Teasdale was noted for his tough, uncompromising play; and, in 1964, this almost cost him his life as his head clashed with that of North teammate Ken Dean, leaving him in critical condition with a fractured skull in St. Vincent's Hospital.[1] Midway through that same year, just five weeks after the near-fatal injury,[2] Teasdale came back to play for North, wearing a protective head guard due to medical advice.[3] He also was the acting captain in the absence of injured skipper Allen Aylett.[4]
The 1965 season saw Teasdale produce his best season yet – tying for the Brownlow Medal with Ian Stewart. Although he originally lost on countback, he was later awarded a retrospective medal in 1989.[5]
Victoria (VFL) 26.24 (180) defeated Tasmania 11.13 (79), at North Hobart Oval, 9 June 1966, crowd: 20,047 Victoria (VFL) 16.23 (119) defeated South Australia 7.9 (51), at North Hobart Oval, 11 June 1966, crowd: 23,764 Victoria (VFL) 14.17 (101) defeated Victoria (VFA) 9.7 (61), at North Hobart Oval, 13 June 1966, crowd: 13,969 Victoria (VFL) 15.10 (100) defeated Western Australia 13.7 (85), at North Hobart Oval, 18 June 1966, crowd: 23,368