Jack Rough was best known as a ruckman with accurate palming qualities.
Jack declined several approaches by VFL clubs but many believe his ability should have seen him wearing the big 'V'
guernsey.
Jack joined the New Town Football Club in 1945 and played until 1956 apart from one year at Ulverstone in 1951.
He coached from 1953 to 1960 for New Town/Glenorchy.
This time was a golden era for the club producing six premierships.
One of his greatest moments in football was winning his first league premiership in 1948 when New Town beat North Hobart 11.15.81 to 9.11.65.
He also featured in premierships with New Town in 1949 beating Hobart 10.8.68 to 4.11.36, and again in 1951 when New Town 20.14.134 beat North Hobart 9.9.63 and captain/coached his first league premiership team in 1953 for New Town when they beat Sandy Bay 16.18.114 to
15.13.103.
Jack Rough being
presented with the 1953 premiership flag on the opening day of the 1954 season.
The 1955 season was a very successful one in many ways with the senior team winning the TFL premiership and the seconds just bowing out in the preliminary final. Coach Jack Rough once again did a magnificent job in directing the team
into a winning combination. On a personal note Jack would have been very pleased with his performances which were enough to win the Mercury, ABC and 7HO awards for the best and fairest player in the TFL.
Jack also represented the TFL and Tasmania during the 1955 season.
The 1955 New Town team at New Town Oval prior to playing Sandy Bay on June 4th 1955. Captain and coach Jack
Rough is first left with Barry Strange fourth left and Max Griffiths and Neil Conlan seventh and eight left.
1956 was a year described by Jack Rough as new Town's greatest triumph. The team had been written off by most football supporters who believed the team's chances of making the finals were nil. Many more obstacles than five opposing teams
were placed in the path of the club but not enough to stop them from winning the TFL and State premiership. Jack Rough was described by the chairman and president of the day as the greatest leader New Town had ever had.
Jack Rough also represented the TFL during this season.
The 1956 New Town team pictured at North Hobart Oval on March 31st 1956. Jack Rough, again
captain and coach is pictured on the left with Barry Strange seventh in line and Max Griffiths ninth in line.
As a coach his record is remarkable with New Town/Glenorchy figuring in grand finals 6 out of eight years that he coached , winning four premierships.
The 1958 Glenorchy premiership team coached by Jack Rough who is sitting
fifth from the left in the front row with Neil Conlan sitting sixth from the left. Also featured is Kevin Baker in the middle row fourth from the left.
He also coached NWFU side Ulverstone to a premiership in 1951.
His qualities were recognised by State selectors resulting in him representing the State 6 times
including at the Brisbane carnival in 1950 and against Canberra and New South Wales in 1955.
He declined offers to join VFL clubs and there were no doubts he would have made the grade.
Jack returned to Glenorchy in 1977 as a coach, retiring at the end of the 1979 season and was able to put the Club in the grand final each time.
The 1950 Carnival team - Jack Rough is second from left back row
There is no doubt that the name of Jack Rough will always be recalled as
arguably the best locally produced ruckman to play in Tasmania.
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Jack Rough - A Tasmanian Football Legend
