LAING, Roy

Roy Laing was a superb half-back flanker and one of the best defenders of his day. He was a flamboyant and eye-catching player who joined Essendon from Beverley where he had started in 1912. He gave Essendon great service over many years.

Laing was a well-built, fearless, straight ahead dasher who would tear through packs. He was a fine mark for his size and on the ground he was hard to beat.

Like so many others, his football career was interrupted when Essendon stood out of the League in 1916 and 1917, but he returned as good as ever in 1918.

Laing was Essendon's vice-captain between 1919 and 1922. He was also a star on the half-back flank in both the 1923 and 1924 premiership sides.

He was in the State team in 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 and captained the state against South Australia in 1921 and against NSW and Ballarat in 1923. He was also vice-captain against Sydney in 1920.

Laing did not always see eye to eye with the League Tribunal and he was suspended for a total of 17 matches in 1915 (12 weeks) and in 1921 (5 weeks).

He became coach of Auburn in 1926, winning the premiership in that year and he later coached Camberwell.

Laing returned to Essendon as a committeeman in 1928 and he served until 1933.

Roy Laing died on 11th April, 1972.