JOHN Coleman played only 98 games for Essendon, but he remains one of the most spectacular full-forwards to play Australian football.

Coleman burst into the VFL in round one, 1949, kicking 12 goals against Hawthorn at Windy Hill. He was a magnificent kick for goal, booting 537 goals before his career was cut short by a knee injury.

The champion spearhead was a brilliant aerialist who showed no fear as he thrilled crowds with his ability to take soaring marks over defenders.

Coleman was one of the original 12 legends inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame and full-forward in the AFL Team of the Century named in 1996. He led the VFL goalkicking for five seasons (1949-53), club goalkicking for six seasons (1949-54), was a dual premiership player (1949-50) and represented Victoria 12 times.

He went on to coach Essendon for 134 games between 1961-67, leading the Bombers to premierships in 1962 and ’65.

The AFL website has obtained rare footage of the Essendon champion in action during his illustrious career.

Watch Coleman take on the best in the VFL at the MCG, displaying his legendary marking and kicking skills.

If you have any other rare football footage, the AFL website would like to know about it. Please send it to executive producer Greg Miles at Greg.Miles@afl.com.au.