Eric Fleming (footballer)
Eric Fleming | |||
---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||
Date of birth | 16 March 1903 | ||
Date of death | 20 August 1984 81) | (aged||
Original team(s) | South Bendigo (Bendigo FL) | ||
Height / weight | 191cm / 81 kg | ||
Playing career1 | |||
Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
1922–1928 | Geelong | 105 (112) | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1928. |
Eric Fleming (16 March 1903 – 20 August 1984) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the VFL during the 1920s.
South Bendigo recruit Eric Fleming was a tall, high marking ruckman who notably had an exceptional torpedo punt. He could also play at half forward and averaged over a goal a game in his career. A Victorian interstate football representative, Fleming was a member of Geelong's 1925 premiership side.
Fleming was involved in an unusual incident during Geelong's Round 12 match of the 1924 season against Fitzroy. With Geelong trailing by 3 points, Fleming took a mark near goal just before the final siren sounded. Play was held up while the umpire endeavoured to move no fewer than 11 Fitzroy players back from the mark. To Fleming's amazement, three Fitzroy players attempted to build a human pyramid to stop him scoring.[1] Fleming kicked the goal and Geelong won 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65).[2] A rule change was made allowing only one defending player to stand on the mark.
He joined VFA club Oakleigh in 1929 and played at centre half forward in their 1930 and 1931 premierships.
References
- Fiddian, Marc: Devils at Play. A History of the Oakleigh Football Club, Pakenham Gazette, Pakenham 1982
External links
- Eric Fleming's statistics from AFL Tables
- Eric Fleming's profile from AustralianFootball.com