His legend as a player is well known.

In just 98 games he established himself as one of the greatest players the game has seen.

He kicked 537goals in that time; led Essendon to two premierships and almost 50 years later was named full forward in the AFL’s Team of the Century.

But John Coleman’s brilliance also extended to the art of coaching. 

“He turned a page over and brought in a new concept on coaching,” former Essendon player Hugh Mitchell said. 

Like his playing career, and ultimately his life, Coleman’s coaching career was brief.

He led the Bombers for seven seasons, winning two premierships.

“He was well before his time,” Mitchell said.

“John coaching today would be ideal.  He would be brilliant today, the way the game is played.  Each coach tries to ‘out-fox’ the other one and Coleman would be well up with that.”

Coleman introduced team meetings on Fridays where he discussed the strengths and weaknesses of Saturday’s opponent.

This was followed up with a pre-game ‘blackboard’ talk on match day.

“He was innovative – people talk about Kevin Sheedy as being innovative, but John Coleman was too 40 years before,” 1965 Premiership defender Greg Brown said. 

In the first semi final against Geelong in 1965, Coleman tried to catch the Cats  off-guard.

He moved Ken Fraser from centre half forward to full forward, sent Ted Fordham from deep in attack out to a forward flank and took Jack Clarke out of the midfield.

These might be considered minor moves today, but in the 1960’s they were significant. 

“In those days you had your position that you were selected in and most coaches stuck with those selected teams.  He was a very shrewd tactical coach,” Essendon Premiership Captain Ken Fraser said.

The Bombers kicked the first three goals that day as the Cats tried to adjust.

It helped set up a 52 point win and the Dons followed it up in the Preliminary Final with a convincing victory over Collingwood. 

Essendon was ready for the Grand Final and had a wave of momentum behind it.

But on the Thursday before the decider, Coleman sensed something was amiss. 

He ordered his players off the training track just 20 minutes into the session.

“It was a very wise move as it turned out because we were jumping out of our skin,” Fraser said. 

“Some coaches historically have really worked their team hard on a Thursday night and it’s taken the edge off. 

“By Saturday, we were really hungry for the ball.” 

That hunger translated into a 35 point Grand Final win.

Fifty years on, Coleman’s players speak with great warmth and emotion when recalling the feats of their leader. 

“He was a wonderful coach,” Brown said.

“If you did something wrong you felt the wrath but if you kept doing the right thing and you kept giving it 100 per cent – he was so far behind you.”

“He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever met.”