John Fidge

Who is John Fidge?

John Fidge is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne and the Brisbane Bears in the Victorian Football League during the 1980s. He also played for Glenelg in the South Australian National Football League.

Fidge made his VFL debut as a 17-year-old centre half forward in 1984, starring with four goals and 23 disposals in a loss to Essendon. He finished his first season with 27 goals from 12 appearances, missing games mid year with a knee injury. Recruited from St Peter's, East Bentleigh, he played 16 times in 1985 and booted six goals against North Melbourne at the MCG, his best return for Melbourne. It was also the first year where he played games with his brother Ted at Melbourne. He suffered from stress fractures in his foot during 1986 but kicked 12 goals from his four games.

He was one of many VFL players to join the new Brisbane Bears team for their inaugural season in 1987 and played in every one of their first eight games. Late in the season he kicked six goals against Fitzroy to equal his career best and followed it up the following week with five goals and six behinds against his former club.