Essendon champion Barry Davis has had his life traced in newly released biography Born to Play: The Barry Davis Story.

Written by his brother Ken Davis and edited by renowned sports author and journalist Ken Piesse, Born to Play paints an intimate picture of Davis, who remains one of the greatest players to don the sash.

Playing 218 games for the Bombers from 1961 to '72, Davis starred as a half-back flanker in the club's '62 and '65 premiership sides, winning the best and fairest in '68, '69 and '71.

The Essendon Hall of Fame member captained the club in '70 and '71, before coaching the Bombers from '78 to '80 ahead of the Kevin Sheedy era.

Born to Play can be ordered directly from the author Ken Davis for $60 (including postage Australia-wide) via email - kdxlsports@bigpond.com

"An impressively produced book which will captivate and delight all sports fans. Excellent insights into the making of Barry Davis as a person, sportsman, teacher and all-round good guy." - Colin Richie, Footy Almanac

"Ken Davis paints an intimate, knowledgeable, complete description of his brother, helping to make the story sing." - Andrew, sports fan