GARDINER, Les

Les Gardiner was a dashing and courageous back pocket and half-back flanker who came from Brunswick United in the Essendon District League.

He had a fine wrong way turn and was a close playing defender. He was solid and dependable in both kicking and marking, with the speed to nullify opposition attacks.

In 1944, Gardiner missed the whole season with a spinal injury but immediately returned to form. He played in the back pocket in the 1946 premiership team and then on the half-back flank in the 1949 premiership win.

In 1950, Gardiner starred in the back pocket in his third premiership victory.

In all, he played in 15 finals games.

Gardiner was third top Brownlow Medal vote scorer at Essendon in 1953. He also won the Best First Year Player award in 1943, the Most Unselfish Player award in 1951,1952 and 1953, and the Best Clubman award in 1945.

He retired at the end of the 1953 season and probably few players have played so many games without kicking a goal.

Gardiner died on 26 December, 2012.