Full name Francis Vane Hughes Original team(s) Burnley Died 23 January 1978 | Nickname(s) Checker Height / weight 175cm / 70kg Other name Checker | |
 | ||
Date of birth (1894-02-26)26 February 1894 Date of death 23 January 1978(1978-01-23) (aged 83) | ||
Francis Vane "Frank, Checker" Hughes (26 February 1894 – 23 January 1978) was a player and coach of Australian rules football in the Victorian Football League (later renamed to Australian Football League) in the period 1914 to 1948.
Contents
Playing career
A small and quick player with brilliant skills in stab passing and handball, Hughes played in two Richmond Football Club premiership sides.
Coaching career
Hughes coached over an extended period with a great deal of success, securing 5 VFL premierships. When his friend and former Richmond Secretary Percy Page went to Melbourne Football Club Hughes followed him. He renamed the "Fuschias" to Demons, sacked 13 players and instilled discipline in the club.
Hughes was inducted to the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 with his citation reading:
Took Richmond to premiership success in 1932 then went to Melbourne and landed another four flags. A tough and disciplined coach.