Australian Football

Mark Eustice had what might best be described as a varied career. Recruited by Essendon from Strathmore he made his senior VFL debut as a seventeen year old in 1980 but thereafter never really managed to keep his place in the team for more than a handful of games in succession. Between 1980 and 1984 he played just 29 games for the Bombers kicking 19 goals. The highlight of his time with Essendon was probably participation in the club's 1984 night premiership-winning team. He also played in the Bombers' 1983 reserve grade flag triumph.

On crossing to Richmond in 1985 his career blossomed for a time and he gave the Tigers good service in 62 league games in four seasons, kicking 26 goals. Playing mainly either on a wing or half forward flank he was frequently among his team's highest possession winners and earned the first Brownlow votes of his career. However, things turned sour in the eighth round of the 1988 season when he was reported for head-butting Essendon's Steven Clark, a misdemeanour which earned him a 2 match suspension. Much worse was to follow, however, as Richmond sacked him.

Eustice's roller coaster ride continued in 1989 when he was thrown a life-line by Sydney and he went on to give the Swans solid service for three seasons, playing mainly in the hitherto unaccustomed position of back pocket. His stint with Sydney saw him add a final 37 V/AFL games and 9 goals to his respective career tallies.

Mark Eustice remained in Sydney after leaving the Swans and played for North Shore in the local competition for a time.

Author - John Devaney