Hugh James McLaughlin (16 July 1909 – 4 February 1977) was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne and Footscray in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1930s.
The son of Hugh James McLaughlin (1882-1918), and Bridget Agnes McLaughlin (1887-1915), née Buckley, Hugh James McLaughlin was born in Stirling, Scotland on 16 July 1909.
He married Karen Emily Barbara Muster on 6 January 1934.[1][2] Their son, Hugh McLaughlin Jr., also played over 100 games for South Melbourne and also represented Victoria at interstate level.
McLaughlin was a gutsy half back flanker for South Melbourne, and was a key player with the 1933 premiership side. As well as playing 96 games for South Melbourne, he also represented Victoria at interstate football.
In 1935 he his request for a clearance to Footscray was granted because he lived in the area.[3]
He died at the Western General Hospital, in Footscray, Victoria, on the 4 February 1977.[4]