Australian Football

Coburg’s Phil Cleary was one of the best known players in the VFA over the course of a career which commenced in 1975 and ended in 1987 after a total of 205 games, a total only exceeded by Dave Starbuck in the club’s history. A tenacious on-baller he was always dangerous near goal and booted a total of 318 goals in a career which brought grand final appearances in 1979, 1980 and 1986, only the first of which was won. Cleary captain-coached Coburg from 1984 to 1987 and was non-playing coach between 1988 and 1992, steering the side to back to back premierships in 1988-9. After his playing career was over he dabbled in politics as well as taking on a variety of sports broadcasting roles.

Author - John Devaney