Australian Football

The quintessential straight ahead type of player who took no prisoners, Eric Guy was nevertheless scrupulously fair. He commenced his senior career with Oakleigh, where he played 91 games in five seasons, without necessarily always being a first choice. In 1952, for example, Guy missed the opportunity to play in a premiership team when he failed to gain selection for the Purple and Golds' victorious Grand Final encounter with Port Melbourne.

Aged 24, Eric Guy crossed to St Kilda in 1957 unsure as to whether he was likely to succeed. He need not have worried, as he rapidly acquired a reputation as one of the VFL's most redoubtable - and effective - enforcers. Perhaps not surprisingly, he soon found himself nicknamed 'The Tank', a label which stayed with him throughout his six-season, 93-game league career. Vice-captain of the Saints for three of those years, Guy was also a triple interstate representative for the VFL.

A ruck-rover for most of his time in the VFA, Eric Guy finished his career with St Kilda as a ruthlessly resolute half back flanker. Wherever he played, he gave value for money, and was a firm favourite with the fans.

Author - John Devaney