Ray Bailey was born on 25th November 1939 and started playing senior football as a 17 year old for North Hobart in 1958.
He was to develop into one of the clubs best post war half forwards with uncanny ball sense and control as well as elusive skills.
Ray attended Launceston High School, matriculating in 1957 and moved to Hobart in 1958 to study for a law degree at the University of Tasmania.
North Hobart were fortunate to secure his signature as he was to become a key member of the club's back to back State premiership teams of 1961 and 1962.
The following quote from the Mercury newspaper of 25th September 1961 illustrates his impact on the elimination State premiership match against North Launceston.
"Former Collingwood defender Lerrell Sharp was so outclassed by Ray Bailey that he was moved to the centre after half time and Rundle was switched to Bailey. This move yielded little change as Bailey continued to dominate the air."
Ray bailey was a brilliant, elusive and creative half forward who had the uncanny ability to read the play.
These attributes combined with good ball sense made him a match winner on many occasions.
His coach Darrel "Dasher" Eaton
describes Bailey as "a brilliant half forward who was a superb mark for his size, very elusive and a great kick for goal. He formed a wonderful half forward line for North - Ray Bailey, Leon Clarke and Cyril Collidge."
Bailey played with North Hobart from 1958 to 1964, in 138 consecutive games. He was club vice captain in 1964 and represented Tasmania three times.
After leaving North Hobart, Bailey played briefly with Avoca and then served Launceston Football Club with distinction 1965 until 1968 when a serious knee injury ended his playing career.
This was not the end of his involvement in football as he became an NTFA Indepedent Delegate and Vice President. He was largely responsible for forming the Tasmanian Football Council.
A successful barrister and solicitor, he was elected to the State Legislative Council in 1990 to represent the seat of Rosevears.
