Jack Dyer: Australian Football
John Raymond “Jack” Dyer, Sr. OAM (15 November 1913 – 23 August 2003) was an Australian rules footballer and coach of the Richmond Football Club, one of the club’s greatest and fiercest players, in the Victorian Footballer League from 1931 to 1952.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Jack Dyer became Richmond’s leading goal kicker in 1947 with 46 goals and 64 goals in 1948 and captaining the club from 1941 to 1949. He won six Best and Fairest awards, more than any other player in the club’s history, and is the most revered figure ever to have played at Punt Road. Dyer was honored as Richmond’s first immortal in its inaugural Hall of Fame and was also an original nomination for AFL Legend status.
Why Was He So Good?
Nicknamed “Captain Blood”, he earned the nickname in a game against Fitzroy in which he crashed through three players. “Anything goes as long as you can get away with it.” Dyer was the embodiment of the dangerous and merciless footballer who took no prisoners. He was credited with perfecting the “drop punt kick (dropping the ball and kicking it before it touches the ground), heralding the demise of the drop kick and stab pass (two types of kicks that involve letting the ball hit the ground before kicking it)”.
What You May Not Know
- After retiring in 1949, he continued as a coach for three more seasons.
- Jack Dyer became a radio commentator until 1992 after his retirement, and then became a columnist.
- He was first invited to train with Richmond after showing the first signs of his football skills with the Richmond Hill Old Boys side.
- He was named captain of Richmond’s team of the century.
Was he a legend?
Do you agree with Jack Dyer being an AFL legend?
How would you rate their greatness? (from good to 'the best')
Related Pages
- More Australian Football legendary players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Australian Football
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events