1. Thorold Merrett was born on 30 September 1933 and is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Victorian Football League for Collingwood.
14 Facts About Thorold Merrett
1. 2.
At 16 years of age, Thorold Merrett was rejected by Richmond legend Jack Dyer because of his light frame, but he was given another opportunity at Victoria Park, where he stood out in a set of practice games for Collingwood just before the 1950 season.
3.
Thorold Merrett played as a wingman and won respect for the accuracy and speed of his stab kick.
4.
Thorold Merrett became one of the best players in the competition, despite his unusually small stature for a league footballer.
5.
In 1952, Thorold Merrett came equal sixth in the Brownlow Medal, and won a top three finish in the Copeland Trophy.
6.
In years that followed, Thorold Merrett performed consistently and he continued to be regarded as one of the best kicks in the league, as well as one of the best wingmen.
7.
Thorold Merrett played in two losing Grand Finals in 1955 and 1956.
8.
In 1958, Thorold Merrett changed roles to become a Rover, and it succeeded.
9.
Thorold Merrett won the club best and fairest and the Magpies won the 1958 flag, in addition to being named best on ground.
10.
Thorold Merrett played 180 games in 11 seasons and kicked 148 goals.
11.
Thorold Merrett was a dual best and fairest winner and premiership player, and Victorian representative on seven occasions.
12.
Thorold Merrett was a regular panelist on the ABC's Football Round-up, where he and other panellists discussed the Saturday round of VFL football.
13.
Thorold Merrett formed a partnership with former Australian cricket captain Lindsay Hassett.
14.
Thorold Merrett later worked for Rebel Sport, a sporting goods store that later listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.