Vale Jim Mann (1928-2017)

Jim Mann was a long-serving player and administrator for Footscray and Cricket Victoria. Although Jim started playing for South Melbourne as a youngster post World War II, he transferred to Footscray after the Club’s admission to the VCA in 1948-49.

Jim played 91 matches for Footscray between 1949-50 and 1969-70, scoring 1724 runs at 16.57. His highest score was 132, scored against Carlton in 1960-61. He won the First XI batting averages in that season.

Jim served as President, Secretary, Dowling Shield coach and on the Committee/Executive for an amazing 67 years. When the Bulldogs won their first flag in 1979-80, Jim was Club President. He was elected as a Life Member at Footscray in 1961 and, in 2016, he was elected as a member of the Club’s Hall of Fame as a “Legend”.

Jim became a Footscray Delegate to the VCA in 1959-60, a position he held until his retirement in 1992-93, a total of 34 seasons. During that time Jim served on the VCA Pennant Committee for 13 seasons, on the VCA Executive for 18 seasons, as VCA Treasurer for 10 seasons and as a VCA Representative to the ACB for two seasons.

He was elected a CV Life Member in 1993-94.

Cricket Victoria extends deepest condolences to the Mann family and the Footscray Cricket Club.