EXELBY, Murray

Murray Exelby was an extremely talented rover, half-forward and wingman who came from East Brunswick. Prior to that he had played with Silvan for a year.

He was fast, with good anticipation and handball that brought team-mates into the game.

Exelby played in the losing 1941 Grand Final team but was in the forward pocket and rover in the 1942 win. Then, in 1943, he was surprisingly omitted from the Grand Final team for Gil Langley after winning a trophy for being best player in the semi final.

He booted six goals in a game in 1940 and won Essendon Most Unselfish Player award in 1940 and 1942.

In 1944, he played one game before becoming playing coach of the Seconds but he was replaced at the end of the year.

After leaving Essendon, he played with Preston in 1945 and 1946. He then coached Leongatha in 1947 and 1948 and was captain-coach of Mitcham in 1949, before going to Queensland as captain-coach of Mayne in 1950. He became assistant State coach and was also appointed by the A.N.F.C. as schools coach for all of Queensland.

He later coached East Brunswick in 1956 and for a number of years before coaching Croxton.

Murray was the brother-in-law of Essendon player, Stan "Snowy" Wilson (75 games, 1936-1941).

He died on 21st October, 1987.