Dave Bryden
Footscray
AFL career
147 games56 goals
- Debut
- R13 1947 v ESS12 July 1947
- Most recent
- R18 1955 v NTH20 Aug 1955
Stats
Bio
Recruited from local club Seddon, Dave Bryden established himself as a defensive pillar for Footscray during the club's golden era in the post-war years. Debuting in 1947, he evolved into a rugged and reliable half-back flanker, renowned for his close-checking style and determination in one-on-one contests. His consistency and ability to read the play saw him rewarded with state selection for Victoria, cementing his reputation as one of the competition's premier defenders of the early 1950s.
Bryden's career culminated in the historic 1954 season, where he played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership victory over Melbourne. As a key member of that legendary backline, his defensive discipline helped stifle the Demons' attack on Grand Final day, securing the club's first VFL flag. He remained a stalwart of the side until his retirement at the end of the 1955 season, leaving the game as a premiership player and a highly respected figure in the history of the Western Oval.
Profile
- Born
- 23 June 1927
- Died
- 30 Aug 2013 (aged 86y 68d)
- Height
- 187 cm
- Weight
- 86 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1954
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from local club Seddon, Dave Bryden established himself as a defensive pillar for Footscray during the club's golden era in the post-war years. Debuting in 1947, he evolved into a rugged and reliable half-back flanker, renowned for his close-checking style and determination in one-on-one contests. His consistency and ability to read the play saw him rewarded with state selection for Victoria, cementing his reputation as one of the competition's premier defenders of the early 1950s.
Bryden's career culminated in the historic 1954 season, where he played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership victory over Melbourne. As a key member of that legendary backline, his defensive discipline helped stifle the Demons' attack on Grand Final day, securing the club's first VFL flag. He remained a stalwart of the side until his retirement at the end of the 1955 season, leaving the game as a premiership player and a highly respected figure in the history of the Western Oval.