In the summer of 1961, Barry Davis and a school friend were asked to train with Essendon in a bid to play in the Under-19s.
Davis impressed observers and he was asked to participate in pre-season practice matches that included players from the main list.
[1] Davis went on to play 218 games and kick 65 goals for the club, winning the Bombers' best and fairest award three times – in 1968, 1969 and 1971.
He went on to captain the Roos' first-ever premiership side in 1975, his final VFL season.
[6] He resigned at the end of the 1980 season because Essendon under Davis did not make the top five on the ladder and therefore missed out of the finals.