Career
A ruckman who was said to be highly strung, Flynn started his career in 1897 where he was part of Geelong"s inaugural VFL side. Flynn stayed with the club until the end of the 1902 season when he crossed to Carlton. He was made Carlton captain in 1905 and in 1906 led them to the premiership, defeating Fitzroy in the Grand Final.
Due to business commitments in Street James running the local hotel (public) which still operates today (37 kilometres north of Benalla) he retired from football but returned in the 1907 finals series after captain Fred Elliott was suspended.
Flynn"s captaincy was sought after and he led them to another premiership. His descendants run Flynn"s Menswear in Murphy Street, Wangaratta.