John Goold

Playing Career : 1963 - 1970
Debut : Round 7, 1963, aged 21 years 338 days
Carlton Player No. 754
Games : 108
Goals : 3
Last Game : Grand Final, 1970, aged 29 years 90 days
Guernsey No. 11
Height : 184 cm (6' 0½")
Weight : 76 kgs (12.00)
DOB : June 27, 1941
Premiership Player 1968, 1970


Probably as well known for his dapper demeanour off the field as for his undoubted talents on it, John Goold was a distinctive and popular figure at Carlton for the better part of a decade. Recruited from Healesville, and then through Melbourne Grammar, he made his VFL debut in 1963, but struggled at first to find his feet. In 1965 he began to perform with consistent brilliance and was selected to represent the VFL. Quick, tenacious and tireless, he played most of his career across half back, but could turn his hand to any defensive position. He was a superb high mark, who played many of his best games in finals, or when representing the 'Big V', which he did at the 1966 Hobart carnival (earning All Australian selection, he was runner up to WA rover Barry Cable for the Tassie Medal) and in 1968 in addition to 1965. He was at centre half back in the 1968 Grand Final as the Blues beat Essendon, and on a half back flank two years later when Collingwood was vanquished. The 1970 Grand Final (reviewed here) proved to be the last of his 108 VFL games as he opted to retire in order to concentrate on his fashion business.

Ragsy Goold; the name stirs memories form my long ago childhood. Ragsy, with his unique kicking style where he'd hold the ball (always a drop punt, this in a time when the drop kick and the torpedo punt still reigned supreme) at the point of the ball, elbows bent and he'd lavishly drop the ball, his right arm then flinging back and up dramatically. That was the thing about Ragsy (so named because he worked in the clothing, or 'rag' trade), he was always dramatic.

He always ensured his ankle guards and wrist guard were glowing white to match the great white CFC monogram he wore proudly on his chest, and with his long flowing locks, cut a dynamic figure through a young boy's mind. Ragsy was my idol. I loved his dashes from half back, his long accurate drop punts, most of all I loved his flair for the game. Ragsy played the game as an entertainer as well as a sportsman, he leaped high to punch or mark, and always seemed to have a bit of the thoroughbred about him - which is probably why after he retired he took up fox chasing, polo, riding his beloved thoroughbreds across the paddocks and over the fences of his property, I think he may have even represented Australia at the sport - really thats sort of how he played as a footballer. All sinewy muscle, long legs and famous leaps for the saving punch.

Ragsy was part of the great backline that helped revive Carlton's fortunes. Legendary players Wes Lofts, Ian Collins, Kevin 'Racehorse' Hall, Vinnie Waite among them. All great teams have a great defence and the defence that Ragsy was an integral part of was no different. Where others provided the biffo, the muscle or the defensive pressure, Ragsy provided the dash, the flair, the sense of adventure, that all great backlines must have.

Memories

I have had many favourite players while following the Blues, but there will always be a special spot for Ragsy Goold, running the lines all long hair and flashing, white guards.

As a young man I moved to Carlton and began acting in a place called one-c-one. One night after a play I was walking home, it was winter and I was wearing my favouritte overcoat, a genuine ankle length tweed affair I had picked up in an Opp Shop in Oakleigh for three dollars, and as I strutted across Lygon street a deep male voice behind me called, 'hey laddie, how much for the overcoat?'

I turned and there was my childhood idol, Ragsy Goold, two beautiful women in tow, smiling and waiting for my answer. I loved that coat too much to part with it, even to Ragsy, so I shook my head and he smiled then walked off.

I stood for a moment in the middle of the street shaking my head in disbelief. Ragsy bloody Goold had just offered to buy my overcoat! I knew at that point, as a young man of about twenty three, that life was going to be full of surprises and very entertaining - a bit like John Ragsy Goold.

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Career Highlights

1965 Perc Bentley Trophy -3rd Best & Fairest
1966 5th Best & Fairest
1967 Maurie Sankey Memorial Trophy -4th Best & Fairest on count back
1970 7th Best & Fairest

Links

Articles: The 1970 Prelim: Ragsy, Jacko, Jezza and Brent

Blueseum: Stat Shot for John Goold | Career Breakdown for John Goold | Goold's Blueseum Image Gallery

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