RUDDELL, Cec

Cec Ruddell was a rugged and determined full-back who came to Essendon from Northcote where he had played in 1939.

Ruddell arrived at the beginning of the Club's golden years. He played the first two games of 1940 then didn't play appear again until the following year. In 1942 he established himself as a full-back and played in his first premiership that year against Richmond. He was also voted the Club's Most Serviceable Player that season.

He won the Most Consistent Player award in 1943 then missed all of 1944 when he was sent to Darwin with the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

On his return in 1945, he continued where he had left off. He was appointed vice-captain, which he remained until the end on 1948, and won his second Most Consistent Player award.

In 1946 Ruddell won his second premiership medal. He played in three more Grand Finals in 1948 (including the replay) and in 1949, to make it six Grand Final appearances in nine seasons. He played 17 finals games in total.

He filled in as coach for two games, once in 1945 and once in 1946.

Ruddell's career was ended in early 1949 by persistent ankle injuries.

He became captain-coach of Camberwell in 1950, then returned to Essendon in 1952 where he served on the Committee until 1955.

He retired in 1977 after working for the Melbourne City Council for thirty two years.

Cec Ruddell died on 10th December, 1990.