Archibald Crofts

Archibald Crofts (9 September 1875 – 20 May 1942) was an Australian politician, business owner and sports figure.

Crofts was born in Secunderabad, British India to soldier Benjamin Crofts and Jane Hemhilswood, raised in Victoria and educated in Adelaide, before becoming a merchant. In 1905, he owned and ran a grocery in South Melbourne, which he expanded to include 137 branches throughout Victoria and the Riverina as Crofts Stores, His horses had won £22 670 by the time of his death, and his best known steeds Valiant Chief and El Golea, In October 1940 El Golea was shot twice while in his stall; it was thought that the shooter mistakenly believed El Golea was fellow racehorse Beau Vite.

In late 1931 South Melbourne Football Club official Jack Rohan persuaded Crofts to become club vice-president, as Croft's wealth, stature in the local community and Protestantism would help the club (South Melbourne was primarily a Catholic club). Crofts was elected president in 1933, serving until 1937. In response, a journalist jokingly suggested that South Melbourne should be known as "The Swans" (swans being the faunal emblem of Western Australia).

Crofts was elected councillor for South Melbourne City Council's Queens Ward in 1931, serving to 1942,

In addition to his parliamentary and council service, Crofts was heavily involved in the local community, serving as a member of the Albert Park management committee, Prince Henry's Hospital board and the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind board.

Personal life In 1899, Crofts married Mary Keene, with whom he had five children; Reginald, Arthur, Norman, Hazel and Edna.

After a period of poor health in 1942, Crofts travelled to Surfers Paradise, Queensland to recuperate,