BESANKO, Barry

Barry Besanko was a speedy wingman who came from Melbourne Reserves. He had joined the Demons' Under 19s in 1973 from Mentone.

Besanko played three games in late 1980 and one of these was as interchange.

He then became captain-coach of Dingley in 1983 before rejoining Essendon as a specialist coach in 1984 and 1985.

Besanko was captain-coach of Rye in 1986 and 1987, and was appointed fitness advisor at St Kilda for season 1988.

As well as being a League footballer, he was also one of Australia's fastest sprinters, winning Victorian Sprint Championships.

He served on the EFC Past Players and Officials Association committee for a number of years and was awarded life membership in 2021.

His brother, Neil, also played with Essendon (35 games 1978-1981) and St Kilda (149 games 1968-1977).