Australian Football

Lithe, dexterous, and a superbly adroit mark, Peter Obst was in many ways an atypical Port Adelaide footballer of the Fos Williams era, and, in terms of physique and playing style, the almost complete antithesis of brother Trevor. He made his league debut in 1955 but struggled for a couple of seasons to acquire a regular place in the all conquering Magpie line-up. He was 20th man in the 1956 premiership team, and then played as a half forward in the Grand Final wins of 1957 (when he was close to best afield), 1958 and 1959. 

Probably his best year in football came in 1962 when he won Port’s best and fairest award on the strength of a dazzling first half of the season that saw him installed as an early favourite for the Magarey Medal. His form fell away somewhat after that, but he again hit his straps when the major round arrived, and was a key figure in the centre during the Magpies’ three-point grand final win over West Adelaide. Obst’s sixth and last premiership came the following year when he helped Port to a comfortable 34-point defeat of North Adelaide. 

The 1965 season saw Peter Obst appointed captain-coach of Woodville, but in three seasons at the club he failed to get them above eighth place on the ladder. On a personal note, he topped the ‘Peckers’ goal kicking list in 1967 with 28 goals. In 1968 he returned to Port Adelaide, and although he had lost a metre or two in pace he remained a useful player for the Magpies for another couple of seasons. During the course of his 16-season career Obst played a total of 222 league games comprising 171 with Port and 51 with Woodville. He also represented South Australia on four occasions. After his retirement as a player he worked as a football commentator for a time on the ABC.

Author - John Devaney