Background
Hoft grew up in the South-West region of Western Australia, moving to Perth to attend Scotch College, where he played in the school"s football team
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Cyril Hoft
Edit ProfileCareer
Because his school was located in North Fremantle recruitment zone, Hoft began his career with that club, playing eleven games for North Fremantle in 1914. Along with many others from his team, Hoft enlisted in the Australian Army in 1915, forcing the club to disband. Enrolled as a private in the 44 Infantry Battalion, he served in the European theatre, also participating in the October 1916 "Pioneer Exhibition Game", an exhibition match in benefit of the war organised by Frank Beaurepaire.
Resuming his league career with Perth in 1919, Hoft finished equal on votes with Subiaco"s Tom Outridge in the inaugural Sandover Medal count in 1921.
As was customary at the time, the WAFL president had the deciding vote, which he gave to Outridge. Hoft represented Western Australia in the 1921 Perth Carnival.
In 1924, Hoft switched to Glenelg in the SAFL. Hoft returned to Perth in 1928, playing one final season with the club before retiring.
Achievements
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In 1997, Hoft, along with other players that had finished equal on votes but lost on countback, was awarded a retrospective medal. Standing out in a team that had yet to win a match, Hoft was appointed captain two rounds into the season, and won the club"s best and fairest in 1924, also representingSouth Australia at the 1924 Hobart Carnival. He was appointed captain-coach in 1925, and guided the club to its first ever win, against reigning premiers West Torrens.
