Barry Davis was one of the greatest figures in the post-war history of the Essendon Football Club. After leaving a legacy as the bombers he then went on and made an immediate impact at North Melbourne where he can lay claim to having been North Melbourne’s first-ever VFL premiership captain.
At 185 centimetres and 85 kilograms, he started his career as an attacking half-back, but soon developed into a dominant ruck-rover. When in the midfield, his experience in the backline was used to great benefit and saw him push back in defence to help out and lead by example. His toughness and all-round natural talent seemed to get better each year he played. Over 12 seasons at Essendon, he had played in three Grand Finals, won two premierships and captained his club. Davis played 218 games for the Bombers, winning the Essendons best and fairest honours in 1968, ’69 and ’71 and twice finishing runner-up in the Brownlow Medal.
Barry Davis was selected on a half back flank in Essendon’s official ‘Team of the Twentieth Century’, and on the interchange bench in North Melbourne’s.
Playing Career
1961 – 1972 Essendon, 1973 – 1975 North Melbourne
Games
289
Goals
119
Playing Honours
- Essendon Premiership 1962, 1965
- Essendon Captain 1970, 1971
- Essendon Best and Fairest -1968, 69, 71
- Syd Barker Medal 1973
- North Melbourne Premiership Captain 1975
Coaching Career
1978 – 1980 Essendon
Games Coached
67
What is not often said, if at all, is that Barry Davis is just about the greatest intercept mark that ever played, in any era. His judgement of ball flight was impeccable. He could also place a drop kick as accurately as modern players do with a drop punt. Arguably the most underrated player to play the game. He was elite in so many aspects of the game and never seemed to tire. Incredibly modest and down to earth – no hint of ego whatsoever. Complete champion.