DOB: 14 August 1877
Died: 31 July 1965
First game: Round 1, 1920 vs South Melbourne at MCG
Last game: Round 18, 1920 vs Geelong at MCG
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | % |
| 16 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 31.25 |
Born "Jeremiah", but known as Gerald for most of his life, Brosnan was rejected by both Geelong and Essendon before joining Ballarat. He impressed in the country and was signed by Fitzroy before debuting for the Maroons in 1900.
A Victorian state representative in his first season, Brosnan played in the losing 1900 Grand Final, and topped his side's goalkicking the next year.
In 1903 Brosnan was appointed as captain and led his side to a grand final in each of his three seasons in charge. At the first attempt they fell two points short when he missed a shot at the final bell 30m out to win the game. They made amends in 1904 and 1905, winning both grand finals.
Standing down as captain in 1906, Brosnan continued to play but his form diminished and he retired at the end of 1909 after 131 games. In 1911 he returned to the VFL as coach of University but won just two games of 54 while in charge. He served as secretary and league delegate for the club until their demise.
After the winless 1919 season under George Haines, Brosnan returned to the VFL as coach of Melbourne and managed to win his first game in charge. The Fuschias improved to a 5-11 record but Brosnan left at the end of that year and was replaced by Percy Wilson.
In 1921 he was named as "Supervisor of Umpires" by the VFL and also wrote for the Sun newspaper.
Media
Football Record 1921
Football Record R17 1957