Roy McConnell (footballer)
Australian rules footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harold Roy McConnell (21 August 1927 – 24 July 2003) was an Australian rules footballer in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
Queensland
| Roy McConnell | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Harold Roy McConnell | ||
| Born | 21 August 1927 | ||
| Died |
24 July 2003 (aged 75) Queensland | ||
| Original team | Ascot Imperials | ||
| Height | 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Weight | 76 kg (168 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1949–1956 | Essendon | 135 (0) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1956. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
| |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Family
He married Patricia Mae Carter on 29 October 1951.[1]
Football
He played for Essendon in the VFL.[2]
- [McConnell was] a strong, dashing defender. He was well known as close playing spoiler with good spring and unexpected speed in his long legs. Surprisingly, he had a vision range of not much more than fifty yards, but this never affected his play. He had a remarkable ability for such a big man and was a top full back and centre half back during his career. He was a member of the 1949 and 1950 premiership teams and burst into League prominence by beating Carlton star, Jack Howell, in the 1949 grand final.[3]
Controversial retirement
McConnell retired, controversially, at the end of the 1956 season.
Vice-Captain of the senior team, and its regular full-back, McConnell was selected as its 20th man in the last match of the season, against Geelong.[4]
- "He withdrew from the team [announcing his immediate retirement on the Friday] claiming that his form warranted a place in the eighteen. 'I have no grudge against Essendon, but I consider that I could have had a better go this season', he said."[5]
The first emergency, John Towner, was appointed 20th man for the match.
Essendon Football Club
McConnell served on the Essendon Football Club's Committee (1957-1965), was its secretary (1973-1979), following the retirement of Bill Cookson, and was its first general manager (1980).[6][7]
