Time for another look into the past since the present's not looking good at the moment.
The number of players representing North Melbourne in senior matches recently passed 1000. Each one has been given a number in order of appearance since North's inaugural year in the VFL/AFL—1925. Some have given long, faithful service to the club. Others have made but a fleeting appearance, playing a handful, or even just one match.
But the man awarded the number 1 was given it because he was one of the twenty to appear for North in their first VFL match—also because his surname came first alphabetically out of that twenty---Henry Alfred Clapson, better known as Harry.
Born on 15 March 1895, Clapson grew up in Arden St Kensington. He and his younger brother Alan quickly became involved in cricket and football. During World War 1 Harry served in the A.I.F. in Gallipolli and France, where he was seriously wounded. Upon returning he played for Essendon (Association), but soon joined his brother in the VJFA competition where they played for for Port Melbourne and North Melbourne. They then went to Essendon (League) and played in the equivalent of their reserves team in 1921.
In 1922 Alan returned to the North Melbourne juniors. But Harry moved to South Australia, where he played with the powerful Norwood team for three seasons. He earned a reputation as a dashing player, as a rover, wing and half-forward. He played in both the senior team and the reserves team, becoming vice-captain of the reserves in 1924. Alan, meanwhile had graduated to the North senior team and was one of the club's leading players and goalkickers in 1924. Towards the end of the season he sustained a serious injury and was advised by his doctor not to play again. He ignored this.
In June 1924, Harry returned to Victoria, having been transferred by his employer, the Customs Dept. At the time he stated that he had no intention of playing football again. But this soon changed by 1925 when he applied for a permit to play for North, who were now in the VFL.In applying for his permit, Harry stated that he had lived in Kensington for 18 years prior to moving to S.A. and had obtained a clearance from Essendon (VFA) to North Melbourne in 1920.
Alan, who had applied for and was given a transfer to Northcote, quickly applied for a transfer back to North to be with his brother. Sadly he did not manage one senior match and ended up going to Northcote in 1926.
Harry stood out at pre-season training, being described as "the find of the season". He was selected on the half-forward flank for the first match against Geelong. He contributed to the win, scoring a goal when the game was in the balance in the last quarter, and then giving one to Lewis, which was the sealer. Harry played in seven of the first nine rounds, his last appearance being in Round 9 against Carlton.
Clapson retired from the game before the 1926 season began for business reasons. In 1927 he moved to the new national capital—Canberra-- where he would marry and spend the rest of his life. He was involved for several years with the Acton football club both as a player and official. He also played cricket. In 1941 he enlisted again in the army but was discharged the following year.
Harry Clapson died on 6 June 1987 at the age of 92. Only two players from the "class of 1925" survived him—Leo Dwyer (died 1995) and Clarry Nolan (died 1998).
Playing days at Norwood.
Clapson the soldier. Harry & Ina Clapson Anzac day 1984
The number of players representing North Melbourne in senior matches recently passed 1000. Each one has been given a number in order of appearance since North's inaugural year in the VFL/AFL—1925. Some have given long, faithful service to the club. Others have made but a fleeting appearance, playing a handful, or even just one match.
But the man awarded the number 1 was given it because he was one of the twenty to appear for North in their first VFL match—also because his surname came first alphabetically out of that twenty---Henry Alfred Clapson, better known as Harry.
Born on 15 March 1895, Clapson grew up in Arden St Kensington. He and his younger brother Alan quickly became involved in cricket and football. During World War 1 Harry served in the A.I.F. in Gallipolli and France, where he was seriously wounded. Upon returning he played for Essendon (Association), but soon joined his brother in the VJFA competition where they played for for Port Melbourne and North Melbourne. They then went to Essendon (League) and played in the equivalent of their reserves team in 1921.
In 1922 Alan returned to the North Melbourne juniors. But Harry moved to South Australia, where he played with the powerful Norwood team for three seasons. He earned a reputation as a dashing player, as a rover, wing and half-forward. He played in both the senior team and the reserves team, becoming vice-captain of the reserves in 1924. Alan, meanwhile had graduated to the North senior team and was one of the club's leading players and goalkickers in 1924. Towards the end of the season he sustained a serious injury and was advised by his doctor not to play again. He ignored this.
In June 1924, Harry returned to Victoria, having been transferred by his employer, the Customs Dept. At the time he stated that he had no intention of playing football again. But this soon changed by 1925 when he applied for a permit to play for North, who were now in the VFL.In applying for his permit, Harry stated that he had lived in Kensington for 18 years prior to moving to S.A. and had obtained a clearance from Essendon (VFA) to North Melbourne in 1920.
Alan, who had applied for and was given a transfer to Northcote, quickly applied for a transfer back to North to be with his brother. Sadly he did not manage one senior match and ended up going to Northcote in 1926.
Harry stood out at pre-season training, being described as "the find of the season". He was selected on the half-forward flank for the first match against Geelong. He contributed to the win, scoring a goal when the game was in the balance in the last quarter, and then giving one to Lewis, which was the sealer. Harry played in seven of the first nine rounds, his last appearance being in Round 9 against Carlton.
Clapson retired from the game before the 1926 season began for business reasons. In 1927 he moved to the new national capital—Canberra-- where he would marry and spend the rest of his life. He was involved for several years with the Acton football club both as a player and official. He also played cricket. In 1941 he enlisted again in the army but was discharged the following year.
Harry Clapson died on 6 June 1987 at the age of 92. Only two players from the "class of 1925" survived him—Leo Dwyer (died 1995) and Clarry Nolan (died 1998).
Playing days at Norwood.
Clapson the soldier. Harry & Ina Clapson Anzac day 1984
