BECKTON, Norm

Norm Beckton was an outstanding ruckman who was a good mark and delivered the ball well to his rovers.

He was beautifully proportioned, scrupulously fair and one of the best big men of his time.

Beckton came from Essendon 'A' where he had played in 1919 and 1920.

He was one of the stars in the ruck in both the 1923 and 1924 premierships sides and won the Club's Best and Fairest award in 1928. He was appointed captain in 1929 and 1930 and prior to that he was vice-captain for a time in 1928.

Beckton represented Victoria in 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925 and 1928 and only eight Essendon players have played more interstate games.

He was Essendon's equal top Brownlow Medal vote scorer in 1928 and was equal second top in 1924.

Beckton had a lean 1927 and some fickle fans would yell at him to get out of the game. But he went on calmly and those who jeered him in 1927 cheered his wonderful football in 1928.

When he left Essendon, he became captain-coach of Sandringham from 1931 to 1934.

He was ranked at number 37 in the Champions of Essendon (2002).

Beckton died on 8th September, 1984.