TUDDENHAM, Des

Des Tuddenham came to Essendon as captain-coach in 1972 after playing 170 games with Collingwood from 1962 to 1971. Prior to that he played with Ballarat YCW. He had won Collingwood's Best and Fairest award in 1963 and captained the Magpies from 1966 to 1969. He was also the first non-club captain to captain Victoria in 1971. He was selected as captain-coach of the Victorian team to play Tasmania in 1973 but had to withdraw with a broken finger.

He was the first non-Essendon player to coach Essendon since Jack Baggott (1936-1939) and he immediately transformed the poorly performing team. At the time, it was said that having a playing coach was outdated, but he led the side into the five and instilled a feeling of pride in his players.

Tuddenham was a half-forward flanker who was renowned for his tremendous courage and toughness. He had finely-tuned fitness and a fanatical desire to win. His controversial methods brought a new level of fitness and determination to Essendon.

By 1974, "Tuddy" euphoria was wearing off and there was considerable discontent within the Club, particularly over his emphasis on physical strength and vigour rather than skill. He broke his leg in 1975 and missed the last half of the season, but by then the Club was in turmoil over his coaching. The crisis came to a head at the end of the season and he was sacked on the 6th October, 1975.

He returned to Collingwood as captain in 1976 and played 12 more games in that year and in 1977. He spent a season as coach of South Melbourne in 1978 before again leaving in controversial circumstances.

He was appointed coach of Werribee in 1988. His son, Paul, played 40 games for Collingwood.

Tuddenham was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.