Alby Rodda

DOB: 8 September, 1920
Debut: Round 2, 1939 against Essendon at Windy Hill
Last Game: Semi Final 1950 against Geelong at MCG

Games: 131
Goals: 142
Career Statistics (external link)

Wins	Draws	Losses	Winning %
84	1	46	64.12

From: Eaglehawk/Bendigo/State Savings Bank

Number: 30 1939-1950

Honours:
Premiership Player - 1939, 1940, 1948
Grand Final player - 1946
Best and Fairest - 1948
Victorian state player - 1948
150 Heroes selection
Life Member

One of the smallest players of his era, Rodda compensated with pure toughness. He had travelled to Melbourne to play for State Savings Bank in the amateurs where he came to the notice of Melbourne's recruiters as a 16-year-old who had won the Amateurs B&F award. His club was in South Melbourne's territory, and Rodda had to move out of the area to be eligible to join the Demons.

It took him another season to make his debut but Rodda was one of ten new players to join the Redlegs in 1939. He was so impressive that he retained his position through to the finals and ended his rookie year with a premiership victory.

Brilliant in the wet during the 1940 Grand Final, Rodda helped deliver the Demons second consecutive premiership. He could have played in the 1941 edition as well, but missed nearly the entire season with injury.

Entering the army, Rodda played when he could over the next two years and managed 8 games in 1942, but just three in 1943 before returning in 1946. That year he played 16 games, including the 1946 loss.

Winning the Best and Fairest in 1948, Rodda played in both grand finals and won his third premiership. He was made vice-captain in 1950 but at the end of that year left to captain-coach Myrtleford.

Rodda's nephew Keith trained with North Melbourne in 1951 but did not play seniors.