Vale Arthur Gooch
1931-2026
Career 1950-56
CFC Games 76 games 12 goals
The Collingwood Football Club is saddened to announce the passing of one of the few remaining survivors from the 1953 Premiership side, ruckman Arthur Gooch.
Gooch died recently just a month shy of his 95th birthday. At the time of his death he was the third oldest Collingwood Past Player, and one of only three survivors from the 1953 Premiership.
Arthur played his junior football in Preston, which made him residentially bound to Collingwood, but only came to Magpie scouts’ attention when he began playing with Chelsea.
He was a big follower who also spent time resting in defence or attack. His size made him a formidable opponent, and he was highly adept at using his strength – he was a butcher by trade renowned for his big arms – in rucking contests. He was a good palmer of the ball, a decent mark and a long kick.
He was not a star, and he was rarely spectacular. But he was a whole-hearted big man who put his heart and soul into every one of the 76 games he played for the Pies across seven seasons from 1950.
In the end though, the combination of his growing business demands and his decision to build a house in Beaumaris, combined to see him walk away from VFL football in 1956 at age 25. He then spent two further years at Box Hill before retiring from all football.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club wish to record our appreciation for Arthur’s great contribution to our footy club, and especially for his part in our 1953 Premiership win. He was a husband to June, father to Shane and Colin, father-in-law to Glenys, grandfather to seven and great grandfather to 11. Our thoughts are with his family, and all his friends from Collingwood and beyond.
Side by Side.
To read Arthur’s full story and the stats from his career, check his bio on Forever:
