Jack Condon

Background

Condon was born in Hamilton, but recruited locally to Geelong, from the Street Mary"s club

Career

Following a premiership with the seconds in 1948, he made his senior debut for Geelong in the 1949 VFL season as a mature recruit, two weeks shy of his 27th birthday. Condon, who worked off the field as a fireman, quickly became Geelong"s regular ruckman. He played 14 of a possible 19 games that year, with a suspension for attempting to strike Footcray"s Dick Wearmouth costing him four weeks.

In 1950, Condon made 17 league appearances.

His final game for Geelong was the 1950 preliminary final loss to North Melbourne, when they gave up a 39-point quarter time lead. He kicked two goals in the 17-point loss.

He accepted an offer in the 1951 pre-season to be playing coach of Portland in the Western District Football League. Portland were losing preliminary finalists under Condon in 1953 and 1954.

Achievements

• Described as a "good battler", he won the club"s "best first year player" award for 1949. He showed his capabilities as a forward when he kicked eight goals in Geelong"s 33-point win over Footscray at Kardinia Park in round two. They finished runners-up in Condon"s first season as coach, then in 1952 he steered the club to their first premiership in the league, with a six-point grand final win over Hamilton, which were led by former Melbourne player Fred Fanning.