 occasions and kicked 400 goals. Cliff was 31 years of age when he finally stepped down from playing VFL football.  Tom Fitzmaurice was appointed as the new coach of GFC in 1928.

 

FINAL WORDS ABOUT CLIFF RANKIN

 

Cliff Rankin died on the 12^th February in 1975 and was buried at the Barrabool Cemetery in Highton (a suburb of Geelong). A fitting conclusion to this story can be found in Table Talk (a Melbourne publication) in October 1927. The article ran to more than one thousand words and extolled the substantial accomplishments and character of Cliff Rankin.

However,  the following  ‘short but sweet’ sentence says it all; and  it an apt end point for this story about the  intrepid leader and charismatic personality of Geelong FC…

“He is plainly one of the greatest footballers that this State has sent into action on Saturday afternoons.” Source:  Table Talk October 6th 1927. Page: 15

 

CAN YOU SEE THE BLACK CAT?

 

The Geelong Team of the Century- A painting by Jamie Cooper

 

Cliff Rankin was selected as an emergency in Geelong’s Team of the Century. Cliff can be seen in the above copy of Jamie Cooper’s stunning print. Cliff is on the extreme left of the back row (wearing the GFC blazer and tie). Younger readers, who may not have seen this painting before, will be interested to see a black cat at the feet of Cliff. It is a meaningful and clever addition by the artist. The fact that Jamie placed the cat next to Cliff indicated that he not only knew his history but respected the contribution made by Cliff and the Rankin family of Geelong FC.

 

THE WEG POSTER  OF CLIFF RANKIN

The well-known cartoonist/illustrator ‘WEG’ ( William Ellis Green 1923-2008) created this poster of Cliff Rankin. The top photo is from the GFC website.

 

 

 

 

END NOTES REGARDING THE RANKIN FAMILY

 

• Doug Rankin…Cliff’s youngest brother Doug (born 1915) played nine games with Geelong in 1938 and 1939. Doug was about 22 years of age when he was recruited from a team known as the Geelong Guild Scouts.
• Doug made his debut for the Cats against St Kilda in Round 2 of the 1938 season at Junction Oval. His best performance for Geelong may have been the following week against North Melbourne when he kicked three goals.
• Doug Rankin’s last game for Geelong was in Round 18 against North Melbourne at the Arden Street Oval. Doug kicked a total of eight goals for Geelong FC. It appears that Doug served with the 2nd AIF during World War II.
• Cliff was selected as an emergency in Geelong’s ‘Team of the Century’ (see above).
• Geelong’s Best &Fairest award is now called the ‘Carji Greeves Medal.’ Ted Rankin (1903) and Bert Rankin (1917) are recipients of the award.
• Ted, Bert and Cliff Rankin are all Life Members of the Geelong Football Club.
• Bert Rankin died in June 1971.
• The death notice of Ted, who died in 1944, gives a further insight into the children of Rankin family.

“RANKIN – On July 31, at private hospital, Geelong, Edwin Walter, loved husband of Adelaide Isabel, dear father of Bert (Dimboola), Cliff, Rita, Reg, Eileen, Doug (2nd A.I.F.), and Geoff (R.A.A.F.), aged 72 years.”  Source: The Argus August 1st 1944. Page 2

 

• The Geelong Junior FL Best & Fairest award is known as the ‘Cliff Rankin Medal.’
• The following quotation and photograph, regarding the Rankin Memorial Gates at Geelong College, are taken from a website known as ‘Monument Australia’…

“Gates erected in memory of Edward (Teddy) Rankin who was curator at Geelong College for 40 years. Edwin Walter Rankin, who died in 1944, had been head groundsman for most of his forty years at the College. A brilliant footballer in his younger days, ‘Teddy’ was for long the coach and adviser of senior teams. His gift of humour and his memory for faces and events endeared him to present and past boys, of whom over seven hundred subscribed to his memorial, the gateway at the north-east entrance.”

 

 

This article was written for Footy Almanac’s ANZAC tributes by Roger Spaull in April 2023 in the hope of never forgetting the nerve of men such as Cliff Rankin, Joe Slater, Les James and others during wartime service.

 

As we look towards another action packed Australian football season, we have much to be thankful for in our lives. James Allen (1854-1912), an English writer, once wrote…’No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.’  How true!

 

 THE END

 

Read Roger Spaull’s other profiles HERE.

 

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