CASSIN, John

John Cassin was a fiery rover and wingman who came from Colac and recruited by Essendon under the father-son rule. A fine team man, he was conspicuous by his long blond hair and tear-through style. He loved to break clear of the packs and run with the ball but sometimes suffered with poor disposal.

He started on a high note winning Essendon's Best First Year Player award in 1971 and the Best Utility Player award in 1972.

In 1975, he went to West Torrens in South Australia and captained them in 1976. He joined North Melbourne the next year and played 79 games from 1977 to 1981. He was a member of North's 1977 premiership side, a season in which he played a remarkable 27 games - still a record. He went to Fitzroy in late 1981 and played five games there.

His father, Jack, also played for Essendon (150 games, 1936-1947).