BIO

John Alexander Lowe was born in 1856 in Emerald Hill (now South Melbourne), Victoria. His family called him Alex, although he was better known at Norwood as Johnny.

He began his senior football career in 1877-78, with Albert Park in the Victorian Football Association. Noted as an elusive wingman, he also served as a committee member during 1878 – the penultimate year for Albert Park, which amalgamated with South Melbourne in 1880.     
 
The highlight of his sporting career came in 1879, when he was one of three outstanding Victorian recruits to join the Norwood Football Club, along with  Alfred “Topsy” Waldron and Joe “Curly” Pollock.
 
John played a key role as a forward, as the red and blues went on to annexe the 1879 premiership. He ultimately remained  at Norwood until 1882, becoming a member of four premiership teams (1879, 1880, 1881 and 1882).
 
He was awarded Life Membership of the Norwood Football Club in 1885.
 
By 1885, John Lowe had returned to Victoria. In 1888 he married Annie Ritchie, and they settled in Geelong, where John worked as a saddler.
 
John Alexander Lowe died on 30 December, 1932, at his home in Geelong West.

C Lane April 2018