Australian Football

A defender and occasional ruckman, Ian Synman made his senior VFL debut with St Kilda in 1958 but did not manage to hold down a regular place in the team until three years later. Sturdy and dependable, he developed into one of the best centre half backs in the VFL, and at one stage played no fewer than 123 games in succession. He was in his customary position for the both the losing 1965 grand final and the following year’s play-off when the Saints overcame Collingwood by a point. During the week prior to the 1966 grand final there was widespread conjecture over whether Synman would be able to play because he was Jewish and the match was scheduled for the Day of Atonement. In the end, he received special dispensation to take the field.

When Ian Synman retired in 1969 he had played 154 VFL games without registering a single goal.

Author - John Devaney