Australian Football

A butcher by trade, 'Bill' Woodcock's rugged approach to the game reflected his calling. Powerfully built, he used his 96 kg, 182 cm frame to great effect as a foil for St Kilda's champion followers 'Vic' Cumberland and Dave McNamara. When the Saints made their first ever serious assault on the VFL flag in 1913, Woodcock's redoubtable and hyper-aggressive displays as a ruck shepherd, although ostensibly at odds with the renowned free-flowing style of his team, actually complemented it almost perfectly. St Kilda overcame minor premier and flag favourite Fitzroy with some comfort in the final, but unfortunately for Woodcock could not repeat the dose when the Maroons exercised their right of challenge the following week.

Woodcock, who had commenced his senior career with the Saints in 1908, headed west in 1915 to join East Perth, where he spent the ensuing three seasons. In 1918, however, he returned home, and played out the final four years of his career with St Kilda, bringing his final tally of VFL games to 155.

Author - John Devaney