Gough

In hindsight, the Carlton Football Club probably made an error of judgement by not retaining 19 year-old Alfred ‘Mac’ Gough after his first game for the Blues in 1903. A tall, slim forward from Barwon (near Geelong), Gough played as a flanker in a 15-point loss to Melbourne in round 14 of that year, and wasn’t seen at Princes Park again.

Two years later – taller, heavier and more experienced – Mac decided on another tilt at VFL football, and joined Geelong. The Pivotonians developed him as a ruckman, and in 44 games between 1905 and 1907, he earned a reputation for toughness and honesty.

In 1908, Gough transferred to Essendon Town in the VFA, where he was soon regarded as one of the most influential big men in the competition. He led the Dreadnoughts’ rucks in their inaugural Premiership victories in 1911 and 1912, and was hailed as a star throughout both final series.

Then, after six seasons in black and red, Alf was lured to Hawthorn in 1914 when the Mayblooms were admitted to the VFA. Although he was well and truly a veteran by then, he provided the experience and leadership that the newcomers so desperately needed throughout their first two seasons.

Gough passed away in North Sydney at the age of 68 on July 28, 1952.