GARDNER, Corrie

Cornelius "Corrie" Gardner was a champion athlete as well as a talented footballer. He was Australian national champion in the 120 yard hurdles in the 1899/1900 season and finished second in 1901/1902, 1903/1904 and 1905/1906. The 1903/1904 championship was held in Auckland so, although he finished second to a New Zealander, he became Australian champion again. This gave him the impressive record of finishing first or second in four successive championships.

This speed and agility made him an ideal wingman and he played 12 games for Essendon in 1898.

He joined Melbourne in 1900 and played 46 games between then and 1903, including the 1900 premiership team. He missed the 1904 football season because he was competing for Australia at the St Louis Olympics in the long jump and 110 metres hurdles. He returned to play two more games for Melbourne in 1905.

He has the unique distinction of being the only VFL/AFL player to have played in a premiership and represented Australia at the Olympic Games.

Corrie's younger brother, Eric, also played for Melbourne (39 games, 1900-1903) but missed the 1900 premiership through injury. Their youngest brother, Mark, played for Melbourne (14 games, 1904-1905, 1907) and University (21 games, 1908-1909).

Gardner died on 6 August, 1960.