LEEHANE, Tom

Tom Leehane was a defender who came to Essendon from Carlton where he played one game in 1948. He had joined Carlton Thirds in 1945 and stayed with that club until 1949.

He didn't quite have the ability of his brother Ted, and played seven games with Essendon in 1950 and 1951.

Leehane then joined Port Melbourne in 1952 and 1953 and was in their 1953 premiership side.

He then became captain-coach of Boort in 1954 and 1955 winning the premiership in 1954.

He was captain-coach of St Arnaud from 1956 to 1958 winning another flag in 1958. He later returned as coach of that club in 1961 and 1962.

The Leehanes were a strong football family. Tom Leehane's brother, Ted, played 83 games for Essendon (1942-1943, 1946-1950), and their father, Steve, played 82 games for Carlton (1914-1919).

Tom Leehane died on 11th April 2019.