John Duckworth

Who is John Duckworth?

Arthur John Duckworth is a former Australian rules footballer who played Fitzroy in the Victorian Football League, West Perth in the West Australian National Football League, and Central District in the South Australian National Football League. He is the older brother of former Essendon footballer Billy Duckworth.

Born in Western Australia, Duckworth started his football career in Victoria with Fitzroy. He had been in Melbourne due to National Service training and after approaching Fitzroy found himself recruited for the 1970 season. Duckworth played 11 games that year but didn't play again until 1974 as a result of both his military commitments and a stint in Vietnam. His last VFL season was in 1976 and the following year he returned to Western Australia where he joined West Perth. He played 44 games over two years, during which time he represented his state at interstate football.

In 1979 he was picked up by SANFL club Central District and in his debut season won the Magarey Medal, topped the club's goalkicking and played interstate football for his second state.