Australian Football

Nicknamed 'Spook' because of his thin frame, pallid complexion and mop of blond hair Rod Galt was a tall, awkward looking ruckman who perhaps failed fully to achieve his potential. Originally from Beaumaris he was recruited by St Kilda in 1971 and, when Saints hero 'Big Carl' Ditterich transferred to Melbourne in 1973 Galt was touted as a natural replacement. If it was a label he failed to live up to he was nevertheless a useful performer for the club in 77 VFL games for 79 goals spread over four seasons. In 1975 he transferred to Carlton where concern was raised over his apparent lack of application and he was in and out of the side. Late in the 1977 season he signed with Sydney club Western Suburbs whom he helped to a premiership.

In 1978 Rod Galt resumed at Carlton and put in arguably the best season of football of his career, kicking 49 goals to head the Blues list. The following year saw him used mainly at full forward rather than in the ruck but after a sound start his form fell away and he did not take part in Carlton's ultimately unsuccessful finals campaign .After 46 games and 100 goals for the Blues his VFL career was over.

Rod Galt rounded off his league football career with 43 games and 58 goals over three seasons for West Torrens in the SANFL followed by a one season stint with VFA club Prahran.

Author - John Devaney