The son of dual Essendon premiership player, Jack Cassin (1936-44 & 1946-47, 150 games), young John was recruited to Windy Hill, from Colac, under the father-son rule. He played 51 games for the Bombers (1971-74), won the club's Best First-Year Player award (1971) and Best Utility (1972), and was smack-bang in the middle of the infamous Windy Hill Brawl, against Richmond, in 1974. After a falling out with coach Des Tuddenham, Cassin played two years at South Australian club West Torrens (1975-76), including a season as captain, before North Melbourne came calling. In his first year at Arden Street, Cassin played a record 27 games, culminating in the drawn and replayed Grand Finals against Collingwood. Like his dad, John had become a VFL premiership player. He played 78 games for the Kangaroos (1977-81) before crossing to Fitzroy mid-season, where he played a further five games (1981-82)—for a total of 134 League matches.

This episode of the Red & Black Project podcast is proudly brought to you by daneddybooks.com, the Essendon Past Players & Officials Association, and the Essendonians. 

Go Bombers!