Australian Football

Best known as a rugged and dashing defender, 'Nugget' Hilsz was also extremely versatile as he proved in 1951 by topping Perth's goal kicking list with 65 goals after a season spent playing mainly at full forward. He commenced with Perth in 1938, but it was when football resumed after World War II (during which he had played briefly with St Kilda) that he really came into his own. All eight of his interstate appearances for Western Australia were made post-war and he was widely acknowledged as one of the pre-eminent defenders in the land. 

He retired in 1952 after 187 games in 11 seasons with the Redlegs (he did not play from 1942 to 1945). Capable of playing in any defensive position with equal effectiveness, Hilsz was chosen in a back pocket in Perth's official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney