SYKES, Archie

Archie Sykes joined Essendon from Geelong in 1889, when both clubs played in the VFA.

He played mainly as a half-forward and follower.

When Essendon joined the League in 1897, Sykes was in the twilight of a great career. Before joining Geelong, he had captained Essendon in both 1895 and 1896 and had been one of the Club's stars in the VFA premiership wins of 1892, 1893 and 1894. He had played 93 VFA games and represented Victoria in 1893.

He remained at Essendon until 1897, playing all seasons except 1891. He left after playing his part in the 1897 premiership, the first-ever in the new Victorian Football League.

He spent 1891 at Fremantle, as his team-mates, Albert Thurgood and "Pos" Watson, were to do later. This meant he missed Essendon's first premiership that year.

Sykes died on the 26th August, 1957.