George Coates was a Lions man for the overwhelming majority of his 90 years.
After serving in the RAAF in World War II he played 128 games for Fitzroy as a goal-kicking rover from 1947-54, representing Victoria in 1949.
Later he served the club for more than 40 years, including 21 years as vice-president and a stint as Chairman of Selectors.
In 1987 he was first Fitzroy man to receive the AFL’s coveted Jack Titus Award for his outstanding service to the game.
Post-merger he was pivotal in ensuring the spirit of Fitzroy was properly preserved via the club’s Historical Society, and even after his passing in February 2014 he lives on via the famous ‘prowling lion’, which he designed in 1965 and which still adorns the Lions jumper today.
George Coates .. as Fitzroy as they come, and a member of the Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame.
At a Glance:
Club/s:
Fitzroy
Years
1947-1954 (Player)
1965-1986 (Vice-President)
Games 128
Goals 126
Honours/Awards
- AFL Jack Titus Award (1987)
- Lions Life Member
- Victorian Representative (once)
- Historical Society Committee (1997-2010)
- Past Players Assoc. Hall of Fame
