Leo Maloney

Recruited from the Lincoln Stars in the local Essendon District Football League, Leo Maloney was a versatile utility who made a brief but significant mark at Windy Hill. Standing 185cm, he broke into the senior side as a blond-haired forward and relief ruckman shortly after completing his National Service, playing seven games in his debut 1957 season. His VFL career culminated on the biggest stage as the 19th man in Essendon's 1957 Grand Final loss to Melbourne, which ultimately proved to be his final appearance for the Bombers after injury wiped out his entire 1958 campaign. Maloney subsequently crossed to Williamstown in the VFA, where he rebuilt his career into one of great distinction over 107 games. While he started as a goal-kicker, he evolved into a formidable defender, playing in the Seagulls' 1959 premiership, winning the club best and fairest in 1963, and earning selection in the back pocket of Williamstown’s Team of the Decade.