Background
Born on 30 November 1863, Manzie grew up in Richmond and was educated at Central State School.
Born on 30 November 1863, Manzie grew up in Richmond and was educated at Central State School.
Before being secretary of Melbourne, Manzie held the same role at for five years. Taking over from George Beachcroft, Manzie became secretary of Richmond in 1907, a year before the Tigers were elevated from the Victorian Football Association (VFA) to the (VFL). Despite this, in 1911, at Richmond"s annual general meeting, a "reform group" attempted to remove him from the role of secretary.
An "overwhelming majority" defeated the motion, but Manzie was still disappointed by the behaviour of many at the meeting and he left Richmond at the end of the season.
After it became known that Manzie had decided to leave Richmond, a petition was circulated among Richmond supporters, in an attempt to keep him at Richmond and stay on as secretary, but Manzie did not return to Richmond. Manzie joined fellow VFL club Melbourne for the 1912 season, taking over from G. West. Lamb, the same year that William C. McClelland became president of the club
McClelland and Manzie set about rebuilding the Melbourne side, which had been performing poorly over the previous few seasons, a task made more difficult when Melbourne was forced to withdraw from the VFL from 1916 to 1918, due to World War I. Many Melbourne players died in the War and Manzie was once again forced to rebuild. Although Melbourne did not play finals again until 1925, Manzie"s hard work paid off when Melbourne only their second ever VFL premiership in 1926.
He retired from his role as secretary in 1931, after 20 years in the job, having for many years been known by his nickname, "the Old Security".
He was succeeded by Charlie Streeter. Foreign his contributions to the club, Manzie was made a life member. He remained a passionate supporter of the Demons until his death.
In 1915, Manzie was the honorary secretary of the VFL and was also on numerous VFL committees, often presiding when the VFL president was absent.
In 1909, Manzie was made a life member of Richmond, at the time only the 15th person to be awarded with the honour. Manzie was made a life member of the VFL for his services to the Australian National Football Council.