Brian Sampson

Who is Brian Sampson?

Brian Sampson is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in the VFL.

Sampson played in many positions during his time at Essendon and was particularly strong in the air. He debuted in 1959 and finished the year in their losing Grand Final side. His career was constantly interrupted by knee injuries but he was a member of Essendon's 1962 and 1965 premierships. In the 1965 decider he played in the forward pocket and contributed two goals.

A top class ruckman, Sampson was a key part of the Bombers 1962 and 1965 premiership teams. He joined Essendon from East Sandringham Juniors in 1958 and had a fine but injury interrupted 100-game career with Essendon.

1965 was Brian Sampson's year. He played every game, won the Club's Best Team Player award and played in his second premiership team, starring in the forward pocket and ruck in the win over St Kilda. In that 1965 decider he contributed two goals.

He joined WANFL club West Perth in 1967 and played 50 games, including a premiership in 1969. During his time in Western Australia he represented their interstate team.

Brain's father was a bricklayer and Brian followed in his footsteps running his own bricklaying business and won the Apprenticeship Commission of Victoria's Best Overall Apprentice in bricklaying in 1959. Brian then trained another 13 other apprentices himself. One apprentic, Chris Reid, won Homesglen College of Tafe Employer Award for "Best Overall Apprentice" in 1991.