Ernest Newling

Recruited from Geelong West, Ernest "Bung" Newling was a imposing figure in the Cats' lineup during the first decade of the twentieth century. Standing 188cm and weighing 94kg, he was a genuine heavyweight for the era, using his size to great effect as a versatile follower and defender. What made his decade-long career truly notable was that he competed with significant vision impairment, being blind in one eye. Despite this handicap, Newling’s physical presence and durability allowed him to hold his own in the rough-and-tumble nature of early VFL football.

Newling’s longevity at Corio Oval established him as one of the club's early stalwarts. He became just the third Geelong player to reach the 150-game milestone, following in the footsteps of pioneers Teddy Rankin and Henry Young. His ability to anchor the defence or move into the ruck provided vital flexibility for his side across eleven seasons. While he never tasted premiership success, his status as a 150-game player cemented his place in the club's history as a reliable and tough competitor who overcame significant physical odds to compete at the highest level.