Cummins

Arthur Cummins’ short playing career was remarkable on two counts. First, because he was a member of Carlton’s original VFL team, and second because his seven consecutive games were played against seven different opponents at seven separate venues.

Born in Castlemaine in central Victoria in 1876, Arthur Edward Cummins was already established at Princes Park by 1897, when the Blues defected from the Victorian Football Association to become one of eight foundation clubs in the Victorian Football League.

The VFL played its opening round of matches on Saturday, May 8, 1897. Carlton met Fitzroy at the Brunswick Street Oval, with Cummins in a forward pocket – apparently as an optional marking target alongside our fast-leading full-forward Wally O’Cock. However, that strategy wasn’t successful. Fitzroy were too good all over the ground and won by five goals.

In succeeding weeks, as the Carlton Football Club took its first faltering steps on the long road to eventual glory, defeat followed defeat. In round four against Geelong at Corio Oval, Cummins had a rare moment of joy when he slotted his only career goal, and a fortnight later celebrated his one victory as a Blue when Carlton beat St Kilda by 11 points in a torrid encounter at the Junction Oval.

His seventh and last game provided another first for Cummins when he took part in Carlton’s debut match on the hallowed turf of Princes Park on June 22, 1897. Inspired by the occasion, the Blues put up one of their best performances of the season, before falling to Collingwood by four points in a high-quality encounter.