#9Tom Kinloch DB
Gridiron Victoria Life Member
Tom Kinloch is the most experienced player in Australian gridiron history. Tom has played over 245 games for the Rangers (and counting). Ranger lore has it that Tom started playing shortly after the arrival of the first fleet (but records are a little sketchy from those early days).
We asked Tom what was the secret to his longevity in this rugged sport. He said it is all due to recent advances in high technology. We asked if he was referring to modern training techniques, MRI, ultrasound and the like. He said “Nah, my travel time to and from training got reduced a lot when cars came out”.
Think the old guy might be slowing down a little? Well, there’s no sign of it yet. Tom still plays state level gridiron. He was the starting free safety on the 2010 Victorian state squad that placed second in the national championships.
So, come down to Rangerland to watch a living legend in action, or just to hear a yarn about the old days of leather helmets and big dental bills.
On Saturday July 31st 2010, Tom played his 250th match for the Croydon Rangers, an Australian record.
