Joe Johnson (Australian footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Johnson |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Joseph Andrew Johnson | ||
| Date of birth | 19 January 1883 | ||
| Place of birth | Newcastle, New South Wales | ||
| Date of death | 23 April 1934 (aged 51) | ||
| Place of death | Carlton, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Northcote (VFA) | ||
| Debut | 1904, Fitzroy v. Carlton, at Princes Park |
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| Career highlights | |||
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Joseph Andrew Johnson (born January 19, 1883 – died April 23, 1934) was a famous Australian rules footballer. He played for the Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Joe Johnson is known as the first-ever Indigenous Australian to play in the VFL.
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Who Was Joe Johnson?
Joe Johnson was born near Newcastle, New South Wales, on January 19, 1883. His parents were Andrew and Eliza Johnson. He later married Nora Campion Naismith in North Carlton on August 3, 1912.
Joe Johnson came from a family of talented footballers. His son, Percy Johnson, and his grandson, Percy Cummings, also played VFL/AFL football. Even his great-grandsons, Robert and Trent Cummings, continued the family tradition in the sport.
Joe Johnson is highly respected for being the first known Aboriginal footballer in Victoria. He truly "led the way" for many other Aboriginal players to become stars in Australian rules football.
Joe Johnson's Football Journey
Joe Johnson had an exciting career playing for several clubs. He started in the Victorian Football Association (VFA) before moving to the top league, the VFL.
Playing for Fitzroy (VFL)
Joe Johnson joined the Fitzroy Football Club from the VFA team Northcote Football Club. He made his first senior game for Fitzroy in 1904 against Carlton. He usually played as a half-back flanker, which is a defensive position. Joe Johnson was part of two amazing teams that won back-to-back championships in 1904 and 1905. Winning two premierships in a row was a huge achievement!
Moving to Brunswick (VFA)
In 1907, Joe Johnson left Fitzroy and moved to the VFA club Brunswick. Here, he took on the important role of playing coach. This meant he both played on the team and helped lead them. In 1909, he helped Brunswick win their very first premiership.
Back at Northcote (VFA)
In 1912, Joe Johnson returned to his old club, Northcote, also in the VFA. He continued his role as playing coach there until 1914.
Military Service
Joe Johnson also served his country. He joined the First AIF (Australian Imperial Force) on February 10, 1916. He served with the AIF in France starting in November 1916. In February 1917, he was moved to the UK for medical treatment. He returned to Australia in July 1917 and was officially discharged from the AIF in October 1917 due to health reasons.
His Passing
Joe Johnson passed away suddenly on April 23, 1934. His funeral was held the very next day in Carlton.
Images for kids
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Fitzroy's 1904 Premiership Team: Johnson, left, second row from back
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Fitzroy's 1905 Premiership Team: Johnson, second from left, front row
