Australian Football

When Sturt needed a replacement ruckman for Tony Clarkson, who had moved abroad to continue his medical studies, it unearthed another beanpole in Greg Wild who, whilst arguably the less talented player, went on to enjoy an even longer league career. Between 1968 and 1977 Wild played 163 games for the Blues and kicked 152 goals. (Clarkson’s figures, for comparison, were 110 games, 106 goals.) Wild also played once for South Australia, compared to Clarkson’s half a dozen such appearances.

Highlights of Greg Wild’s playing career were his involvement in four Sturt premiership triumphs. In the 1974 Grand Final defeat of Glenelg he was close to best afield. During the first half of his league career Wild often led the Blues’ rucks but he later played second fiddle to Rick Davies.

Author - John Devaney