Eddie Fox

Edward Albert Fox (1864 – 12 March 1945) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Melbourne Football Club and Hotham Football Club in the Victorian Football Association (VFA) during the late 19th century.

Fox grew up in North Melbourne and was recruited to local VFA club Hotham for the 1886 season. He spent one season with Hotham, playing on the wing, before leaving to join fellow VFA club Melbourne for the 1887 season.

Fox became a regular in the Melbourne side playing at half-back; he did not miss a match for Melbourne from 1887 until an injury in 1893. Known for his physical strength—due to the large muscles he developed as an ironworker—and attack on the ball, Fox was selected to represent Victoria in three games over 1890 and 1891.

In 1889 Fox became captain of Melbourne, a position that he retained for the majority of the next seven seasons. Melbourne were a weak team in the late 1880s, generally finishing towards the bottom of the ladder. Under Fox's leadership, the club steadily became more competitive and by 1893 and 1894 they were competing for the premiership—ultimately finishing second to Essendon in both years. Fox played one further season in 1895 where Melbourne finished third; he retired towards the end of the season and Joe Wilson was elected to replace him as captain. Provided by Wikipedia