Ernie Leighton
Geelong
AFL career
29 games18 goals
- Debut
- R5 1898 v FIT4 June 1898
- Most recent
- SR3 1899 v STK9 Sept 1899
Stats
Bio
Recruited to the Pivotonians for the league's second season to bolster the side's physical profile, Ernie Leighton was a formidable key position player during the VFL's formative years. Arriving as a mature-age debutant at 26, he stood 183cm and weighed nearly 90kg—a true heavyweight by the standards of the late 19th century—which allowed him to physically dominate contests as a follower and resting forward. Leighton provided a reliable avenue to goal, booting 18 majors across his two seasons, and used his imposing frame to protect smaller teammates and contest the ruck. His career was brief, spanning just 29 games in 1898 and 1899, but he served as a crucial structural pillar for Geelong as they established themselves in the new competition.
Profile
- Born
- 24 Mar 1872
- Died
- 01 Aug 1959 (aged 87y 130d)
- Birthplace
- Geelong, VIC
- Deathplace
- Geelong, VIC
- Height
- 183 cm
- Weight
- 89 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited to the Pivotonians for the league's second season to bolster the side's physical profile, Ernie Leighton was a formidable key position player during the VFL's formative years. Arriving as a mature-age debutant at 26, he stood 183cm and weighed nearly 90kg—a true heavyweight by the standards of the late 19th century—which allowed him to physically dominate contests as a follower and resting forward. Leighton provided a reliable avenue to goal, booting 18 majors across his two seasons, and used his imposing frame to protect smaller teammates and contest the ruck. His career was brief, spanning just 29 games in 1898 and 1899, but he served as a crucial structural pillar for Geelong as they established themselves in the new competition.