ARMSTRONG, Lou

Lou Armstrong was a fine versatile and consistent player for Essendon.

He came from West Melbourne, where he played in the 1906 premiership team and was described as more serviceable than showy but he blossomed at Essendon.

He had a brilliant first season and only missed two games, but unluckily for Essendon, one of those was in the 1908 Grand Final, which he missed with a bruised heel. As Essendon was beaten by Carlton by only nine points and his presence may have made a crucial difference.

Although he often played as a rover, Armstrong was a leading member of the 1911 Essendon premiership team at centre half-forward and the 1912 team at full-forward.

He was a prolific goalkicker and headed Essendon's goalkickers in 1911 with 35 goals and was third in 1910.

Armstrong kicked eight goals in a game against St Kilda in 1911, a remarkable number for the time, which remained the most goals kicked by an Essendon player in a game until 1923.

The 1911 Second semi-final against Carlton was the first time that players had worn numbers in a final. Essendon's numbers were allocated alphabetically so Armstrong was given number 1. His brother, Albert (Bert) should have been number 1 but did not play in that game, so ended up with number 20.

He acted as captain in a game against West Adelaide, played in Adelaide after the Grand Final, in the absence of regular skipper, Dave Smith.

He represented the League in a provincial game against a country league in 1912.

Armstrong joined his younger brother, Bert, at Essendon 'A' in mid-1914. Bert also played for Essendon (1910-1912, 1914).

Lou Armstrong died on 30 August, 1926.