Len Gale
Encyclopedia
Leonard George "Len" Gale (18 April 1897 - 25 June 1948) was an Australian rules football
er who played with Fitzroy
in the Victorian Football League
(VFL).
Gale was one of many present and future footballers who fought in World War I
. He enlisted with the Australian Army
on 24 April 1917 and on November of that year embarked for overseas deployment. After serving as a Gunner with the 7th Field Artillery Brigade, Gale returned home in 1919.
His football career was delayed by the war, but he would make his VFL debut in 1920, as a 23 year old. Gale, who worked as a potterer, played his football as a rover. He was a rover in Fitzroy's 1922 premiership team, but started the game in a forward pocket
. The following year he kicked 26 goals, to finish second in the Fitzroy goal-kicking. He would likely have kicked more if not for a six week suspension that he received in round 16, for attempting to strike St Kilda's fullback Bill Cubbins
. This cost him a spot in the 1923 VFL Grand Final
, which Fitzroy lost to Essendon
.
He looked to have played his last game for Fitzroy when he left for Horsham
in 1924, as playing coach. However, Gale returned for the 1924 VFL finals series
and appeared in two semi finals. He was then made captain-coach of Echuca
in 1925.
Gale served his country again in World War II
, enlisted in 1942 and being discharged in 1944.
He died on 25 June 1948 at St Vincent's Hospital
, from injuries sustained in a hit and run
accident the previous night in Kew
.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played with Fitzroy
Fitzroy Football Club
The Fitzroy Football Club, formerly nicknamed The Lions, is an Australian rules football club formed in 1883 to represent the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, Victoria and was a foundation member club of the Victorian Football League on its inception in 1897...
in the Victorian Football League
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
(VFL).
Gale was one of many present and future footballers who fought in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. He enlisted with the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
on 24 April 1917 and on November of that year embarked for overseas deployment. After serving as a Gunner with the 7th Field Artillery Brigade, Gale returned home in 1919.
His football career was delayed by the war, but he would make his VFL debut in 1920, as a 23 year old. Gale, who worked as a potterer, played his football as a rover. He was a rover in Fitzroy's 1922 premiership team, but started the game in a forward pocket
Forward pocket
In Australian rules football, the forward pocket refers to a position on the field deep in offense.Forward pocket players, situated in the forward line, need to have good avoidance and goal sneak skills and usually, quality forward-pockets are noted for their agility and ability to score difficult...
. The following year he kicked 26 goals, to finish second in the Fitzroy goal-kicking. He would likely have kicked more if not for a six week suspension that he received in round 16, for attempting to strike St Kilda's fullback Bill Cubbins
Bill Cubbins
William "Bill" Cubbins was an Australian rules footballer who played in the Victorian Football League .Cubbins played with St Kilda as possibly the greatest full back of his time. He won a record four club best and fairest awards . Cubbins was an excellent mark and long kick.He played for...
. This cost him a spot in the 1923 VFL Grand Final
1923 VFL Grand Final
The 1923 VFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between the Essendon Football Club and Fitzroy Football Club, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on 20 October 1923. It was the 26th annual Grand Final of the Victorian Football League, staged to determine the...
, which Fitzroy lost to Essendon
Essendon Football Club
The Essendon Football Club, nicknamed The Bombers, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
.
He looked to have played his last game for Fitzroy when he left for Horsham
Horsham Football Club
The Horsham Football Club are an Australian rules football club which compete in the Wimmera Football League . They are based in the city of Horsham, Victoria....
in 1924, as playing coach. However, Gale returned for the 1924 VFL finals series
1924 VFL season
Results and statistics for the Victorian Football League season of 1924.-Premiership season:In 1924, the VFL competition consisted of nine teams of 18 on-the-field players each, with no "reserves", although any of the 18 players who had left the playing field for any reason could later resume their...
and appeared in two semi finals. He was then made captain-coach of Echuca
Echuca Football Club
The Echuca Football Club are an Australian rules football club which compete in the Goulburn Valley Football League .They are based in the Victorian town of Echuca and joined the league in 1909....
in 1925.
Gale served his country again in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, enlisted in 1942 and being discharged in 1944.
He died on 25 June 1948 at St Vincent's Hospital
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne is the major hospital in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia.It is operated by the St Vincent's Health service, previously known as the Sisters of Charity Health Service, Melbourne...
, from injuries sustained in a hit and run
Hit and run (vehicular)
Hit-and-run is the act of causing a traffic accident , and failing to stop and identify oneself afterwards...
accident the previous night in Kew
Kew, Victoria
Kew is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 6 km east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Boroondara. At the 2006 Census, Kew had a population of 22,516....
.