Percy Martini
Geelong and Richmond
AFL career
159 games355 goals
- Debut
- R11 1909 v FIT10 July 1909
- Most recent
- R7 1920 v CAR12 June 1920
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Marylebone, Percy Martini wasted no time establishing himself as Geelong's primary avenue to goal, topping the club's goalkicking in his debut 1909 season. A powerful full-forward known for his strong hands and accurate place kicking—a technique where the ball was placed on the ground for set shots—Martini created history in 1910 by becoming the first Pivotonian to boot 50 goals in a season. His tally of 51 majors led the entire VFL that year, posthumously earning him the Coleman Medal equivalent. His consistency was remarkable, as he finished as Geelong's leading goalkicker on nine separate occasions.
When Geelong withdrew from the VFL competition in 1916 due to the First World War, Martini temporarily crossed to Richmond to keep playing. He made a solid contribution at Punt Road, leading the Tigers' goalkicking and booting five goals in the club's historic first win over Collingwood at Victoria Park. He returned to Corio Bay the following season and continued to dominate the forward line until his retirement in 1920. By the time he hung up his boots, he had kicked 333 goals for Geelong, setting a club record that stood until the era of Doug Wade.
Profile
- Born
- 04 June 1888
- Died
- 01 July 1961 (aged 73y 27d)
- Birthplace
- Hawthorn, VIC
- Deathplace
- East Geelong, VIC
- Height
- 183 cm
- Weight
- 85 kg
Teams
Honours
- Leading Goalkicker Medal1910
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Marylebone, Percy Martini wasted no time establishing himself as Geelong's primary avenue to goal, topping the club's goalkicking in his debut 1909 season. A powerful full-forward known for his strong hands and accurate place kicking—a technique where the ball was placed on the ground for set shots—Martini created history in 1910 by becoming the first Pivotonian to boot 50 goals in a season. His tally of 51 majors led the entire VFL that year, posthumously earning him the Coleman Medal equivalent. His consistency was remarkable, as he finished as Geelong's leading goalkicker on nine separate occasions.
When Geelong withdrew from the VFL competition in 1916 due to the First World War, Martini temporarily crossed to Richmond to keep playing. He made a solid contribution at Punt Road, leading the Tigers' goalkicking and booting five goals in the club's historic first win over Collingwood at Victoria Park. He returned to Corio Bay the following season and continued to dominate the forward line until his retirement in 1920. By the time he hung up his boots, he had kicked 333 goals for Geelong, setting a club record that stood until the era of Doug Wade.