Australian Football

West Australian-born Roy Laing was recruited by Essendon from Beverley in 1915 and he quickly developed into a formidable on field presence. Solidly built and of average height he ran fast and hard with his body low to the ground making him difficult to deflect from his course. Strong overhead, he also boasted plenty of flair but was immensely tough as well and fell foul of the VFL Tribunal on more than one occasion. In 1915, for example, he was suspended for a total of twelve weeks.

Most of Laing's football, including several games for Victoria and the back to back premiership sides of 1923-4, was played across half back. His league career comprised 130 games in which he kicked 3 goals between 1913 and 1915 and from 1918 to 1925, the Dons not fielding a team in the war years of 1916 and 1917.

Roy Laing later undertook a coaching stint with VFA club Camberwell.

Author - John Devaney