12 Facts About Merv Neagle

Mervyn Neagle was an Australian rules footballer who represented Essendon and Sydney in the Australian Football League during the 1970s and 1980s.

Merv Neagle joined Essendon, in 1976, preceding Watson who joined the club the following year as a 15-year-old.

Merv Neagle finished second in the 1980 Brownlow Medal and equal fifth in 1981.

Merv Neagle was selected to play for Essendon in the 1983 VFL Grand Final.

Merv Neagle played in the 1984 VFL Grand Final, where Essendon won their first premiership in 19 years.

Merv Neagle played in the second semi-final win over Hawthorn, but he was a late withdrawal on Grand Final day due to a leg injury.

Merv Neagle was offered a rural coaching position in 1989, but chose to remain as a player with Sydney.

Merv Neagle died when the trailer of the B-double truck he was driving flipped over and crushed the cabin at Tharbogang, near Griffith, New South Wales.

Merv Neagle was a very tenacious, hard-running player and his courage and toughness were typical of Essendon teams of that era.

Merv Neagle had great physicality for a wingman and was a terrific kick for goal on the run.

Merv Neagle gave a lot back to country football after he retired, and along with Tim Watson was one of the finest players to come out of Dimboola.

Merv Neagle has left us all too soon but has left those who knew him with many great memories.