[2] Usually known as "Billy", he played his first first-class match for Victoria in November 1882 against the touring English team, top-scoring in the second innings with 40.

[4] A left-handed batsman, left-arm medium-pace bowler and brilliant cover fieldsman who could throw strongly with either arm,[5] Bruce was renowned for his batting style: "he was the essence of grace in his batting, with a late cut that has never been surpassed among Australian batsmen".

[2][4] Johnnie Moyes described his batting as brilliant, charming and "sometimes frivolous", but his defence was not of the same quality, "and probably that is why his Test record was not more distinguished".

[4][9] In 1888, Bruce joined Melbourne Cricket's baseball club for a four-inning game played against the Chicago White Stockings of the U.S. National League, which were visiting Australia as part of a world tour.

[12] Bruce was found drowned in Port Phillip Bay off the Melbourne suburb of Elwood on 3 August 1925.