Rayson

Had it not been for World War II, Alan Rayson would surely have played many more than the 20 senior VFL games he is credited with. A young man with an impeccable football pedigree, he was the eldest son of Geelong's 1925 Premiership rover Arthur Rayson, and was about to embark on a promising career with the Cats in his own right in 1942 when World War II intervened. Geelong were forced into recess that year, and so temporarily released their players to the rival club of their choice. Rayson joined Carlton for an all too brief stay, while waiting for for his induction into the RAAF for the duration of hostilities. One of five Cats who chose Princes Park as their new interim home, Rayson wore guernsey number 2 for the Blues, and kicked a goal in each of his two consecutive matches midway through 1943.

His debut came in Carlton’s round 10 clash with Hawthorn Princes Park in July, 1943. Stationed on a half-forward flank, alongside Jack Wrout and ‘Mick’ Price, Rayson was creative as the Blues held sway throughout the day, and eventually ran out winners by 25 points. But the following week against North Melbourne at Arden Street, Carlton’s key forwards Wrout and Jim Francis were kept in check by a disciplined Shinboner defence, and the Blues went down in a thriller by 4 points.

By that stage, Rayson had been called up by the RAAF. He enlisted a few weeks later, and served in various ground crew roles until hostilities eventually ended in August 1945. He was discharged the following January, and after more than two years out of the game, at long last was able to wear the blue and white hoops of his hometown club again.

However, although he was still only 22 years old and had resumed playing for the Cats in an atmosphere of post-war confidence, Rayson found that the time he had spent out of the game had cost him dearly, and his former sparkle was all but gone. Even so, he was serviceable in his 18 matches for Geelong throughout 1946-’47, and his 15 goals were a handy contribution from a player whose potential was sadly, never properly realised.

Photo courtesy of Bob Gartland - Geelong Football Club