BARCLAY, Stuart

Stuart Barclay was a rangy right footer who began in the back pocket then played on the half back line. In the back pocket he often picked up the resting opposition ruckman. Although lightly-built he was quick, had a good spring and was a good mark.

He played in Essendon’s 1968 Reserves premiership side then made his senior debut in round 5 1969 in an away win over North Melbourne. He played in 12 games that year and 12 games in 1971, his best seasons.

He won the Reserves Most Improved Player award in 1971, the Reserves Second Best and Fairest in 1972 and the Reserves Best Club Man in 1973.

But he struggled to get a regular game and Barclay’s final appearance was in the losing Elimination Final against St Kilda in 1973. In his career at Windy Hill he was matched up on some of the game’s best including Peter McKenna, Brent Crosswell, Royce Hart and Barry Round.

In 1974 Barclay transferred to Tasmania where he enjoyed immediate success. He was appointed captain-coach of City South in Launceston where he played as a ruckman and led the club to the NTFA and State premierships that year. He was appointed captain-coach of Tasmania and led the state at the Australian Carnival in Adelaide in the same year. His form was good enough in 1974 be runner-up in the Hec Smith Medal as the best player in the NTFL. Barclay represented Tasmania in every season from 1974-1977.

In 1978 Barclay left Tasmania for Queensland where he joined Windsor-Zillmere. He played in two Grand Finals there losing to Western Districts in 1978 and winning over Kedron in 1981. He also represented Queensland in interstate matches between 1978 and 1980.

He retired from football after the 1981 season to concentrate on his career. He now lives in Noosa, Queensland.