Ken Fraser was an outstanding centre-half forward and a fine Essendon captain.

He came from Essendon Baptists/St John's and went straight into the seniors, boasting a brilliant high mark and moving around the forward line with speed and precision. He was also skillful below his knees and a superb team player.

Fraser was Essendon's captain from 1965 to 1968 after being vice-captain in 1964. He led the Dons superbly to the 1965 premiership in his first year as skipper - his second VFL flag after the 1962 triumph.

In 1968, he was ruled out of the Grand Final with a leg injury and his loss was a devastating blow to the Dons.

Fraser won Essendon's best and fairest in 1963 and 1964 and was runner-up in 1965 and third in 1962. He was also twice a runner-up in the Brownlow Medal with 19 votes in 1962 and 1964.

Fraser represented Victoria in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1966 - the latter as captain.

Career statistics

Played: 1958-1968
Games: 198
Goals: 156
Premiership player: 1962, 1965
Grand Final appearances: 1959, 1962, 1965
Finals played: 14
Essendon captain: 1965-1968 (72 games)
Essendon vice-captain: 1964
Essendon best and fairest: 1963, 1964
Top-five Essendon best and fairest: 1963, 1964, 1965
Top-five Brownlow Medal finishes; 1962, 1964, 1965
Career Brownlow votes: 89
Victoria representative: 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964-1966 (captain in 1966)