The image, taken more than eighty-five years ago, is now in the safe keep of the Carlton Football Club archive after a member of the public generously handed it over to Bryce Gibbs during the recent community camp at Kyabram.
Pictured in the photograph are men of stature such as the club’s captain and (later) solicitor Ray Brew (seated front and centre wearing the sleeveless dark Navy Blue guernsey with upturned collar). Harry “Soapy” Vallence, in his first year with the club, can be seen in the middle row, third from the right, with “Horrie” Clover in the long sleeves to Vallence’s right.
Harry Bell, who would later serve his club with distinction as its secretary, sands at the rear on the far left, while Alex Duncan, who would reputedly haul in 33 marks in a match against Collingwood at Victoria Park the following year, stands in the middle row, fourth from the left.
Harold Rumney, who would soon part company with Carlton and represent Collingwood in its victorious Grand Final teams of 1927-30 and ’35, is seated with his legs crossed second from the left in the front row.
Curiously, Rumney was born in Kyabram where this photograph turned up.
The Carlton players identified in this photograph are as follows. If you know the identities of those players unnamed, please contact the club on 9389 6241.
The Carlton team, 1926
Back row, l to r: Harry Bell, Victor Davis, _______, _______, _______, Ernie McAlpine, Joe Kelly
Second row: Norm Collins, Ted Brewis, _______, Alex Duncan, Maurie Beasy, Horrie Clover, Harry Vallence, Maurie Connell, Percy Outram
Third row: Charlie McSwain, Frank Donoghue, Jim Watson, Ray Brew, Hedley Blackmore, Jack Morrissey, _______
Front row: _______, Harold Rumney, Harold Carter, Harvey Dunn, _______
Note: Other Carlton senior players of 1926, seven of whom appear in this photograph, are as follows - Ronnie Byrne, Fred Gilby, Frank Irwin, Joe Kelly, Bill Koop, William Manger, Ernie McAlpine, Harry McPherson, Tom Mullens, Fred Mutch, Jimmy Robertson, George Styles, Albert “Jack” Williamson and Les Witto.
