Noel Allanson

Born on Christmas Day and a veteran of the Royal Australian Navy who witnessed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, Noel Allanson was a fiercely determined utility who dedicated much of his life to the Essendon Football Club. Recruited locally from North Essendon Methodists, he overcame a lack of natural speed with a relentless work ethic, operating primarily as a defender or wingman during a golden era at Windy Hill. Allanson featured in the losing 1947 Grand Final side before earning the ultimate success as a member of the 1950 premiership team, playing alongside legends such as Dick Reynolds and John Coleman. Following his VFL career, he shifted to the VFA with Williamstown, but his contribution to the Bombers was far from over. Allanson returned to serve as a pivotal administrator, holding the roles of Vice President and Treasurer for over a decade, where his financial acumen helped stabilize the club. A talented all-rounder who also played Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria, he was inducted into the Essendon Hall of Fame and remained the last surviving member of the 1950 premiership side until his passing in 2022.