CREBBIN, Bill

Bill Crebbin was a top centreman in the Essendon VFA premiership sides between 1891 and 1894. He did not play many games in 1895 due to his new role as central umpire, and he retired from playing at the end of that season. However he made a brief comeback in 1896 when the side was struggling with injuries and a loss of form. He retired again at the end of the year, having played 54 games.

He was selected in the intercolonial sides in 1891 and 1893.

Crebbin originally came from Ballarat and he had a reputation for being extremely ticklish.

He became the Club's first VFL secretary when Essendon joined the League in 1897 and he returned to the field yet again to play one more game in mid-1900 when, due to injuries, the team found itself one man short. By then he was 31 years old and had not played for four years.

He stepped down as secretary after eight years in 1904, but remained on the committee for another year in 1905.

He was elected a life member of the Victorian Football League on his retirement.

Crebbin died on 9th December, 1924.