Eric Fleming (footballer)


Eric James Edward Fleming was an Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the VFL during the 1920s.
South Bendigo recruit Eric Fleming was a tall, high marking ruckman who notably had an exceptional torpedo punt. He could also play at half forward and averaged over a goal a game in his career. A Victorian interstate football representative, Fleming was a member of Geelong's 1925 premiership side.
Fleming was involved in an unusual incident during Geelong's Round 12 match of the 1924 season against Fitzroy.
With Geelong trailing by 3 points, Fleming took a mark near goal just before the final siren sounded. Play was held up while the umpire endeavoured to move no fewer than 11 Fitzroy players back from the mark. To Fleming's amazement, three Fitzroy players attempted to build a human pyramid to stop him scoring. Fleming kicked the goal and Geelong won 9.14 to 9.11. A rule change was made allowing only one defending player to stand on the mark.
He joined VFA club Oakleigh in 1929 and played at centre half forward in their 1930 and 1931 premierships.