Neil Besanko
Australian rules footballer
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Neil Besanko (born 28 April 1951) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for St Kilda and Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
Born
28 April 1951
Original team
Mentone
Height
187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight
88 kg (194 lb)
| Neil Besanko | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Born | 28 April 1951 | ||
| Original team | Mentone | ||
| Height | 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Weight | 88 kg (194 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1968–1977 | St Kilda | 149 (4) | |
| 1978–1981 | Essendon | 35 (1) | |
| Total | 184 (5) | ||
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1981. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Besanko made his VFL debut as a 17 year in 1968 and was a regular fixture in the St Kilda defence during the 1970s. Besanko played in the 1971 VFL Grand Final with St Kilda.
In 1978 he moved on to Essendon and he was joined there by his brother Barry in the 1980 season.[1]
After 184 VFL games, Besanko moved to South Australia to play with Central Districts.
Nicknamed 'Racehorse' as he was also a professional sprinter and he won the 1971 and 1972 Burramine Gift and finished second in the 1971 Bendigo 1000.[2]