The following is an article written by Dick Reynolds after John Coleman had made his debut. It was published in The Argus on Monday 18 April, 1949 - two days after Coleman had kicked 12 goals in his first game for Essendon. The side defeated Hawthorn by 63 points and went on to win the premiership. At the time Reynolds was Captain-Coach of the Bombers.
John Coleman's debut as Essendon's full forward on Saturday was phenomenal. He is the complete answer to a coach's dream.
In my 17 years of football I have never seen a full forward settle down as quickly and as confidently as Coleman on Saturday. I am sure his performance was not a 'fluke and I am sure he has the makings of one of the best full forwards of all time.
We were on the ground for less than a minute before Coleman kicked his first goal. Near the end of the quarter he had kicked three more, and then he marked the ball out past the half-forward line.
I could see Coleman wanted to pass the ball to another forward, but I told him to have a shot. He thought he was too far out, but he exerted himself and the punt sailed through for another goal - his fifth for the term.
I have never boosted a player until he has proved himself, but the way Coleman scored his 12 goals on Saturday convinced me that he has the "goods". I cannot fault his style of play.
He is a brilliant mark; he leads out like a racehorse; he can get out of trouble; and, above all, he knows how to kick accurately.
Everyone in the side, especially Ted Leehane and the rovers, co-operated well with the new forward, but he in turn was not at all selfish.
After the match our boys said: "Deadshot will do us."
I do not think Hawthorn was disgraced, although we won by a big margin.
The team spirit shown by Hawthorn players was splendid, and no player let up until the final bell. It is impossible to predict a team's prospects after only one match, but Hawthorn has a better balanced combination this year, and will trouble many teams.
