Joe Blair

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For the American basketball player, see Joseph Blair.

Joe C. Blair (died 23 September 1946), known as J. C. Blair and JCB, was president of the Melbourne Football Club, treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club, vice-president of the Victorian Football League (VFL) and deputy chairman of the Vacuum Oil Company.

Early life

Blair had an outstanding school sporting career and was the Victorian mixed doubles champion in tennis three times.[1][2] He also won the singles and doubles championship of South Australia and regularly partnered Sir Norman Brookes.[1] Bowles was another sport at which he excelled.[2]

Vacuum Oil

Blair was associated with Vacuum Oil Company for 41 years. In that time he worked as a clerk, assistant accountant, chief clerk, chief accountant, with the financial directorate and finally as deputy chairman of the company for eight years.[1][2] He retired on 31 May 1946.[1][3]

Sporting administrator

Football

Blair was the president of the Melbourne Football Club[1] for 18 years, from 1929, taking over the presidency from Vernon Ransford, until his death in 1946, when he was succeeded by William Flintoft. He was made a life member of the club prior to 1943.[4] During his time as president Blair met and convinced star West Australian player, Stan "Pops" Heal, to play for the club for the 1941 season. Although Heal only played eight games, he contributed to Melbourne winning their third consecutive premiership.[5]

During the time he was president of Melbourne, Blair was also vice-president of the Victorian Football League,[2] of which he became a life member.[1]

Cricket

Blair became a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club Committee in 1929.[6] He became treasurer[1][2] on 29 July 1941 and served in that position until his death.[6] He was made a life member[1] in 1945.[7]

Legacy

Blair was inducted into the Melbourne Football Club's Hall of Fame in 2008, as a 'Pioneer and Administrator'.[8] The University of Melbourne Cricket Club plays Adelaide University Cricket Club for the "J. C. Blair Trophy", in an annual Intervarsity match.[9] The trophy was first awarded in 1949, when it was presented by Blair's son Syd, a Melbourne University player.[10]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Business-Sporting Identity". The Age. 31 May 1946. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Melbourne Ground Position". The Argus. 24 August 1945. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  3. ↑ "City Personal". The Argus. 2 July 1946. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  4. ↑ "Demons for Life". Melbourne Football Club. 17 August 2005. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  5. ↑ Browne, Ashley (3 June 2010). "Heal at the double". Australian Football League. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Office Bearers, Committeemen". Melbourne Cricket Club. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  7. ↑ "Honorary Life Members". Melbourne Cricket Club. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  8. ↑ "Bruce wins best and fairest". Melbourne Football Club. 2 October 2008. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  9. ↑ "Intervaristy". Melbourne University Cricket Club. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  10. ↑ Taylor, Percy (26 October 1949). "Mick Harvey Ends Career With Fitzroy On Melbourne Cup Day". The Argus. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Vernon Ransford		 President of the Melbourne Football Club
1929–1946 		Succeeded by
William Flintoft
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