John Coleman, Australian footballer and coach (b. 1928)

The "Flying Full-Forward": Remembering John Douglas Coleman

John Douglas Coleman, born on November 23, 1928, was an iconic figure in Australian rules football, a name synonymous with dazzling aerial prowess and unparalleled goal-kicking accuracy. His tragically short but brilliant career with the Essendon Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL), both as a player and later as a premiership-winning coach, etched his name into the sport's hallowed halls.

A Meteoric Playing Career: The Legend of Coleman

From the moment he stepped onto the VFL stage, John Coleman captivated audiences. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian rules footballers of all time, his playing career, though brief, was nothing short of spectacular. Across just 98 matches for Essendon, he remarkably booted 537 goals, a staggering achievement that gives him the second-highest goal average in the entire history of the VFL/AFL – a testament to his sheer dominance in front of goal. What truly set him apart, however, were his breathtaking, high-flying spectacular marks. Fans would recount tales of him seemingly defying gravity, leaping cleanly over opponents to pluck the ball from the air, a skill that earned him the moniker "The Flying Full-Forward." These aerial feats, combined with his prolific scoring, made him a nightmare for opposition defenders and a hero to Essendon supporters.

A Career Cut Short, a Legacy Continued

Tragically, John Coleman's playing days were abruptly halted at the tender age of 25 due to a severe knee injury. Many wondered what more he could have achieved had his body allowed him to continue. Yet, his story didn't end there. Displaying the same determination and football intellect that defined his playing style, Coleman returned to the Essendon Football Club, this time as a coach. Under his guidance, the team recaptured premiership success, proving his profound impact extended beyond his individual brilliance on the field. Sadly, John Douglas Coleman passed away prematurely in 1973, at the age of 44, succumbing to sudden coronary atheroma, leaving behind a legacy that would only grow stronger with time.

Honoring a Legend: The Coleman Medal and Australian Football Hall of Fame

The impact of John Coleman on Australian rules football was so profound that his name continues to resonate decades after his passing. In 1981, the VFL, recognizing his extraordinary goal-kicking achievements, instituted the prestigious Coleman Medal. This coveted award is presented annually to the League's leading goalkicker at the conclusion of the home-and-away rounds, cementing Coleman's status as the benchmark for scoring excellence. Further solidifying his legendary status, in 1996, John Coleman was among the inaugural twelve inductees into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, receiving the elite "Legend" status. What makes this particular honour even more remarkable is that he remains the only player among these esteemed Legends to have played fewer than 100 senior-level games, a clear indicator of the unparalleled quality and impact he packed into every single appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Douglas Coleman

Who was John Douglas Coleman?
John Douglas Coleman was an iconic Australian rules footballer and coach for the Essendon Football Club in the VFL/AFL. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in the sport's history, renowned for his prolific goal-kicking and spectacular aerial marks.
What made John Coleman a legend in Australian rules football?
Coleman's legend stems from his incredible goal-kicking record – 537 goals in just 98 games, giving him the second-highest goal average in VFL/AFL history. He was also famous for his "high-flying" marks, where he would jump cleanly over opponents. Despite a short playing career due to injury, he returned to coach Essendon to premiership glory, and the Coleman Medal for the League's top goalkicker is named in his honour.
What is the Coleman Medal?
The Coleman Medal is an annual award presented by the Australian Football League (AFL), formerly the VFL, to the player who kicks the most goals during the home-and-away rounds of the season. It was established in 1981 in honour of John Coleman's extraordinary goal-kicking achievements.
How many games did John Coleman play, and how many goals did he kick?
John Coleman played 98 senior matches for the Essendon Football Club and kicked an astounding 537 goals, resulting in the second-highest goal average in VFL/AFL history.
Did John Coleman also coach?
Yes, after his playing career was cut short by injury at age 25, John Coleman successfully coached the Essendon Football Club, leading them to premiership success.
When was John Coleman inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame?
John Coleman was one of the twelve inaugural inductees into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996, where he was bestowed "Legend" status. He is uniquely the only player among the Legends to have played fewer than 100 senior games.