Hughes served in the 57th battalion of the Australian Imperial Force during World War I, was made a company quartermaster sergeant, and was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his significant contribution in France and Belgium.

In 2021, the AFL honoured Hughes' combined merits as a soldier, football player, and football coach by having the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes medal named in his honour for the player judged best afield in the Anzac Day Eve match between Melbourne and Richmond.

[1][2] A small and quick player with brilliant skills in stab passing and handball, Hughes played in two Richmond Football Club premiership sides (1920, 1921) during his 87-game career, although his playing career was stalled for 3½ years due to his war service.

Hughes coached over an extended period with a great deal of success, securing 5 VFL premierships.

When his friend and former Richmond secretary Percy Page went to the Melbourne Football Club, Hughes followed him.