Jeff Patterson
South Melbourne, Richmond and Fitzroy
AFL career
41 games12 goals
- Debut
- R3 1951 v ESS5 May 1951
- Most recent
- R18 1954 v ESS28 Aug 1954
Stats
Bio
A rugged and combative follower recruited from Castlemaine, Jeff Patterson carved out a unique journeyman career across three VFL clubs in just four seasons. Known for his uncompromising physical approach—a trait likely honed by his background as a boxer—he broke into the South Melbourne side in 1951 but struggled to find a permanent home at the Lake Oval. He crossed to Richmond in 1953, where he played the bulk of his football over two seasons, before a mid-year clearance saw him finish his VFL tenure with a brief stint at Fitzroy in 1954. While his time in the Victorian league was fragmented, Patterson found genuine stardom after crossing Bass Strait, becoming a key player for Cornwall (later East Launceston) and representing Tasmania seven times in state football. Remembered as a colourful character and a fierce on-field protector, his football journey was defined by his hard-nosed versatility and willingness to travel for an opportunity.
Profile
- Born
- 03 Nov 1928
- Died
- 28 Apr 2013 (aged 84y 176d)
- Birthplace
- Hawthorn, VIC
- Deathplace
- Hunters Hill, NSW
- Height
- 183 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionA rugged and combative follower recruited from Castlemaine, Jeff Patterson carved out a unique journeyman career across three VFL clubs in just four seasons. Known for his uncompromising physical approach—a trait likely honed by his background as a boxer—he broke into the South Melbourne side in 1951 but struggled to find a permanent home at the Lake Oval. He crossed to Richmond in 1953, where he played the bulk of his football over two seasons, before a mid-year clearance saw him finish his VFL tenure with a brief stint at Fitzroy in 1954. While his time in the Victorian league was fragmented, Patterson found genuine stardom after crossing Bass Strait, becoming a key player for Cornwall (later East Launceston) and representing Tasmania seven times in state football. Remembered as a colourful character and a fierce on-field protector, his football journey was defined by his hard-nosed versatility and willingness to travel for an opportunity.