BETSON, Norm

Norm Betson was a tall, gangling ruckman who had the misfortune of being overshadowed by Essendon's other top ruckmen of the time, Hugh Torney and Percy Bushby.

He came from Culcairn where he was captain-coach in mid 1939 and, prior to that, he played with Albury.

Betson was an emergency for the 1942 premiership team. In the 1943 Grand Final his kick for goal in the dying moments was touched on the line and Essendon lost by 5 points. A goal would have ensured a draw and a replay the following week

He was also in the Seconds premiership team in 1941 and won the Most Improved Player award in 1943 and the Valuable Services award in 1944.

When Betson left Essendon he went to Glenelg in South Australia where he played from 1946 to 1949.

He was captain-coach for a short time in 1946 before losing the job. He played for South Australia in 1947 and 1948 and was vice-captain in 1948.

Betson then became captain-coach of Nathalia in 1950 before playing with Lemnos in early 1951.

He was an engineer at Gadsden's in Shepparton for thirteen years.

Betson died on 5th May, 1988.