John Byrne (born 24 February 1956) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with North Melbourne in the VFL.
Byrne first came under notice when he starred in Wangaratta Rovers 1972 Ovens & Murray Football League premiership as a 16 year old and headed to North Melbourne in 1974, then made his senior VFL debut in 1975.
[2] His VFL career ended prematurely, when he first broke his leg in round 8 against Fitzroy, in May 1979[3] at the age of 23.
Byrne returned home to the family farm and was also North Melbourne's Development & Recruiting officer for the Ovens & Murray region.
[4] Byrne later coached the Ovens & Murray Football League to 1985 and 1987 VCFL Country Championship wins.