KEITH ‘Bluey’ Truscott is an iconic and legendary figure of the red and blue.
Today, exactly 80 years on from his passing, Melbourne has honoured the life and legacy of ‘Bluey’, launching the club’s 2023 ANZAC Day Eve guernsey, inspired by the late Demon.
Truscott’s legacy is unique and expansive, remembered as a club great, a two-time premiership star and most importantly, as a decorated hero of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Born in Toorak on May 17th, 1916, Truscott grew up playing cricket and football, pursuing his VFL career with Melbourne and becoming an integral part of the club’s 1939 and 1940 premierships.
In 1940, at the age of 24, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF and balanced his football and military duties, taking leave from the air force in September to play in the 1940 VFL Grand Final, in which Melbourne defeated Richmond by 39 points.
Truscott was described as a skilful and courageous fighter pilot and was acknowledged for his exceptional service, awarded a number of medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC), the Pacific Star and the Defence Medal.
Truscott was killed during a RAAF training operation on March 28th, 1943, when his aircraft hit the sea in the waters of Exmouth, Western Australia. He was 26 years old.
The club’s 2023 ANZAC Day Eve guernsey, was inspired by Truscott’s journey during his time of service.
The front of the jumper features a fighter plane, inspired by the Spitfire in which he scored his first victory.
26 stars cover the guernsey, with a five-point star representing his Melbourne playing number, and two eight-point stars representing his two Melbourne premierships.
The back of the jumper reads the names of all 30 Melbourne players who died in service during the two World Wars, alongside the RAAF Latin motto “per ardua ad astra”, which translates to “through adversity to the stars”.
The design also features the ANZAC Appeal logo, with a percentage of proceeds donated back to the Returned and Services League of Australia.
This year will mark the eighth instalment of the ANZAC Day Eve clash, with Melbourne set to face Richmond on Monday 24 April at the MCG.
Supporters can purchase their tickets for the blockbuster match here, with the first bounce scheduled for 7:20pm (AEST).
This historical guernsey will be available for fans via The Demon Shop in the coming weeks, thanks to our official apparel partner, New Balance.
