Arthur Edward Clarence Hodgson

He has been described as the fastest and one of the most brilliant footballers Tasmania has seen. Known as 'The Black Prince', he is one of a select number of players to participate in five Australian carnivals.

Born in Sydney, NSW, Arthur moved with his family at the age of 7 to Queenstown and it was in this mining district that he developed his football skills, winning a number of individual awards and gaining places in representative sides for the WTFA.

In 1947 he was selected in the NTFA team and his excellent play saw him chosen to represent Tasmania for the carnival in Hobart and there was some debate as to whether he was the first West Coaster to represent his state at that level of competition.

His performances at the carnival impressed Carlton talent scouts and the following year, at the age of 22, he played his first game in the VFL. Arthur represented Victoria at the 1950 carnival in Brisbane, the same year he won the Carlton Best and Fairest. In 1953 he returned to Tasmania to coach Ulverstone in the NWFU competition. In seven seasons he took the club to four premierships. He also won the NWFU Best and Fairest award the Wander Medal, in 1955.

Hodgson represented Tasmania at three further carnivals in 1953, 1956 and 1958. He played in excess of 325 senior games.

Arthur was also an outstanding professional sprinter, his principal successes being the Queenstown, Devonport and Latrobe Gifts, all won in 1942, as well as the 220 yards handicap at Burnie in 1946.