John was a no-nonsense player with the thirds, fourths and vandals in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He played over 100 games and scored 14 tries. He later managed the Colts team along with Don Williams in the late 1980s. His son Paul also played for Thornbury.

Graham Bartlett recalls once incident: “my vivid memory of John was when playing Dings at their ground. During the game he decked the infamous Sammy Stride, who was a man to be feared with a serious reputation at that time - John didn't know that until in the bar after. Sammy never knew who it was and chased shadows for rest of game, which Thornbury won!! – Legend”

Deepest condolences from the whole club to John’s family.