Dick Vernon
Collingwood · “Bendigo”
AFL career
51 games12 goals
- Debut
- R1 1909 v FIT1 May 1909
- Most recent
- GF 1911 v ESS23 Sept 1911
Stats
Bio
One of the most unique recruits in Collingwood history, Dick Vernon did not make his VFL debut until the age of 30. Originally a fireman from the West Australian Goldfields who captained Boulder City, he spent a dominant season with Northcote in the VFA—where he also served as the ground curator—before being called up to Victoria Park in 1909. A fair-haired rover and half-forward nicknamed "Snowy," Vernon was famously eccentric in his kit, choosing to play in cycling shoes supported by ankle bandages rather than traditional football boots. Despite his late arrival to the league, he possessed the speed and stamina of a much younger player, forming a dynamic roving partnership with Percy Wilson that was renowned for its elite disposal. His brief three-year career was highly successful, headlined by a vital goal in the 1910 Premiership victory over Carlton, before he retired following the 1911 Grand Final to briefly pursue umpiring.
Profile
- Born
- 28 Dec 1878
- Died
- 18 Jan 1954 (aged 75y 21d)
- Birthplace
- Eddington, VIC
- Deathplace
- Northcote, VIC
- Height
- 170 cm
- Weight
- 68 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1910
Bio
1 revisionOne of the most unique recruits in Collingwood history, Dick Vernon did not make his VFL debut until the age of 30. Originally a fireman from the West Australian Goldfields who captained Boulder City, he spent a dominant season with Northcote in the VFA—where he also served as the ground curator—before being called up to Victoria Park in 1909. A fair-haired rover and half-forward nicknamed "Snowy," Vernon was famously eccentric in his kit, choosing to play in cycling shoes supported by ankle bandages rather than traditional football boots. Despite his late arrival to the league, he possessed the speed and stamina of a much younger player, forming a dynamic roving partnership with Percy Wilson that was renowned for its elite disposal. His brief three-year career was highly successful, headlined by a vital goal in the 1910 Premiership victory over Carlton, before he retired following the 1911 Grand Final to briefly pursue umpiring.