Jack Parkin

Recruited from Geelong Grammar, Jack Parkin was a foundational piece of Geelong’s lineup during the nascent years of the VFL, featuring in the club’s inaugural league match in Round 1, 1897. Standing 180cm—a substantial height for a midfielder of that era—he operated primarily as a follower, using his frame to contest the ruck and drive the ball forward from the engine room. He was a model of consistency during the competition's infancy, missing very few matches to rack up 50 appearances across just three seasons. While his career at Corio Oval concluded at the end of 1899, he briefly shared the field that year with his younger brother Harry Parkin, who later transferred to Melbourne and became a premiership player.