Russell Hill
Essendon
AFL career
14 games1 goals
- Debut
- R16 1944 v GEE19 Aug 1944
- Most recent
- R9 1947 v RCH14 June 1947
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Beechworth in the Ovens & King league, Russell Hill was a solid defender whose VFL career was heavily impacted by World War II. He made a solitary debut appearance as a makeshift forward in 1944 before his time at Essendon was interrupted by service with the RAAF, which saw him miss the entire 1945 season. Hill returned to Windy Hill as a backman known for his safe hands and sound judgement, eventually forcing his way back into the senior side late in 1946. His career is best remembered for a moment of cruel misfortune; after being a surprise inclusion for the Second Semi-Final victory, he was heartbreakingly omitted from the Grand Final team, missing out on the premiership side that defeated Melbourne. He managed seven more games in 1947 before departing the league, a capable depth player who narrowly missed the ultimate success.
Profile
- Born
- 09 Mar 1920
- Died
- 19 Nov 1987 (aged 67y 255d)
- Birthplace
- Stanley, VIC
- Deathplace
- Mornington, VIC
- Height
- 179 cm
- Weight
- 82 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Beechworth in the Ovens & King league, Russell Hill was a solid defender whose VFL career was heavily impacted by World War II. He made a solitary debut appearance as a makeshift forward in 1944 before his time at Essendon was interrupted by service with the RAAF, which saw him miss the entire 1945 season. Hill returned to Windy Hill as a backman known for his safe hands and sound judgement, eventually forcing his way back into the senior side late in 1946. His career is best remembered for a moment of cruel misfortune; after being a surprise inclusion for the Second Semi-Final victory, he was heartbreakingly omitted from the Grand Final team, missing out on the premiership side that defeated Melbourne. He managed seven more games in 1947 before departing the league, a capable depth player who narrowly missed the ultimate success.