The funeral for Jack Collins will be today at 2pm
St Paul's Cathedral
Cnr Flinders & Swanston Streets
The family have asked that in lieu of flowers donations are made to the National Heart Foundation.
The Western Bulldogs will wear black armbands on Sunday in honour of Jack.
The Board, staff, coaches and players of the Western Bulldogs extend our sincere condolences to the Collins family on the passing of a former Bulldog whose name will always be etched in our club’s history.
A member of the 1954 premiership team, past President and life member John Charles (Jack) Collins, 78, was a larger than life character and much loved father of John, Jennifer and Jane and husband to Desiree.
Western Bulldogs President David Smorgon said Jack served the club with distinction and would be remembered as a great man and great footballer.
“Jack played an important role at Footscray, both on and off the field. He was passionate for the game of football and his enthusiasm for this great game extended to establishing groups such as the Premiership Club. He will be greatly missed by the football community,” Smorgon said.
Former Bulldogs Captain and Coach Charlie Sutton described Jack as the closest player he has seen to the quality of Ted Whitten.
“Jack was a great player who could play in any position on the ground. He was real hard at it and had lots of tricks in his books. He was a hard match-up for any opposition and we used that to our advantage,” Sutton said.
“He kicked seven goals in the 1954 final and he was in the top three of best players on the day. He was key in setting up the win for us. He was a real clubman and he would do anything for the Bulldogs.”
A key member of the 1954 premiership team, Jack played 154 games with Footscray from 1950-58 after being recruited from local VFA club Yarraville.
Jack won the Best and Fairest Award in 1951 and 52, was the club’s leading goalkicker five times (1953, 1954, 1955, 1957 and 1958). Secretary of the club from 1959-66 and then President from 1967 to 73 Jack is a key figure in Footscray’s history.
After missing the finals in 1953 through suspension (after a stoush with Collingwood captain Frank Tuck) Jack made up for his absence in 1954 when the champion full-forward booted seven goals and dominated the 54’ final.
