Barry Metcalfe commenced his league career at Hawthorn, but could only manage one senior game for the club, in 1957. The following year saw him move to Mordialloc along with his former Hawks team mate Len Crane, who had assumed the coaching mantle at the club. As often seems to happen when a player is confronted with a fresh challenge, Metcalfe rose to the occasion superbly.
Playing mainly as a wingman, Metcalfe enjoyed a marvelous season, capped by selection to represent the VFA at the centenary Melbourne carnival. Metcalfe’s form during the carnival was excellent, and he was rewarded with an All Australian blazer, the only Mordialloc player to be so honored.
After just one season with the Bloods Metcalfe headed west. He did not play top level football in 1959, but in 1960 he threw in his lot with Claremont, where he played a total of 55 WANFL games. He continued to perform consistently well, and was selected to represent Western Australia on three occasions.
Author – John Devaney
