DENHAM, Sean

Sean Denham came to Essendon from Geelong in 1992, where he played 44 games and kicked 21 goals, as part of a swap that saw John Barnes go to Geelong. This is one deal in football that worked out well for both clubs. Barnes became a top ruckman for Geelong and Denham became a key possession winner for Essendon. Barnes, of course, returned and became an Essendon premiership player.

His tagging of Carlton's Greg Williams in the 1993 Grand Final was an important factor in Essendon's win, and it provided Denham with a new role in the team. He became one of the League's best (and most irritating) taggers.

He was suspended for the first two rounds of 1994, but still finished runner-up in the Club's Best and Fairest Player award. He polled well again in 1995 after playing every game for the season (one of only four Essendon players to do so).

Denham's hard work paid off in 1997 and he won the Club's Best and Fairest medal from Joe Misiti. He played in 22 games for the season. After a quiet year in 1998, he had his 1999 season ruined by injury, playing just seven games. He played superbly in the Reserves during the 1999 final series and was instumental in their Grand Final win. In spite of a broken nose and injured shoulder he remained on the field to give his all.

Sean Denham retired at the end of the 2000 season but remained to assist the VFL team in 2001 and came second in their Best and Fairest Player award. He also established his own player management company, Vitale.