Lyle Downs
Carlton · “Packet”
AFL career
47 games31 goals
- Debut
- R1 1917 v FIT12 May 1917
- Most recent
- R9 1921 v COL2 July 1921
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Clifton Hill Juniors, Lyle "Packet" Downs was a tenacious rover and forward who played with a reckless courage that belied his slight frame. A popular clubman who featured alongside his brother John and cousin Tommy, he was known for his persistency around the contest and an ability to impact the scoreboard. His career was defined by a grim determination to play despite a diagnosed heart condition in 1919 that led doctors to recommend immediate retirement. Ignoring those warnings to continue serving the Navy Blues, Downs played until the middle of the 1921 season before collapsing in the Princes Park changerooms after training, tragically passing away at just 24 years of age.
Profile
- Born
- 26 July 1896
- Died
- 07 July 1921 (aged 24y 346d)
- Birthplace
- Carlton, VIC
- Deathplace
- Carlton, VIC
Teams
Family
- Brother:Johnny Downs
- Cousin:Tommy Downs, Albert Downs
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Clifton Hill Juniors, Lyle "Packet" Downs was a tenacious rover and forward who played with a reckless courage that belied his slight frame. A popular clubman who featured alongside his brother John and cousin Tommy, he was known for his persistency around the contest and an ability to impact the scoreboard. His career was defined by a grim determination to play despite a diagnosed heart condition in 1919 that led doctors to recommend immediate retirement. Ignoring those warnings to continue serving the Navy Blues, Downs played until the middle of the 1921 season before collapsing in the Princes Park changerooms after training, tragically passing away at just 24 years of age.