George Jerram

Who was George Jerram?

George Henry William Jerram was an Australian rules footballer who played with Geelong and North Melbourne in the Victorian Football League.

Jerrem, a utility, was used as a half forward flanker, back pocket and in the ruck during his career. An interstate player in just his second season, Jerram represented the VFL in the 1927 Melbourne Carnival. He also finished equal sixth in the Brownlow Medal that year, after a good season with Geelong. In 1930 he switched to North Melbourne and didn't miss a game in his first two seasons. He made his last appearance with North Melbourne in 1935 and the following year went to Williamstown, who he captain-coached in 1938.

In 144 VFL games, Jerram was never reported by the umpires and off the field worked as a policeman. After leaving the police force, Jerram became a boiler attendant.

He died in 1948, from a fractured skull as well as other injuries sustained when he fell on a South Melbourne footpath. Accounts of how he fell varied, with the inquest having an open finding, unable to determine whether it was accidental or as a result of an alleged brawl.