Herbie Tonkes
Essendon
AFL career
37 games0 goals
- Debut
- R1 1944 v HAW6 May 1944
- Most recent
- R18 1947 v FIT23 Aug 1947
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Essendon United via Preston Juniors, Herbie "Tinker" Tonkes was a versatile defender whose VFL career was defined by a triumphant return from military service. After breaking into the senior side in 1944, his football journey was interrupted by war duties in the Pacific, forcing him to miss the entire 1945 season. He returned to Windy Hill the following year and immediately secured a place in the starting lineup, playing as a half-back flanker in Essendon's 1946 Premiership victory over Melbourne. Capable of playing across the wing and defence, Tonkes remained with the Bombers for one final season before transferring to VFA club Brunswick.
Profile
- Born
- 04 Apr 1921
- Died
- 10 Sept 1991 (aged 70y 159d)
- Birthplace
- Daylesford, VIC
- Height
- 179 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1946
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Essendon United via Preston Juniors, Herbie "Tinker" Tonkes was a versatile defender whose VFL career was defined by a triumphant return from military service. After breaking into the senior side in 1944, his football journey was interrupted by war duties in the Pacific, forcing him to miss the entire 1945 season. He returned to Windy Hill the following year and immediately secured a place in the starting lineup, playing as a half-back flanker in Essendon's 1946 Premiership victory over Melbourne. Capable of playing across the wing and defence, Tonkes remained with the Bombers for one final season before transferring to VFA club Brunswick.