Gerard Waitley

Of course, back in 1937, at the age of 35, he played his 300th.

Very interesting character and obviously...

a great, great, great of the game.

Eight of ten children of Henry and Jane Coventry, born in Diamond Creek, attended Millenvik State School, but not for very long, because he went to work in his father's orchard.

He played at Diamond Creek in the High River District Leeds, which popped up after World War I. Made his debut at 18 at Harford, as Collingwood searched for a replacement for the great Dick Leeds.

moved to 440 in 1923, and then just took all before him.

Yeah, yeah, not just the first 300 games.

He was the first to kick 100 goals in the season.

He did it four times.

And, of course, the really big one was the first of 1,000 goals, 239 games.

It took him in 1934.

1299 all-time was the record until Tony Lockett comes along in 1999.

And he played in 10 grand finals.

I mean, it's just freaky.

In the 10 grand finals, we think two or threes a lot these days.

Lost the first four, won the next five, lost the last one.

But he also missed one in 1936 when they won.

He was suspended for striking for the only time in his career.

He had a whole bunch of boils on his neck.

And Richmond defender Joe Murdoch kept hitting him there.