Tom Fitzmaurice was one of the greatest Essendon players of all time.

A superb high-flying ruckman who later became a centre-half back, Fitzmaurice had remarkable marking ability, with a fine physique and speed to burn for a big man.

He was six foot and two-and-a-half inches tall and weighed 13 stone, also starring on the athletics field as a Victorian high jump champion.

Fitzmaurice came to Essendon from East Melbourne C.Y.M.S. He started as a star in the ruck and his beautiful style of play made him an idol. In 1921, he was transferred to Sydney in his employment and joined North Sydney. He captained NSW in a game against Victoria.

When he returned in 1922, he had leg troubles, so he opted for centre-half back and became the best Essendon player of the 'Mosquito Fleet' era. He starred in the 1923 and 1924 premierships and won the Champion of the Colony award as the best footballer in Victoria in both those years.

He was vice-captain in 1922 on his return from Sydney, and he continued to perform superbly in the key defence role with his towering high marks and great dash. He was selected in the state side in 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923 and 1924, leaving the Dons after the unrest at the club following the 1924 premiership victory.

Career statistics

Played: 1918-1920,1922-1924
Games: 85
Goals: 30
Premiership player: 1923, 1924
Grand Final appearances: 1923, 1924
Finals played: 6