ELSHAUG, Tony

Tony “Trout” Elshaug was a talented rover who came from Melbourne where he had played 40 games from 1979 to 1983. He had also represented Victoria in 1980.

He was a great ball winner who was fast, skilful and an excellent kick, but lacked consistency.

Elshaug had been an emergency in the 1984 premiership team and was in the forward pocket the following year when Essendon beat Hawthorn to make it back-to-back flags.

He was also on the interchange bench in the 1984 night premiership victory.

After a mixed season in 1987 when he played only seven games, Elshaug injured his knee late in the year. He then moved to Collingwood where he played six games in 1988. He was traded to St Kilda in 1989 but retired just two weeks later then joined VFA club Dandenong in 1990 as captain-coach. He led them to the premiership in 1991.

When he retired from playing he became regional manager for the Eastern Ranges in the newly-created TAC Cup Under 18s competition. He later had a number of roles at North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda.