Wal Gillard
Collingwood
AFL career
37 games20 goals
- Debut
- R1 1897 v STK8 May 1897
- Most recent
- R11 1899 v SME22 July 1899
Stats
Bio
Born in Ballarat East but recruited from the local Collingwood Juniors, Wal Gillard was a serviceable half-forward flanker who played a significant role in the Magpies' transition from the VFA to the VFL. He cemented his place in club folklore by lining up in the forward line during the historic 1896 Premiership playoff win over South Melbourne, helping the club secure its first senior flag just prior to the league split. Gillard remained a key fixture for the Pies during the inaugural VFL season of 1897, providing a supporting target in attack and booting 20 career goals over three seasons. He played his final game in 1899, retiring as a foundation VFL player and a member of the club's breakthrough premiership side.
Profile
- Born
- 10 July 1874
- Died
- 08 Oct 1931 (aged 57y 90d)
Teams
Bio
1 revisionBorn in Ballarat East but recruited from the local Collingwood Juniors, Wal Gillard was a serviceable half-forward flanker who played a significant role in the Magpies' transition from the VFA to the VFL. He cemented his place in club folklore by lining up in the forward line during the historic 1896 Premiership playoff win over South Melbourne, helping the club secure its first senior flag just prior to the league split. Gillard remained a key fixture for the Pies during the inaugural VFL season of 1897, providing a supporting target in attack and booting 20 career goals over three seasons. He played his final game in 1899, retiring as a foundation VFL player and a member of the club's breakthrough premiership side.