Finck played 53 senior games for the Magpies between 1951 and 1954 and developed into a reliable defender.
He was named at full back in the club’s 1953 premiership side where he played a key role in Collingwood’s 12-point victory over Geelong.
Recruited from Heathmere in Victoria’s south west (coincidentally a club that also carries the Magpies moniker), Finck debuted against North Melbourne in round one, 1951 at the age of 21.
Beginning his career as a forward, Finck’s pace and anticipation meant that he was an obvious choice to replace the injured Jack Hamilton at full back.
He retained his goal-kicking prowess when the moment took him, bagging four in the win over Carlton at Princes Park in 1953.
On the last Saturday in September in ’53, Finck clearly performed the role assigned to him by his coach Phonse Kyne.
Of Geelong’s eight goals, none were kicked by their nominated key forwards Fred Flanagan and Russell Renfrey.
The flag - Collingwood’s 12th - came after a 17 year drought, enshrining Finck’s place in Magpie folklore.
Finck, who was also a member of the Magpies’ loss to Geelong in the 1952 Grand Final, played his final game in the black and white in the final round of the 1954 home and away season.
He called time on his league career at the age of 24, citing a 240 mile round trip from Portland in Victoria’s western district as the main factor in his decision.
Jack is survived by Gwen, his wife of 51 years, and their children Warren, Grant and Robyn.
