SEWART, Bill

Bill Sewart, known as "Pimp", was one of Essendon's best-ever centremen. He was quick, clever and as game as they come.

He came from Castlemaine and was Essendon's vice-captain in 1914 and 1915. He also captained the side in two games in 1913.

Sewart was instrumental in the 1911 premiership win and was again amongst the best in the 1912 premiership victory.

He was selected in the State side in 1906, 1907 and 1912.

He enlisted in the 1st AIF on 18 January 1916 and served in the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. He gave his occupation on his attestation papers as draughtsman with the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. He was hospitalised in early 1917 with "an affection of the throat" and in January 1918 the Army medical officer determined he had "incipient tuberculosis" and could not withstand "winter conditions in France" so he was medically discharged on 24 January 1918.

During his service, Sewart represented the Third Division in the famous "Pioneer Exhibition Game" in London in 1916. A brief newsreel film was made of the game.

On his return, he became a Club patron and then, in 1919, he was appointed coach of Footscray (VFA). He led Footscray to a premiership in 1919.

A champion all-round sportsman, he also played first-class cricket for Victoria and Queensland and was coach of the Queensland team in 1908.

Bill Sewart died at the Caulfield Military Hospital on 13th December, 1928.