Australian Football

Wally Naismith was a prominent player for Fitzroy during the opening decade of the 20th century, notching up 143 VFL games and 20 goals for the club between 1902 and 1910. Best known as a defender, he also gave effective service on the ball or as a centreman from time to time. He played on a half back flank when the Roys lost by two points to Collingwood in the 1903 Grand Final, and then played in a back pocket in the 1904 and 1905 premiership sides. In the 1905 Grand Final defeat of warm favourites Collingwood he gave a typically tough, shrewd, indefatigable display that was a crucial factor in the Roys' win. In 1911 he crossed to Melbourne for whom he took part in every game both that season and the next (a total of 36) before retiring.

Following his retirement as a player Wally Naismith took up umpiring. He was a field umpire in the VFL in 11 matches but enjoyed much greater success as a boundary umpire, officiating in 207 games including half a dozen grand finals.

Author - John Devaney