First Indigenous VFL player?

[Joe Johnson]

Does anyone know of an indigenous player in the VFL that pre dates Joe Johnson who played for Fitzroy from 1904 to 1906?

I am sure there have been numerous indigenous players who played the game prior to this date but perhaps at different levels or in other states of Australia. (some say that Aussie Rules style football is an Aboriginal invention anyway, and there is strong evidence to support this)

cheers

 

[Stiubhart]

Tommy Banks (Fitzroy) in the 1890's was of West Indian descent , as far as I know Joe Johnson was the first indigenous player. George Simmonds (Melb) (1924) ,Alf Egan (Carl./ NM) 1931 - 1935 , then Doug Nicholls (Fitz) 1932 - 1937 were next after Joe Johnson.

 

[Joe Johnson]

Tommy Banks (Fitzroy) in the 1890's was of West Indian descent , as far as I know Joe Johnson was the first indigenous player. George Simmonds (Melb) (1924) ,Alf Egan (Carl./ NM) 1931 - 1935 , then Doug Nicholls (Fitz) 1932 - 1937 were next after Joe Johnson.

yep, all ground breaking indigenous players - not only for the game, but for thier communities.

Doug Nicholls even ended up with a Kinght Hood.

 

[15hodge]

Some indigenous players may have played in other leagues before Joe. Joe played for Brunswick and Northcote as well.

EDIT: I think Joe was recruited from Northcote to Fitzroy. He was a playing coach at Brunswick after his time at Fitzroy. He also played in Brunswick's first premiership team in ~1910.

 

[BG32]

Welcome to bigfooty. Nice to meet you