Fred Goldsmith (Australian footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fred Goldsmith |
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 20 August 1932 | ||
| Date of death | 13 April 2017 (aged 84) | ||
| Original team | Spotswood (FDFL) | ||
| Position(s) | Full-back, full-forward | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Fred Goldsmith (born August 20, 1932 – died April 13, 2017) was a famous Australian rules footballer. He played for the South Melbourne team in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
When he was just 17, Fred showed amazing talent. In 1950, playing for Spotswood, he kicked an incredible 29 goals in one game! His local club was connected to the South Melbourne team.
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Fred Goldsmith's VFL Career
Fred Goldsmith started his VFL career in 1951. He joined South Melbourne from Spotswood. He began as a half-forward flanker, a position where players help score goals.
Becoming a Brownlow Medal Winner
In 1952, Fred's team moved him to play as a full-back. This position is all about stopping the other team from scoring. In 1955, something amazing happened. Fred Goldsmith became the first and only full-back to ever win the Brownlow Medal. This medal is given to the "best and fairest" player in the league.
Switching to Full-Forward
Surprisingly, in 1956, South Melbourne decided to change Fred's position again. They moved their Brownlow Medallist full-back to play as a full-forward! This meant his main job was now to score goals. He stayed in this role for the rest of his VFL career. In 1957, he was South Melbourne's top goal scorer, kicking 43 goals.
Life After the VFL
After his time in the VFL, Fred Goldsmith continued his football journey. When he was 27, he became the captain-coach for the Albury Football Club. This team played in the Ovens & Murray Football League.
He coached Albury from 1960 to 1965. During this time, he kicked a total of 270 goals for the club. In 1964, he was the top goal scorer in the Ovens & Murray Football League, kicking 81 goals that season.
In 1966, Fred played nine games for the Port Melbourne Football Club. This team was part of the Victorian Football Association.
Honors and Achievements
Fred Goldsmith was recognized for his great career. In 2003, he was chosen as an interchange player for the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans's "Team of the Century". This is a special team made up of the best players from the club's history.
He also showed off his powerful kicking skills. In a 1958 competition, Fred kicked a drop kick that traveled an amazing 73.46 meters (about 241 feet)!
Fred Goldsmith had a large family. He had five children, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
