Reg Burgess
Essendon
AFL career
124 games9 goals
- Debut
- R2 1954 v SME24 Apr 1954
- Most recent
- SF 1960 v COL3 Sept 1960
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Apsley in the western districts of Victoria, Reg Burgess established himself as one of the premier centremen of the 1950s. Renowned for his exquisite balance, clean ball-handling, and ability to read the play, he became the linchpin of the Bombers' midfield during a transitional era for the club. His individual brilliance was recognized with All-Australian selection in 1958 and two Crichton Medals as Essendon's best and fairest, the second of which came in his final season.
Despite being in arguably career-best form, Burgess made the controversial decision to walk away from VFL football at just 26 years of age. Citing a desire to return to country life, he accepted a lucrative offer to captain-coach Casterton, leaving a massive void in the Essendon lineup that the club struggled to fill. His impact during his seven seasons was significant enough to earn him a place on the wing in the Essendon Team of the Century, solidifying his reputation as one of the club's most naturally gifted talents.
Profile
- Born
- 06 Aug 1934
- Died
- 12 May 2024 (aged 89y 280d)
- Height
- 175 cm
- Weight
- 72 kg
Teams
Honours
- Essendon B&F(2×) 1957, 1960
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Apsley in the western districts of Victoria, Reg Burgess established himself as one of the premier centremen of the 1950s. Renowned for his exquisite balance, clean ball-handling, and ability to read the play, he became the linchpin of the Bombers' midfield during a transitional era for the club. His individual brilliance was recognized with All-Australian selection in 1958 and two Crichton Medals as Essendon's best and fairest, the second of which came in his final season.
Despite being in arguably career-best form, Burgess made the controversial decision to walk away from VFL football at just 26 years of age. Citing a desire to return to country life, he accepted a lucrative offer to captain-coach Casterton, leaving a massive void in the Essendon lineup that the club struggled to fill. His impact during his seven seasons was significant enough to earn him a place on the wing in the Essendon Team of the Century, solidifying his reputation as one of the club's most naturally gifted talents.