GAVIN, Hugh

One of 13 children, Hugh Gavin was one of Essendon's great centre half-backs.

A superb mark and fast and sure in ground play, he was often switched into the ruck when required.

He was a member of the 1897 premiership team and was best on the ground with his superb high-marking in the 1901 premiership victory.

Gavin was also Essendon second top goalkicker in 1897 and was selected in the State side in 1900, 1901, 1902 and 1904. Although there was no official Best and Fairest award in 1902, he was acknowledged as Essendon's best player that year.

He left the Club for a year in 1903 to become captain-coach of Boulder in Western Australia and he was the top player of the goldfields in that year.

He returned to Essendon in 1904 and took over as captain when Jim Anderson stood down.

He then became captain-coach of Essendon Association in 1905 before rejoining Boulder (WA) between 1906 and 1911. He continued playing with other goldfield teams until 1915.

Gavin was captain of the Western Australian Carnival side in 1911.

He was named at number 34 in the Champions of Essendon (2002).

Hugh Gavin died on 13th November, 1940.