Breese

Image: Trove; Sporting Globe August 08 1925 p5

Robert Charles "Chic" Breese, one of 28 Carlton players who transitioned from the VFA in 1896 to the newly formed VFL in 1897.

Breese played 24 games for Carlton after debuting in Season Round 3, 1897, kicking 10 goals.
In his final match Chic was made acting captain in the absence of captain Ernie Walton and vice-captain Peter Williams

He was originally from Ascot Vale, where he was captain, and Wesley College. He also played for Williamstown prior to being recruited by Carlton.

At the Carlton AGM on April 06 1899 Chic Breese was presented with a long service testamonial.

The Essendon Gazette September 10 1914 (p6), in a report on the Essendon Rowing Club and their football matches through out the winter mentions Mr. C. Breese who gave up his time to coach the crews.

1929 June 01
"Old oarsmen will regret to hear the death of Mr. R. C. Breese ("Chic"), which occurred early last week. He rowed bow in the Essendon senior four that won the Stewards' Challenge Cup at the first Henley regatta in 1904, and up to a few years ago took an active part in coaching the Essendon crews, which met with considerable success. He was an all round athlete, and played football with Carlton for some years."
(Trove: Australasian p33)

Robert Charles Breese was a health inspector for the Municipality of Essendon. (Age June 16 p19 1925)

Victorian Football Association
Games: 20
Goals: 7
Career: 1894 - 1895 (1897 - 1898 V.F.L.)

Robert Charles "Chic" Breese, sometimes spelt Breeze

Recruited from Ascot Vale

1894 May 12
Debuted for Carlton aged 23 years, 53 days, against Port Melbourne at the M.C.G.

1894 June 9
Breeze scored 2 goals in the Round 6 victory over Collingwood at the M.C.G.
(The Argus)

1895 One of the outstanding Carlton players for the year.

1896 First pre season blow to the old club was the loss of a quarter of it's First 20 through the departure of Jack Leith , Bill Walton , James Ingram, Geo. Smith and Chic Breese.
(The Carlton Story, H.Buggy and H. Bell. p75,77)

1896 Breese left Melbourne, ie; departed the city. (Mark Pennings Vol 4)

Breese was born in Brunswick, and he died on the 20th May 1929 at his residence 22 St.Leonard's Rd Ascot Vale. He was aged 57 and buried at the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Article with photo

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184824264

Footnote

At the 1908 Football Carnival in Melbourne, the New Zealand team had a player named Breese from Auckland. Could this be Chic Breese?
Chic had a sister living in Traralgon Vic. Mrs C. Brown (Traralgon Record May 23 1929 p2)