Australian Football

Roy Apted was a bona fide star during a halcyon era for Tasmanian football. He commenced his playing career in 1956 with North Launceston and went on to play roughly 50 games for the club over three seasons. In 1958 he wished to accept an invitation to join VFL side St Kilda but his clearance request was refused, not least because the Tasmanian authorities were desirous of having Apted in their squad for the Melbourne carnival. Apted duly went to the carnival, where he helped Tasmania achieve momentous victories over both South Australia and Western Australia.

Between 1959 and 1963 he plyed his trade in the VFL with St Kilda, but found it hard to nail down a consistent place in a team which was on the cusp of greatness. Over the course of his five season stint he only played 44 senior games, and scored one goal.

Used principally as a defender in the VFL, he spent more time as an on-baller when in his home state. His displays in both roles were laced with vim, vigour and a direct, no-nonsense approach.

Apted rounded off his playing career back in Tasmania with Launceston, for whom he played in the region of 80 games over five seasons, before injury brought the curtain down on his playing career. His consistently eye-catching performances earned him the opportunity to play carnival football with Tasmania once more, this time at Hobart in 1966.

Apted’s induction into the AFL Tasmania Hall of Fame was fitting reward for a memorable career.