Rankin family of Geelong

[2] It is one of the youngest boys, Walter Rankin (1849–1930), whose line was responsible for the Geelong football dynasty.

During his career, Teddy Rankin declined offers to transfer to other clubs and stood against the emerging practice of player payments.

Sam is reported as not being selected in the senior team, while Tom served the club in 47 matches in the 1904–06 seasons.

In 1912, less than two years after his father Teddy had retired as a player, Rankin was playing senior football, which still stands as the VFL/AFL record.

[7] Bert Rankin's career came to a controversial end in 1923 when, after poor form, the captain was dropped on the eve of the first semi-final.

The league investigated the matter, suspicious as to why Rankin was dropped and whether this was connected to the defeat of the team.

[10] Bert's younger brother, Clifford, known as "Cliff" or "Ticker" (1896–1975), also became a champion footballer playing mainly as a forward.

He played nine games and kicked eight goals for Geelong in the 1938–1939 seasons, before enlisting for active service in the Second World War.

In April 1937, Eileen married Leo O'Donnell, and they moved into Anderson Street, East Geelong.