James Francis (Jock) McHale played football for Collingwood and went on to become their most famous coach.
Early years
McHale was born in Sydney to Irish-born parents, policeman John Francis McHale and his wife Mary (nee) Gibbons. The family moved to Melbourne when Jock was 5.
At 15 he left school to work at the McCracken Brewery. He worked in the brewery business until his retirement in 1947.
Career
McHale played several seasons for Coburg Football Club before playing for Collingwood. From 1903 to 1918, he played 260 games and kicked 19 goals.
He held the club record for playing 191 consecutive games - a feat bettered by only a handful of players. The Magpies valued him for his tenacity and anticipation as a centre-man and in defence.
A staunch Irish Catholic, Jock got his nickname from a cartoonist’s caricature of him in a kilt during the 1920s.
McHale is Collingwood’s most famous coach. He served as playing coach from 1913 to 1918. He then went on as non-playing coach until 1950, establishing a Victorian Football League (VFL) record.
He coached the club to 8 Premierships, including a record 4 in a row. His teams were also runners-up 10 times.
He continued to serve the club on the committee from 1921 to 1938 and as vice-president from 1939 to 1953.
Personal life
McHale married Violet Godfrey at Brunswick in 1909. They raised their son James and daughter Mary in Coburg.
Recognition
The Australian Football League (AFL) awards the Jock McHale Medal to the coach of the premiership team each year.
Death
McHale died of a heart attack on 4 October 1953, aged 71 at his home in Coburg. This was a week after Collingwood had won their first Premiership in 17 years.
He is buried with his wife and children.
Bibliography
Adapted from material supplied by historian Dr Jan Penney, GMCT Trust member 2010-2020, and by the Friends of Coburg Cemetery Inc.
Roberts M & McFarlane G (2016) In Black and White: 125 moments that made Collingwood, Black Inc.
Roberts M (2011) The Mightiest Magpies: The story of every Collingwood premiership season, Penguin
Stremski R (1986) Kill for Collingwood, Allen and Unwin
