Eric Fleming (footballer)

Eric James Edward Fleming (16 March 1903 – 20 August 1984) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the VFL during the 1920s.

Eric Fleming
Personal information
Full name Eric James Edward Fleming
Date of birth (1903-03-16)16 March 1903
Place of birth Carlton, Victoria
Date of death 20 August 1984(1984-08-20) (aged 81)
Place of death Melbourne, Victoria
Original team(s) South Bendigo (Bendigo FL)
Height 191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight 81 kg (179 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1922–1928 Geelong 105 (112)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1928.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

South Bendigo recruit Eric Fleming was a tall, high marking ruckman who notably had an exceptional torpedo punt. He could also play at half forward and averaged over a goal a game in his career. A Victorian interstate football representative, Fleming was a member of Geelong's 1925 premiership side.

Fleming was involved in an unusual incident during Geelong's Round 12 match of the 1924 season against Fitzroy. With Geelong trailing by 3 points, Fleming took a mark near goal just before the final siren sounded. Play was held up while the umpire endeavoured to move no fewer than 11 Fitzroy players back from the mark. To Fleming's amazement, three Fitzroy players attempted to build a human pyramid to stop him scoring.[1] Fleming kicked the goal and Geelong won 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65).[2] A rule change was made allowing only one defending player to stand on the mark.

He joined VFA club Oakleigh in 1929 and played at centre half forward in their 1930 and 1931 premierships.

References
  1. Atkinson, Graeme (1989). 3AW Book of Footy Records. South Melbourne: Magistra Publishing Company Pty Ltd. p. 278. ISBN 1863210091.
  2. Rodgers, Stephen (1998). Every Game Ever Played VFL/AFL Results 1897-1997. Ringwood: Penguin Books Australia Pty Ltd. p. 850. ISBN 0670908096.
  • Fiddian, Marc: Devils at Play. A History of the Oakleigh Football Club, Pakenham Gazette, Pakenham 1982
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.