KEARNEY, Gus

Augustus "Gus" Kearney was an outstanding follower who had played 64 games in Essendon's VFA team, including the premierships of 1892, 1893 and 1894. He came from Geelong College where he had been an outstanding student in both academic and sporting areas. He had played for Geelong's VFA team in 1890 while still at College.

He also played intercolonial football in 1893.

Kearney was in Essendon's first League game in 1897 and was a superb player in the premiership victory in that year. He was also Essendon vice-captain in 1897 and 1898.

As well as being a top footballer he was also a champion tennis player, winning the Victorian Singles title on six occasions and the NSW Open twice. One day in 1897 Essendon was having trouble fielding a team, so a hasty summons was sent to Albert Park where Kearney was competing in a tennis championship and he rushed to the East Melbourne ground to take the field against Geelong.

Kearney had completed his medical studies in Edinburgh, along with team-mate, Colin Campbell, and on his return to Australia, had set up a practice in Urana, NSW. In 1907, he came Melbourne for a nasal operation, but tragically died on 10th March, just a few days before it took place. He was only 36 years old. His widow later married colourful sportsman, promoter and Hollywood actor, Snowy Baker.

The Club gave 10 guineas to the Old Geelong College Association to perpetuate his memory in 1907, and Geelong College still awards the Dr Augustus Kearney Memorial Prize annually to one boy in recognition of "all-round ability and service to the College".

Gus Kearney had 16 siblings, including his brother Michael (who played 15 games for Essendon's VFA team in 1893 and 24 for Geelong's VFA team in 1889-1890, 1892) and his half-brother Gordon (who played for Essendon in 1907 and Geelong in 1903).