Australian Football

As a junior, Rodger Head was a star all round sportsman, but he opted to focus on football, a decision that was ultimately vindicated by participation in St Kilda’s first, and so far only, premiership-winning team. Mind you, his early time with the Saints were somewhat frustrating, as he was a frequent victim of injury, including two broken legs in the same season, all of which combined to limit him to just a dozen appearances in four years. After that, however, he established himself as a key member of the team, and went on to play a total of 93 VFL games and kick three goals from 1959 to 1967.

Most of his best football was played late in his career after he had found his niche in a back pocket. Boasting good judgement, and surprisingly strong overhead for such a comparatively short (175cm) individual, he took part in St Kilda’s losing grand final of 1965 against Essendon in addition to the aforementioned triumph of 1966. Persistent groin problems contributed to his decision to retire from playing at the age of 27.

Author - John Devaney