CASSIN, Jack

Jack Cassin was a tough, rugged ruck-rover who stirred up the opposition with his vigour.

He came from Seville where he played in 1935. Prior to that he had played with Wandin in 1934. He was residentially tied to Richmond but they didn't want him.

Cassin formed a superb ruck partnership with Hugh Torney and was a fine ball getter.

He played in the ruck in the 1942 and 1946 premiership teams and booted six goals in the preliminary final in 1941.

Cassin was runner-up in Essendon Best and Fairest award in 1943, and was selected in the State side in 1941.

He also won the Most Unselfish Player award in 1937, the Most Serviceable Player award in 1939 and the Best Clubman award in 1941, 1944 and 1946.

Cassin missed many games in 1945 when he was posted to Borneo during World War II while serving with the RAAF. He retired from the seniors in 1947 to become captain-coach of the Seconds. He was later recalled to the team for the 1947 Grand Final when the team was depleted through injuries.

In 1946, he was involved in a sensational incident when a spectator ran onto the ground and tried to hit him.

When he finally left Essendon, he became captain-coach at Euroa in 1948 and he was then captain-coach of Colac from 1949 to 1951.

He was the marine dealer in Colac until he retired in 1976.

His son, John, later also played with Essendon (51 games, 1971-1974).

Jack Cassin died on 3rd September, 1994.