Jimmy Melbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jimmy Melbourne |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | James Edward Melbourne | ||
| Date of birth | c. 1876 | ||
| Place of birth | York, Western Australia | ||
| Date of death | 13 December 1937 | ||
| Place of death | South Melbourne, Victoria | ||
James Edward Melbourne (born around 1876, died 1937) was a very important Australian rules footballer. He was the first Indigenous Australian to play in a big Australian football league. He played for several clubs in Western Australia. Jimmy Melbourne was also a talented jockey and a boxer.
Jimmy Melbourne's Early Life
Jimmy Melbourne had a difficult start to life. He became an orphan when he was only four years old. He spent his early years in an orphanage in Middle Swan, Western Australia. Later, different businessmen in York looked after him. As a teenager, Jimmy became a skilled jockey, riding horses in races. He also faced some challenges during his younger years.
Football Career
Jimmy Melbourne started his senior football career in 1900. He played for the West Perth team in the Western Australian Football Association (WAFL). His first game was against East Fremantle on 2 June 1900.
In 1901, Jimmy was part of the West Perth team that won the premiership. This was a big achievement for him and his club. After his time with West Perth, he moved to South Fremantle in 1902. He played four games for them that year.
Later, Jimmy joined the Subiaco team. He played for Subiaco during the 1903 and 1904 seasons. After his time in the WAFL, he continued to play football. In 1907, he played in the Collie Football Association. He then played in the Bunbury Football Association until 1908.
Other Talents
Besides being a great footballer, Jimmy Melbourne had other talents too. He was known as a professional boxer. He also competed as a professional runner. This shows he was a very athletic person.
Later Life and Legacy
In his later years, Jimmy Melbourne moved to Melbourne, Victoria. When World War I began, he joined the Australian Imperial Force. This was Australia's main military force during the war.
Jimmy Melbourne passed away on 13 December 1937 in South Melbourne. He was buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetery in Melbourne.
Since 2007, Jimmy Melbourne's name has been honored with a special award. The Jimmy Melbourne Cup is given to the winners of a football game. This game is played between South Fremantle and Claremont. It takes place during NAIDOC Week, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These two clubs have had the most Aboriginal players in the WAFL. The cup helps remember Jimmy Melbourne's important role in Australian football history.
