Max Kroger

Max Kroger was a premier all-round sportsman whose football career with Geelong was distinguished by his freakish athletic ability. Born in Tylden and educated at Geelong High School, he joined the Pivotonians in 1919 and quickly made his mark as a high-leaping ruckman and half-back who played strictly as an amateur. His talent was significant enough to earn selection for the Victorian state side, a rare honour for a player with such a modest game tally. After missing the 1923 season to focus on his burgeoning athletics career with the Geelong Guild Harriers, Kroger returned for a final year in 1924 before retiring to conquer the track and field world. He subsequently became an Australian champion in the decathlon and a national record holder in the pole vault, cementing his status as one of the region's most versatile athletes of the era.