During his teenage years he performed in numerous school concerts in a variety of roles ranging from elocutionist, piano player and Shakespearean actor.

He left St. Joseph's and completed his schooling at St Kevin's College before going to university with a Newman Scholarship.

league team of West Melbourne and shortly after made his debut for the Carlton Football Club in Round 3 of the 1923 season.

He formally retired from the game early in 1932 due to a knee injury which occurred towards the end of the previous season.

His interest in horse racing increased and by the 1960s it was taking up a larger part of his time as both an owner and trainer.