BARNARD, Paul

Paul Barnard came to Essendon as part of the Paul Salmon trade to Hawthorn. He played 11 games at Hawthorn where he was known for his tough work around the ground. He showed good form in Essendon's 1996 Lightning Premiership win.

Unfortunately he suffered a knee injury early in the 1996 season which was a major setback. He played a few games in various positions when he returned to the senior side, and then struck quite good form towards the end of the 1996 season. A foot injury restricted his 1997 season to just five games but he returned to play 17 games in 1998.

He also represented Western Australia in 1998.

Barnard played some key defensive roles during 1999. His best game of the season came in Round 8 against St Kilda and he finished with 22 games for the season.

He played 22 games and kicked 10 goals in the all-conquering 2000 side and because he played in the Reserves and missed the team's only loss that year, against the Bulldogs, he did not play in a losing side that season. His four goals off the bench in the 2000 Grand Final was perhaps his finest hour.

2001 saw another solid season for Barnard playing mainly as a half-forward or wingman. He continually slipped under the opposition's guard with his deceptive pace and height. He was always prepared to sacrifice his game by running forward to create space for Matthew Lloyd and fellow forwards.

One of only six players to play every game in 2002 Barnard was solid and used mainly in a forward role.

At the end of 2003 Barnard retired and was then appointed General Manager of the Bendigo Bombers, a position he held until 2005.

Barnard returned to Windy Hill in late 2005 and spent several years in a number of managerial positions.