Although born in Victoria, Calder played his early football in Tasmania and started his senior career at North Hobart in 1935.

While with North Hobart, Calder suffered a serious on-field injury and had a kidney removed.

He represented Queensland at interstate football regularly post war, until 1953, including matches in the 1947 Hobart and 1950 Brisbane Carnivals.

In 1948 he was captain-coach of Queensland and had his most successful season with Coorparoo, winning the league's Grogan Medal.

Calder won the award once more in 1950 and after retiring continued his involvement in Queensland football as an administrator.