Born about 1852 – died Caulfield, Victoria, October 19, 1933

At Carlton

72 matches (approx.), 10 goals 1869-’83

Premiership player 1869 (Premiership disputed); 1871

Captain 1871-’72 & ’74

Leading club and competition goalkicker 1872 (six goals)

Champion of the Colony (media award) 1873

Premiership player 1871 (South Yarra Challenge Presentation Cup) & ’73

Vice President 1895

J A. Donovan – “Our Own Jack” as he was known in old Carlton – was described in 1869 as “one of the most brilliant players of his time, a charge unequalled”.

In June 1870, Donovan represented Carlton team in the fledgeling Challenge Cup competition against Albert Park. The following year, he captained Carlton when it landed its first challenge Cup trophy – the same year the club abandoned the orange cap in favour of the dark blue.

In 1872, Donovan was presented with an illuminated address for his captaincy and leadership in securing the Challenge Cup. The address carried the following inscription:

“This little souvenir in remembrance of the Challenge Cup is from the Members of the Carlton Football Club as a small token of the high esteem and regard felt for you since your Membership and a slight acknowledgement of the zeal displayed and enthusiasm inspired in your team as Captain in that memorable victory.”

Donovan clearly played for keeps. A wordsmith for the Melbourne Punch of 1889 declared many thousands would remember the days of yore when:

“Donovan stout, with a mighty rush,

Through the serried ranks of the foe would crush,

Leaving behind in a shapeless mass

A dozen of coves on the slippery grass.”