BUTTSWORTH, Wally

Wally Buttsworth was one of Essendon's greatest players. He came from West Perth where he played from 1935 to 1937, captaining that club in 1937 and also playing for Western Australia. He stood out of football in 1938 so that he could play with Essendon. He won the Best First Year Player award in 1939.

Buttsworth dominated the centre half-back position during his long and distinguished career. He was a rugged, hard-hitting defender, a sound mark and a beautiful drop kick. He had an unusual slightly hunched running style.

In the winning semi final over Geelong in 1940, Buttworth dominated the back line even though he was carrying broken ribs. He was the star at centre half-back in the 1942 premiership victory and again in the 1946 triumph.

His champion status is illustrated by his results in Essendon's best and fairest awards: he won three times, in 1941, 1945 and 1947 and was runner-up in 1940 and 1942.

He was Essendon vice-captain in 1949.

In the losing Grand Final of 1947 Buttworth took and incredible 25 marks. The following year he played in the drawn Grand Final, and missed the replay through injury. He played in 19 finals games in total.

Buttsworth was Essendon top Brownlow Medal vote scorer in 1941 with 12 votes, and second in 1940. He was also third top in 1939 and 1946. He was Essendon's Most Serviceable Player in 1943.

He was selected in the State side in 1941. He was also named in the Sporting Life All-Australian team in 1947.

When he left Essendon, Buttsworth became captain-coach of Leeton in New South Wales from 1950 to 1952 and then captain-coach of Beckon in 1953.

He later became a Club committeeman from 1961 to 1970.

As well as being a champion footballer, Buttworth played cricket for Western Australia and also represented Victoria at lawn bowls.

His brother, Fred, played eight games for Essendon in 1945.

Buttsworth was named at centre half-back in Essendon's Team of the Century and ranked at number 12 in the Champions of Essendon (2002). He was also an inaugural member of the Club's Hall of Fame.

He retired from his taxi truck business in 1984 and died on 22nd May, 2002.