Perkins, a centre half-back,[3] spent most of his career at Northcote, in the Victorian Football Association (VFA).
Following a complaint over his eligibility to play in the seconds, Perkins' case was brought to the Association Permit and Umpire Committee.
[6] He was eventually re-registered -- and, therefore, allowed to play in the seconds -- but, instead, he applied for a transfer to St Kilda.
[7] Already 31 years of age, Perkins made his debut for St Kilda, as a ruckman, in the ninth round of the 1934 VFL season.
He was St Kilda's club captain in 1936;[11] however, as a policeman, he was forced to retire after three VFL seasons, following a declaration by the new Police Commissioner, Alexander Duncan, that members of the Victorian police force could not play professional football.