BARBARY, Craig

Craig Barbary was a rover from Woomelang. He played eight games in 1979, debuting in Round 4.

As a young footballer he had been selected in the Under 17 Victorian national championship team in 1977. The team included five more future Essendon players: Peter Light, Roger Merrett, Michael Sheldon, Justin Madden and Glenn Hawker.

He was very speedy but on the small side and his career at Essendon was cut short through injury.

Barbary missed the entire 1980 season with a leg injury sustained while playing cricket and then broke his ankle early in 1981.

Although he had trouble gaining regular games, he played with the Reserves until 1981, winning their Best First First Year Player award in 1979. He also played in 1981 Reserves Grand Final loss.

After leaving Essendon he joined Sturt in South Australia and played there in 1983 and 1984 before returning to Woomelang-Lascelles.

He was assistant coach there in 1985 and captain-coach in 1986 and 1987. He won the award for Best and Fairest in the Southern Mallee League in 1986 and 1987.

He was a recruitment officer for Essendon in 1992.

Club awards: Reserves Best First First Year Player 1979