LEYDIN, Graham

Graham "Yabbie" Leydin was a rover and half-forward who joined the Under 19s from Essendon Bombers (later Moonee Valley) in 1957. He had won the Essendon District League Best and Fairest award in 1956 and went on to win Essendon Under 19s Best and Fairest award in 1958.

He was small and nippy and of his 34 senior games, 20 were as a reserve.

Leydin left Essendon in 1962 and 1963 when he was transferred in his employment as a teacher. He played with Wangaratta Rovers in those years before returning to play two more games for Essendon in 1964. In 1963 he was runner-up in the Ovens and Murray Football League best and fairest award.

He was also a good cricketer and played district cricket for North Melbourne. While at Wangaratta, he won the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association's A Grade batting average and aggregate in 1962/63 and 1963/64.

His last game was in Round 5 in 1964 and he joined Brunswick late in that season. He played there until 1971. He then became captain-coach of Doutta Stars in 1972 and coach of that club from 1973 to 1975, winning the premiership in 1972.

Leydin coached his old club Moonee Valley in 1976 and 1977 and Strathmore in 1978 and 1979.

He returned to Essendon as coach of the Under 19s for a season in 1981.

Leydin was North Melbourne's junior development officer and Under 19s assistant coach from 1982 to 1987.

He has served with the Essendon Football Club Past Players and Officials Association.