BARKER, Syd

Syd Barker was a great leader, an inspiring captain and one of the best players of his time. He was tall, had a fine physique and was a conspicuous figure on the field. He was called by many "the singing footballer" because he went through life singing and happy, and was known to encourage his team-mates by singing "a rollicking ditty".

He began his football career with the VFA's Essendon 'A' then joined Richmond for their inaugural season in 1908. He only played two games before returning to the VFA to play with North Melbourne. They were a very strong side at the time and became known as "the Invincibles", winning premierships in 1910, 1914, 1915 and 1918, and enjoying a record streak of 58 successive wins.

Barker was an integral part of this success and captained the team in 1912, 1913, from 1915 to 1919 and again in 1921, including the 1915 and 1918 premierships. He was part of a formidable ruck combination with follower George Rawle and rover Charlie Hardy, both of whom followed him to Essendon.

A fireman by profession, he led the Fire Brigade team in the Wednesday League to the premiership in 1920. He had also captained the VFA state team in 1920.

In 1921, North Melbourne believed it was going to join the VFL by merging with Essendon but the deal fell through, however, Barker and Hardy had already crossed over in anticipation. George Rawle later joined them, making his Essendon debut in the 1923 Grand Final.

In 1922, when Essendon decided they needed a professionally-minded coach with iron discipline, Barker was given the job. As captain-coach in his first year he took Essendon from last to third in an incredible turn-around. Then, in 1923 and 1924, Barker led his team of mighty midgets - known as "The Mosquito Fleet" - to two successive premierships.

After this, he retired to become non-playing coach until the end of 1926.

Barker was selected in the state side in 1922 and was appointed captain against New South Wales.

After leaving Essendon, he rejoined North Melbourne as captain-coach in 1927 and he played another nine games.

He was held in such high regard at North Melbourne that, in 1937, they named their best and fairest award the Syd Barker Memorial Trophy, known as the Syd Barker Medal since 1970.

He was inducted into the North Melbourne Hall of Fame in 2003.

The 13 years and 12 days between his last Richmond game and first appearance for Essendon is the record for the longest gap between League games.

Syd's elder brother, George, also played for Essendon (46 games, 1903-1905, 1907, 1909). His son, Syd jnr, played 41 games for North Melbourne ( 1930-1933). He won a clearance to Essendon but played no senior games.

Syd Barker died suddenly, after a short illness, at his residence at the Abbotsford Fire Station on 23rd March, 1930, aged only 52. A contemporary newspaper obituary reported: "Death had no terror for Barker. He knew his plight was serious, but his great spirit never changed."