Bill Valli

Who is Bill Valli?

William 'Bill' Valli is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Collingwood and Essendon in the VFL.

Valli had a noted career with WANFL club West Perth prior to arriving in the VFL. He played 148 senior games for West Perth between 1969 and 1978, winning their 'Fairest and best' award on three occasions, 1974, 1977 and 1978. Although in 2000 he was named in West Perth's official 'Team of the Century' as a forward pocket, he spent most of his time as a rover. He also represented Western Australia in six interstate matches during his career.

His VFL stint began in 1979 with Collingwood and despite playing the majority of their games that season missed out on selection in the 1979 Grand Final. The following season he crossed to Essendon but could only manage the solitary game.

In 1981, Valli returned to Western Australia and spent the next two years at Subiaco to bring his final WANFL/WAFL tally to 185 games.