Jack Reilly (footballer)

John "Jack" Reilly' (born 27 August 1945 in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland) was a football (soccer) goalkeeper and former member of the Australia national soccer team, representing Australia 35 times during the 1970s. He was a member of the 1974 FIFA World Cup squad and also represented Victoria.

Career

Reilly learnt his goalkeeping skills while playing in the reserve team of Hibernian in his native Scotland. He made only two first appearances in the Scottish Football League before moving to American club Washington Whips in 1968. Reilly moved to Australia in 1970, signing with Melbourne Juventus. After showing immense talent during his debut season he was drafted into the Australia squad for a world tour. His transfer from St George Saints to Melbourne Hakoah in early 1972 was a then record fee for a goalkeeper of $6,000.

Reilly continued to represent Australia and was selected for their 1974 FIFA World Cup squad. He played in all of their three matches at the tournament, against West Germany, East Germany and Chile. Reilly transferred to Fitzroy United Heidelberg United in 1975. He spent two season at Fitzroy before transferring to South Melbourne. Reilly retired from playing in 1980.

After ending his playing career, Reilly became a horsebreeder. He has also served on the committees of FFA and FIFA.