FORDHAM, Ted

Ted Fordham was a top full-forward who graduated from the half-back flank and ruck to the key forward role before going back into the ruck mainly because of his indifferent kicking.

He came from Essendon Baptists-St John's to the Thirds in 1959 and he was a strong, versatile and willing toiler who could take a good mark.

Essendon Baptists-St John's was a very strong club and supplied many Essendon players. As an example, Fordham played in two Essendon Baptists-St John's Under 17s premiership teams with future Essendon team-mates, Ken Fraser, Ron Evans and Graeme Johnston, while Don McKenzie was playing in the Seniors.

He was the Club's and the League's leading goalkicker in 1966 with 76 goals. He was also Essendon top goalkicker in 1965 with 54 goals and was second top in 1964 and 1967.

He kicked 10 goals against Collingwood in 1966 which is the equal top goals kicked by an Essendon player against that club. He also kicked eight goals in 1964 and 1967 and seven goals in the Grand Final in 1965 and three times in 1966.

Fordham starred in the 1965 premiership victory at full-forward and his seven goals is the equal most kicked by an Essendon player in the Grand Final. He won the Best Player in the Finals award in 1965. His six goals in the 1966 preliminary final is also the Essendon record for that final. He was earlier an emergency for the 1962 premiership team.

He won the equal third most Brownlow Medal votes at Essendon in 1966 and won the Club's Most Improved Player award in 1965, the Best Clubman award in 1966 and the Best Utility Player award in 1967 and 1968.

Fordham retired at the end of 1968 after missing most of the season through injury.

He later returned to the Club as a committeeman from 1974 to 1983 and he was chairman of selectors from 1976 to 1979.

Fordham then coached Ascot Vale from 1983 to 1985.

His wife, Sue, managed the Social Club for many years.