 He played in the 1946 VFL Grand Final which Melbourne lost but got another chance to play in a premiership in 1948, this time finishing on the winning side, although only after a Grand Final Replay.Deans had started his career at South Melbourne in 1941 but only managed the single senior appearance.After finishing up with the Demons at the end of 1950, he was cleared to Victorian Football Association side Northcote to become playing coach for the 1951 season.