BURGESS, Reg

Reg Burgess was a superb wingman and centreman, fast moving, high-marking and seldom beaten. He was clever, direct and always purposeful and had great judgment. He positioned himself perfectly for a mark and was just as sure on the ground.

He came from Apsley where he had played from 1949 and had been Best and Fairest in the Kowree-Naracoorte League in 1952.

He won Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1957 and 1960 and was runner-up in 1956.

He was also selected in the State side in 1957, 1958 and 1960 and won an All-Australian blazer in 1958.

He won the Most Improved Player award in 1955 and the Best Utility Player award in 1959. He was on the wing in the 1957 losing Grand Final team and also in the centre in the losing 1959 Grand Final.

After leaving Essendon, he captain-coached Casterton to premierships from 1961 to 1963 and then played again with Apsley in 1964 and 1965. He later coached that club for two seasons.

Burgess is depicted as "Touch" in the Spirit to Win mural at Windy Hill and was ranked at number 13 in the Champions of Essendon (2002).

His daughter married former Essendon and Brisbane player Roger Merrett.