Bob Atkinson
Carlton · “Bomber”
AFL career
44 games0 goals
- Debut
- R2 1942 v SME16 May 1942
- Most recent
- R18 1944 v FSC2 Sept 1944
Stats
Bio
A seasoned VFA campaigner, Bob Atkinson became a vital figure for Carlton during the roster upheavals of the Second World War. The son of former Norwood player Percy Atkinson, he had already played over 100 games for Coburg and featured in the 1941 VFA Grand Final before the Association suspended play. Joining the Blues on a wartime permit, Atkinson slotted seamlessly into the back pocket, offering grit and experience to a defence missing many regulars to military service. His leadership was so highly regarded that he was named acting captain during the 1944 season, a rare honour for a short-term recruit. Following the war, he returned to Coburg as captain and was later named in their Team of the Century, remembered at Princes Park as a dependable defender who stepped up when the club needed him most.
Profile
- Full name
- Bob C. Atkinson
- Born
- 29 Oct 1913
- Died
- 25 Dec 2006 (aged 93y 57d)
- Height
- 173 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionA seasoned VFA campaigner, Bob Atkinson became a vital figure for Carlton during the roster upheavals of the Second World War. The son of former Norwood player Percy Atkinson, he had already played over 100 games for Coburg and featured in the 1941 VFA Grand Final before the Association suspended play. Joining the Blues on a wartime permit, Atkinson slotted seamlessly into the back pocket, offering grit and experience to a defence missing many regulars to military service. His leadership was so highly regarded that he was named acting captain during the 1944 season, a rare honour for a short-term recruit. Following the war, he returned to Coburg as captain and was later named in their Team of the Century, remembered at Princes Park as a dependable defender who stepped up when the club needed him most.