Keith Rawle: A short summary
Standing at just 169cm, Keith Rawle built a reputation as a crafty rover and clever small forward whose impact on the field far outweighed his stature. Wearing the No. 2 guernsey for Essendon, Rawle was known for his versatility, football intelligence and selfless approach to the game.
Rawle was named as an emergency in Essendon’s 1942 premiership side and quickly established himself as one of the Club’s most reliable performers. In 1943 he claimed the Best Utility Player award, underlining his value across multiple positions.
In 1944 after being enlisted for just over a year, Rawle saw active service until after the war, finishing in early 1946. Remarkably, after returning home from war, Rawle was back playing senior football for Essendon within just six weeks.
His resilience and commitment paid dividends. He was part of Essendon’s premiership triumphs in 1946 and 1949 and finished runner-up in the 1947 Crichton Medal. Known for his team-first mentality, he won the club’s Most Unselfish Player award in both 1946 and 1948.
Across 111 games, Rawle booted 98 goals, leaving a legacy defined not only by success but by character and service.
1946 Premiership Team
In 1946, a 21-year-old Keith Rawle returned from active war service to play in his first Essendon premiership.
The iconic team photograph from that year captures a defining moment in the club’s history. Notably, Essendon great Dick Reynolds can be seen positioned just above and to the right of Rawle.
For Rawle, the 1946 premiership symbolised not just sporting success, but a triumphant return to normal life after the upheaval of war.
Keith’s RAAF Service
During World War II, Rawle served in the Royal Australian Air Force as part of the 1st Aircraft Performance Unit, later known as the Aircraft Research and Development Unit. This specialised research and development unit conducted rigorous testing on newly manufactured, captured or modified aircraft to ensure operational readiness.
Among the aircraft frequently tested were the Boomerang, the Spitfire and the Bristol Beaufighter. Rawle’s role was that of a wireless maintenance mechanic, responsible for maintaining communication equipment between aircraft and ground support crews.
He completed 15 months of service in New Guinea, stationed in the demanding conditions of the Southwest Pacific. Even during wartime, football remained close to his heart. Rawle famously brought a football with him and would often enjoy a kick with his mates during downtime, keeping morale high and maintaining his connection to the game he loved.
The Bristol Beaufighter
One of the most significant aircraft associated with Rawle’s service was the Bristol Beaufighter. Designed as a lightweight bomber and heavy fighter, the Beaufighter was primarily used for torpedo bombing missions. Its strength lay in its ability to strike swiftly and withdraw before enemy forces could effectively respond.
Just under 6,000 Beaufighters were produced worldwide, primarily in the United Kingdom. Later in the war, production expanded to Australia, where aircraft were manufactured in Fishermans Bend and Essendon Fields, and assembled and tested at Essendon Fields.
Only five Beaufighters remain worldwide, with one preserved in Australia at the Moorabbin Air Museum.
The Guernsey
The commemorative guernsey pays tribute to both Keith Rawle’s service and Essendon’s deep historical roots. Central to the design is a detailed, stylised top-down blueprint of the Bristol Beaufighter, an aircraft tested by Rawle’s unit in Victoria, and taken overseas to keep Australian shores safe.
The design carries profound meaning. In the background, the guernsey features the names of 231 past Essendon players who served their country, honouring their sacrifice and commitment beyond football.
The camouflage pattern incorporated into the guernsey draws inspiration from the common designs used in the Southwest Pacific during World War II, the very region where Rawle was stationed. The result is a strip that not only reflects military history but also tells the story of a footballer who balanced courage on the battlefield with skill and selflessness on the field.
Together, the guernsey stands as a tribute to Keith Rawle, a premiership player, devoted teammate and serviceman.
Register your interest to be among the first to know when the 2026 Anzac Guernsey has landed in the Bomber Shop here.
