Australian Football

Russ McIndoe's status as one of the pre-eminent VFA footballers of the immediate post-war period is readily exemplified by his feat in finishing high among the leading vote-getters in the Liston Trophy in 1946, 1948 and 1949. In 1948, in fact, he became Brighton's first ever winner of the award, and a few weeks later capped off a fine season by playing in the club's inaugural premiership-winning team.

Recruited from Brighton Technical School Old Boys, McIndoe actually made his senior debut with the Penguins in 1940, but after a handful of games he signed up for military service with the navy. On his return after the war he developed into a quick, intelligent rover, who certainly knew where the goals were. In 1947, for example, he booted 51 goals for a team that failed to contest the finals.

Undoubtedly one of the most important players in Brighton's history, there can nevertheless be little doubt that Russ McIndoe only fulfilled a modicum of his potential. Had he been able to play football rather than having to serve his country during his early twenties there seems every reason to believe he could have won another Liston Trophy, or perhaps even carved out a successful career in the VFL.

In 1951, after just 109 VFA games, McIndoe joined country team Heywood, where he ended his days as a player.

Author - John Devaney