Colin Niven

Colin Niven (6 September 1903 – 1 December 1968) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Fitzroy and Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Family The son of Colin Niven (1870–1938), and Ida Bell Niven (1875–1947), née Lewis, Colin Leslie Niven was born at Bealiba, Victoria on 6 September 1903.

His cousin once removed, Gordon Jones, also played for Melbourne.

He married Ada Dorothy Smith in 1934.

Footballer Niven, a follower, played with Maryborough in the Ballarat Football League and won their 1927 best and fairest award, prior to joining Fitzroy. He captain-coached Fitzroy in 1930 and 1931 before crossing to Melbourne, which he captained in 1934 and 1935. His brother Ray, who played beside Colin in 1931, later reunited with him at Melbourne where they again appeared together in the same side.

After six months out of the game, Niven was appointed playing coach of Donald in 1936 and he led the team to premierships in 1936, 1937 and 1939 in the North Central Football League before retiring as a player.

Military service Niven later served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

Death He died at Cowes, Victoria on 1 December 1968.

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