Jack Kirby (Australian footballer)


John James Kirby was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the Victorian Football League.
Kirby was a small forward and is the earliest known player to have kicked a goal with his first kick in the VFL. He had a good start to his career from a team point of view as well, not experiencing a loss until his 15th game. Kirby topped Essendon's goal-kicking in 1912 with 43 goals and again the following season when he kicked 29 goals. He was a member of Essendon's premiership teams in 1911 and 1912.