The inaugural Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes medal will be awarded at this Saturday’s ANZAC Day Eve match at the MCG, in recognition of the World War I veteran and joint Melbourne and Richmond Football Club great.
A seven-time premiership player and coach, and a Melbourne Cricket Club member, ‘Checker’ was a great of the game – both on and off the field.Enlisting as a 21 year-old in 1915 – one year after making his debut as a player for Richmond – Hughes served in the World War I effort, where he rose to become company quartermaster sergeant.
Hughes served with the 57th battalion of the Australian Imperial Force and was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his significant contribution in France and Belgium.
Within weeks of returning home to Melbourne in May 1919, Hughes was again playing for the Tigers, where he went on to win three premierships – two as a player and one as a coach.
He then moved to the Demons, coaching the side to three successive flags between 1939 and 1941 before adding a fourth in 1948.
Hughes was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989 in recognition of his time at the top level of the game.
In addition to the inaugural presentation of the medal to the player judged best on ground at this Saturday’s ANZAC Day Eve match, Checker’s granddaughter, Jennifer Allen, will take part in the pre-game ceremony.
Fans are encouraged to get to the game early on Saturday night, with proceedings commencing at 6.45pm.
This article is adapted from the story originally published by the Melbourne Football Club.
Banner image: Jennifer Allen, granddaughter of Frank 'Checker' Hughes, pictured with Adam Tomlinson and Tom Lynch.