Australian Football

Solid, versatile and reliable, Gary Foulds was an important if underrated contributor to the Essendon cause in precisely 300 VFL games between 1974 and 1989. Most commonly used across half back, he could also function effectively as a wingman, in a back pocket, on the ball or in the forward lines. Foulds represented Victoria at the inaugural state of origin carnival in Perth in 1979, and also in 1985, when he was selected as an All Australian. He played in all three of the Bombers' Grand Finals during the 1980s - the losing game of 1983, and the wins in 1984 (reviewed here) and 1985, all of which were against Hawthorn.

Smoothly confident in everything he did, Foulds was the sort of player who never seemed to be under undue pressure, and his decision making and use of the ball were first rate. He was equal second in Essendon's best and fairest award in 1981, and third in 1979. In 1981 he was chosen on a wing in the prestigious 'Inside Football' team of the year.

Between 2002 and 2004 Garry Foulds served as non-playing coach of VAFA side North Old Boys. He later joined St Bernard's Old Collegians as assistant coach to his former Bomber team-mate Simon Madden.

Author - John Devaney