Leo Rankin
# Leo Rankin

Leo Vincent Rankin (8 October 1879 – 10 May 1917) was a former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

## Family

The son of John Rankin (1844–1916), and Mary Rankin, née Donoghue, Leo Vincent Rankin was born at East Melbourne, Australia on 8 October 1879.

## Education

He attended Xavier College.

## Football

He played in one match for Melbourne, against Carlton, on 9 September 1899.

Along with two other "single game players" — Joe Finlay and Arthur Sinclair — he was used to make up the numbers, when regular players Jack Davidson, Maurie Herring, Eddie Sholl, Dick Wardill, and Alf Wood were all unavailable.

## Military service

He enlisted for service in the First AIF on 8 December 1915, and served overseas in the 55th Battalion.

## Death

He died (of hepatitis) on 10 May 1917 at the Military Hospital in Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom, and was buried in the military cemetery of the Lady St Mary Church, Wareham.

