Australian Football

Hard working, versatile and extremely tenacious, utility Gary Cowton began and ended his career with North Melbourne, for whom he played in six Grand Finals. He arrived at North from Benalla, and made his VFL debut in 1971. He was a reserve when the Kangas lost to Richmond in the 1974 premiership decider, as well as when they won their first league premiership by defeating Hawthorn the following year. He was at centre half back in the losing Grand Final of 1976, also against Hawthorn, on a half back flank against Collingwood for both the drawn Grand Final of 1977, and the winning replay, and in the back pocket in the loss against Hawthorn in 1978. He could also do a serviceable job on the ball if required.

In 1979 Cowton crossed to Footscray and played 40 senior games for the club in two seasons. An eight-game stint with South Melbourne in 1981 followed, before he returned 'home' to North Melbourne in 1983 to round off his league career. When he retired the following year he had played a total of 151 VFL games for the Kangaroos.

Author - John Devaney