Shinboner number: 14
Guernsey numbers: 32, 23
Born: July 27, 1899
Died: May 10, 1975
Occupation: Fireman / Grocer
North Melbourne games: 39 (1925-27)
Goals: 68
Beginning his football career with two games for Essendon Association in 1921, Fred transferred to North Melbourne's VFA side, where he was a successful goalkicker with 60 goals over the seasons 1922-1924.
Debuting for North in their opening VFL game in May 1925, as centre half-forward, he justified his selection with three goals and was named in the best players. He was injured in the last quarter and left the field. He came third that year in the goalkicking list with 21, and the following year topped the list with 26 goals.
Fred was the eldest son of six children, born in Eaglehawk, Victoria to Grace (nee Tregonning) and Robert Metcalf. In 1923 he married Ethel Melba (nee Griffiths) and they had three children. In the 1930s the family resided at the Eastern Hill Fire Brigade and then he and his wife were grocers in Carlton for several decades after his football career ended.
Fred died at the Box Hill Hospital, Victoria and is buried in Fawkner Memorial Park, Victoria with his six-year-old son Allen, who had died in 1931.
