Cliff Rankin
Geelong · “Ticker”
AFL career
153 games399 goals
- Debut
- R15 1915 v CAR31 July 1915
- Most recent
- R17 1928 v FIT18 Aug 1928
Coaching career
57 games45 wins12 losses0 draws
- First
- R1 1925 v NTH2 May 1925
- Most recent
- SF 1927 v COL24 Sept 1927
Stats
Bio
Born into the illustrious Rankin football dynasty, Cliff Rankin was a local Chilwell product who followed his legendary father Teddy to Corio Oval, eventually becoming the most decorated member of the family. Standing just 175cm, he was a crafty and elusive rover-forward who possessed an uncanny goal sense and a deadly accurate place kick. His early development was interrupted by service in World War I—where he notably played rugby for the AIF—but he returned to become Geelong’s most potent attacking weapon. A nightmare for defenders due to his ability to drift forward and find space, he topped the club’s goalkicking four times and the VFL’s tally once in 1921.
Rankin's greatest legacy, however, is his leadership during the club's breakthrough era. Appointed captain-coach in 1925, he had an immediate impact, instilling discipline and tactical awareness that steered the Cats to their maiden VFL premiership that very season. He led from the front in the Grand Final against Collingwood, booting a match-winning five goals to secure the flag. Rankin remained at the helm until 1927, cementing his status not just as a prolific scorer, but as the on-field general who delivered Geelong its first taste of ultimate success.
Profile
- Born
- 04 Dec 1896
- Died
- 12 Feb 1975 (aged 78y 70d)
- Birthplace
- Geelong, VIC
- Deathplace
- Geelong, VIC
- Height
- 175 cm
- Weight
- 69 kg
Teams
Coaching
Honours
- Premiership1925
- Leading Goalkicker Medal1921
- Geelong captain(3×) 1925, 1926, 1927
Family
- Father:Teddy Rankin
- Brother:Bert Rankin
- Uncle:Tom Rankin
- Nephew:Gary O'Donnell, Graeme O'Donnell
Bio
1 revisionBorn into the illustrious Rankin football dynasty, Cliff Rankin was a local Chilwell product who followed his legendary father Teddy to Corio Oval, eventually becoming the most decorated member of the family. Standing just 175cm, he was a crafty and elusive rover-forward who possessed an uncanny goal sense and a deadly accurate place kick. His early development was interrupted by service in World War I—where he notably played rugby for the AIF—but he returned to become Geelong’s most potent attacking weapon. A nightmare for defenders due to his ability to drift forward and find space, he topped the club’s goalkicking four times and the VFL’s tally once in 1921.
Rankin's greatest legacy, however, is his leadership during the club's breakthrough era. Appointed captain-coach in 1925, he had an immediate impact, instilling discipline and tactical awareness that steered the Cats to their maiden VFL premiership that very season. He led from the front in the Grand Final against Collingwood, booting a match-winning five goals to secure the flag. Rankin remained at the helm until 1927, cementing his status not just as a prolific scorer, but as the on-field general who delivered Geelong its first taste of ultimate success.