Vale Kevin Healy
1959
2 games 1 goal
The Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge the passing of former player Kevin Healy.
Kevin was a highly talented defender who the Magpies unsuccessfully tried to turn into a forward. He only played two senior games in 1959 but played a further 23 in the reserves across 1959-60, kicking 20 goals.
He’d come to Collingwood from Donnybrook, out near Whittlesea, in 1959, and made a good impression in the pre-season practice matches, where he was described as “one of our most promising players”. Although lightly built, he had speed, desire, good hands, was supremely fit and was a decent left-foot kick. His ball-handling was also first-class.
Magpie selectors were convinced he’d make a good forward. But Kevin had played most of his footy across half-back, and always felt more comfortable there. He kicked a goal in the one full match he played (the other was from the bench) but never settled.
After 18 months at Victoria Park, and with opportunities looking limited, he went to Murchison midway through 1960. He quickly became a star there, finishing second in the competition best-and-fairest in 1961 and winning a commercial award for the best player of the season.
The following year Collingwood ventured to Shepparton to play a combined Goulburn Valley League team. And there on the half-back line waiting for them was Kevin Healy, who was the combined team’s vice-captain. Almost inevitably, Healy starred that day, wining a trophy as GV’s best player. The Pies invited him back to have another crack at VFL football, but Kevin decided to remain playing in country and outer suburban leagues for the rest of his career, and he carved out a fine footballing CV.
He remained a passionate Collingwood fan throughout his life, and passed that on to most of his family too. He passed away recently after battling illness in recent months. He is survived by his wife Carol, children Janet, Joanne and Russell, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge Kevin Healy’s contribution to our club. Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends from Collingwood and beyond.
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