CORNALL, Ralph

Ralph Cornall was a wingman who came from North Melbourne (VFA). He had been a member of North's premiership sides in 1914 and 1915 before serving overseas with the 29th Infantry Battalion and later the 5th Divisional Signal Company in World War I.

An apprentice wood turner, he enlisted on 27th October 1914 but was discharged "on personal application" just two months later. However, he re-enlisted on 9th July 1915 and embarked for England in November 1915. He served in the Middle East and France, finally returning to Australia in April 1919.

Towards the end of his military service he was kicked in the ankle by a mule and this injury troubled for months. However, it didn't prevent him from resuming his football career and he returned to North Melbourne in 1919 before joining Essendon in 1920.

He didn't live up to his promise with Essendon and only managed seven games in 1920 for two wins and five losses.

He was a member of the Seconds premiership team in 1921.

Cornall died on 19th October, 1984.