MAY, Charlie

"Chooka" May was a physical but talented centreman who was part of Essendon's famous "Mosquito Fleet" centre line. He was an outstanding player in Essendon's 1923 and 1924 premiership wins.

May was a tough player who, at the end of his career, taught a young Jack Dyer a lesson by flattening him when Dyer ran at May in a Reserves game. May told Dyer never to run in with his arms up - a lesson he put to good use in his later career.

His career ended after he was suspended for striking Melbourne's Bob Corbett in the 1926 preliminary final, which Essendon lost by three points.

He was captain-coach of the Reserves in 1929.

May coached Essendon from 1934 to 1935 and became South Australia's first full-time football coach when he took over at Glenelg. Later still he became a trainer back at Essendon where he remained for many years.

His son, Wally, played 94 games for Essendon (1947-1952). His other son, Ian, played for Essendon's Under 19s and was a member of the premiership team in 1950.

Charlie May died on 2nd May, 1989.