George Henry Pritchard (10 February 1861 – 7 July 1930)[2] was a dual code footballer, who captained Queensland in Australian rules football and rugby union, one of just seven players to represent the Queensland in both codes.[3] Pritchard served as captain for both Queensland and the Brisbane Football Club.
| George Henry Pritchard | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 George Hentry Pritchard illustrated from Figaros Athletic Gallery during his rugby playing days in 1887 | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 10 February 1861 | ||
| Place of birth | Albury, New South Wales | ||
| Date of death | 5 July 1930[1] | ||
| Original team(s) | Brisbane FC | ||
Early life
editPritchard was born in Albury, New South Wales[4] moving with his parents to Brisbane age of 3 where his father became a trustee at Brisbane Grammar School the school at which George would attend.[5]
Sport
editKnown by the name of Harry, Pritchard joined the Brisbane Football Club in 1876, becoming the club's captain in 1881. He was consistently named the most prodigious kick in the colony. He represented Queensland in New South Wales in 1884, captaining the side. He also served as the club's vice-president. He announced his shock retirement from the game switching to rugby and joining the rugby team being announced as captain of the 1884 tour to New South Wales.[6][7] His defection to rugby was one of the turning points for the popularity of the code in the colony.
Outside of sport
editOutside of football Pritchard was prominent in the sugar industry, moving to Townsville, and was active in politics where he was president of the National Political Council and served in the army for 9 years.[citation needed]
He died at Bowen Terrace, Brisbane in 1930.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "FOOTBALL OF YORE". The Brisbane Courier. No. 22, 602. Queensland, Australia. 8 July 1930. p. 5. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "OBITUARY". The Queenslander. Queensland, Australia. 10 July 1930. p. 54. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ AFL in Queensland
- ^ "DEATH OF MR. G. H. PRITCHARD". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 26, 176. Victoria, Australia. 7 July 1930. p. 10. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "FIGARO'S ATHLETIC GALLERY". Queensland Figaro And Punch. Vol. IX, no. 216. Queensland, Australia. 12 March 1887. p. 8. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Football". Queensland Figaro. Vol. IV, no. 82. Queensland, Australia. 26 July 1884. p. 23. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "FOOTBALL". The Brisbane Courier. Vol. XXXIX, no. 8, 289. Queensland, Australia. 4 August 1884. p. 6. Retrieved 22 November 2022 – via National Library of Australia.