SNELL, Bill

Bill Snell came from Mirboo North and had the attributes to be a champion, including ball-handling skill and delivery with either foot. He was also a fine mark.

He was an exciting centre half-forward who would rank as one of the most accurate passes Essendon ever had.

Unfortunately Snell's career was cut short by a serious head injury sustained in early 1951 which required two urgent operations. He was out for most of the season and he never really reached his previous heights.

He played at centre half-forward in the great Hutchison-to-Snell-to-Coleman-to-goal plan in 1950 which was instrumental in the premiership win that year.

Snell won Essendon's Best First Year Player award in 1950 and was in the Seconds premiership team in 1952.

He played with Stawell in 1953, then returned to play with Mirboo North.

Snell died on 19th March, 2009.