Born in 1903, the son of William Leitch after whom the League best and fairest is named, Allan Leitch learned his football at Elizabeth Street School and later at Hobart High and also played for the Southern United team in the Clare Street Association.
At the age of 19 in 1922 he joined New Town and quickly became one of the star players of the league. In 1923 Allan and Keith Downie were the youngest players in the famous league side that defeated South Australia in Adelaide. Allan was a member of the 1924, 1927 (withdrew) and 1930 carnival teams, being captain in 1930.
The 1923 Southern Tasmanian team - Allan Leitch is pictured second from right in the third row. Horrie Gorringe is pictured on the left of the second row while Jack Dunn is third from left in the same row. Keith Downie is pictured sitting in the front on the left.
In the 1923 game against South Australia at Adelaide Oval the Tasmanians flabbergasted the South Australian combination in the art of handballing, quick passing, long kicking, marking and speedy play. The Adelaide crowd of 25,000 cheered Tasmania's exploits, overlooking its own side who were hopelessly outclassed. Tasmania 4.2, 8.11, 11.13, 14.14.98 defeated SA 3.4, 4.6, 6.10, 9.12.66.
During that year Allan Leitch also gained selection in a TFL side that played the NWFU for the first time in many years and eventually beat them by 40 points.
The following year he was chosen in the Tasmanian side to play in the ANFC carnival which was staged in Hobart, acquitting himself with distinction in all games played.
The 1924 Tasmanian Carnival team - Allan Leitch is pictured third from left in the back row. Also pictured is Horrie Gorringe second from right in the front row and Allan and Don Scott standing next to each other in the second row second and third from left.
He moved to the mainland in 1925 to play with Carlton in the VFL, winning the medal for most consistent player in the Carlton side. He represented Victoria twice during his only year in the VFL.
Allan rejoined New Town in 1926, being captain/coach in 1929 and 1930, winning the club best and fairest award in both those years and also winning the League medal in 1929.
He retired from league football in 1931 and despite a petition of some 1500 signatures decided against playing again in 1932.
In his younger days Allan also excelled in athletics winning numerous Tasmanian championships and finishing second in the Australian championships in 1924.
Allan Leitch played 135 games for New Town, 13 for Tasmania, 24 for the TFL against the NWFU, NTFA and various interstate club teams such as Essendon, North Broken Hill and East Fremantle.
Allan Leitch is still regarded as one of the best ever to play in the League.
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Allan Leitch - A Tasmanian Football Legend
