Ted Atkinson

Recruited from Northcote in the VFA, Ted Atkinson was a stocky, mature-age recruit whose football prime was interrupted by his service as a corporal in the Australian Army during World War II. He eventually broke into the North Melbourne side in 1946, making his debut at age 25 as clubs looked to rebuild their lists in the immediate post-war era. Standing 175cm and weighing a solid 82kg, Atkinson was a compact and sturdy operator who relied on his physical strength rather than pace to impact the contest. His stint at Arden Street was brief, managing just three senior appearances without registering a goal before falling out of the rotation. Atkinson lived a long life post-football, passing away in 2016 as one of the club’s oldest surviving former players.