John was the eldest of 7 children born to Michael Quinn and Mary Sidoli.

John began playing for local club Semaphore Central in the early 1890s.

During his years in Western Australia he played in the strong Goldfields competition for Kanowna Football Club (known as White Feather).

[2] John returned home and began playing for Port Adelaide around 1900.

Likewise Bob Quinn is honoured in Port Adelaide's team of the century.