Australian Football

Ted Leehane was a fast moving, strong marking key position forward who gave Essendon fine service in a war interrupted career. He joined the Dons in 1942 from East Brunswick, and played at full forward in that season's grand final win over Richmond. From late 1943 until late 1946 he was in the army and his league football career was put on hold. After playing a handful of games towards the end of the 1946 season he resumed full time in 1947, topping Essendon's goal kicking with 50 goals for the year.

In 1948 he spent most of his time at centre half forward and played some of the best football of his career to finish second in the club's best and fairest award. His good form continued in 1949 when he was one of the Bombers' best in their 18.17 (125) to 6.16 (52) grand final annihilation of Carlton. During the 1950 season Leehane ruptured a kidney but recovered sufficiently to be named as 19th man for the grand final against North Melbourne, which Essendon won. It proved to be the last of Ted Leehane's 83 VFL games, during the course of which he booted 140 goals.

Author - John Devaney