OKEY, Howard

Howard Okey was a fine, long striding, half-forward and then centreman.

He came to Essendon's Seconds from West Melbourne Juniors in 1925. Although only slightly-built, he was fast, clever and very reliable. He had wonderful anticipation, could take a fine mark, and was a beautiful long drop-kick to position.

Okey won Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1929. He also scored the most Brownlow votes at Essendon in 1931 and 1932 and won the Most Serviceable Player award in 1932.

He played for Victoria in 1931 and 1932, and later became a state selector.

Okey became a field umpire after retiring from playing and umpired nine VFL games.

He was one of Essendon's most loyal servants and served on the committee for twenty-seven years from 1944 to 1970. He was Chairman of Selectors for fifteen years and became a Life Member of the Victorian Football League in 1970. One of his greatest contributions was, with Bill Hutchison, to convince the parents of future champion, John Birt, to let him play with Essendon.

He was inducted as a Legend of the Hall of Fame in 2012. He was awarded VFL Life membership in 1970.

Howard Okey died on 3rd March, 1985.