Australian Football

After playing 29 WAFL games for East Perth in 1992 and 1993 Paul Barnard was picked up by Hawthorn where he struggled somewhat to break into the team. After playing 11 AFL games and kicking 4 goals for the Hawks he was traded to Essendon where he would rapidly establish himself as a key cog in an Essendon side which would soon emerge as one of the greatest in the history of the game.

During the early part of his career with the Bombers he played mainly off half back or on a wing before transforming into a hard running, extremely aggressive utility whose style of play endeared him to coach Kevin Sheedy, himself a player of the same ilk during his own career.

When Essendon claimed the 2000 premiership with a resounding grand final win over Melbourne Paul Barnard's all round contribution, which included four goals after half time, was vital. The ensuing seasons saw him blighted to some extent by injury but he was still capable of good football up to the time of his retirement as a player in 2003. The Essendon phase of his career had seen him play 140 AFL games and kick 75 goals. Neither the flashiest nor richly talented of footballers Paul Barnard's contribution to the Bomber cause was nevertheless invaluable.

Author - John Devaney