Australian Football

Geelong's 1963 premiership full back Roy West initially arrived at the club from Stawell with a reputation as a top quality centre half forward. However, after failing to impress in that position with the Cats he was shifted to the last line of defence where his impact was immediate and considerable. In addition to starring for Geelong in that position he represented the 'Big V' against South Australia, and there were considered to be few better exponents of the position during his career, which comprised 108 VFL games and one goal between 1961 and 1967 (although he missed the entire 1965 season with a back injury).

Unlike most other VFL full backs of his era, West relied less on strength than on a combination of speed, great anticipation, and a prodigious spring. He was also a fine drop kick. His last game in a Cats jumper was the losing Grand Final of 1967 against Richmond when he was one of his side's best players. In 1968 he returned to Stawell as captain-coach.

Author - John Devaney