Bob Mathews (footballer)

Robert Mathews (26 August 1912 – 14 April 1989) was an Australian rules footballer who played with North Melbourne and Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).^[1]

Bob Mathews
Personal information
Full name	Robert Mathews
Date of birth	(1912-08-26)26 August 1912
Place of birth	Foster, Victoria
Date of death	14 April 1989(1989-04-14) (aged 76)
Original team(s)	Melrose
Height	175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight	75 kg (165 lb)
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
1930–1934	North Melbourne	58 (32)
1935	Essendon	2 (0)
Total		60 (32)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1935.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Mathews was a back pocket defender, but started as a forward and topped North Melbourne's goal-kicking in the 1930 VFL season, with 29 goals. He switched clubs in 1935, joining Essendon, but would only make two appearances for the club.^[2] After leaving Essendon he played for La Mascotte.^[3]

Mathews later served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the later part of World War II.^[4]