Australian Football

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Key Facts

Full name
Robin Close

Known as
Robin Close

Born
3 November 1949 (age 74)

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 18y 225d
Last game: 28y 268d

Height and weight
Height: 187 cm
Weight: 81 kg

Senior clubs
Essendon

Jumper numbers
Essendon: 19

Robin Close

ClubLeagueCareer spanGamesGoalsAvgWin %AKIAHBAMKBV
EssendonV/AFL1968-19781472331.5952%10.182.074.3321
Total1968-19781472331.5952%10.182.074.3321

AFL: 8,051st player to appear, 1,371st most games played, 314th most goals kickedEssendon: 759th player to appear, 78th most games played, 21st most goals kicked

Recruited from Ringwood, Robin Close made his Essendon debut in 1968, a year which ended with the Bombers losing the grand final to Carlton by 3 points. Close played on a half forward flank in that match and was listed high among his side's best players. He won Essendon's best first year player award in 1968 and was touted in some circles as the VFL's recruit of the year. Although most commonly used on a half forward flank he could hold down a key position when required owing to his excellent aerial ability. His career stalled in 1974 when he broke a leg but he returned the following year and continued to produce good football until he retired in 1978 having played 147 games and kicked 233 goals. After departing the league scene he played country football, initially with Myrtleford and then with Benalla. 

Author - John Devaney

Sources

Full Points Publications

Footnotes

* Behinds calculated from the 1965 season on.
+ Score at the end of extra time.