Brian Read

Brian had a profound impact at Ainslie throughout the 1970s both on the field as a player, captain and also as a coach. Brian started his Junior Football at Ainslie in the mid 1950s before transitioning into Senior Football in 1965 where he would go on to represent Ainslie 139 times in First Grade. 

Predominantly playing as a wingman and centreline player, Brian was instrumental out wide to Ainslie’s success in the 1970 First Grade Premiership season. So much so, Brian finished runner up for the Best and Fairest award, before he would go on to eventually win B&F in 1971 and 1972 back-to-back. 

The 1970 First Grade Grand Final win over Manuka in front of 5000 Ainslie fans was a significant occasion not just for Brian but for Ainslie as a whole, bringing about a much needed morale boost around the club after breaking a nine year premiership drought that involved two heart-breaking Grand Final defeats. 

Off the back of a couple standout seasons, Brian’s success with Ainslie was reciprocated with selection for ACT representative sides over five seasons, also notably captaining the ACT in 1972 against Essendon. Playing his last season for Ainslie in 1974, Brian would transition into coaching as an assistant in 1976 before being appointed Head Coach in 1977 for just one season. 

Brian is also a prominent figure within Canberra AFL continuing to serve in several coveted administration roles, also notably with Belconnen. The Read Medal for Best on Ground in First Grade fixtures between Ainslie and Belconnen is named in honour of the Read Family’s association with both clubs, very much also recognising Brian’s contributions to both clubs.  

Brian was then inducted into the AFL Canberra Hall of Fame in 2019 recognising his contributions to AFL in Canberra. Brian’s induction as a Life Member at Ainslie echoes these settlements alongside in recognising his role in Ainslie’s on-field success in the 70s.