When the family moved to North Melbourne, close to the home ground of what was to become his cherished football club later in life, he made good use of the facilities available.

In 1951 he was a member of the North Old Boys football team which won the Premiership of the Combined Catholic Old Collegians Association.

In 1935 while competing with the Carlton Harriers he was running faster times than men placed in divisions above his, in particular the 220 yard dash.

Three years later he signed for service overseas, and, as a Lance sergeant, became a member of the Australian Special Intelligence Personnel Section before finally being discharged in December 1945.

[4] On his return from army service he resumed his playing career and for the next eight seasons was a valuable member of the North Melbourne team until breaking his leg in 1953.