Born Hobart, Tasmania circa 1854 – died Sydney, New South Wales, July 21, 1920

At Carlton

130 matches (approx.), goals unknown 1873-’82 & 1888-’89

Vice-Captain 1880-’81

Captain 1882

Premiership player 1873, ’74 & ’75, & 1877 (VFA)

William George Goer was, according to a reporter reflecting on his on-field career, “a fearless and dashing back player, an idol of the crowd” – and the numbers reflect Goer’s grand contributions to Carlton through its first glory era of the 1870s.

Goer was educated at Scotch College and recruited to Carlton after cutting his teeth at local teams Carlton Imperial, Carlton United and Prince Alfred. Described as an efficient lieutenant, Goer was an imposing presence in Carlton’s defensive through to the 1880s – during which time the interstate representative was presented with a gold watch for his services to the club.

A correspondent for The Footballer wrote of Goer in 1878 that the player “fully deserves the encomium of being one of the best backs in the colony; in this position his rare qualities have done the club great service”.