Australian Football

After commencing his senior career with Northcote during that club's pre-VFA days, Charlie Hammond crossed to Carlton in 1906, just in time to participate in arguably the most auspicious era in the side's history. A tough, hard-hitting defender with Northcote, Hammond began his Blues career as a half back - in which position he starred in the 1906 Grand Final - before being transformed by coach Jack Worrall into a relentlessly combative ruck shepherd.

During his 154-game VFL career, which ended in 1918, Hammond would play in no fewer than five premiership teams. From 1910-12, however, he returned to Northcote, which was by that stage a member of the VFA, after falling out with the Carlton club hierarchy over the controversial dismissal of coach Worrall. In 1913 he stood out of football completely, but the following year the Blues enticed him back for what turned out to be a glittering finale to his career, capped by inspirational performances in the club's 1914-15 flag wins.

Author - John Devaney