Shinboner number: 2
Guernsey number: 15
Born: March 5, 1895
Died: June 6, 1987
Occupation: Commonwealth Public Service Clerk
North Melbourne games: 7 (1925)
Goals: 3
A football journeyman, Clapson played with Essendon A.F.C. in 1919, then had one game with North Melbourne's VFA team in 1921.
Known as an outstanding wingman, Clapson was only 165cm tall but was described as "game". 1922 saw him in Norwood Redlegs FC, South Australia, playing 13 games and kicking 24 goals before returning to North Melbourne's VFA team in 1924.
Clapson was selected as a centre half-forward in the club's first VFL game on May 1, 1925 against Geelong at Corio Oval. The Argus newspaper reported: "Clapson soon came into prominence". He "made a dash along the wing to Johnson and a goal was scored" and in the last quarter, "Clapson booted the final goal".
He moved to Canberra in 1927 and then returned to Victoria, playing with Williamstown FC from June 1928-1930 in 29 games, kicking three goals. He married Ina (nee Mackie) in 1930. Returning to the ACT, he was vice-president of the Acton Football Club in the 1930s.
A Gallipoli veteran in World War One, he was later wounded in France and served in World War Two in the Army, ranked as a Warrant Officer 2. He honoured his war service mates in Anzac Day marches in Canberra during the 1980s.
He died in the Kankina Nursing Home, ACT and was cremated at the Norwood Park Crematorium.
