LAIDLAW, Col

Col "Peachy" Laidlaw was a wingman from Williamstown Juniors.

He played 13 games from a possible 16 in 1919, including a memorable 69-point win over Melbourne when he kicked seven goals. However, he struggled to maintain a regular place in the strong teams of the time and only managed a further 28 games in his next four seasons.

He only managed two games in 1923 so he sought a clearance to Footscray (VFA) which was granted. He joined them in 1924 and played in their premiership side in that year. Former Essendon team-mate, Charlie Zinnick, was also in the team.

He remained with Footscray when they entered the VFL in 1925 and played a further 25 League games with that club in 1925 and 1926.

He was a good player for Footscray in the controversial 1924 charity game against Essendon, when some Essendon players were accused of being paid to throw the game. Footscray's success against the reigning VFL premiers played a part in the decision to admit them to the League, which happened in 1925.

On his retirement from playing he took up umpiring. He umpired 85 country matches and ran the boundary in three VFL games in 1930 and 1931.

His working life was spent with the Victorian Railways.

Col Laidlaw died on 25th January,1985, at the age of 88.