Howard Okey
Essendon
AFL career
109 games52 goals
- Debut
- R1 1928 v MEL21 Apr 1928
- Most recent
- R17 1934 v GEE8 Sept 1934
Stats
Bio
Recruited from West Melbourne Juniors, Howard Okey initially cut his teeth in the reserves before establishing himself as one of Essendon's most reliable contributors of the late 1920s. A slightly built but pacy centreman who could also drift effectively across half-forward, Okey was renowned for his elegant, long-striding gait and exceptional anticipation. He was a highly skilled user of the ball, possessing a beautiful long drop-kick that allowed him to pinpoint targets and set up play from the midfield.
His impact at Windy Hill was immediate and profound, claiming the club's Best and Fairest award in 1929 and consistently polling well in the Brownlow Medal during the early 1930s. Okey’s on-field class earned him selection for Victoria three times, but his service to Essendon extended far beyond his playing days. After a brief stint as a VFL field umpire following his retirement, he returned to the Bombers to serve as a committeeman and Chairman of Selectors for decades, eventually being elevated to Legend status in the Essendon Hall of Fame for his lifelong dedication to the club.
Profile
- Born
- 12 Feb 1906
- Died
- 03 Mar 1985 (aged 79y 19d)
- Birthplace
- Kensington, VIC
- Deathplace
- Strathmore, VIC
- Height
- 177 cm
- Weight
- 69 kg
Teams
Honours
- Essendon B&F1929
- Brownlow Medal
- Top 10
- 1931
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from West Melbourne Juniors, Howard Okey initially cut his teeth in the reserves before establishing himself as one of Essendon's most reliable contributors of the late 1920s. A slightly built but pacy centreman who could also drift effectively across half-forward, Okey was renowned for his elegant, long-striding gait and exceptional anticipation. He was a highly skilled user of the ball, possessing a beautiful long drop-kick that allowed him to pinpoint targets and set up play from the midfield.
His impact at Windy Hill was immediate and profound, claiming the club's Best and Fairest award in 1929 and consistently polling well in the Brownlow Medal during the early 1930s. Okey’s on-field class earned him selection for Victoria three times, but his service to Essendon extended far beyond his playing days. After a brief stint as a VFL field umpire following his retirement, he returned to the Bombers to serve as a committeeman and Chairman of Selectors for decades, eventually being elevated to Legend status in the Essendon Hall of Fame for his lifelong dedication to the club.