Jack Kirby (Australian footballer)
| Jack Kirby | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | John James Kirby | ||
| Date of birth | 1 July 1889 | ||
| Place of birth | South Melbourne, Victoria | ||
| Date of death | 11 March 1939 (aged 49) | ||
| Place of death | Carlton, Victoria | ||
| Original team(s) | Prahran Juniors | ||
| Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | ||
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lb) | ||
| Position(s) | Small forward, half-back flank | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1911–15, 1918 | Essendon | 77 (113) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1918. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
John James Kirby (1 July 1889 – 11 March 1939) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
Kirby was a small forward and is the earliest known player to have kicked a goal with his first kick in the VFL, scored in 1911; this achievement would not be made again for nine years, when Gordon Coventry, an AFL Legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame replicated the feat in 1920. Kirby had a good start to his career from a team point of view as well, not experiencing a loss until his 15th game. Kirby topped Essendon's goalkicking table in 1912, with 43 goals, and again the following season when he kicked 29 goals. He was a member of Essendon's premiership teams in 1911 and 1912.