Jack Gilbert (rugby league)

Jack Gilbert

Personal information
Full name	John Francis Gilbert
Born	20 Nov 1918 Sydney, New South Wales
Died	29 November 1998 Sydney, New South Wales
Playing information
Position	Centre
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1941,1946 St George Dragons 8 0 2 0 4

John Francis 'Jack' Gilbert (1918–1998) was an Australian WWII veteran and premiership winning rugby league footballer of the 1940s.

Jack and his brother Herb Gilbert, Jr. were sons of the pioneer rugby league champion footballer, Herb Gilbert. The brothers grew up in Bexley, New South Wales and came through the St George Dragons junior ranks. Jack's career was curtailed by World War II and he only played two full first grade seasons with St. George in 1941 and 1946. Gilbert won a premiership with St. George, playing centre in the team that defeated Eastern Suburbs in the 1941 Grand Final. At season's end Gilbert was posted to New Guinea to see active service with the Australian Army.

He survived the war, and after his discharge in April 1946, Gilbert resumed his playing career at St. George Dragons for the 1946 season, before retiring from Sydney first grade football. His grandson, Sam Gilbert is an AFL footballer for the St Kilda club.

Jack Gilbert died on 29 November 1998, and was cremated at Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland, New South Wales.

Gilbert (middle 2nd from right) in St. George's 1941 premiership-winning team.

Published sources

• Whiticker, Alan & Hudson, Glen (2006) The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players, Gavin Allen Publishing, Sydney
• Haddan, Steve (2007) The Finals - 100 Years of National Rugby League Finals, Steve Haddan Publishing, Brisbane