Bert Franks

Originally hailing from the Victorian country town of Costerfield but making his senior football debut in Western Australia with North Fremantle, Bert Franks arrived at South Melbourne as a readymade enforcer. Standing 180cm and weighing over 90kg, he was a giant for the era, utilising his size as a fearsome ruckman who could also impose himself at centre half-back or forward. Despite his bulk, Franks possessed surprising speed and agility, traits that helped South break its premiership drought in 1909, where he booted a vital goal in the low-scoring Grand Final win over Carlton. His career was coloured by a fiery temperament and a unique resilience; after suffering severe burns in a brewery accident, he played with heavy padding on his back, often retaliating furiously if opponents targeted the injury. While his aggression saw him rubbed out for the 1907 decider, he remained a pivotal figure in the club's early history before finishing his career in the VFA with North Melbourne.