Albert Ernest Taylor (2 June 1911 – 30 May 1978)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[2]
| Bert Taylor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Albert Ernest Taylor | ||
| Date of birth | 2 June 1911 | ||
| Place of birth | Corowa, New South Wales | ||
| Date of death | 30 May 1978 (aged 66) | ||
| Place of death | Bendigo, Victoria | ||
| Original team(s) | Finley | ||
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) | ||
| Position(s) | Ruck | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1934–1936 | Melbourne | 39 (23) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1936. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Family edit
The son of Joseph Thomas Taylor (1873-1947), and Mary Christina Taylor (1874-1948), née Detlefsen,[3] Albert Ernest Taylor was born at Corowa, New South Wales on 2 June 1911.
He married Lesley Mary Trewick in 1944.
Football edit
Melbourne (VFL) edit
Taylor was a tall (6ft 7in), left-footed ruckman, recruited from the Finley Football Club in the Murray Football League.[4]
- "With a dozen or more places to be filled through the omission of men who played last year, Melbourne officials are giving due attention to the form of their numerous recruits.
Already some new men have been struck off the list, and the selection committee will act again when they meet after witnessing the form displayed in the two practice matches to be played tomorrow.
Apart from his physique, the outstanding recruit with the Fuschias is Bert Taylor, the giant from Finley, New South Wales. He has not the same awkward movements as some six-footers, and is able to unwind great pace and combine high marking and clever ground play. He should be useful in any key position, as he could be placed on the ball, half-forward or half-back, and acquit himself equally as well." — The Herald, 6 April 1934.[5]
- "With a dozen or more places to be filled through the omission of men who played last year, Melbourne officials are giving due attention to the form of their numerous recruits.
VFL Representative team edit
In 1935, he played in three VFL representative matches: against Western Australia on 22 June 1935,[6][7] against Western Australia on 25 June 1935,[8][9] and against South Australia on 29 June 1935.[10][11]
- Bert Taylor, centre half-forward for Melbourne (24, 6.4, 15.10, 18 games) is the tallest and heaviest man in League football. He came from the Riverina last year, and has quickly made his mark. A left footer, he is remarkably on the ground for a man of his height, which, however, he does not use to the best advantage in going for marks. He has also followed with success, and should be one of the best in the side." — The West Australian, 19 June, 1935.[12]
Military service edit
Taylor enlisted in the Australian Militia in February 1942. He was discharged in December 1942, on the grounds that, as a farmer, he had a reserved occupation.[13]
Death edit
He died (suddenly) at his residence in Bendigo, Victoria, on 30 May 1978.[14]
Notes edit
- ^ AustralianFootball.com.
- ^ Holmesby & Main (2009), p.815.
- ^ District News: Berrigan, The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, (Friday, 4 December 1896), p.15.
- ^ "Finley Giant". Sporting Globe. 18 August 1934. p. 7. Retrieved 5 May 2020 – via Trove Newspapers.
- ^ Melbourne's Best: Many Places to be Filled, The (Melbourne) Herald, (Friday, 6 April 1934), p.13.
- ^ Victorians Give Westerners A Lesson In Dashing Football, The (Perth) Mirror, (Saturday, 22 June 1935), p.6.
- ^ 'Forward', "Victorians Win: Great Display at Perth: Victory by 38 Points: Handball Dazzles West Australians", The Age, (Monday, 24 June 1935), p.8.
- ^ Interstate Football: Victoria Wins Again: A Keener Match, The West Australian, (Wednesday, 26 June 1935), p.21.
- ^ 'Forward', "Second Match at Perth: Victorians Win Again", The Age, (Wednesday, 26 June 1935), p.7.
- ^ Victorians Dominate 3rd Interstate Game, The Sporting Globe, (Saturday, 29 June 1935), p.5.
- ^ Victorians' fine play in Adelaide: Convincing Victory: System Overwhelmed Opposition, The Argus, (Monday, 1 July 1935), p.13.
- ^ Interstate Football: Personalities, The West Australian, (Wednesday, 19 June, 1935), p.18.
- ^ Service Record: Nominal Roll.
- ^ Deaths: Taylor, The Age, (Wednesday, 31 May 1978), p.56.
References edit
- Giant for Melbourne, The Weekly Times, (Saturday, 14 April 1934), p.60.
- Holmesby, Russell & Main, Jim (2009), The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers: every AFL/VFL player since 1897 (8th ed.), Seaford, Victoria: BAS Publishing. ISBN 978-1-921496-00-4
- World War Two Nominal Roll: Trooper Albert Ernest Taylor (V24549), Department of Veterans' Affairs.
- World War Two Service Record: Trooper Albert Ernest Taylor (V24549), National Archives of Australia.
External links edit
- Bert Taylor's playing statistics from AFL Tables
- Bert Taylor at AustralianFootball.com
- Bert Taylor, at Demonwiki.