Wallace Sharland
Wallace Sharland | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 11, 1902 Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | September 17, 1967 (aged 64) Bethesda Hospital |
| Occupation(s) | Australian rules footballer, journalist, broadcaster |
| Years active | 1920–1925 (football), 1920s–1930s+ (journalism and broadcasting) |
| Known for | Playing for Geelong in the VFL; pioneering VFL radio commentary |
Wallace Sutherland Sharland (11 October 1902 – 17 September 1967) was an Australian rules footballer, journalist, and broadcaster who represented Geelong in the VFL. Nicknamed "Jumbo," he was originally recruited from Newtown.
Geelong years
As a ruckman for Geelong, Sharland was recognized for his versatile skills, precise ball palming, and strong ruck shepherding. He made his VFL debut at age 17 during the 1920 VFL season and concurrently began working as a journalist for the Geelong Advertiser.
Sharland's cricketing prowess came to light on 29 January 1921 when he scored a century against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), compiling 102 runs out of Geelong’s total of 261 at Corio Oval. Esteemed batsman Jack Hobbs described him as "a hard man to get out," and the Mayor of Geelong honored Sharland with an inscribed bat commemorating the achievement. Despite appeals for his inclusion in Victoria’s cricket team, Sharland ultimately gained prominence in football.
Following five appearances in his debut season, he played 13 games in 1921 and was selected as first-ruck for the Victorian state team, contributing to victories over South Australia. That year, he also participated in his first final—a semi-final defeat to Richmond—and added eight games to his tally in 1922.
Ahead of the 1923 VFL season, Sharland sought a transfer to a Melbourne-based club after relocating to the city and securing writing positions with the Herald and The Sporting Globe. However, after training with Richmond without obtaining Geelong's approval, the club’s committee barred him from playing. Without official clearance, he competed for Frankston in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League, where he was residing.
In 1924, Richmond renewed their interest in Sharland, but Geelong again refused to grant a clearance. As a result, he recommitted to Geelong, was appointed vice-captain, and played a career-high 15 matches. Although not selected as a player, he covered the 1924 Hobart Carnival as a special correspondent for The Sporting Globe.
During his final season in 1925, Sharland maintained his vice-captaincy role but was limited to four games due to a wrist injury, missing out on Geelong’s premiership triumph. Instead, he became the pioneer radio commentator to broadcast a VFL game, covering the finals on ABC station 3AR from the MCG’s Grey Smith Stand. He later reflected on the technical difficulties encountered with sound quality during these early broadcasts.
Later broadcasting career
Following his playing days, Sharland shifted focus toward journalism and sports commentary. In 1933, he departed from The Sporting Globe to dedicate himself to wireless broadcasting with the ABC and subsequently 3XY. He is acknowledged as one of the earliest football radio commentators. His replacement at the Sporting Globe was J. M. Rohan.
How did Preston Football Club become known as the "Bullants"?
The Victorian Football Association side Preston acquired the nickname "Bullants" after Sharland referred to its players during broadcasts as "a group of busy bullants," alluding to their diminutive size and red-colored uniforms.
Personal life
Sharland was born on 11 October 1902 in Geelong, Victoria, the son of engineer James Sutherland Sharland and Jane Armstrong Sharland (née Little). He had three siblings: an older brother named James Leonard Woodrofe, and two sisters, Dorothy and Jean.
In 1910, he began his education at Geelong College, where his brother was already a student. By the age of 13, he had secured a place in the cricket team's 1st XI and started playing first-grade football in 1918.
In 1934, Sharland married Ada Moore in East Malvern; she died in 1949.
During the Second World War, he served in military operations across both the Middle East and Pacific regions.
Sharland passed away at Bethesda Hospital on 17 September 1967, at the age of 64.