Australian Football

Bob Schmidt made his SANFL debut with South Adelaide in 1962 and went on to play 164 club and 11 interstate games over the next 10 seasons. Combining toughness with outstanding football ability in ample measure, he was one of the best half backs of his generation. He was a key contributor to a rare Panthers premiership in 1964, and the following year - arguably his best in football - helped South Australia to a stunning 64-point defeat of the VFL at Adelaide Oval as well as winning the Knuckey Cup, South’s best and fairest award.

The loss of a finger in 1966 scarcely seemed to inconvenience Schmidt, and he was chosen to represent South Australia at the Hobart carnival, where his performance against the VFL in a losing team was particularly praiseworthy.

After 1966 South Adelaide tended to struggle, or perhaps it would be fairer to suggest that the team became increasingly inconsistent, but Bob Schmidt was always a worthy contributor. His worth to the club was later recognised by inclusion, on a half back flank, in its official ‘Greatest Team’.

In 1972 he joined the Onkaparinga Valley Football Club where he was playing coach for four years.

Author - John Devaney