Clyde Donaldson (9 June 1894 – 23 May 1979) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Family

The son of George Donaldson (1857-), and Louisa Emma Susanna Donaldson (1858-1932), née Seyler, Clyde Donaldson was born in Elsternwick, Victoria on 9 June 1894. His brother, Eric Donaldson played for St Kilda. He married Edith Evelyn Happell (1895-1968) on 16 April 1921. He married Daisy Evans (1905-1981) on 24 September 1969.

Football

Essendon (VFL)

After two seasons playing with Essendon, Donaldson's career was interrupted by World War I when he spent fours years overseas with the Australian Expeditionary Force.

Training Units team (AIF)

While in London he took part in the famous "Pioneer Exhibition Game" of Australian Rules football, held in London, in October 1916, representing the Australian Training Units team. A news film was taken at the match.

Essendon (VFL)

In 1919 he returned to Essendon and became a regular Victorian interstate representative throughout the 1920s. A back pocket specialist, Donaldson was tough to beat in an aerial contest and was a long kick of the ball. He was a member of Essendon's 1923 and 1924 premiership teams.

Journalist

After retiring in 1926, Donaldson became a noted football journalist for the Truth newspaper.

Death

He died in East St Kilda on 23 May 1979.

Footnotes