FRENCH, Bill

A forward, Bill French came from East Fremantle and played three games with Essendon in 1908 and 1909.

He later played with Essendon 'A' in 1910 and 1911.

A carpenter by trade, he enlisted on 20th April, 1915 and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He was wounded at Lone Pine at Gallipoli and was evacuated to hospital in Malta and then England suffering from a crushed back and concussion. He was repatriated to Australia three months later.

He returned to Essendon as a Club patron from 1919 to 1924 and later spent sixteen years as a committeeman between 1940 and 1955, including vice-president from 1942 to 1955 and chairman of selectors from 1942 to 1950. He presented trophies, especially to the best first year player, for twenty years.

He was also widely known in other sporting circles. He was a member of the council of the Amateur Boxing and Wrestling Association and president of the Olympic Swimming Club.

French died on 17th October, 1972.