Barry Davis (footballer)

Barry Davis (born 15 September 1943) is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Victorian Football League (VFL) with Essendon and North Melbourne, before coaching his original team between 1978 and 1980.

Recruited from Essendon High School and making his debut with Essendon Football Club in the VFL in 1961, Davis played off the half-back line and was quite a prolific player. He went on to play 218 games and kick 65 goals for the club, winning the Bombers' best and fairest award three times – in 1968, 1969 and 1971. He captained the side in 1970 and 1971, also winning premierships in 1962 and 1965. He was named in Essendon's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Moving to North in 1973 under the VFL's "10-year rule", Davis won North Melbourne's best and fairest in his first year at North. He went on to captain the Roos' first ever premiership side in 1975, his final VFL season. He had played 71 games and kicked 54 goals for North before retiring. He was also named in North Melbourne's team of the century.

Davis coached his original club, Essendon, from 1978 to 1980, with a 30 win, 36 losses and 1 draw record. He resigned and made way for Kevin Sheedy, who coached the club until the end of the 2007 season.