CLOSE, Robin

Robin Close was a talented, high-marking forward who played as a half-forward and in the key forward posts. He was a fine ground player and had a deadly drop punt for goal.

He came from Ringwood, where he had won the best and fairest award in 1965. He was the League recruit of the year when he started in 1968 and won Essendon Best First Year Player award. He was also on the half-forward flank in the losing Grand Final team in his first year.

Close was second top goalkicker in 1968, 1969 and 1973. He was also third top in 1975. He booted seven goals in a game in 1977 and six goals in games in 1969 and 1976.

He missed most of 1971 through injury and then managed only five games in 1974 after breaking his leg.

After leaving Essendon he played with Myrtleford in 1980 and then became captain-coach of Benalla in 1981 and 1982.