Russ Watson

For the opera singer, see Russell Watson.

Russell Henry Watson (26 December 1892 – 15 November 1941) was an Australian amateur middle distance champion, an Australian rules footballer, who played with St Kilda in the Victorian Football League (VFL),^[1] and a District Cricketer with the St Kilda Cricket Club (where he also served as its Vice-President).^[2]

Russ Watson
Personal information
Full name	Russell Henry Watson
Born	(1892-12-26)26 December 1892 Moonee Ponds, Victoria
Died	15 November 1941(1941-11-15) (aged 48) East Melbourne, Victoria
Original team	Melbourne Grammar School
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
1910	St Kilda	2 (1)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1910.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Family

The son of Thomas Watson (1866-1925),^[3] and Flora Henrietta Watson (1874-1950), née Dowell,^[4][5] Russell Henry Watson was born at Moonee Ponds on 26 December 1892.^[6] He was the elder brother of Olympic and Empire Games athlete Alfred Joseph Watson (1907-1992).^[7] He married Freda Mildred Akhurst (1897-1979) on 20 August 1918.^[8] He died in East Melbourne on 15 November 1941.^[9]

Athlete

"One of the greatest all-round athletes Australia has ever produced",^[10] Watson held titles in the mile, half-mile, and 440 hurdles.^[11]

Military service

He served in the Firat AIF in the 6th Australian Field Ambulance.^[12][13]