John Rantall
South Melbourne, North Melbourne and Fitzroy · “Mopsy”
AFL career
336 games10 goals
- Debut
- R1 1963 v GEE20 Apr 1963
- Most recent
- R9 1980 v SME24 May 1980
Stats
1980 | FIT | 6 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 12.0 | 2.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1979 | SME | 21 | 11.2 | 3.1 | 14.3 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1978 | SME | 21 | 9.6 | 3.5 | 13.1 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1977 | SME | 23 | 9.9 | 2.9 | 12.7 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1976 | SME | 21 | 12.6 | 2.8 | 15.4 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1975 | NTH | 24 | 12.0 | 3.2 | 15.3 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1974 | NTH | 25 | 13.4 | 3.4 | 16.8 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1973 | NTH | 21 | 16.6 | 3.0 | 19.6 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
1972 | SME | 22 | 14.9 | 0.7 | 15.6 | 4.7 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1971 | SME | 22 | 11.0 | 0.9 | 11.8 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1970 | SME | 22 | 11.5 | 1.4 | 12.9 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
1969 | SME | 20 | 13.9 | 2.8 | 16.6 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
1968 | SME | 18 | 13.8 | 1.6 | 15.4 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1967 | SME | 6 | 13.7 | 1.0 | 14.7 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1966 | SME | 14 | 13.4 | 0.7 | 14.1 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
1965 | SME | 18 | 13.3 | 1.2 | 14.5 | 4.7 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
1964 | SME | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0.0 | - |
1963 | SME | 14 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0.1 | - |
Bio
Recruited from Cobden in the Hampden League, John Rantall arrived at South Melbourne in 1963 and immediately established himself as one of the premier defenders in the VFL. Affectionately known as "Mopsy," he helped revolutionise the role of the half-back flanker, transforming it from a purely defensive posting into a springboard for attack. With exceptional balance, stamina, and a daring willingness to take on the game, Rantall was renowned for tucking the ball under his arm and dashing away from opposition forwards, often creating scoring opportunities from deep within defence.
After a decade of service at the Lakeside Oval, Rantall utilised the short-lived "10-year rule" to transfer to North Melbourne in 1973. His experience and composure were vital ingredients in Ron Barassi's aggressive recruiting drive, which culminated in the club's historic first premiership in 1975. Rantall played a pivotal role in the Grand Final victory against Hawthorn, nullifying the Hawks' attacking threats and providing stability in the back half during a physical encounter.
Profile
- Born
- 09 Dec 1943 (age 82y 316d)
- Height
- 182 cm
- Weight
- 77 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1975
- Hall of Fame1996
- North Melbourne B&F1974
- South Melbourne/Sydney captain1972
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Cobden in the Hampden League, John Rantall arrived at South Melbourne in 1963 and immediately established himself as one of the premier defenders in the VFL. Affectionately known as "Mopsy," he helped revolutionise the role of the half-back flanker, transforming it from a purely defensive posting into a springboard for attack. With exceptional balance, stamina, and a daring willingness to take on the game, Rantall was renowned for tucking the ball under his arm and dashing away from opposition forwards, often creating scoring opportunities from deep within defence.
After a decade of service at the Lakeside Oval, Rantall utilised the short-lived "10-year rule" to transfer to North Melbourne in 1973. His experience and composure were vital ingredients in Ron Barassi's aggressive recruiting drive, which culminated in the club's historic first premiership in 1975. Rantall played a pivotal role in the Grand Final victory against Hawthorn, nullifying the Hawks' attacking threats and providing stability in the back half during a physical encounter.