Herb Howson

Herbert Howson (11 August 1872 – 8 May 1948) was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne in both the Victorian Football Association (VFA) and the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Family The son of Harry Josiah Howson (1849-1923), and Margaritta Armstrong Howson (1848-1922), née Firman, Herbert Howson, widely known as "Bert", was born at Newstead, Victoria on 11 August 1872.

His brother, Henry Josiah Howson (1872-1948), also played for South Melbourne in the VFL.

He was the cousin of the world-famous soprano, Emma Howson 1844-1928). before he joined their inaugural VFL side in 1897. He was part of the team's 1899 Grand Final one-point loss to Fitzroy.

Cricket In 1903 he appeared in a first-class cricket match for Victoria, against Tasmania. He scored 40 in his first innings and took a couple of wickets.

Coaching Howson was appointed coach of South Melbourne, in a non-playing capacity, in 1918 and led them to the premiership with the help of Henry Elms, who shared the coaching duties with him. That season the club were premiers and the following season finished third.

Club Secretary He was the Club Secretary of the South Melbourne Football Club for 17 years (1904-1921).