Bill Cahill

Bill Cahill was a dual-sport talent who arrived at Essendon from Launceston after waiting out a residential qualification period. A first-class cricketer for Tasmania, he quickly established himself as a courageous centre half-back at Windy Hill, though his time in the VFL was severely hampered by injury. His reputation for grit was cemented during a 1937 clash with Footscray where, having broken a bone in his shoulder early in the game, he refused to leave the field because the Bombers had already utilised their 19th man, instead shifting to a back pocket to see out the match. The recurring shoulder trouble ultimately cut his Victorian career short, and he returned to the Apple Isle in 1939 to captain-coach Launceston. While his game tally was low, he left a lasting mark on the club by later encouraging Essendon to sign his wartime comrade and future star Norm McDonald.