Percy James Beames (27 July 1911 – 28 March 2004) was an Australian rules footballer with Melbourne and first-class cricketer at state level for Victoria. He later became a distinguished journalist, covering both sports for Melbourne's The Age until 1976.

[edit] Cricket career

Beames became a member of the South Melbourne Cricket Club for the 1929/1930 season. In 1931 he moved to the Melbourne Cricket Club. Beames represented Victoria on 18 occasions between 1933 and 1946, scoring 1186 runs @ 51.56. During this time he scored 3 first class centuries with a highest score of 226 not out in 1938 at Launceston. Beames was appointed captain of Victoria for the first post war season in 1945. He however lost left cricket the year after this to concentrate on a career in football.

[edit] Footballing career

Beames joined Melbourne in 1931 and soon established himself as the club's rover. In his first two seasons he polled well in the Brownlow Medal, finishing equal fifth on both occasion. He was part of their hat trick of premierships that went from 1939-1941 and captain-coached Melbourne from 1942 to 1944.

After finishing his football career he became a writer at The Age for 30 years. He was also inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

[edit] External links

• Player Profile: Percy Beames from Cricinfo
• Obituary