Weir

William Rich 'Winkie' Weir was born in North Fitzroy in 1874 and attended Scotch College from 1887 to 1879. A foundation player for the Carlton Football Club, he holds the distinction of being the club’s first-ever VFL full-back. Weir began his football career with Fitzroy Juniors and later played for the powerful Fitzroy team in the VFA from 1893 to 1894 before being recruited by Carlton.

A Career in Blue and White
Weir's career with Carlton began in the VFA in 1896, where he played a significant role. He is believed to have played 27 games that year. Newspaper reports from the time noted his defensive prowess; for instance, The Carlton Gazette praised him in an August 1896 match, stating, "'Wink' Weir was the equal to any backman on the ground and put in sterling defensive work." According to Mark Pennings' book, Origins of Australian Football Vol 4, Weir played 17 games in 1896.

On Saturday, May 8, 1897, Weir wrote his name into club history as he anchored Carlton's defense in the club's inaugural VFL match against his former team, Fitzroy. This historic game marked the beginning of a challenging era for the Blues, as Fitzroy's experience and strength proved to be too much on the day.

After his landmark debut at full-back, Weir was often shifted to a pocket, while other players, such as Jim Lyons, were trialed in the full-back position. Carlton finished that difficult first VFL season second-last on the ladder, having secured only two wins against wooden-spooners St Kilda.

Weir continued with Carlton into the 1898 season, playing seven matches in various defensive roles, including half-back flank. He ended his 16-game VFL career where it began, returning to a back pocket for his final game at Brunswick Street Oval. His last match was a difficult one for the Blues, who were thrashed by 83 points by Fitzroy, kicking just 1 goal and 1 behind for the entire match—a club record for their lowest-ever score against the Maroons.
Image:W. Weir Fitzroy Evening Standard Capture
Military Service and Life After Football
After his playing days, Weir worked as a chemist in Williamstown. In 1900, he volunteered for active service in the Boer War, serving as a corporal with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. He returned home in 1903, having earned the Queen's South Africa medal and three campaign clasps for his service in the Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, and Transvaal.