Australian Football

Invariably referred to as 'Bill', Cyril McMaster was tall (192 cm) but thin (82 kg) follower or forward who was a very damaging and important player for Geelong throughout his short, injury-ruined career. Recruited from Lake Bolac in the Mininera and District Football Association, McMaster debuted for the Cats in 1951, and was a key member of the club's premiership-winning combination both that year and the next.

In the 1953 Grand Final against Collingwood, however, McMaster sustained a serious injury which ultimately may have robbed his side of a third successive flag win. It also effectively ended McMaster's career because, although he attempted to resume in 1954, his injury proved too incapacitating and, after just 61 VFL games in four seasons, he retired.

McMaster later returned to Geelong as non-playing coach in 1971-2.

Author - John Devaney