BIO

Ern Hubble was a versatile sportsman who represented both Norwood and Port Adelaide in the 1896 season.

Born in Adelaide on 16 December 1874 to Frederick Hubble and his wife Amelia, née Barrow, Ern grew up with siblings Alice, Arthur, Hilda and Frank.

Ern was a member of the junior club South United when he was selected in the Adelaide and Suburban team to play Gawler at Gawler on 6 July 1885. Another future Norwood player, Michael Gallagher, also was a member of the visiting side, which slammed on three late goals to snatch victory, 4.5 to 2.4. 
Ern was named in the Norwood squad to play the Natives at Kensington Oval on Saturday 9 May 1896.  It was a very one-sided affair, Norwood winning 6.12 to 0.1.

On 1 June 1896 the SA Football Association committee cleared E. A. Hubble to Port Adelaide.  He next bobbed up in a weak Port team which went down to Norwood, 10.11 to 5.7, at Alberton Oval on 4 July 1896.  Quiz and Lantern said the Ports “have picked up a good junior in Hubble, who has been playing well for the South United Club this year”.

In March 1896 he was elected secretary of the Cyclists’ Association of South Australia but resigned two months later, saying it was difficult to obtain additional employment while holding office.  He was granted one month’s termination salary.  In 1897 he appeared in court as a witness to the assault of his trainer, Frank Ridley, by an American cyclist, William Martin, who was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour. In 1899 the League of SA Wheelmen recorded one win for Ern with prizemoney of £5.

Ern was prominent as a swimmer.  He was secretary of the Metropolitan club and joint secretary when it amalgamated with the Sturt club in 1898.  He served the SA Amateur Swimming Association as handicapper and in 1899 was forward looking in advocating affiliation with like organizations in NSW, Queensland and New Zealand.

Ern married Edith Young in 1909.  He died at Hyde Park on 20 April 1911

P Robins, D Cox, G Adams Dec 2020