Australian Football

John Townsend was a pacy and energetic goal kicking rover who served Melbourne well in an 11-season, 153-game VFL career that saw him kick 182 goals. Recruited from St Pat's College, Sale, he made his league debut in 1962, and two seasons later topped the Demons' goal kicking list with 35 goals. He was a member that same year of the winning Grand Final team against Collingwood.

Townsend won the club's best and fairest award in 1965, but played little football in 1966-7 after injuring himself in a social game. He battled his way back to full fitness, however, and after showing glimpses of his best form in 1968 he enjoyed an excellent 1969 season which yielded a second club best and fairest award.

In 1973 John Townsend moved to Prahran and at the end of the year had the considerable satisfaction of being close to best afield as the Two Blues comfortably overcame Oakleigh in the VFA First Division Grand Final. Appointed senior coach in 1975, he spent two seasons in charge, but was unable to get the team into the finals. He did, however, win Prahran's best and fairest award both years. In 2003, he was selected on the interchange bench in the Two Blues' official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney