Les Parish

Who is Les Parish?

Les "Salty" Parish was an Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy and Melbourne in the Victorian Football League.

Parish originally trialed at North Melbourne, having come to Melbourne from Yarrawonga. A ruck-rover and utility, he was signed by Fitzroy and gave the club good service over six seasons. He kicked 21 goals in 1981, two of them in an elimination final win over Essendon. Parish also played finals football in 1983, when he did not miss a game all year, and again in 1984. He was Fitzroy's third best vote getter at the 1982 Brownlow Medal count and equal second in 1983. He finished his VFL career at Melbourne, after being transferred to Melbourne during the 1985 season due to salary cap restrictions.

Known for his many tattoos, he continued playing at Yarrawonga in the Ovens & Murray Football League upon leaving Melbourne and won their best and fairest in 1986 and 1987, having also won the award in the three seasons before he joined Fitzroy. He died of cancer in 1998.