WEBSTER, Len

Len Webster was a top ruckman and fine clubman at Essendon after coming from Loch and prior to that Blackwood Forest.

Webster was tough and strong as well as fast, although not tall for a ruckman at only 180cm. He did plenty of bullocking work for his smaller teammates and he had a peculiar drop kick that covered long distances. He was a fitness enthusiast all his life.

Webster injured his knee in Round 2, 1930, playing against Footscray and missed the remainder of the season. He had the cartilage removed and resumed his career, seemingly uneffected by the injury.

He was Essendon's third top goalkicker in 1929 and 1934, and also the Club's third top Brownlow Medal vote winner in 1937. He was appointed vice-captain in 1935 and 1937 and captain in 1938.

Webster was also was selected in the Victorian State side in 1929 and 1936.

Webster's awards were numerous. He won the Club's Most Improved Player award in 1928 and 1934, Best Clubman award in 1934, Most Useful Player award in 1936, Most Unselfish Player award in 1937, and Most Serviceable Player award in 1938. He served on the committee in 1935 and was awarded life membership in 1938.

Like many Essendon players of the time, he was a fireman.

Essendon nearly lost him at one stage late in his career when he was appointed captain-coach of Hawthorn but he was refused a clearance.

When Webster finally retired from League football he became captain-coach of Brunswick in 1939. In the early 1950s he moved to the Pakenham Tooradin area and became coach of local club Rythdale Cardinia for two seasons in the now defunct South West Gippsland Football League. He even pulled on the boots and played again.

His nephew, Eric, played 11 games for Essendon from 1957 to 1958.

Len Webster died on 7th October, 1985.