Roy McConnell – a great footballer and servant for the Essendon Football Club – has passed away at the age of 76. Roy played 135 games for the Bombers between 1949 and 1956 after coming across from the Ascot Imperials in 1946. He played in two Premierships with his beloved Bombers. A strong yet slightly-built defender, McConnell was renowned for his dash off the half back line.

McConnell was runner-up in the Gardiner Medal (reserves competition best and fairest) in 1948. He started his senior career at centre half back but moved to full back after Bill Brittingham retired. He was among the best players on the ground in Essendon’s 1949 Grand Final win and he was again a member of the side that won the flag the following season. McConnell was acutally named Essendon’s best first year player in 1949. John Coleman was ineligible after winning the best and fairest.

On retirement, McConnell became a great servant of the club off the field. He was on the club’s committee from 1957 to 1965 and he became the club’s assistant secretary from 1966 to 1972. He was then secretary from 1973 to 1980. In 1981 he became the second recipient of the Jack Titus Award - a service recognition award.