BUSHBY, Percy

Percy Bushby was a fine ruckman and defender who was a good high-mark and kick and protector of his team-mates.

Tall, solid and tough, Bushby came from Narrandera and after playing one game for Essendon in late 1936, he returned home in 1937 and 1938. When he rejoined Essendon in 1939, he became a regular fixture in the team.

Bushby was in the back pocket and ruck in the 1942 and 1946 premiership teams and also won Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1944. He also played in the Seconds premiership side in 1941.

He played in a total of 18 finals games.

Bushby was selected in the State side in the 1947 Carnival and was also chosen in the Sporting Life All-Australian side in that year. He was Essendon's second top Brownlow Medal vote scorer in 1947 and won the Club's Most Improved Player award in 1942, the Most Unselfish Player award in 1943 and 1945, and the Most Consistent Player award in 1947.

In 1948, he unsuccessfully sought a clearance to Stawell and he missed the early part of the season.

He was finally cleared to become captain-coach of Stawell in 1949 and he led them to the 1950 premiership.

He continued his successful coaching career with several other clubs.

First, he then coached Ararat from 1954 to 1959, winning premierships from 1955 to 1958, and then Kilmore in 1960. From 1964 to 1968 he coached Coburg and also coached the VFA at the 1966 interstate Carnival.

He was an estate officer with the Housing Commission when he died suddenly on 29th August, 1975.