Thorold Merrett

Who is Thorold Merrett?

Thorold Merrett is a former Australian rules footballer, who played in the Victorian Football League.

From the town of Cobden, Victoria, Merrett was a small footballer who was a keen Richmond fan who wanted to play league football for his beloved side. At 16 years of age, Merrett was rejected by Richmond legend Jack Dyer because of his light frame, but he was given another opportunity at Victoria Park, where he stood out in a set of practice games for Collingwood just before the 1950 season. It was initially thought by followers and players that he would be 'killed' because of his size.

He made his debut for Collingwood in 1950. At the age of 16 he was one of the youngest players in the VFL. Merrett played as a wingman and won respect for the accuracy and speed of his stab kick. He became one of the best players in the competition despite his unusually small stature for a league footballer. In 1952, Merrett came equal sixth in the Brownlow Medal, and won All-Australian selection and a top three finish in the Copeland Trophy.