Ted Thomas
Melbourne
AFL career
104 games3 goals
- Debut
- R1 1921 v ESS7 May 1921
- Most recent
- R4 1932 v GEE21 May 1932
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Oakleigh in the VFA, Ted Thomas was a high-flying defender who became a defensive pillar for Melbourne throughout the 1920s. Though originally from Yarrawonga, he made his name in the city as a half-back flanker and back pocket specialist known for his aerial judgement. Contemporary reports from the 1926 Grand Final described him as soaring "like a bird" to take uncanny intercept marks, a skill that proved vital in helping the Demons break a 26-year premiership drought against Collingwood that season.
Thomas's career followed a unique trajectory that saw him leave the VFL at his peak to return to the Association. After departing Melbourne at the end of 1928, he re-joined Oakleigh and played a key role in their 1930 and 1931 VFA premiership victories. In a rare move for the era, he was lured back to Melbourne for one final season in 1932, adding experienced depth to the squad before hanging up his boots. His footballing legacy extended well beyond his retirement, with his grandson Leon Baker becoming a dual premiership star for Essendon in the 1980s.
Profile
- Full name
- Ted H. Thomas
- Born
- 09 Aug 1898
- Died
- 08 May 1965 (aged 66y 272d)
- Birthplace
- Yarrawonga, VIC
- Deathplace
- Heidelberg, VIC
- Height
- 175 cm
- Weight
- 76 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1926
Family
- Grandson:Leon Baker
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Oakleigh in the VFA, Ted Thomas was a high-flying defender who became a defensive pillar for Melbourne throughout the 1920s. Though originally from Yarrawonga, he made his name in the city as a half-back flanker and back pocket specialist known for his aerial judgement. Contemporary reports from the 1926 Grand Final described him as soaring "like a bird" to take uncanny intercept marks, a skill that proved vital in helping the Demons break a 26-year premiership drought against Collingwood that season.
Thomas's career followed a unique trajectory that saw him leave the VFL at his peak to return to the Association. After departing Melbourne at the end of 1928, he re-joined Oakleigh and played a key role in their 1930 and 1931 VFA premiership victories. In a rare move for the era, he was lured back to Melbourne for one final season in 1932, adding experienced depth to the squad before hanging up his boots. His footballing legacy extended well beyond his retirement, with his grandson Leon Baker becoming a dual premiership star for Essendon in the 1980s.