Challenge Cup Competition
DOB: September 29 1851 Inverness Scotland
DOD: November 1937
Career: 1860's-1870's

Little is known about his Carlton career. So far, the only mention of his involvement with the Blues is found in his obituary.

Gourlay's obituary in The Argus Thursday 25th November 1937 p12;
Robert Gourlay former playing member for the Carlton and South Melbourne football clubs died aged 86.
He was also a former president of the Shepparton Shire Council.

Wills and Estates in The Argus February 07 1938 (p2) mentions a Robert Gourlay of Kialla East, which is just south east of Shepparton.
He was a school teacher and he joined the Education Department at 15 years of age. Robert was the first school teacher at Kialla East. He later took up farming and served on the local council.

1871 September 16
A player named Gourlay mentioned in The Argus as playing for Albert Park (the forerunner of the South Melbourne club) against Carlton.
O.O.A.F. Volume 5 has a John Gourlay at Albert Park in 1871

A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF FOUR SCORE YEARS IN VICTORIA

Robert Gourlay recounts his life in Victoria after emigrating as a young child to Australia.
He mentions playing football for Albert Park, but not Carlton. Perhaps he he was a Second Twenty player and details of that competition are few and far between. However, his life story is very interesting.
To read his article (via Trove) in the Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal March 22 1934 (p3), click here> http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215267953

Links

Blueseum: Pre VFL Players