Joseph Rupert Balfe (9 March 1890 – 25 April 1915) was an Australian rules footballer and soldier who was killed during the landing at Anzac Cove.

[2] After completing his secondary education in 1908, he studied medicine at the University of Melbourne and was in his final year when he enlisted to serve in World War I.

He played in the 1908 VFA Grand Final for Brunswick against Footscray, along with his two brothers, Harold (whose arm was broken) and Stan.

Let others wait; for him the glorious day Of tyrants humbled and a world set free Had dawned in clouds and thunder; with a glee Born not of insensate madness for the fray, But rather of a spirit noble, brave, And kindled by a heart that wept at wrong, He went.

The storms of battle round him rave And screaming fury o'er him chants its song, Sleep, gallant soul!