LAMBERT, Harold

Harold Lambert was one of Essendon's greatest players and was selected at No. 25 in the Champions of Essendon (2002). He was a superb centreman before World War II, but later went to the half-back flank where he continued to dominate after the War.

Lambert came from La Mascotte in the Essendon District League and won the Best and Fairest award in that League in 1939. His brother, Chris, had arrived at Essendon from the same club the previous year.

Lambert served with the Army in New Guinea, Bougainville and Rabaul from 1942 to 1945 and played no football in this period. This service cost him the chance to become a 100 game player.

He was a well-built, strong and fearless player who checked opponents with hard bumps and forceful tackling. Although he was not tall, he was able to take a strong mark.

Lambert was a big occasion player and a disproportionately high number of his games were in finals - 21 from a total of 99. Few Essendon players have played more finals games. He played in a Grand Final in seven of his eight years, winning three. It would have been eight but he missed the 1948 Grand Final replay through injury.

He starred on the half-back flank in the 1946 premiership win and then played a great game in the centre in the 1949 victory. He was on the half-back flank again in the 1950 premiership win.

Lambert won Essendon's Best First Year player award in 1940, the Most Serviceable Player award in 1946, the Best Utility Player award in 1948 and the Most Consistent Player award in 1949. He was named at number 25 in the Champions of Essendon.

He played with Redan in 1952.

Curiously, his junior school, Aberfeldie State School, produced four future team-mates: Jack Keddie, Dick Bryar, Keith Rawle and Allan Randall.

Harold's brother, Chris, played 137 fine games for Essendon (1939-1942, 1944-1951). They played together 52 times.

He retired in 1982 after a lifetime as a Technical Officer with the Ammunitions Division of the Defence Department.

Harold Lambert died on the 22nd May 2021, aged 99.