Russ Watson

Russell Henry Watson was an Australian amateur middle distance champion, an Australian rules footballer, who played with St Kilda in the Victorian Football League, and a District Cricketer with the St Kilda Cricket Club.

Family

The son of Thomas Watson, and Flora Henrietta Watson, née Dowell, Russell Henry Watson was born at Moonee Ponds on 26 December 1892. He was the elder brother of Olympic and Empire Games athlete Alfred Joseph Watson (1907-1992). He married Freda Mildred Akhurst on 20 August 1918. He died in East Melbourne on 15 November 1941.

Athlete

"One of the greatest all-round athletes Australia has ever produced", Watson held titles in the mile, half-mile, and 440 hurdles.

Military service

He served in the Firat AIF in the 6th Australian Field Ambulance.