Joe Pearce

DOB: 28 January, 1885
Died: 15 April, 1915

Debut: Round 2, 1904 against Collingwood at MCG
Last Game: Round 18, 1913 against Essendon at MCG

Games: 152
Goals: 5
Career Statistics

From: South Bendgo

Number: 19 1912-1913

Honours:
Victorian state player - 1908
150 Heroes selection
Life Member

A dashing full-back, Pearce was one of the safest defenders of an era when the Redlegs couldn't make the finals. A safe mark and clever under pressure, he played his career as an amateur and wouldn't even accept expenses. He was also renowned as top cricket, lacrosse and tennis player.

In 1912 Pearce represented the VFL against a Ballarat League team.

Originally called Arthur Mueller Pearce, Joe changed his name to avoid anti-German prejudice. Pearce enlisted in the army for World War I but was killed during the Gallipoli landings. He was the first VFL player to lose his life in the conflict.

His cousin was Jack Mueller

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