Ted and Rob Freyer, 37 Heath St

Edward Freyer, known as Ted or Teddy, lived at 37 Heath Street with his family throughout his time with Port Melbourne Football Club. Freyer started his football career in the VFL at Essendon, kicking 372 goals in 124 games between 1929 and 1937. Freyer’s impressive record meant he was in high demand, and Port Melbourne struggled to obtain an official transfer, with tense negotiations reflecting the deteriorating relationship between the VFL and VFA in 1938. Freyer eventually transferred without a clearance, and immediately made a significant impact on the team. Notable performances including his record-setting 13 goals against Sandringham in July 1938, and kicking four goals in ten minutes against Brunswick in 1939. The Emerald Hill Record reported an astonishing story of Freyer’s return home to Heath Street after winning the 1940 premiership: “Mr. Kent drove Ted Freyer to his home in Port Melbourne to enable the champion goalkicker to deposit his kitbag and accept the congratulations of his wife and a son [Robert] who has been bedridden with infantile paralysis for over three years. Leaving his kitbag on the invalid youngster's bed, Freyer left the room, and on returning was astounded to see that the youngster had moved to the foot of the bed, his father's football guernsey on, saying: 'Look, Daddy, Teddy Freyer— am I any good?' The shock temporarily dazed the champion for it was the first occasion since the lad was stricken that he was able to control his muscular movements. It was a delighted father who later visited the Port Melbourne oval to join in the celebrations with his team-mates.” Robert Freyer would go on to play 109 games for Port Melbourne Football Club from 1958 to 1965, winning best and fairest in 1963 and playing in the winning premiership side in 1964. He was named alongside his father on the half forward line of Port Melbourne’s Team of the Century in 2003.

Please login to comment on this item