Bill Lang
Richmond
AFL career
14 games7 goals
- Debut
- R1 1908 v MEL2 May 1908
- Most recent
- R11 1909 v UNI10 July 1909
Stats
Bio
Born William Lanfranchi, Bill Lang occupies a unique place in sporting history as a dual-code heavyweight who traded bumps on the field for blows in the ring. A key member of Richmond’s 1905 VFA premiership side, he was a pioneer of the club’s entry into the major league, lining up in the Tigers' inaugural VFL match against Melbourne in Round 1, 1908. Standing 182cm and weighing nearly 90kg—a massive frame for the era—Lang was a formidable full-back and follower who played with a fearless, combative nature that intimidated opposition forwards. Despite his promise as a footballer, his gridiron career was cut short when he retired mid-1909 to focus entirely on professional boxing. This decision proved astute, as he became the Australian Heavyweight Champion and the first Australian to fight for the World Heavyweight title, engaging in legendary bouts against global icons Jack Johnson, Tommy Burns, and Bob Fitzsimmons.
Profile
- Born
- 06 July 1882
- Died
- 03 Sept 1952 (aged 70y 59d)
- Birthplace
- Melbourne, VIC
- Deathplace
- Melbourne, VIC
- Height
- 182 cm
- Weight
- 89 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionBorn William Lanfranchi, Bill Lang occupies a unique place in sporting history as a dual-code heavyweight who traded bumps on the field for blows in the ring. A key member of Richmond’s 1905 VFA premiership side, he was a pioneer of the club’s entry into the major league, lining up in the Tigers' inaugural VFL match against Melbourne in Round 1, 1908. Standing 182cm and weighing nearly 90kg—a massive frame for the era—Lang was a formidable full-back and follower who played with a fearless, combative nature that intimidated opposition forwards. Despite his promise as a footballer, his gridiron career was cut short when he retired mid-1909 to focus entirely on professional boxing. This decision proved astute, as he became the Australian Heavyweight Champion and the first Australian to fight for the World Heavyweight title, engaging in legendary bouts against global icons Jack Johnson, Tommy Burns, and Bob Fitzsimmons.