Davis, a superb half back flanker and then ruck rover arrived at the Bombers from Essendon High School and debuted in Round 2 1961, starting his career as a half forward.
It was the beginning of an impressive 12-year career that spanned 218 games and included two Premierships.
Wearing the number 32 guernsey, Davis captained Essendon in 1970 and 1971 before becoming vice-captain to Des Tuddenham in 1972. He had also been vice captain in 1969.
Davis was a footballing perfectionist; mild-mannered, unassuming and well behaved on and off the field. He was cool under pressure and had a good combination of pace and strength with outstanding natural talent. Not only was he a brilliant mark but one of the best kicks in the game.
As part of one of Essendon's greatest ever half back lines with Alex Epis and Ian Shelton he starred on the half back flank in the 1962 premiership win and again in the 1965 premiership victory.
Davis returned to the club in 1978 as senior coach, holding the post until 1980, making his exit after saying he would vacate the position if the Bombers failed to make the finals.
His career honours included Best First Year Player (1961), Most Consistent Player (1966), Best Team Man (1967), EFC Life member (1970), Team of the Century (1997), Champion of Essendon 2002 (Ranked 15), Runner-up Brownlow Medallist (1969, 1971) and AFL Hall of Fame Inductee (1997).
Barry Davis – The Facts
Born: 15.09.1943, Clifton Hill
Recruited from: Essendon High School
First EFC Game: vs St Kilda, Rd 2 1961
Last EFC Game: vs St Kilda, Elimination Final 1972
EFC Games: 218
EFC Goals: 63
Premiership player: 1962 ,1965
Grand Final appearances: 1962,1965,1968
Finals appearances: 12
EFC Captain: 1970-71 (40 games)
EFC Vice Captain: 1969,1972
EFC Coach: 1978-80
EFC Best & Fairest: 1968, 1969, 1971
Top 5 EFC best & fairest finishes:1968 -1972
Top 5 Brownlow medal finishes: 1969, 1971
Victorian Representative: 1967-1972
Career Brownlow votes: 96
Essendon Hall of Fame
Alex McCracken
Albert Thurgood
Bill Busbridge
Frank Reid
Tom Fitzmaurice
Dick Reynolds
Bill Hutchison
John Coleman
Allan Hird
Jack Clarke
Ken Fraser
Simon Madden
Tim Watson
Terry Daniher
Barry Davis
