Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) an imaginary figure seen as representing the lowest denominator of incompetence; thus used in phrs. such as blind Freddie could see that, wouldn’t fool blind Freddie.

[1911		Referee (Sydney) 12 Apr. 7/2: One of the best known identities of the Sydney boxing game during the past quarter of a century is 'Blind Freddie,' who never misses a fight of even minor importance, and whose ears assist his mind's eye to such an extent that exciting situations work him up and he can laugh as heartily as anyone else at amusing occurrences. 'Blind Freddie' is not an old man; he lost his sight 28 years ago, when 11 years old. The sightless sport enjoys life as much as most men, and feels many a hearty hand grip and hears many a cordial greeting as he roams round the city alone, for 'Freddie,' who follows the calling of a general dealer, is popular with everybody].
1912		Int’l Socialist (Sydney) 19 Feb. 3/1: The present system has to go. There's no other way. It MUST go. Even Blind Freddie can see that.
1925		Brisbane Courier 31 July 12/2: There have been happenings on our racecourses that have been used as the butts for all kinds of jokes, and it is a common expression amongst racegoers that ‘Blind Freddie could have seen it’.
1930		Referee (Sydney) 12 Mar. 11/3: Monson left his corner, and, walking smartly across the ring, threw a wild right that Blind Freddie could have evaded.
1935		Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate 8 Oct. 6/4: At the last meeting of Council [...] one alderman said that ‘Blind Freddie could see’ what were the motives of those opposing the proposal.
1944		Examiner (Launceston, Tas.) 30 Mar. 4/7: [advert. for Victory Bonds] You merely amble into any Bank [...] fill in a form that Blind Freddy could understand, hand over the hay (or ten per' cent. of it) and you're home and dry.
1957		D. Whitington Treasure upon the Earth 45: That hooker of yours couldn't win a ball from blind Freddie.
1967		J. Wynnum I’m a Jack, All Right 42: ‘How did you know we were sailors?’ [...] ‘Blind Freddie ud know you for sailors. Pick you a mile off’.
1968		Nation Review (Aus.) 235-59 45/1: However. even Blind Freddie would have stumbled on them sooner or later.
1982		(con. 1948) N. Keesing Lily on the Dustbin 46: She tried to hide what she was carrying but blind Freddie could tell it was a bottle pushed down into her shopping bag.
1993		Smith & Noble Neddy (1998) 118: Church people tend to be innocent in such matters, but working in East Sydney, you’d have to be Blind Freddie not to realise it [organised crime] was there.
2000		S. Maloney Big Ask 17: It was August 1991 and even Blind Freddy could see that his enjoyment of these facilities was bearing its conclusion.
2005		P. Temple Broken Shore (2007) [ebook] Blind Freddy’s dog’s got a better chance of getting into parliament.
2007		UreKismet on Guardian CiF 15 July 🌐 These flaws are comparable with structural defects in their own system but USuk and their cohorts ignore that. Blind Freddy can see that.
2012		(con. 1943) G.S. Manson Coorparoo Blues [ebook] Blind Freddy could see she didn’t give a stuff about this clown.
2023		A. Nette Orphan Road 75: ‘[Y]ou boys need to learn how to cover your tracks a bit better. Blind Freddy could’ve followed you here’.