Frank Bourke
Richmond
AFL career
16 games48 goals
- Debut
- R15 1943 v MEL21 Aug 1943
- Most recent
- R15 1947 v MEL26 July 1947
Stats
Bio
The patriarch of the Tigers' famous three-generation dynasty, Frank Bourke was a commanding full-forward whose career was severely restricted by war and injury. Recruited from Nathalia, he managed a solitary debut game in 1943 while on leave from the RAAF before returning to full-time football after World War II. His 1946 campaign began in dominant fashion, where he utilised his 193cm frame and strong marking ability to average nearly five goals a game in the opening rounds, looking every bit a future star. However, a devastating knee injury sustained in a marking contest against South Melbourne halted his momentum and ultimately forced his premature retirement the following year. While his own time on the field was brief, his legacy at Punt Road was cemented as the father of club Immortal Francis Bourke and grandfather of David.
Profile
- Full name
- Frank M. Bourke
- Born
- 03 Feb 1922
- Died
- 27 Dec 2011 (aged 89y 327d)
- Birthplace
- Numurkah, VIC
- Deathplace
- Nathalia, VIC
- Height
- 193 cm
- Weight
- 86 kg
Teams
Family
- Son:Francis Bourke
- Grandson:David Bourke
Bio
1 revisionThe patriarch of the Tigers' famous three-generation dynasty, Frank Bourke was a commanding full-forward whose career was severely restricted by war and injury. Recruited from Nathalia, he managed a solitary debut game in 1943 while on leave from the RAAF before returning to full-time football after World War II. His 1946 campaign began in dominant fashion, where he utilised his 193cm frame and strong marking ability to average nearly five goals a game in the opening rounds, looking every bit a future star. However, a devastating knee injury sustained in a marking contest against South Melbourne halted his momentum and ultimately forced his premature retirement the following year. While his own time on the field was brief, his legacy at Punt Road was cemented as the father of club Immortal Francis Bourke and grandfather of David.