Australian Football

Probably as well known for his dapper demeanour off the field as for his undoubted talents on it, John Goold was a distinctive and popular figure at Carlton for the better part of a decade. Recruited from Healesville, he made his VFL debut in 1963, but struggled at first to find his feet. In 1965 he began to perform with consistent brilliance and was selected to represent the VFL. Quick, tenacious and tireless, he played most of his career across half back, but could turn his hand to any defensive position. 

Goold was a superb high mark, who played many of his best games in finals, or when representing the 'Big V', which he did at the 1966 Hobart carnival (earning All Australian selection, and finishing second in the voting for the Tassie Medal) and in 1968 in addition to 1965. He was at centre half back in the 1968 Grand Final as the Blues beat Essendon, and on a half back flank two years later when Collingwood was vanquished. The 1970 Grand Final (reviewed here) proved to be the last of his 108 VFL games as he opted to retire in order to concentrate on his fashion business.

Author - John Devaney